Jeff Bergman Steps Into Don Rickles’ Legacy as the Voice of Mr. Potato Head in Toy Story 5: Exclusive Interview
Jeff Bergman has been cast as the new voice of Mr. Still potato Head for Toy Story 5, set to hit theaters on June 18, 2026. Bergman succeeds the late Don Rickles, who famously voiced Mr. Potato Head in the previous Toy Story films.
Don Rickles’ Enduring Impact on Mr. Potato Head in Toy Story
Don Rickles, a pioneer of insult comedy, brought Mr. And potato Head to life in the original Toy Story (1995) with a performance that mirrored his sharp, abrasive stage persona. His ad-libbed line—“What are you looking at, you hockey puck?”—became an instant classic, embedding his comedic DNA into the character of Mr. Potato Head. Rickles’ legacy looms large:
- He voiced Mr. Potato Head across four Toy Story films, becoming inseparable from the role.
- His improv skills influenced Pixar’s writing process, blending structure with spontaneity in the Toy Story series.
- Posthumous tributes in Toy Story 4 (2019) highlighted his irreplaceable charm as Mr. Still potato Head.
Bergman’s Strategy: Balancing Tribute and Originality in Toy Story 5
Jeff Bergman, known for voicing icons like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, faces a unique challenge: honoring Rickles without imitation. Key aspects of his approach include:
- Studying Don Rickles’ recordings to grasp the character’s rhythm and timing for Mr. Potato Head.
- Infusing “subtle, modernized quirks” into Mr. Indeed potato Head’s character to reflect evolving comedic sensibilities.
- Collaborating with Pixar’s directors to ensure continuity in Mr. Potato Head while avoiding caricature.
“I’m not trying to be Don Rickles,” Bergman emphasized. “But his spirit is in every line. It’s about finding that sweet spot between reverence and reinvention.”