Long Road to Success

Rodney Allen Rippy! Who doesn't remember this cute kid with an infectious smile?

Rodney Allen Rippy: now and then

Rodney became an overnight sensation and a national spokesman for the Jack in the Box back in the 70s. I was a kid back then myself, but from what I've learned - he was the biggest child star of that time! This iconic child reigned and ruled the 70s era with his cherubic face, exceptional talent and brilliant charm. No child star since has measured up to his work and versatility in the industry. This kid guest-starred at many quintessential TV shows, appeared on national magazine covers and performed with some of the biggest entertainment legends of the era. Rodney even recorded an album with Bell Records, and in 1973 at a tender age of five he became the first and only child ever to be on the Music Billboard Charts with the song “Make Life a Little Easier.” Kids were wearing yellow sweatshirts with his face in the front,there were posters, buttons, keychains made and to top it all the Mattel Toys have produced the replica talking doll of three-year old Rodney. How cool is that? Well, time flew by. Rodney grew up. He still has got it - the same smile, great personality, integrity and the drive of a Man who works his hardest to follow his heart and pursue his goals and dreams.

Why don’t we take a look behind the scene, and find out what is he doing today?

My first question pops up automatically: “So, Rodney, is it still ‘too big-a eat’?”

The younger generations won’t know what’s behind this phrase. These words were referring to a Jumbo Jack Burger, which was bigger than his three-year-old face back in a day. And little Rodney was really trying to get a bite out of it right in front of the camera. That video was made from his unrehearsed audition tape with just one take! The production company was so impressed with the genuine charisma of this kid, that they literally had closed the casting right away. This audition tape was used as an actual commercial and it became an instant hit. Rodney’s first commercial is still available on YouTube and has currently 274,000 views. Those words ‘too big-a eat’ instantly have become the national catchphrase in 1973.

Anyway, back to the story.

Rodney shrugged his shoulders without answering and just smiled back. I guess over the years he just got used to this question. By the way, he still has this same cute childish smile! Skillfully he just switched the subject and started talking about his dream to someday own a restaurant or gourmet burger stand with his name on it. Let’s hope it will happen, and one day everyone will be able to eat a real burger from Rodney's kitchen. Definitely, it’s never too big-o eat, or to dream!

T: What prompted you to even think about television, weren’t you timid or scared at all?

R: One afternoon I was watching “The Little Rascals” TV show. I was all by myself in the living room watching this show and laughing at Buckwheat. My Mom came in the room to see why I was laughing so much and she asked: “ What’s funny?” I told her that it was Buckwheat on the screen, and my Mom said: “What, do you think you can do that...you know...be on tv?” I didn't even hesitate and said “Yes!” My Mom posed, looked at me surprised with my reply and then asked if I would be afraid or shy at all with all those cameras and lights, and I said “No!” Mom looked at me again, walked over and picked up the Yellow Pages phone directory. Back in the 70’s, there was an entire section for agents and talent coaches for acting, dance, music. What do you know, before the afternoon had passed she had located a talent agency, and rest is a history now.

I’ve watched few times that tape with Rodney’s audition on Youtube; and every time I see a kid, who is so natural, with such a charisma and mischief. No hint of fear in front of the camera! This kid even managed to show off his good manners on tape, saying he couldn’t talk with his mouth full! I was surprised to learn that it was absolutely unrehearsed!

T: Millions of viewers were taken by the phenomenon of Rodney Allen Rippy, this pure and absolutely natural three-year-old, and almost overnight you became a household name for decades to come. So what happened next?

R: The Jack In The Box series of commercials was the launch of my career. Almost instantly I started working with the greatest names in Hollywood like Mel Brooks, George Burns, Sammy Davis Jr., Johnny Carson, Merv Griffin, just to name a few. I had guest appearances on shows like The Odd Couple, Laugh In, Police Story, Marcus Welby, MD, The Six Million Dollar Man, VEGAS, and few other ones. I did commercials for the Chevrolet Corporation, King Vitamin Cereal, Nehi Soda and so much more.

Besides being a guest-star in many popular television shows, Rodney also appeared frequently on talk shows such as “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson and “Dinah’s Place” with Dinah Shore. He also had a co-starring role on the CBS Saturday morning show for children “The Harlem Globetrotters Popcorn Machine”. Rodney made his big screen debut in the Mel Brooks comedy “Blazing Saddles” in 1974. He portrayed a young Sheriff Bart aboard his parents’ buckboard wagon after a brutal Sioux nation attack. When the chief, portrayed by Brooks, allows the pioneers passage, with a fierce look in his eyes he said the only line, “Thank you.”

Fun trivia fact - In a Peanuts newspaper comic strip dated July 3, 1974, Snoopy awakens from a dream in which he “had been invited out to dinner by Rodney Allen Rippy!”

T: We know now that entire country fell in love with little Rodney. You were so popular that Mattel Toys even made a talking doll replicating 3-year-old Rodney! I just want to know if you still have this doll?

Without any words, Rodney swiftly gets up and brings out an old tattered memory box, full of priceless memorabilia. And there it was - little Rodney vintage doll with 7 pre-programmed phrases! By the way, this doll is a pretty rare collectible item nowadays. There was a lot of cool stuff in that old box, indeed memories of the era: laminated magazine articles, rare pictures, Jack in a Box happy meal toys, famous yellow sweatshirt with Rodney's’ face on it, and that very same Bell Records vinyl record of the song he sang. Rodney was growing up in the limelight of such pressure and responsibilities to be a spokesman for a large fast-food chain at such young age. He felt at ease in front of the camera and kept telling his parents that he was having big fun doing it.

T: What was going on in your mind, how did it affected you in your day-to-day life.

R: My parents wanted me to have as normal childhood as possible, so I attended public school. I never felt like there was anything different between me and any other kid in the neighborhood. I grew up with chores, and I had to eat my vegetables just like all the rest of my friends.

T: What did your friends were telling you? Were they nice to you or where they teasing?

R: My friends would say ‘I saw you on TV,’ and for me, it was just another day at work.

T: You always talk with such tenderness and love about your Mother! I bet she was your greatest supporter and influencer. Please, tell me more about your parents.

R: My mother Flossie and my father Fred were always my biggest supporters. They didn't come from the entertainment industry. We were just a normal family, and I was blessed with this opportunity to represent brands, meet and work with Hollywood royalty while never losing focus on the joys of just being just a kid! They had a lot of love and guidance for me and my sister and brother, and that helped all three of us to become who we are today.

T: How are you handling being a celebrity in a day-to-day life?

R: My outlook on life is simple. The work that I do is just a moment in time. I take a role to portray someone I am not and when the Director says CUT…..I go back to daily life. It’s a fun job and I’m happy to be a part of an industry that entertains, inspires people all around the world.

T: What’s now? What projects are you involved with nowadays?

R: Currently, I was involved in a production of a comedy web series “Howie Goes To Hollywood” created and directed by prolific writer Elissa Hofelt. It will be airing in the late November. It’s a fun project, and I truly enjoy being a recurring character.

Nowadays Rodney is involved in hosting and producing his own Podcast. He happened to be very knowledgeable and thorough hot rods cars enthusiast. We definitely soon will be talking again about all aspects of this new venture.

Well, the interview was nearing its end. I have managed to ask Rodney a lot of serious and fun questions and get some good and straightforward answers. As I have imagined - Rodney is sharp, smart, funny, charming and very talented. From the times of being a cute child star he has matured through his unique life journey into a multitalented and diversified achiever, who is ready and capable of taking on and fulfilling different entertainment projects. One day there will be a star with his name on the Hollywood Boulevard walk of fame, that’s for sure.

The best is yet to come!