Proud of a Past That Doesn’t Define Him

by Eddie Goldberg
November 2009

For some, our spotlight this month is as renowned as Ronald McDonald, Mr. Clean, or the Geico Gecko. For others, he might be a bit of a head scratcher. Rodney Allen Rippy became an American pop icon through a series of commercials for Jack in the Box in the early seventies. Jack in the Box doesn’t have a huge presence in North Carolina, but Rodney did.

Rodney was "discovered" while living in southern California. His dad moved his family from the Triad and was working for the city of Long Beach. Rodney was only three when talent scouts that scoured the schools in search of future stars spotted him. By the time it was all said and done, he did the ongoing campaign, being a part of Jack in the Box marketing history, going on Johnny Carson, Merv Griffin, Dinah Shore, and my personal favorite, his cameo in "Blazing Saddles."

For those who grew up with him, it will come as no surprise that Rippy spent his formative years here in Greensboro. He went to Southeast Guildford High, and is, "a Falcon for life!" If you find him on Face book, you’ll notice that most of his friends hale from this area.

Rippy attended Guilford Technical Community College. He’s remains single and still awaits his "best friend" in which to tie the knot. "Marriage just isn’t something you "try." It’s something you get right the first time."

Rippy is now 41. He runs a successful entertainment production company. Still does some acting. And works for a number of charities.

While he doesn’t mind being remembered for what can conservatively be called a milestone in marketing, he doesn’t let it define him either. Rippy is, among other things, an idea man. He is full of energy and enthusiasm. He certainly wants success for himself, but he’s bound and determined that everyone should win.

He’s too busy making things happen to worry about what might be. Currently, he’s executive producer of the 2009 Soul of Country Music Extravaganza. He has been involved with "Pass it On," his own creation with his partner. It’s a reality show about giving items away to people who really need them. "90% of all American’s have storage areas bulging at the seams. Rather than having a garage sale the show’s producers "Pass Them On" to people who can really use them."

Current projects also include: movies, "Hormone Tuesday," "Bootin’ Ben," and "Student Bodies."

In addition to all this, Rippy is the ambassador to Wig Wine, an organization that raises funds for women who have lost hair due to chemotherapy. He is an active fundraiser for Boys & Girls Clubs of Anaheim, and is also an advocate for veterans’ rights.

His Dad, Fred still resides in Julian. I caught up with him after Sunday services at the Buleh United Church of Christ. He’s been attending there since before he moved. He moved back to Julian in 1980, and is currently retired.

The acorn must not fall far from the tree. Mr. Rippy says he’s busier in retirement than he ever was at work. At 75, he still operates a tow truck, works on classic cars and as he puts it, "is a jack of all trades, but master of none." Rodney explains that if anything can be fixed, his dad is the man to make it happen.

Fred mentioned he and the family were pretty "blown away" by the attention Rodney got from the commercials. In addition to TV and movies, the Jack in the Box people had Rodney travelling as a good will ambassador. He would visit important markets and stores, and was, in general, the darling of Jack in the Box.

Fred says Rodney’s fame never really affected him. He’s always been down to earth and kind. When you talk to Rodney, that’s exactly what you get from him. He’s just a guy who had a really good break early on in life, and he’s made the best of it without depending on it. He’s truly excited about each day, and just knows something good is going to happen.

To catch up with Rodney, you can find him at Bowtieproductions.com. And for those who never saw it, or want a short trip down memory lane, just Google Rodney. The commercial is now the darling of the Internet. And by the way, he’s still a big fan of the Jumbo Jack.