Ralph Wesley Foody, a renowned American character actor, left an indelible mark on the film industry with his numerous screen credits spanning the 1980s.
However, it is his iconic role as a stereotypical 1930s mobster, "Johnny", in the 1990 film Home Alone and its 1992 sequel that has cemented his place in the annals of cinematic history.
Foody's memorable performances in the black-and-white gangster films-within-the-films, Angels with Filthy Souls and its sequel Angels with Even Filthier Souls, are a testament to his versatility as an actor.
These films, which are a parody of the 1938 Warner Bros. classic Angels with Dirty Faces, feature Foody's signature catchphrases, including the now-famous "Keep the change, ya filthy animal," "Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal," and a Happy New Year.
In addition to his work in Home Alone and its sequel, Foody also appeared in other notable films, such as Code of Silence, where he played the role of "Det. Cragie", a troubled and negligent Chicago cop, and The Blues Brothers, in which he portrayed a police dispatcher.
Known for his quick wit and sharp humor, Foody was affectionately referred to as "The Witster" by his colleagues on set.
Sadly, Foody's life was cut short when he passed away from cancer in 1999 at the age of 71.
