Celebrity charity auction site ClothesOffOurBack.org has listed a few items that some voice actor fans may be interested in bidding on: two bottles of 2008 Merlot wine autographed by Hank Azaria (The Simpsons, Anastasia) and Mila Kunis (Family Guy, Robot Chicken), and a dress donated by CCH Pounder (Justice League, Batman Beyond).
In a bit of related news, Paul Rugg (voice actor and writer on Freakazoid and Animaniacs) has announced that he is going to be auctioning off animation cells and memorabilia from shows he has worked on to help raise funds for Angels Way Maternity Home in California. Paul has a video on his Froynlaven! blog showing many of the items he’ll be donating from his own collection. We’ll provide an update when his auction officially begins.
~ Craig Crumpton
Publisher, Voice Actors in the News
====================================
The Clothes Off Our Back Foundation is a 501c3 organization that hosts charity auctions showcasing today’s hottest celebrity attire. Items are put up for bid to the public with proceeds going to benefit children’s charities. Clothes Off Our Back was founded by actors and philanthropists Jane Kaczmarek (“Malcolm In The Middle,” “Raising the Bar”) and Bradley Whitford (“The West Wing,” “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip”) whose efforts, along with their celebrity and designer friends have helped improve the lives of children across the globe. For more information and to bid, log onto www.clothesoffourback.org.
I’ve been asked by several individuals attending Dragon*Con if I would list all of the voice actor panels I’m involved with along with other related panels of note. As you will see below, there are so many related events that this was a rather daunting task. I hope my efforts will be useful as a guide to those attending the con.
Please note that the schedule and guests listed below are subject to change. Check The Daily Dragon regularly for up-to-the-minute schedule and guest updates.
Locations for each panel/event are not listed due to the possibility of changes. For those attending Dragon*Con please check your Pocket Program Guide, and every morning when you arrive at the con be sure to pick up a copy of The Daily Dragon from the local D*Con Info booth which contains all updates and changes.
FRIDAY
– 10:00 AM – Snydecast & FRED Entertainment
Featuring Dana Snyder.
– 11:30 AM – Aqua Teen Hunger Force/Squidbillies Panel
Featuring live script reads with a full cast: Jim Fortier, Dave Willis, Carey Means, Daniel Baker (Unknown Hinson), Daniel McDevitt, Dana Snyder, Bobby Ellerbee, Mary Kraft, and Scott Hilley. Autograph session to follow.
– 2:30 PM – Meet the Stars of Star Wars
Featuring Clone Wars cast members Ashley Eckstein, Phil LaMarr and Daniel Logan.
– 2:30 PM – Voice Acting for Podcasters
Panel description: “Learn the finer points of voice acting and voice overs to enhance your podcast.” [No industry guests listed for this event.]
– 4:00 PM – Darkstar: The Interactive Movie
Featuring MST3K’s Trace Beaulieu
– 4:00 PM – Voice Actors
Panel moderated by Craig “Voiceroy” Crumpton, featuring panelists C. Martin Croker, George Lowe, Billy West, Dana Snyder, and John DiMaggio. (Additional guests possible for this panel.)
– 5:30 PM – The Animation Fan Fun Panel
Hosted by yours truly, Craig “Voiceroy” Crumpton, with special industry guests (TBA). Light on commentary and packed with voice actor improv, a wild Old Time Radio script read, and trivia contest with prizes. Sponsored by toonzone.net and Voice Actors in the News.
– 5:30 PM – Akira: The Great Dub Debate – Streamline or Pioneer?
Fan panel discussing the two dubs of the classic anime film.
– 7:00 PM – Atlanta Radio Theatre Company
Live performance by local audio drama troupe.
– 7:00 PM – [adult swim] Comedy
Fan panel with industry guests TBA.
– 8:30 PM – Aqua Teen Hunger Force Fan Panel
Industry guests also possible for this panel.
– 8:30 PM – MST3K and Cinematic Titanic
Historic live performance featuring Trace Beaulieu, Frank Conniff, Joel Hodgson, Mary Jo Pehl, Bill Corbett, and J. Weinstein. [This is nearly a 6-hour event.]
– 1:30 AM – WEEP
Live concert featuring Venture Bros‘ Doc Hammer on lead vocals and guitar.
SATURDAY
– 11:30 AM – Voice Actors
Panel moderated by Craig “Voiceroy” Crumpton, featuring panelists C. Martin Croker, George Lowe, Billy West, Dana Snyder, John DiMaggio, and Tom Kenny. (Additional guests possible for this panel.)
– 11:30 AM – MST3K
Panel presentation featuring Kevin Murphy, Trace Beaulieu, Frank Conniff, Joel Hodgson, Mary Jo Pehl, Bill Corbett, and J. Weinstein.
– 1:00 PM – Venture Bros. Guests
Featuring Doc Hammer and Jackson Publick. Autograph session to follow.
– 1:00 PM – FUNimation Entertainment Industry Panel and Q&A
Possible industry guests in attendance.
– 1:00 PM – Star Wars Costume Contest
Emceed by Ashley Eckstein.
– 4:00 PM – Bizarro Saturday Morning
Adult Swim voice actor/animator/artist C. Martin Croker hosts this vintage film showcase. Here’s Clay’s description of the show:
“Bizarro Saturday Morning” is a film series (all 16mm from my own collection) that I’ve shown around the South – but primarily at [Atlanta’s] Historic Plaza Theater – of vintage, rarely seen and usually offbeat cartoons from the 1930s through the 1980s intercut with vintage Toy and TV spots mostly from the 1960s and 70s.”
– 4:00 PM – Meet the Stars of Star Wars
Featuring Phil LaMarr and Daniel Logan.
– 8:30 PM – Quantum Quest
Animated feature film screening with guest Tom Kenny.
– 8:30 PM – FUNimation presents: Anime’s Greatest Hits – The Best Scenes
Possible industry guests in attendance.
– 10:00 PM – Nuts on the Road: The Quiz Show
Improvised game show with contestants Dana Snyder, Doc Hammer, Jackson Publick, Trace Beaulieu, Frank Conniff, Joel Hodgson, Mary Jo Pehl, Adam Savage, J. Weinstein and Kevin Murphy.
SUNDAY
– 10:00 AM – Tom Servo vs Tom Servo
MST3K event featuring Kevin Murphy vs J. Elvis Weinstein.
– 11:30 AM – Squidbillies Fan Panel
Possible industry guests in attendance.
– 11:30 AM – Gargoyles: The Animated Series
Featuring cast members Jonathan Frakes and Marina Sirtis.
– 1:00 PM – Stories with Uncle George
George Lowe’s popular one-man panel show.
– 1:00 PM – Meet the Stars of Star Wars
Featuring Daniel Logan and Ashley Eckstein.
– 2:30 PM – Voice Acting Workshop
Featuring voice-over professional September Day and anime/video game voice actor Bob Carter.
Panel description: “Ever wanted to break into the voice over industry but just didn’t know where to start? Don’t have thousands to spend flying out to Los Angeles or New York for weekend-long workshops? How about coming to a workshop to learn what it REALLY takes to get started in this awesome industry right here in Atlanta? You don’t need a ton of money to launch your voice over career!”
– 2:30 PM – MST3K: Meet the Mads
Panel featuring Trace Beaulieu, Frank Conniff, Mary Jo Pehl, J. Weinstein, Bill Corbett, and Kevin Murphy.
– 4:00 PM – Futurama Cast Panel
Featuring Billy West, John DiMaggio and Phil LaMarr. (Maurice LaMarche unfortunately had to cancel his appearance at the convention.)
– 4:00 PM – Master Shake Tells it Like it Is
Featuring Dana Snyder.
– 5:30 – FUNimation Anime Sneak Peaks and Prizes
Possible industry guests in attendance.
– 5:30 – Meet Chad Vader!
Featuring the star of popular YouTube adventures of Darth Vader’s less fortunate brother, Chad Vader, who has also voiced Vader for LucasArts video games.
– 5:30 PM – Rifftrax Live…sort of
Featuring Bill Corbett and Kevin Murphy.
– 7:00 PM – What’s on Dana Snyder’s iPod
Featuring Dana Snyder.
– 7:00 PM – Atlanta Radio Theatre Company
Live peformance.
– 8:30 PM – David Bowie: Loving the Alien
Featuring Doc Hammer.
MONDAY
– 10:00 AM – Clone Wars & Star Wars Cartoons
Featuring Phil LaMarr and Ashley Eckstein.
Other celebrity guests will be in attendance who have voiced characters for animated productions. Please check the Pocket Program Guide for the panels and autograph sessions they are participating in.
Thanks to all the following sites for providing detailed schedules for Dragon*Con:
The head of cartoon voice acting legend Frank Welker has been immortalized in a cameo appearance on Futurama.
Below is a screen capture from “Lrrreconcilable Ndndifferences” (Season 6, episode 11 – production number 6ACV11) in a scene where Fry, Leela and Lrrr visit Orson Welles in the Head Museum. You can see Frank’s head in a jar on the upper shelf:
Frank Welker cameo on 'Futurama' along with (L to R, top shelf) Raquel Welch, Lawrence Welk, Paul Weller, (L to R, bottom shelf) Peter Weller, Orson Welles, Dawn Wells and H.G. Wells. Image courtesy of FOX and is used here for the purpose of commentary. 'Futurama TM and copyright FOX, its related entities and the Curiosity Company. All rights reserved.
Futurama‘s Season 6 finale airs Thursday, September 2nd at 10 pm (EST) on Comedy Central.
Four Three principal Futurama cast members will be attending Dragon*Con in Atlanta, GA September 3-6, 2010.
Billy West, John DiMaggio, Phil LaMarr, and Maurice LaMarche are all scheduled to appear at the con and will be participating in panels hosted by Dragon*Con’s Animation Track.
Billy West and John DiMaggio will be participating in Voice Actors panels (along with Adult Swim voice actors Dana Snyder, C. Martin Croker and George Lowe) on Friday at 4:00 PM in the Hyatt International North Ballroom, and Saturday at 11:30 AM in the Hyatt International South Ballroom.
West, DiMaggio and LaMarr will be featured together in an all-Futurama cast panel on Sunday at 4:00 PM in the Hyatt Cent. I Ballroom.
And according to the Star Wars Track schedule, Phil LaMarr will also be participating in three Star Wars panels. However, the actual Dragon*Con program schedule shows that he will only be involved in the “Clone Wars & Star Wars Cartoons” panel on Monday at 10:00 AM.
We will have a follow-up post to include all of Dragon*Con’s voice actor-related guests, panels and events, and one of our staff will also be attending the con and will provide coverage with audio, video and photos.
“VAs on TV” has long been a feature in this blog’s history, but I normally highlight more notable ones as individual posts.
I’ve been wanting to introduce this as a monthly, comprehensive feature rather than just the occasional post, but with the time and effort involved in maintaining it I make no promises about keeping it updated regularly.
All times listed are EST (Eastern Standard Time). Please be sure to check your local listings for showtimes in your area. And I will continue updating this page throughout the month of May, which will be posted via Facebook and Twitter.
Additionally, as new info on upcoming on-camera and voice “appearances” is released but the scheduled airing is not yet known, they will be added at the close of this article.
5.01 — William Shatner interviews Weird Al Yankovic on Shatner’s Raw Nerve at 9:30 AM (EST) on the Biography Channel.
5.02 — Guest voices on the 8:30 PM episode of The Cleveland Show (FOX):
– Jason Sudeikis as Holt and Terry
– Jamie Kennedy as Federline
– Kanye West as Kenny West
– Taraji P. Henson as Chanel
– Jason Alexander as Saul Friedman
– Bebe Neuwirth as Sarah Friedman
– Al Thompson as Walt
Also listen for Kevin Michael Richardson as Bea Arthur.
: On Adult Swim, The Boondocks returns with the season three premiere at 11:30 PM. It features the voice talents of Regina King (Southland) as Huey and Riley Freeman; John Witherspoon (Friday After Next) as Granddad; Gary Anthony Williams (Boston Legal) as Uncle Ruckus; Cedric Yarbrough (Reno 911) as Tom Dubois; Jill Talley (American Dad) as Sarah; and Gabby Soleil (Johnson Family Vacation) as Jazmine.
5.03 — The JEOPARDY! Million Dollar Celebrity Invitational airs May 3-7 and features Harry Shearer, Neil Patrick Harris, Michael McKean and Cheech Marin competing in a trivia match for their favorite charities. More details and video on this event are available in my previous report. [Update 5.03 @ 10:00 PM: Unfortunately, Shearer lost to Jane Curtin in the first round of the tournament.]
: At 9:30 PM (EST) on CBS, Yeardley Smith (voice of Lisa Simpson) guest stars on a repeat of The Big Bang Theory. [Thanks to Jon B. for the heads-up.]
: Discover why so many recent voiceover auditions ask for a “Morgan Freeman type” as Freeman guests on CBS’ Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson.
5.04 — Brad Garrett (voices in Ratatouille, A Bug’s Life, Eek! The Cat, Schnookums & Meat Funny Cartoon Show) guest stars as “Doug” in a rerun of Rosanne (ep. # 3.25 “The Pied Piper of Lanford” @ 12:30 AM on TVLand. Repeats @ 11:30 PM).
: The Biography Channel profiles Adam West (voices on Family Guy, The Fairly Odd Parents, Meet the Robinsons) at 9:00 AM (EST). Includes interviews with Burt (“Robin”) Ward, Frank (“The Riddler”) Gorshin, and Julie (“Catwoman”) Newmar. Repeats at 3:00 PM; 5.05 @ 4:00 AM.
: Michael McKean (voices on Harvey Birdman, Justice League, Family Guy) competes on the second round of JEOPARDY! Million Dollar Celebrity Invitational. More details and video on this event are available in my previous report. [Update: 5.04 @ 11:00 PM — Winner: Michael McKean!]
: A new episode of WordGirl airs on PBS at 4:00 PM (EST) with guest stars John C. McGinley (Scrubs) as Whammer, animation voice actor Grey DeLisle (Scooby-Doo, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Wow Wow Wubzy) as Ms. Question and comedian/impressionist James Adomian as Joe the Guard.
It’s followed by another new episode at 4:30 PM (EST) guest starring Daran Norris (The Fairly OddParents) as Seymour Orlando Smooth and Grey DeLisle as Beatrice Bixby/Lady Redundant Woman.
: Samuel L. Jackson (Afro Samurai, The Boondocks) guests on The Ellen Degeneres Show (in syndication, check local listings).
: On Comedy Central at 10:00 PM (EST), the former FOX animated show Sit Down, Shut Up makes its cable network debut. It features the voices of Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, Kristin Chenoweth, Will Forte, Nick Kroll, Kenan Thompson, Cheri Oteri and Henry Winkler.
: Impressionist Frank Caliendo (MAD TV) guests on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
5.05 — Look for Tom Kenny (voice of SpongeBob SquarePants) as Persky in a repeat episode of Just Shoot Me (ep. 2.13 “Pass the Salt”) on TBS @ 11:00 AM.
: Neil Patrick Harris (voices on Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Penguins of Madagascar, Robot Chicken, Family Guy, Spider-Man) competes on the third round of JEOPARDY! Million Dollar Celebrity Invitational. More details and video on this event are available in my previous report.
: “Pixar Movie Mission,” a repeat episode of Dinner Impossible (FOOD TV) airs @ 10:00 PM (EST) and features Pixar founder John Lasseter, director/writer/animator Brad Bird (voice of The Incredibles‘ Edna Mode), and Lou Romano (voice of Linguini in Ratatouille). Repeats: 5.06 @ 1:00 AM; 5.08 @ 4:00 PM.
: Dana Delaney (Superman: The Animated Series) guests on PBS’ Tavis Smiley.
: Seth MacFarlane (Family Guy, American Dad, The Cleveland Show) guests on CBS’ Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson.
: Samuel L. Jackson guests on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
5.06 — Mike Judge (King of the Hill, Beavis & Butthead) has a cameo on Spy Kids (2001) airing on Showtime @ 8:00 AM. Repeats: 5.12 @ 9:30 AM; 5.16 @ 12:05 PM.
: John DiMaggio (Futurama, Gears of War series, Chowder) has a brief role as “Officer Ross” in a rerun of My Name is Earl (ep. 1.23 “BB”) @ 8:00 AM on MyNetworkTV.
: Tim Daly (Superman: The Animated Series) guests on ABC’s The View.
: Samuel L. Jackson (a busy man on the talk show circuit this month) guests on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
5.07 — On the 8:00 PM (EST) episode of Smallville (The CW), Michael McKean (voices on Harvey Birdman, Justice League, Family Guy) guest stars as Perry White.
: Comedian Steven Wright (voices in Babe: Pig in the City, Dr. Katz: Professional Therapist, The Swan Princess) guests on CBS’ Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson.
5.08 — Jeff Dunham: Spark of Insanity airs on Comedy Central at 9:00 PM (EST).
5.09 — The Biography Channel profiles Bill Cosby at 12:00 PM (EST), followed by the two-hour special The Cosby Show… A Look Back at 1:00 PM.
: Phil LaMarr guest stars as “Kurt” on a rerun of According to Jim (ep. 6.17 “Any Man of Mine”) @ 1:00 PM on The CW.
: Guest voices on the 8:30 PM episode of The Cleveland Show (FOX):
– Jason Sudeikis as Holt
– Jamie Kennedy as Federline
– Connor Rayburn as Dylan
– Aseem Batra as Kendra
– Glenn Howerton as Ernie
– Alec Sulkin as Angus
– Alex Borstein as Mrs. Lowenstein
– John Viener as Gordy
Also listen for Kevin Michael Richardson as Uncle Thomas the Tank Engine and Flava Flav.
5.10 — Judy Greer (voices on Archer, Glen Martin DDS) guest stars on a repeat of The Big Bang Theory at 9:30 PM (EST) on CBS.
5.11 — William Shatner interviews Tim Allen (Toy Story series, Home Improvement) on Shatner’s Raw Nerve at 11:00 AM on the Biography Channel, followed by Shatner’s interview with Jason Alexander (Duckman, The Hunchback of Notre Dame) at 12:00 PM. (Repeats between 5-6 PM.) You can also watch Tim Allen’s interview online at Biography.com.
5.12 — Johnny Depp narrates “The Doors” documentary When You’re Strange on American Masters @ 9:00 PM (EST) on PBS. A preview of the film is available on PBS.org.
: The Simpsons‘ Hank Azaria and Matt Groening are guest judges on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters @ 10:00 PM.
5.14 — George Takei (Oh, my!) guest stars on a scifi fantasy episode (“Starship Tipton”) of The Suite Life on Deck @ 8:00 PM (EST) on the Disney Channel. Although famous for his role as Sulu in the Star Trek franchise, Takei has voiced many animated productions: Disney’s Mulan film series, The Super Hero Squad Show, Chowder, Transformers: Animated, Kim Possible, and Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
5.16 — Wilmer Valderama (voice of Handy Manny) and Handy himself team up for ABC’s season finale of Extreme Makeover Home Edition at 8:00 PM (EST).
And stay tuned to ABC at 9:00 PM for a guest appearance by Dan Gilvezan (original voice of Bumblebee on Transformers) on the season finale of Desperate Housewives. [Thanks to the official Dan Gilvezan Fan Page for the news!]
: On FOX at 8:00 PM (EST), Kelsey Grammer reprises his role as Sideshow Bob in an all-new episode of The Simpsons.
Immediately following @ 8:30 PM (EST) is a new episode of The Cleveland Show (FOX) guest starring Arianna Huffington, Aseem Batra and Ted Lange (The Love Boat).
Adult Swim premieres the first episode of Squidbillies‘ sixth season @ 12:00 AM guest starring rockers Widespread Panic and featuring the voices of Unknown Hinson as Early Cuyler, Daniel McDevitt as Rusty, Dana Snyder as Granny, Todd Hanson as Dan Halen, Patricia French as Aunt Lil, Scott Hilley as Reverend, Mary Kraft as Krystal, and Bobby F. Ellerbee as Sheriff.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes video from 2008 featuring Unknown Hinson and Dana Snyder:
5.20 — On the 8:00 PM (EST) two-hour season finale of Smallville (The CW), Phil Morris (The Secret Saturdays, Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Batman: The Brave and the Bold) guest stars as John Jones, and Britt Irvin (George of the Jungle, X-Men: Evolution, Sabrina: The Animated Series) as Star Girl.
: Lenoard Nimoy (Star Trek, Transformers: The Movie, Atlantis: The Lost Empire) guest stars on FOX’s Fringe at 9:00 PM (EST).
5.21 — James Arnold Taylor (Star Wars: The Clone Wars says (via his official Facebook fan page) that he will be singing both The National Anthem and “God Bless America” for “Clone Wars Day” at the Los Angeles Dodgers’ home game against the Detroit Tigers and adds that “it will be televised.”
5.23 — The 8:00 PM (EST) season finale of The Simpsons (FOX) features American Idol judges Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres, Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson.
And stay tuned to FOX for the 8:30 PM episode of The Cleveland Show (FOX) with the following guest stars:
– Jason Sudeikis as Holt
– David Lynch as Gus
– Frances Callier as Cookie
– Craig Robinson as Freight Train
– Corey Holcomb as Robert
This episode also features a “special musical number by Earth, Wind & Fire” as well as cameos by Family Guy‘s Peter Griffin and Quagmire (voiced by Seth MacFarlane).
– John Goodman (voices in The Princess and the Frog, Monsters, Inc., The Emperor’s New Groove film and TV series, The Jungle Book 2, Bee Movie, and the upcoming animated feature film Bunyan and Babe) is narrating the TLC series Best Food Ever. It premiered May 3rd and currently airs in regular rotation on the network. Visit TLC.Discover.com for the schedule.
– I’ve updated my feature article on Nick’s Big Time Rush with appearances by Tara Strong, Dee Bradley Baker, James Arnold Taylor, Phil LaMarr, Daran Norris, Carlos Alazraqui and Ahmed Best. Because these episodes are broadcast in regular rotation on Nick, I’ve decided not to list them in this feature. But if you’d like to see when they air, check Nick.com’s TV Schedule page. Some episodes from the first season are also available online @ Nick.com.
– NickandMore.com shares via Twitter that Tom Kenny has appeared twice on Nick’s True Jackson, VP in the episodes “Saving Snackleberry” and “True Royalty.” Check this page on IMDb.com for future airings.
– Phil LaMarr posted via his official Facebook fan page on 5.03 that he “Spent the AM @ Cartoon Network working on the very fun GENERATOR REX” and added later that he recorded with Grey Delisle, Carlos Alazraqui and Marion Ross (Happy Days).
Since making its debut on Cartoon Network, Generator Rex now airs regularly on the schedule and features the voices of Daryl Sabara as Rex, John DiMaggio as Bobo Haha and Skalamander, Fred Savage as Noah, Tara Strong as Alan, Grey DeLisle as Dr. Holiday, Wally Kurth as Agent Six, Troy Baker as Van Kleiss and Biowulf, J.K. Simmons as White Knight, Tom Kenny as Scorpio, and Hynden Walch as Breach.
I’ve noticed that I’m getting search hits almost daily from fans looking for “cleveland voice actor” or similar search terms.
I’m always willing to oblige my readers by providing more info on popular blog searches, but I’ve previously profiled Mike Henry, voice of Cleveland Brown and co-creator of The Cleveland Show. And I mentioned some of the celebrity guest voices in my February coverage.
Without getting into the debate over the show being “too derivative” of Family Guy (a common criticism which is also said of American Dad), as an animation fan (and critic) I have to say I am enjoying it much more than I ever did Family Guy. I didn’t think Cleveland was a strong enough character to carry the series as the lead, and wow was I proven wrong.
I feel The Cleveland Show also is better written and has stronger characterizations than Family Guy, mainly because Peter Griffin is the most inconsistent character in animated history (and one of the most obnoxious as well). Cleveland’s like the polar opposite of Peter, and he’s actually likable.
And supporting the solid writing are entertaining performances by the voice cast. But since I’ve mentioned the cast here previously, I thought I’d bypass the commentary and offer you the chance to see the cast in action.
So, following a little news on upcoming episodes of the show, you’ll find a series of behind-the-scenes videos and interviews I’ve been collecting in my backlogged bookmarks.
That said, TheFutonCritic.com has details (via FOX press release) on the guest voices for new episodes of The Cleveland Show airing May 2nd and 9th:
+ “Brotherly Love”, airing 5.02 at 8:30 PM (EST) on FOX:
Voice Cast:
– Mike Henry as Cleveland Brown and Rallo Tubbs
– Sanaa Lathan as Donna Tubbs
– Kevin Michael Richardson as Cleveland Jr., Lester, Julius and Bea Arthur
– Reagan Gomez as Roberta Tubbs
– Seth MacFarlane as Tim
Guest Voice Cast:
– Jason Sudeikis as Holt and Terry
– Jamie Kennedy as Federline
– Kanye West as Kenny West
– Taraji P. Henson as Chanel
– Jason Alexander as Saul Friedman
– Bebe Neuwirth as Sarah Friedman
– Al Thompson as Walt
+ “Brown History Month”, airing 5.09 at 8:30 PM (EST) on FOX:
Voice Cast:
– Mike Henry as Cleveland Brown and Rallo Tubbs
– Sanaa Lathan as Donna Tubbs
– Kevin Michael Richardson as Cleveland Jr., Lester, Uncle Thomas the Tank Engine and Flavor Flav
– Reagan Gomez as Roberta Tubbs
– Seth MacFarlane as Tim
Guest Voice Cast:
– Jason Sudeikis as Holt
– Jamie Kennedy as Federline
– Connor Rayburn as Dylan
– Aseem Batra as Kendra
– Glenn Howerton as Ernie
– Alec Sulkin as Angus
– Alex Borstein as Mrs. Lowenstein
– John Viener as Gordy
Additionally, FreakinSweetNews.com reports that the May 23rd episode will feature “a special musical number by Earth, Wind & Fire.”
I’ll continue to update this page over time to add photos, videos and related interviews. And I’m still trying to find photos/videos from The Cleveland Show panel featuring cast members Mike Henry and Kevin Michael Richardson at the 2010 Chicago Entertainment and Comic Expo.
Some tidbits on the upcoming sixth season of Futurama collected from around the web:
– Previously reported here, but certainly worthy of mentioning first is that Futurama: Into the Wild Green Yonder won an Annie Award for “Best Home Entertainment Production.” Scroll down through my report and you’ll find a video which includes a very brief moment of footage showing the Futurama cast and crew receiving the award, with a shout-out from Bender (John DiMaggio).
– Via SLURMED.com (aka Futurama Point): The Kevin Pollack Chat Show interviews Billy West and John DiMaggio — fast-forward through Pollack’s opening commentary to the 17:45 mark to see the interview which is both long and wonderful:
– Season 6 3-minute preview from the October 2009 Florida Animation Supercon:
(with better video)
(with better audio)
– Also from the Florida Animation Supercon: John DiMaggio interviewed by plughitzlive.com (in two parts):
Honestly, you could waste away an hour or so watching all the panel footage and interviews that plughitzlive shot at the con, and most of it is full of Futurama goodness. Watch it all here:
– On September 2nd, 2009, Maurice LaMarche revealed via a very brief video on Facebook that late-night talk show host Craig Ferguson will guest star in the upcoming season.
On January 8th, Moe announced that the cast was doing a table read for the landmark 100th episode of the series. Fellow cast members mentioned: Billy West, John DiMaggio, Katey Sagal, Tress MacNeille, Phil LaMarr, Dave Herman and Lauren Tom.
On a related note, GotFuturama.com has a “teaser” from David X. Cohen on what the 100th episode and Holiday-themed episodes will include:
Episode 100 which was recorded the other day may serve as a mini-season finale depending on Comedy Central of course. Also, episode 101 is an Anthology of Interest-style episode with 3 stories based on Xmas, Robanukah, and Kwanzaa.
– Via RadioInk.com: Phil Hendrie, voice of various members of the Waterfall family on Futurama (as well as Tom Landry and Little John on King of the Hill), will be the keynote speaker at the National Association of Broadcasters Radio Luncheon on April 13 in Las Vegas.
The convention runs from April 16th to April 18th and includes appearances from lots of stars including several Star Trek actors who also guested on Futurama.
– SciFiWire.com posted an interview with Katey Sagal in mid-January discussing details on what to expect in the upcoming season. “It is so funny,” Sagal said. “I can’t wait for people to see it. I’ve always thought the writing is amazing, but this year it’s hysterically funny.” The article also mentions that 12 of the 26 planned episodes have been recorded as of that posting.
– Newsarama.com has an interview with Phil LaMarr discussing Futurama which I covered in a separate post (which also includes a video of LaMarr at the Animation Supercon discussing Futurama).
And since what LaMarr says specifically pertains to this report, I’ll repeat it here:
“[T]he new episodes, in my opinion, are the best yet,” says LaMarr. “They’re really, really funny. Some of them are really, really thoughtful as well. The guys have come back to the show with renewed energy. The writers and producers. And they’re happy to be back, and know the world and the characters so well that they’re able to…it feels like they’re better at it. They’re able to do more with it than they were before.”
– Spike TV/Comedy Central press rep Melissa Sugiura tweeted Feb. 9th: “Heading to the set of #futurama. Looking forward to checking out my first voice recording session!”
…and afterwards posted a a couple follow-ups:
@kitchelfilms great meeting you today, so great to see it all in action. congrats on a very funny episode!
@gotfuturama @slurmed i had an awesome time! i can’t wait to see it all put together when we air it!”
Additional Sources: Except where noted, most of the above news items are courtesy of the fans on the Futurama forum PEELIFIED.com — The Planet Express Employee Lounge. Nice work keeping fans updated, PEEL members!
I’ll continue to update this page throughout the month of February.
As always, readers can stay informed of all blog updates/additions via Twitter (@voiceroy) and Facebook. I also regularly post celebrity voice news items through Facebook and Twitter which I don’t publish on the blog.
Update: 2.19.2010
– Via Animated Views by Ben Price: Premiering on HBO Friday, Feb. 19th at 9PM is The Ricky Gervais Show, an animated version of the Guinness World Record-holder for “most downloaded podcast.” It features the voices of comedian/actor Ricky Gervais (popular BBC sitcom The Office), Stephen Merchant and Karl Pilkington. You can watch the first full episode online at HBO.com.
– Via TVSquad.com: Gilbert Gottfried now has a new title to add to his credit: “TV pitchman,” as the spokesperson for “ShoeDini”:
– Via LA Times’ Hero Complex: Rockers Gene Simmons and David Lee Roth howled for “Wolfman” film vocal effects.
– Added two photos to the press release for Goodspeed Musicals gala event honoring Paul Williams.
– Via Zachary-Levi.com: Disney’s Rapunzel changes title (again) to “Tangled.” (Currently confirmed voice cast previously reported here.)
– Via DivineCaroline: “Name That Voice: 10 Celebrity Commercial Voice-Overs.”
– Via WalletPop: “The Celebrity Voices Behind the Commercials.”
– Via DailyFill.com: “15 Secret Celebrity Voice Overs.”
– Via toonzone.net: Archer‘s Aisha Tyler (The Boondocks, The Wild) and series creator Adam Reed (Frisky Dingo, Sealab 2021) discuss the show and the voice cast.
Update: 2.15.2010
The LA Times Hero Complex blog has an interview with Tim Burton discussing Barbara Windsor, who voices the Dormouse in Burton’s Alice in Wonderland.
In related news, there will be an Alice in Wonderland “fan event” in Hollywood on Feb. 19th with in-person appearances by Tim Burton and “some cast members” whose names have yet to be announced. Hero Complex has more details on the event.
The world premiere of Alice in Wonderland will take place in London on Feb. 25th. Expected to attend the red carpet event: Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Avril Lavigne, Alan Rickman, Anne Hathaway, Christopher Lee, Mia Wasikowska, Crispin Glover, Matt Lucas, Timothy Spall, Paul Whitehouse, Barbara Windsor and Michael Sheen.
Other details on the film were previously reported below.
Update: 2.14.2010
– Via toonzone.net: Saturday Night Live’s Chris Parnell will guest star on Nick at Nite’s Feb. 15th episode of Glen Martin D.D.S. as the voice of U.S. Vice President Joe Biden.
– Comics/TV/film writer/producer Neil Gaiman says via his blog that he will be providing a voice for an upcoming episode of the PBS’ kids show Arthur. As of his Jan. 21st post, he had only received the script and does not mention when he would be recording. [Source: toonzone.net]
– PBS kids show WordGirl has an impressive voice cast which includes many celebrity guest voices such as Ed Asner, Elliot Gould, Peter Graves, John C. McGinley and Jeffrey Tambor. Read my review of the show here.
James Marsden has signed on to star opposite Russell Brand in “I Hop,” a live-action/computer-animated hybrid comedy.
Tim Hill, who directed the hybrid “Alvin and the Chipmunks,” is pushing his resume into hipper territory with this tale of an out-of-work slacker (Marsden) who accidentally injures the Easter Bunny (voiced by Brand) and must take him in as he recovers. As Fred struggles with the world’s worst houseguest, both will learn what it takes to finally grow up.
I’ve never heard of a movie being named after an actual restaurant chain, but I guess there’s a first time for everything? I predict this “working title” doesn’t last three months.
– TV.com has an interview with Tim Daly, voice of Superman in Superman: The Animated Series and Batman/Superman: Public Enemies. He indirectly discusses his voiceover work and briefly mentions his role as Superman:
Q: You’ve done a little bit of everything in television—hour-long network drama, sitcoms, voiceovers for animation, TV movies, prestige cable shows. Is there any format you like working in more than others?
Q: No. Every step, every character, every medium has its own particular challenges, but essentially, I consider my job finding a way to tell the truth, to deliver the truth to people in a way that effects them, that makes them say, “Wow, that moved me or enlightened me or made me laugh.” I think that’s the job of pretty much any artist. We listen to music and it makes us weep—why? Because it speaks truth to us. I think TV should be the same way. It should strike a chord in us where we say, “That struck a human chord in me and it moved me.”
Q: So it’s not all just a let-down after playing Superman?
A: [laughs] Well, a little bit. I mean, come on, it’s Superman, after all. Superman was a great role, and I loved doing it, and I would welcome doing it more, especially with Andrea Romano, who’s such a great director. I hope that opportunity presents itself again.
– Via SeattleWeekly.com: Simpsons‘ creator Matt Groening and cast member Hank Azaria will appear as guest judges on the upcoming seventh season of Top Chef. It is not known when the show will air; production is scheduled to begin in April 2010.
– On December 22, 2009, Atari/Cryptic Studios issued a press release announcing that Leonard Nimoy would be narrating the intro as well as key scenes and events throughout the game for Star Trek Online (which released Feb. 2nd):
“I am happy to be involved with Star Trek Online. In this game, the essence of Star Trek – exploration and adventure – lives long and prospers,” said Nimoy. “I’m pleased that a whole new generation of fans will be able to discover new frontiers in the Star Trek universe.”
Elsewhere, Nimoy is interviewed in the Winter 2010 print issue of NVISION Magazine which includes an 8-page feature on the game. The magazine is available on newsstands through March 2nd, 2010 and can also be ordered online.
On Dec. 12, 2009, Zachary Quinto, who played Spock in the J.J. Abrams Star Trek movie, announced at the Spike Video Game Awards that he would be the “the voice of” Star Trek Online. He does not, however, reprise his role as Spock. According to a Jan. 27th interview on Wired.com, Quinto “provides the voice for a holographic doctor — the Emergency Medical Hologram Mark VI…[new] players of the MMO will hear Quinto’s voice as they make their way through the game’s opening tutorial.”
– Voice cast info on some upcoming animated films and live-action/CGI features:
> Alice in Wonderland (March 5th, 2010): I’ll bypass mentioning the main stars in the Tim Burton-directed *sequel* to the Lewis Carroll classic children’s novel since you’ve likely seen your fill of them in recent TV ads. What I’m personally looking forward to hearing/seeing are the performances by Crispin Glover as The Knave of Hearts, Stephen Fry as The Cheshire Cat, Christopher Lee as The Jabberwock, Alan Rickman as The Caterpillar and Matt Lucas as both Tweedledum and Tweedledee.
> The Hero of Color City: No specific release date has been announced yet, but this computer-animated film from Magnolia Pictures is supposed to be released sometime in 2010. According to IMDb.com, it will feature the voices of Christina Ricci as “Yellow,” David Kaye (Transformers Beast Wars, Beast Machines) as “Black,” and Craig Ferguson and Rosie Perez in yet-unannounced voice roles.
> Guardians of Ga’Hoole (September 24, 2010): Based on the popular children’s book series, this film has been generating some advance buzz based on the voice cast which includes Emilie de Ravin, Hugo Weaving, Helen Mirren, Abbie Cornish, Geoffrey Rush, Sam Neill, Jim Sturgess and Miriam Margolyes. (Complete voice cast linked via IMDb on the movie title above.)
> Holy Cow! (release date unknown): Variety first reported March 5th, 2009 that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson would voice a Texas steer in this computer-animated feature and I have yet to see any announcements since. The film doesn’t even have an IMDb page. I guess maybe this one has fizzled like the Johnny Bravo live-action movie starring Johnson that was announced back in 2004.
> Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore (July 30, 2010): This is a sequel to the 2001 live-action/CGI talking-animal film, but only a handful of the original cast reprise their roles. According to IMDb.com, returning to voice their canine characters are Alec Baldwin (Butch), Michael Clarke Duncan (Sam) and Joe Pantoliano (Peek), while Bette Midler voices the villain Kitty Galore with Carlos Alazraqui (Reno 911, Camp Lazlo, The Fairly Odd Parents) in a supporting role as the voice of “Cool Cat.” IMDb lists comedian/actor Paul Rodriguez as “Crazy Carlito,” but does not specify whether the role is voice-only.
I know the original was your average kids/family film, but I admit I enjoyed it..mainly for nostalgic reasons: the first dog I ever owned in grade school was a beagle, so I must admit I’m disappointed that Lou (as voiced by Tobey McGuire) does not appear to be returning for the sequel. And other favorite noteworthy performances from the original don’t seem to be returning either: Sean Hayes (Mr. Tinkles), Jon Lovitz (Calico) and voice actors Danny Mann and Billy West as the Ninja cats.
> Yogi Bear (December 15, 2010): *Sigh* Why, Warner Bros…why would you do this? Oh yeah, money…that’s why. At any rate, it features the motion capture performances and voices of Dan Aykroyd (Yogi), Justin Timberlake (Boo-Boo) [yikes!], and Christine Taylor (Cindy). I’m not looking forward to this movie. I will wait to see the reviews, but even then chances are slim that I will ever watch it.
In unfortunately related news, LA Times‘ Hero Complex blog reports that Warner Bros has named Alex Zamm to direct its planned live-action/CGI Marvin the Martian feature film. (Zamm is also contracted to helm yet another similar feature for Hong Kong Phooey.) Two TV writers — Paul Kaplan and Mark Torgove — have also signed on for the Marvin screenplay (who in turn are writing the CHiPS remake).
The LA Times says that the producers are “talking to a number of stars” and mentions Mike Myers as “one name that’s come up.”
I guess there really is no animated property that’s safe from this sort of treatment.
– toonzone.net reports that David Spade is in talks with cable channel TBS to develop an animated series based on the Joe Dirt feature film.
Hey, TBS! If you’re going to produce an animated series based on a feature film and expect it to be successful, you might want to pick a film that was actually good.
– Via toonzone.net: Olympic figure skating champion Michelle Kwan will guest star on Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! Sunday, February 21, 2010, at 7:00 PM (Eastern).
– toonzone.net reports (via Adult Swim press release) that Robot Chicken has been renewed for two more seasons, with an “unprecedented” order for 40 new episodes. toonzone adds, “No information was provided on when the new seasons will begin production or when they will air.”
Says co-creator Seth Green in the press release: “We’re very excited,” says Green, “we never expected to do a second season, let alone a fifth and sixth, so we are thrilled by the audience response and how the show continues to grow internationally.” Matt Senreich says, “We love Adult Swim. It’s really that simple. From the get-go, we’ve always said that Robot Chicken was a show where we play with friends and we look forward to doing that for years to come!”
And I’ll add that it could be a really long before we see new episodes since Green and Senreich along with Tom Root are developing an untitled pilot for FOX (previously reported here).
– Leonardo DiCaprio will narrate the NASA space documentary Hubble 3D. The film arrives in theaters March 19th, 2010.
And some of my own celebrity-related reports outside of this article:
– 2.11.2010 — Curb Your Enthusiasm‘s Cheryl Hines and Star Trek‘s George Takei guest star on the 2-part season finale of The Superhero Squad Show. (Link includes interviews with Hines and Tom Kenny.) Mark Hamill also guest-starred in January as the voice of the Red Skull.
– 2.11..2010 — In a Futurama Cast Round-Up of news on the upcoming sixth season of the show, I reported that late-night talk show host Craig Ferguson will guest on the second episode of the new season.
Update: 2.11.2010:
– Robin Williams, Hank Azaria and Elijah Wood have recently been in Sydney, Australia recording dialog and filming motion capture for the computer-animated Happy Feet II. On Feb. 9th, Williams gave an impromptu stand-up performance in a Sydney bar and received a standing ovation.
On a related note, Movieline.com reported Jan. 15th that Matt Damon and Brad Pitt had also been cast in the film, although Warner Bros has declined to confirm this. Movieline says their sources state that both Damon and Pitt were in the studio recording dialog for the film that week.
It is assumed that “Gloria,” the character voiced by the late Brittany Murphy, will return for the sequel because Murphy had plans in early December 2009 to fly to Sydney with Elijah Wood to record the dialog, and then afterwards was allegedly fired by Warner Bros. There has been no announcement since whether Gloria’s role in the sequel will be cut or if Warner Bros will cast a replacement.
– Added another update to my August 2009 news on DreamWorks’ computer-animated superhero adventure, MegaMind (formerly “Oobermind,” which was originally “Master Mind”).
– The live-action/CGI hybrid Marmaduke, voiced by Owen Wilson, arrives in theaters June 10, 2010 and features the voices of Steve Coogan, Ron Perlman, Jeremy Piven, Fergie, George Lopez, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Thomas F. Wilson, Emma Stone, Damon Wayans and Marlon Wayans.
– Movieweb.com attended DreamWorks’ 2010 film presentation on Jan. 15th, and for those who enjoy spoilers Movieweb describes the action from previews of the upcoming computer-animated films MegaMind, Shrek Forever After and How to Train Your Dragon.
Shrek Forever After features returning cast members Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and Antonio Banderas. Other confirmed cast members: Kathy Griffin and Kristin Schaal (Flight of the Conchords) as ogre-hunting witches, Jane Lynch (Glee), Jon Hamm (Mad Men) as the ogre leader of an underground resistance group, Megan Fox (Transformers film series) as a princess, and Walt Dohrn as Rumpelstiltskin [Dorhn voiced several incidental characters in Shrek the Third].
And here’s the most recent trailer (as of this writing):
And DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon arrives in theaters March 25th, featuring the Movieweb-confirmed voices of Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, America Ferrera, Craig Ferguson, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Kristen Wigg. Chris Sanders, who wrote and directed (and voiced) Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, is the film’s co-writer and co-director.
Originally posted 2.10.2010:
– Kevin McKidd, who plays Poseidon in the feature film Percy Jackson and the Olympians, revealed in an interview on DailyRecord.co.uk that he was “asked to provide a voice in Pixar’s Scottish animated movie, The Bear And The Bow,” which will feature the voices of Reese Witherspoon, Billy Connolly and Emma Thompson.
McKidd adds, “[My son was delighted that I’m] doing a voice in a Pixar film. I haven’t done the recordings yet so I’ll know more in March when I start. I’m dead excited about it – and that I’m working with Billy Connolly.”
– Via Adweek: Dexter‘s Michael C. Hall is the image voice for the Dodge Charger.
– Via TheFlickCast.com: Ron Perlman narrates the trailer for Fallout: New Vegas video game.
– Via toonzone.net: T.C. Carson, voice of Kratos in the God of War video game series, will be doing a signing Feb. 14th at Rose Bowl Comics in Pasedena, CA.
– Via ComicBookResources.com: Curb Your Enthusiasm‘s Cheryl Hines voices Stardust, herald of Galactus, on the 2-part season finale of The Superhero Squad Show airing Feb. 13th and 20th at 7:30 PM on Cartoon Network.
Says Hines of her voice acting experience:
The first time you do this, it’s such a strange feeling, because you’re in this booth that has this big glass window and there are usually, I don’t know, five to eight people on the other side staring at you with their headphones on. You can’t really hear what they’re saying, unless they want you to hear what they’re saying, and then they push a little button and say something to you. Otherwise, you’ll do a take and see them all talking. “Oh no, what’s going on in there?” Then they’ll push the button and go, “That was good, but let’s just try it one more time.” [Laughs] They’re always super calm when they talk to you, because they don’t want you getting rattled.
I remember the first time I did it, I was sweating. You’re not sure if you’re doing it right. You don’t really know what you’re doing. After you do a few [takes], you realize that there’s actually no right or wrong. The people on the other side of the glass, they’re listening and they’re really good at imagining the world that you’re creating.
You are so exhausted at the end of recording something like this. It’s very draining. I mean, let’s be honest, I’m not digging ditches, but your whole body is all tense and you’re trying to get it right and you’re so in it and concentrating so hard for three or four hours at a time. When it’s over, it feels like you just ran a marathon. Plus, with everybody’s eyes all on you, everyone’s listening to every little swallow, and God help you if you have any other body noises. [Laughs] It can be very stressful! But it’s weird. It’s a different way of working.
– Via CreativeLoafing.com: Aisha Tyler (Archer, Boondocks, The Wild) discusses voice acting:
Creative Loafing: You’re currently doing the voice for the character Lana Kane on the animated TV show Archer. What’s that like?
Aisha Tyler: Well, I have done a good number of animated parts already; a show called the The Boondocks that Aaron McGruder created for Adult Swim, shows for the Disney channel, and also a big Disney movie, The Wild. So, I’ve done a good amount, but this is the first time I have done a series. It’s great. It’s much easier than regular TV. You don’t have to do hair and make-up and you just get to go into a booth. The workload is cake, and it’s really fun actually.
CL: How is that working right now with your comedy tour kicking off?
AT: We finished all the episodes for this season. But, what’s great about voice-overs is that as long as you have access to a high quality sound booth in any city, we’re able to do it from any part of the country. So, it’s not too difficult.
– toonzone.net reports that Classic Media and Vivendi Entertainment will release a brand new animated direct-to-DVD title, Kung Fu Magoo, on May 11th. It features the voices of:
Jim Conroy (Celebrity Death Match, Grand Theft Auto IV) as Mr. Magoo Dylan & Cole Sprouse (The Suite Life of Zack & Cody) Alyson Stoner (Camp Rock) Chris Parnell (Saturday Night Live) Kenny Mayne (Dancing With The Stars) Fred Travalena (Bogey from Shirt Tales)
Also on May 11th, Classic/Vivendi will release the 1964 Magoo classic, Mr. Magoo in Sherwood Forest, starring the original voice of Mr. Magoo, Jim Backus (Gilligan’s Island).
– BBC.co.uk has an interview with Family Guy’s Mike Henry discussing the celebrity guest voices featured on the Family Guy spin-off The Cleveland Show, which include Kanye West, T-Pain, will.i.am (Black Eyed Peas), U2 drummer Larry Mullen Jr and film director David Lynch.
Henry says of Kanye:
Kanye could not be a cooler guy at our show – we do definitely have some jokes where he makes light of himself.
He does some things out in public that stir up controversy and opinions. He knew that and we contacted him and he was totally up for doing the part. He’s a recurring character [as Kenny West]. He does an extended rap-off with Cleveland Jnr in an episode first season and he and Cleveland hook up and do another rap in season two.
The first time we had actually written a rap for him. Five of our writers sat down to write this rap and they were like, ‘I wonder how he’s going to like it?’.
But he was genuinely laughing. He very humbly asked if we could change one line which didn’t feel right. He was even joking that we should write a song for his next album.
T-Pain and will.i.am will play Cleveland Jr.’s sidekicks in season 2. “We just recorded [will.i.am] last week and he was absolutely hilarious,” Henry says. “He could do his own animated show he’s got so many voices.”
Of Larry Mullen Jr. Henry says, “We just recorded him doing a couple of different parts and he was very funny. He plays a mobster in one episode; he plays a bad Elvis impersonator by design in another episode. He’s got his own studio so we just record it from Dublin. You don’t have to record at a certain time. It’s an easy gig and one that people like to do.”
Henry adds, “It’s very cool to have all these people from different walks of entertainment participating in what we’re doing.”
A related interview with Cleveland Show executive producer Rich Appel on HollywoodReporter.com mentions that this Sunday’s episode (2.14) guest stars the Black Eyed Peas’ Fergie, and adds that episode 16 in season 2 will feature guest stars Carl Reiner, will.i.am and T-Pain.
– Via toonzone.net: …and speaking of T-Pain, he spoke with ABCNews.com about his role in Freaknik: The Musical, a hip-hop animated musical scheduled to air on Adult Swim March 7, 2010 (previously reported here) The much-hyped special also features the voices of Rick Ro$$, Andy Samberg, Lil’ Wayne, Bill Hader, Kelis, Snoop Dogg, George Clinton, Young Cash, Sophia Fresh and Charlie Murphy.
This article was originally published 2.08.2010. Please scroll down to read the most recent updates and additions.
On Feb. 1st, Backstage.com published a list of TV Pilot Production Listings. Now, I’ll grant that unless you’re a working actor, that might not be of any interest to you. And for animation fans, the list is worth noting for details on upcoming animated productions.
But both beginning and professional voice actors should find this HUGELY interesting as it includes contact info for the casting directors of such popular animated shows as Family Guy, American Dad and The Simpsons.
But before I share that info, please note Backstage’s preface to their article:
The following listings are not casting notices but instead reflect the best general information available about current casting assignments. Do your homework and use them wisely. Do not phone or visit casting directors’ offices. Unless otherwise instructed, all contact with casting directors should be through the mail. Blind mass mailings are not recommended.
And I must also emphasize that this is not a notice for an “open call” or even an audition, frankly. However, you could *submit* for an audition by sending a demo through the mailing addresses Backstage.com provides. Chances are very small that such a demo would even be heard, but there’s no harm in submitting anyway.
American Dad – Linda Lamontagne, 5700 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 325, L.A., CA 90035.
Family Guy – Linda Lamontagne, 5700 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 325, L.A., CA 90036.
King of the Hill – Mossberg/Anthony Casting, 4024 Radford Ave., Trailer 800, Studio City, CA 91604
The Simpsons – Bonita Pietila, c/o 20th Century Fox Studios, 10201 W. Pico Blvd., Trailer 730, L.A., CA 90035
You’re likely as surprised as I am to see King of the Hill mentioned, especially since FOX announced August 2009 that the one-hour season finale would effectively end the series. I don’t think fans should take this as any kind of sign — or even a glimmer of hope — that further production for the series is planned. There have been no official announcements to date otherwise.
As an addendum to Backstage’s article, I have a related list for which I have opted to not disclose the source out of professional courtesy since it was from an agency.
Update: 2.11.2010 — I have tracked down what I believe to be the original source of the casting information which I received via an agency in mid-January.
The source is NowCasting.com — a reputable casting site widely used throughout the TV/film industry. Some TV/film productions I’ve worked on personally as background, stand-in and in a featured role have posted casting notices through this site. (Just to name one: Tyler Perry Studios.)
Note that the names of casting directors ARE included, but no direct contact information is given. If you want that info, you’ll have to track it down on your own or “upgrade” to a paid membership with NowCasting as it mentions on the linked pdf file.
The following list (which according to the document was originally published Jan. 7th, 2010) is worth noting not only for the “currently casting” info but also for the current and upcoming animated series and TV specials (aka “MOW” or “movie-of-the-week”) included in the list which are related to productions which air (or will air) on FOX, Cartoon Network and Adult Swim. (I did not include any Nick or Disney shows because all the Nick and Disney shows on NowCasting.com’s list are live-action.)
– American Dad (FOX): currently casting
– Eagleheart – 1/2 hour pilot (CN): currently casting
– Family Guy – 1/2 hour (FOX): currently casting
– Firebreather – MOW (CN): wrapped
– Kamen Rider – 1/2 hour (CN): on hiatus
– Robot Chicken – 1/2 hour (CN): on hiatus
– The Tiger’s Apprentice – MOW (CN): wrapped
– Titan Maximum – 1/2 hour (CN): currently casting
– Delocated – 1/2 hour (CN): currently casting
– Futurama – 1/2 hour (FOX): currently casting
– The Simpsons – 1/2 hour (FOX): currently casting
– The Cleveland Show – 1/2 hour (FOX): currently casting
– Untitled Green/Root/Senerich Project (FOX) – 1/2 hour pilot: currently casting
Update: 2.09.2010 — Following the feedback on sites which have also carried this news, it seems I must point out they are neither “recasting” nor “replacing” any of the cast members for the recurring series listed. Backstage.com merely provided the contact address for the casting directors. And NowCasting.com’s list which mentions that shows like Family Guy and American Dad are “currently casting” means that they are possibly casting for incidental characters, guest stars, etc. — *not* the main or supporting cast.
Update: 4.08.2010 — NowCasting.com published an updated list on 3.09.2010. And my apologies that I am just now updating this article following this new information, but I was in Japan for two weeks when this notice was released and am just now catching up on backlogged messages.
Here’s the updated list:
– American Dad (FOX): currently casting
– Family Guy – 1/2 hour (FOX): currently casting
– Firebreather – MOW (CN): wrapped
– Kamen Rider – 1/2 hour (CN): wrapped
– Robot Chicken – 1/2 hour (CN): currently casting
– The Tiger’s Apprentice – MOW (CN): wrapped
– Horrorbots – 1/2 hour (CN): wrapped
– Children’s Hospital – 1/2 hour (CN): currently casting
– Scooby Doo – MOW (CN): currently casting [This has been confirmed as a live-action TV movie following a March 12th press release.]
– Titan Maximum – 1/2 hour (CN): currently casting
– Delocated – 1/2 hour (CN): wrapped
– Futurama – 1/2 hour (FOX): still listed as “currently casting” [see earlier note from February above]
– The Simpsons – 1/2 hour (FOX): currently casting
– The Cleveland Show – 1/2 hour (FOX): currently casting
– Untitled Green/Root/Senerich Project (FOX) – 1/2 hour pilot: wrapped [This project has now been confirmed — and this is no April Fools — as a Star Wars animated sitcom.]
Note that no animated Disney or Nickelodeon projects are included in NowCasting’s list. If you’d like to see the new and continuing animated productions for each of these networks, toonzone has coverage of Nickelodeon’s Upfront 2010 and Disney Channel/Disney XD’s 2010-2011 Programming Announcements. Cartoon Network’s Upfront 2010 is scheduled for April 21st.
Backstage.com also has a comprehensive list of Animation Production Companies (last updated 6.09.2009), some of which are seeking voiceover demos (as noted). But make sure you not only follow Backstage’s advice for submissions, but also note the note individual studios’ guidelines for submitting demos. And bear in mind that in most cases “demo” refers to a reel of animation samples, not voiceovers.
Fox has greenlit 13 half-hour episodes for “Bob’s Burgers,” a new animated comedy from Loren Bouchard (Lucy, Daughter of the Devil) and Jim Dauterive (King of the Hill).
Set to premiere in early 2011, the show’s plot involves a “creative grill chef who owns a just-barely-surviving hamburger restaurant [and] runs the place with help from his uptight wife and their three less-than-helpful kids.”
Although casting is still underway, TheWrap.com says that the pilot shown at the recent TV Critics Association Press Tour (TCA) featured the following voice talents:
– H. Jon Benjamin: Home Movies, Dr. Katz, Archer
– Eugene Mirman: Delocated, Home Movies, Aqua Teen Hunger Force
– Kristen Schaal: The Daily Show, Freak Show, Aqua Teen Hunger Force
– Dan Mintz: writer on Important Things With Dimitri Martin, Crank Yankers
– …and comedian/YouTube performer John Roberts
Posted by Craig Crumpton 
Voice Actors in the News 
Want to Audition for Family Guy or The Simpsons?
02.08.2010This article was originally published 2.08.2010. Please scroll down to read the most recent updates and additions.
On Feb. 1st, Backstage.com published a list of TV Pilot Production Listings. Now, I’ll grant that unless you’re a working actor, that might not be of any interest to you. And for animation fans, the list is worth noting for details on upcoming animated productions.
But both beginning and professional voice actors should find this HUGELY interesting as it includes contact info for the casting directors of such popular animated shows as Family Guy, American Dad and The Simpsons.
But before I share that info, please note Backstage’s preface to their article:
The following listings are not casting notices but instead reflect the best general information available about current casting assignments. Do your homework and use them wisely. Do not phone or visit casting directors’ offices. Unless otherwise instructed, all contact with casting directors should be through the mail. Blind mass mailings are not recommended.
And I must also emphasize that this is not a notice for an “open call” or even an audition, frankly. However, you could *submit* for an audition by sending a demo through the mailing addresses Backstage.com provides. Chances are very small that such a demo would even be heard, but there’s no harm in submitting anyway.
American Dad – Linda Lamontagne, 5700 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 325, L.A., CA 90035.
Family Guy – Linda Lamontagne, 5700 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 325, L.A., CA 90036.
King of the Hill – Mossberg/Anthony Casting, 4024 Radford Ave., Trailer 800, Studio City, CA 91604
The Simpsons – Bonita Pietila, c/o 20th Century Fox Studios, 10201 W. Pico Blvd., Trailer 730, L.A., CA 90035
You’re likely as surprised as I am to see King of the Hill mentioned, especially since FOX announced August 2009 that the one-hour season finale would effectively end the series. I don’t think fans should take this as any kind of sign — or even a glimmer of hope — that further production for the series is planned. There have been no official announcements to date otherwise.
As an addendum to Backstage’s article, I have a related list
for which I have opted to not disclose the source out of professional courtesy since it was from an agency.Update: 2.11.2010 — I have tracked down what I believe to be the original source of the casting information which I received via an agency in mid-January.
The source is NowCasting.com — a reputable casting site widely used throughout the TV/film industry. Some TV/film productions I’ve worked on personally as background, stand-in and in a featured role have posted casting notices through this site. (Just to name one: Tyler Perry Studios.)
Note that the names of casting directors ARE included, but no direct contact information is given. If you want that info, you’ll have to track it down on your own or “upgrade” to a paid membership with NowCasting as it mentions on the linked pdf file.
The following list (which according to the document was originally published Jan. 7th, 2010) is worth noting not only for the “currently casting” info but also for the current and upcoming animated series and TV specials (aka “MOW” or “movie-of-the-week”) included in the list which are related to productions which air (or will air) on FOX, Cartoon Network and Adult Swim. (I did not include any Nick or Disney shows because all the Nick and Disney shows on NowCasting.com’s list are live-action.)
– American Dad (FOX): currently casting
– Eagleheart – 1/2 hour pilot (CN): currently casting
– Family Guy – 1/2 hour (FOX): currently casting
– Firebreather – MOW (CN): wrapped
– Kamen Rider – 1/2 hour (CN): on hiatus
– Robot Chicken – 1/2 hour (CN): on hiatus
– The Tiger’s Apprentice – MOW (CN): wrapped
– Titan Maximum – 1/2 hour (CN): currently casting
– Delocated – 1/2 hour (CN): currently casting
– Futurama – 1/2 hour (FOX):
currently casting– The Simpsons – 1/2 hour (FOX): currently casting
– The Cleveland Show – 1/2 hour (FOX): currently casting
– Untitled Green/Root/Senerich Project (FOX) – 1/2 hour pilot: currently casting
Update: 2.09.2010 — Following the feedback on sites which have also carried this news, it seems I must point out they are neither “recasting” nor “replacing” any of the cast members for the recurring series listed. Backstage.com merely provided the contact address for the casting directors. And NowCasting.com’s list which mentions that shows like Family Guy and American Dad are “currently casting” means that they are possibly casting for incidental characters, guest stars, etc. — *not* the main or supporting cast.
Update: 2.11.2010 — According to one of Futurama’s writers, the show “isn’t casting voice actors.”
Update: 4.08.2010 — NowCasting.com published an updated list on 3.09.2010. And my apologies that I am just now updating this article following this new information, but I was in Japan for two weeks when this notice was released and am just now catching up on backlogged messages.
Here’s the updated list:
– American Dad (FOX): currently casting
– Family Guy – 1/2 hour (FOX): currently casting
– Firebreather – MOW (CN): wrapped
– Kamen Rider – 1/2 hour (CN): wrapped
– Robot Chicken – 1/2 hour (CN): currently casting
– The Tiger’s Apprentice – MOW (CN): wrapped
– Horrorbots – 1/2 hour (CN): wrapped
– Children’s Hospital – 1/2 hour (CN): currently casting
– Scooby Doo – MOW (CN): currently casting [This has been confirmed as a live-action TV movie following a March 12th press release.]
– Titan Maximum – 1/2 hour (CN): currently casting
– Delocated – 1/2 hour (CN): wrapped
– Futurama – 1/2 hour (FOX): still listed as “currently casting” [see earlier note from February above]
– The Simpsons – 1/2 hour (FOX): currently casting
– The Cleveland Show – 1/2 hour (FOX): currently casting
– Untitled Green/Root/Senerich Project (FOX) – 1/2 hour pilot: wrapped [This project has now been confirmed — and this is no April Fools — as a Star Wars animated sitcom.]
Note that no animated Disney or Nickelodeon projects are included in NowCasting’s list. If you’d like to see the new and continuing animated productions for each of these networks, toonzone has coverage of Nickelodeon’s Upfront 2010 and Disney Channel/Disney XD’s 2010-2011 Programming Announcements. Cartoon Network’s Upfront 2010 is scheduled for April 21st.
Backstage.com also has a comprehensive list of Animation Production Companies (last updated 6.09.2009), some of which are seeking voiceover demos (as noted). But make sure you not only follow Backstage’s advice for submissions, but also note the note individual studios’ guidelines for submitting demos. And bear in mind that in most cases “demo” refers to a reel of animation samples, not voiceovers.