Today we are mourning the loss of Tom Magliozzi, one of public radio’s most beloved personalities and half of “Click and Clack the Tappet Brothers.” Tom, along with his brother Ray, provided entertaining and insightful car advice to millions of radio listeners over the course of 35 years.
Tom and Ray Magliozzi were born in East Cambridge, Massachusetts. As two brothers with a shared love for cars and humor, they began to host their own show on NPR called “Car Talk” in 1987. The show was an instant hit with listeners due to its humorous advice about auto repair and its trademark “clickety-clack” sound effects to make it more fun for kids.
The brothers always had a knack for making car maintenance fun and accessible for everyone. With their signature Boston accents, they were able to provide helpful information without taking themselves too seriously. Their show also included wacky stories from callers who had experienced their own automotive tribulations as well as Tom and Ray’s classic running jokes like “punch buggy” or “no talking till you buckle up!”
Since its first airing in 1987, Car Talk has bcome one of the longest running shows on NPR. In 2012, after 35 years on air, Click and Clack made the decision to stop taping new episodes but reruns continued until 2017 when Tom passed away due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease at age 77.
Tom Magliozzi will be remembered fondly by all those who tuned into Car Talk during its 35-year run. We can find comfort knowing that his legacy lives on through all the laughter he spread throughout his long career in radio broadcasting.
Are the Magliozzi Brothers Still Alive?
No, sadly the Magliozzi brothers are no longer alive. Tom Magliozzi died on Monday, November 3rd of complications from Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 77. His brother Ray had already passed away in 2014 due to complications from Alzheimer’s and dementia. The two became well-known as “Click and Clack the Tappet Brothers” on their popular weekly NPR show Car Talk. They will be remembered for their wit and humor that made them a beloved fixture in public radio for decades.
Source: radio.wosu.org
The Origin of the Name ‘Tappet Brothers’
Tom and Ray Magliozzi are known as “Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers” because of the sound made by aging automobiles. The “clickety-clack” sound is caused by worn out tappets, which are small valves that regulate the opening and closing of the engine’s valves. The term “tappet” was derived from a combination of the words “tap” and “pet,” referring to the tapping noise made by tese valves. As Tom and Ray grew up in East Cambridge, Massachusetts, they associated this familiar sound with their childhood—and it has since become a part of their signature identity as car advice experts on NPR’s Car Talk.
The History of Click and Clack the Tappet Brothers
Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers were the co-hosts of NPR’s weekly radio show Car Talk. The brothers, Tom Louis Magliozzi (June 28, 1937 – November 3, 2014) and Raymond Francis Magliozzi (born March 30, 1949), began hosting Car Talk in 1987 and continued to do so until 2012 when they retired. The show became a popular staple of NPR’s programming, with their humor and advice on car ownership and maintenance helping to make them household names.
Is Click and Clack Still on the Air?
No, Click and Clack are no longer on the air. After 35 years of entertaining listeners, the show will be taping its last episode this fall. The popular radio programmers Tom and Ray Magliozzi, better known as Click and Clack, have decided to run out of gas and end their long-running show.
The Death of One of the Car Talk Brothers
Tom Magliozzi, one of the two brothers who hosted the popular NPR comedy show Car Talk for 37 years, passed away on Monday morning due to complications of Alzheimer’s Disease. Tom and his brother Ray were known for their humorous banter and lighthearted advice on car-related topics. Tom’s passing leaves a lasting impression on those who enjoyed the show over the years, as well as those he left behind.
Source: theverge.com
Are Tom and Ray Magliozzi Still Alive?
No, both Car Talk guys are no longer alive. Tom Magliozzi passed away in November of 2014 at the age of 77, while his younger brother Ray died in December of 2020 at the age of 88. The two brothers were best known for their popular NPR radio show, Car Talk, which ran from 1987-2012. They were beloved for their lighthearted approach to car repair and for their hilarious on-air banter and jokes. Fans still remember them fondly as two of the funniest and most endearing personalities on the airwaves.
Number of Marriages of Tom Magliozzi
Tom Magliozzi was married twice in his life. He was first married to Julia, and then later to Joanne. Both marriages took place before his death in 2014.
The Final Episode of Car Talk
The final episode of “Car Talk” aired on Saturday, August 26th, 2017. Hosts Tom and Ray Magliozzi answered questions from callers about all things automotive, offering advice with their signature humor. The episode was titled “We’re Out of Gas (For Good),” a reference to the show’s long-running series finale. It featured a special goodbye from the hosts and a look back at some of their favorite memories from the past 30 years.
Are Click and Clack Featured in Cars 3?
No, Click and Clack are not in Cars 3. They are, however, featured in the movie as the characters Dusty and Rusty, voiced by their real-life counterparts Ray and Tom Magliozzi. Dusty and Rusty are a pair of old-school racers who take Lightning McQueen under their wing to help him prepare for the Florida 500. Ray and Tom were longtime hosts of NPR’s Car Talk radio show, where they were affectionately known as “Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers.” In Cars 3, they lend their signature humor to the film with some classic brotherly banter between Dusty and Rusty.
Source: wpr.org
Can Car Talk Still Be Called?
No, you can no longer call Car Talk. Once the radio distribution of the show ends on October 1, 2021, the only way to hear Car Talk will be through the twice-weekly podcast that NPR will begin distributing. The podcast will feature early versions of every show, in sequential order, and will be 35–40 minutes in length.
Tom Magliozzi’s Role in Cars 3
Tom Magliozzi’s voice was used in Cars 3 as a tribute to him after his passing in 2014. His archived recordings were used, along with new lines recorded by his brother Ray Magliozzi. This allowed fans of the franchise to still hear Tom’s voice, even though he couldn’t be there to record the lines himself. The team behind Cars 3 wanted to honor his legacy and make sure that he was still part of the film.
Who Is the Voice of the eBay Motors Radio Commercial?
The radio commercial for eBay Motors is voiced by the Godfather of auto repair, Ray Magliozzi from Car Talk. Ray is an expert in car repair who has been helping people with their auto problems since 1977. He has also been a part of the eBay Motors community since 2001 and is passionate about it. His enthusiasm and expertise make him the perfect choice to represent eBay Motors in the radio commercial.
Number of Listeners for Car Talk
Car Talk was a popular radio show that aired on NPR from 1987 until 2017. At its peak, it had an estimated weekly audience of 2.6 million listeners and was broadcast on 654 stations across the United States.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
The Character Rusty from the Pixar Movie ‘Cars’
Rusty is a character in the Disney/Pixar Cars franchise. He is voiced by the late Tom Magliozzi, who was also known for his work on NPR’s Car Talk radio show. In the Cars films, Rusty is a rusty and crusty old pickup truck who, along with his brother Dusty Rust-Eze, are the founders of Rust-Eze, a company which produces car parts and accessories. Rusty provides guidance and mentorship to Lightning McQueen and helps him become a better racer. He has an old-fashioned sense of humor and speaks with a Southern drawl.
Contacting Ray Magliozzi
Thank you for your interest in Ray Magliozzi. The best way to contact Ray Magliozzi is through his representatives at Creative Artists Agency (CAA). You can contact them directly via phone at (424) 288-2000 or you can submit a request through their website at https://www.caa.com/contact/.
If you’d like assistance with booking Ray for an upcoming event, please call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your needs and availability. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get pricing information and check availability for Ray Magliozzi or any other celebrity of your choice.
Conclusion
Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers, were a beloved duo that brought joy to the hearts of car enthusiasts and radio listeners alike. Tom and Ray Magliozzi brought their unique style of humor, wit, and automotive expertise to NPR’s Car Talk for 35 years. Although the show has come to an end, their legacy will live in on through countless memorable moments. Click and Clack will be remembered for their love of cars and their ability to bring laughter into the lives of millions.
