Bill Saluga was a comedian known for his schtick that began “You can call me Ray….”
- Died: March 28, 2023 (Who else died on March 28?)
- Details of death: Died at a hospice in Los Angeles of cardiopulmonary arrest at the age of 85.
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Bill Saluga’s legacy
Saluga’s comedic catchphrase was a big hit in the 1970s, thanks to his television character Raymond J. Johnson Jr. It would begin when someone called him Mr. Johnson, at which point he would launch into a tirade listing different variations of his name: “Oh, you doesn’t have to call me Johnson. My name is Raymond J. Johnson Jr. Now, you can call me Ray, or you can call me Jay, or you can call me Johnny, or you can call me Sonny, or you can call me Junie, or you can call me Ray Jay, or you can call me R.J., or you can call me R.J.J., or you can call me R.J.J. Jr…. But you doesn’t has to call me Johnson.”
Saluga delivered the joke as a part of the improv group the Ace Trucking Company, as well as on “The Gong Show,” “The Red Foxx Show,” “Laugh-In,” and other shows. He played Johnson in commercials for both Miller Lite and Anheuser Busch Natural Light Beer. Saluga’s joke even inspired a disco song, “Dancin’ Johnson,” in which he delivered the schtick.
Also an actor, Saluga appeared on TV shows including “Seinfeld,” “Murphy Brown,” “Blossom,” “Mad About You,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” He had voice roles as Johnson in episodes of “The Simpsons” and “King of the Hill.”
Tributes to Bill Saluga
Full obituary: The New York Times
