Who played the police dispatcher in the Blues Brothers? Meet Ralph Foody

Ralph Foody who played police dispatcher in The Blues Brothers, was an actor known for his memorable portrayal of Johnny in the beloved films Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.

With a career spanning the 1980s, Foody graced the screen in notable movies like Raw Deal and Dillinger, alongside fellow gangster actor Lawrence Tierney.

In Home Alone (1990) and its sequel (1992), Foody’s character Johnny became synonymous with the famous catchphrases ‘Keep the change ya filthy animal’ and ‘Merry Christmas ya filthy animal — and a Happy New Year’.

His appearances in the black-and-white gangster films-within-the-films added a comedic touch, paying homage to the 1938 film Angels with Dirty Faces.

Foody’s wit and talent extended beyond the gangster persona, seen in roles like Det. Cragie in Code of Silence and the police dispatcher in The Blues Brothers.

After his final role in Home Alone 2, Foody retired, spending his later years in Lexington, Kentucky, until his passing from cancer on November 21, 1999, at the age of 71.