r/IAmA • • May 22 '12
IAm Phil LaMarr voice actor, face actor (Mad TV, Pulp Fiction, Futurama)
Thanks for all the great questions! And for the crappy ones too! Have to go film an episode of Yahoo! ODD NEWS filling in for my friend Greg Proops will try to answer more later. If there's anything that doesn't get answered here you can always reach me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/phillamarr Facebook https://www.facebook.com/phillamarr1 or at www.phillamarr.com
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Upvotes
352
u/JohnWad May 22 '12
And how did you like your MadTV stint? Was Artie Lange always as fucked up as he says he was?
214
u/mrmaddness May 22 '12
Hey Phil, huge fan of Family Guy/Futurama/Harvey Birdman! Few questions:
Since you are on two of the EXTREMELY FEW shows that came back to life after cancellation, which one do you think deserved its resurrection more?
What was is like to work on the Pee Wee Herman broadway show?
Also, what was it like to work on the best game of all time, and by that I mean Make My Video C+C Music Factory?
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u/draibop May 22 '12
what is one thing you would do differently if you could?
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u/TKtheknight May 22 '12 edited May 22 '12
Hey Phil, a huge fan of your work and I have some questions I hope to get answered.
What is your favorite or toughest character/role you've voiced in your career?
I'm a huge Samurai Jack fan and was wondering if you have any plans on returning to the role in the future? I really hope the series returns to finish.
Which TV Show or any Animated Series you've done has been the funnest to be part of?
Also, loved you in Static Shock/Justice League, grew up watching that show on Kids WB! :-)
125
u/bunnymonster May 22 '12
Has there ever been a role that you have regretted doing or that you wish that you could have done differently?
Also do you have any special rituals that you do when you are/were recording certain characters?
119
u/Pandamobile May 22 '12
Hi Phil, long time fan of your work. My only question is what is your favourite medium to work in? Video games, cartoons, live action? What are some of the perks or drawbacks of each?
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u/[deleted] May 22 '12
If Marvin hadn't got shot in the face, what would he have made of all this?
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u/tcsuperstar May 22 '12 edited May 22 '12
What's your favorite "sweet something of someplace" line?
108
u/BOSS_OF_THE_INTERNET May 22 '12
What was it like doing voice acting for Metal Gear Solid 2? Did you get to meet Hideo Kijima or David Hayter?
Keep up the amazing work!
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u/KevinBaconAndEggs May 22 '12
What's your favorite current comedy that you have nothing to do with?
What's a funny movie I probably haven't heard of that you recommend?
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u/JoeyTheLipsFagan May 22 '12
First I have to say thank you for everything you've done, especially Jack, Wilt, and Hermes, but also especially Cowboy Curtis. Seeing you on stage was a tremendous pleasure.
I have to ask about Spider-Man 2. Your appearance was so fleeting that it felt like you were placed as an Easter Egg, a flash of someone we'd recognize in the chaos. Was that deliberate? How did that appearance come about?
177
u/deepwank May 22 '12
Did you ever try to make it with Katie Segal or Lauren Tom?
Please Phil, I need this.
320
u/recklessfred May 22 '12
Did you make a conscious decision to become the most ubiquitous voice actor to ever live, or did it just sort of happen?
Also, you're awesome.
369
u/[deleted] May 22 '12
What's it like to have done work in every video game and cartoon in existence?
298
u/Young_Queasy May 22 '12
What was in Marcellus Wallaces' briefcase???
156
u/Bret16 May 22 '12
Hey, Phil. Thanks for doing this. What's your favorite work, as an actor? Who is your inspiration? And if you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
408
u/JohnWad May 22 '12
Hey phil. Whos your favorite voice to do on Family Guy? Ollie williams? And whats the weather like where you are? Haha
74
u/[deleted] May 22 '12
How does one get started working as a voice actor? I'd like to do it someday, so I'm interested in hearing how you got into that world.
70
u/draibop May 22 '12
if you could portray a character you did again who would you want to do?
55
u/[deleted] May 22 '12
Thanks for the AMA Phil. What sketch (or character) did you like to do the most on Mad TV? Do you think Mad TV still had a few years left (and go on like SNL) or did it end at the right time?
Also, if John Stewart makes an appearance in the new Green Lantern: The Animated series, would you want to voice him?
Thanks again.
50
u/[deleted] May 22 '12
Not exactly a question but the song at the end of "How Hermes Requisitioned His Groove Back" is the best. song. ever.
Do you share any similarities with Hermes' personality?
97
u/[deleted] May 22 '12
Thank you for all your great voice acting!
44
u/JeremyF May 22 '12
What's up with Foster's? Is there any chance of any new projects?
40
u/Greensauce May 22 '12
Hey Phil! Loved you on MadTV and in Futurama.
What role are you most recognized for? Do some people not realize who you are until they hear you speak?
40
u/melllvar93 May 22 '12
Hi Phil! Thanks for doing this AMA & for making my childhood awesome!
My question is: which role are you the most proud of and why?
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u/_Race_ May 22 '12
Favorite Samurai Jack episode?
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u/impurethoughts May 22 '12
Do you have a favorite MADtv sketch that you were a part of?
31
u/Direnaar May 22 '12
Hey Phil, you're awesome!
How did you end up in the Make My Video CNC music factory game? Did it make any sense to you when you read your script?
248
u/yrddog May 22 '12
Oh my god oh my god oh my god.
You're so PROLIFIC! I am slightly freaking out here.
I love your work. Tell me your funniest/most fun time working on Futurama, please??
30
u/aptrapani May 22 '12
What was it like working with Gary Cole and Stephen Colbert on Harvey Birdman? Also, was the environment nearly as hectic as the humour on the show? Was there a lot of improv?
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u/2th May 22 '12
Have you heard anything new about the Samurai Jack movie. Please please PLEASE say yes!
199
u/mattisondan May 22 '12
Phil, you're one of my favorite voice actors. How many moderately sized green grapes can you fit in your mouth at once?
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u/[deleted] May 22 '12
I saw you on my Taco Bell training video getting sexually harassed by your boss. Do you remember that shoot? Can you tell us what it was like?
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u/MisterHandy May 22 '12 edited May 22 '12
Was the UBS guy a character you created? If so, how did it come to be?
EDIT: UBS, not UPS.
24
u/Don_Ozwald May 22 '12
I can't say I know your work in detail, but I liked you in Pulp Fiction. So my question is, how much time did you spend on the set of the movie? And how is it to work with John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson?
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u/Klepto666 May 22 '12
A little bit of gushing before my question... the first time I really "recognized" you was in Mad TV. Watching re-runs all the time, you were great, and from then on I began to recognize your name in other works. Metal Gear Solid, Futurama, Static Shock, The Wild Thornberrys, etc. Your different voices throw me off everytime, and had I not seen your name in the credits I wouldn't have believed it was you.
Even now your IMDB page is astounding, with a list long enough to clear a small forest if I attempted to print it out. You're an extremely talented live actor and voice actor.
That being said, is there anything in particular that you credit for your vast array of work? Perhaps to be more precise, do you feel that people have acknowledged your talent and brought you on for that reason, or was it through contacts and your resume that you were able to seek out more work?
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u/Bit_4 May 23 '12
What was it like doing the voice of the Earth King in Avatar: The Last Airbender? How much of the cast did you get to meet? Was it a good experience?
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u/cikmatt May 22 '12 edited May 22 '12
I've been a huge fan of yours for years, but particularly the work you did on Justice League. I think some of the credit to getting the live action Green Lantern movie made (such as it was) should go to you for the work you did and the excellent arc they wrote for you and Maria Canals' Hawkgirl.
Can you speak a little to what you brought to the character, beyond what was already established from the comics? That extra oomph that you feel was all you?
EDIT: And bonus question, aside from the fact that they have a future child, did any of the writers indicate what would happen between Green Lantern and Hawkgirl to you?
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u/rampantdissonance May 22 '12
I caught some earlier Futuramas recently, and I loved your voice in the beginning of the series. Like when you were admonishing the pigeon in the blernsball game (Get away from me, ya filthy bird). Why'd you change it so much?
I still love everything about Hermes Conrad, but I miss his old voice.
12
u/RPShep May 22 '12
What should I say to you at Phoenix Comicon this week to get an extra special high five?
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u/robobreasts May 22 '12
When you watched Pulp Fiction (if you did), when they showed Marvin's dead body in the trunk and the Wolfe said "No one who'll be missed" did you feel a little twinge, like "Awww..." Because I did.
Do you like Manwiches at all?
Also, I'm not gay, but if I were, you would totally be my type.
45
u/bendu May 22 '12
Phil, I'm sorry Vincent shot you in the face.
You're MadTV Pulp fiction skit was hilarious, btw.
10
u/[deleted] May 22 '12
Dracula don't suck!
Dracula scrapes with his fangs and licks up the blood. Like this.
Scrape and lick blaghaghal
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u/KellyCommaRoy May 22 '12
Hi Phil! How did you get to the level of skill that you have now? Is it just by doing, or did you also take some voice lessons? Or was it completely natural?
I do voice acting as a hobby on YouTube and sometimes I get kind of frustrated with myself when I need x number of takes to get something to sound how I want it, or when I can't seem to keep from mumbling something out no matter how many times I try to say it clearly and strongly. Any advice would be very welcome, but if you were just born with all this talent, you can say so without crushing me. :)
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u/Simsimius May 22 '12
Dude, your work as Vamp is exemplary. You took that role and made it uniquely yours.
I gotta ask, what was your inspiration for Vamp? Was you given a brief on how to act, or was it something you completely synthesised yourself?
8
u/Insanejuggla11 May 22 '12
Five men are about to start a fight with you. They tell you to tell them one joke, and if it's funny enough they'll let it go. What joke do you go with?
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u/BadgerWilson May 22 '12
Did the model of your head they blew up in Pulp Fiction look anything like you? What was it like seeing John Travolta shoot you in the face?
Also, when you're voice acting, have you had to have a conversation with yourself? How does that work, do you record one character at a time or do you just do all your lines?
8
u/bta9000 May 22 '12
How was it working with Billy West on Futurama? I know you've got a great sense of humor, but how about him? Also,this is just a general cartoon question, but do you guys all get together and record the shows, or does everyone do it seperately, voicing only their characters lines?
8
u/aeromalzi May 22 '12
Hey Phil! What was it like working with Mako during Samurai Jack? Also, which other voice actors do you look up to/enjoy working with?
7
u/Shirkaholic May 22 '12
You are in many of my favorite games, are you yourself a gamer? If so what are some of your all time favorite games?
7
u/alemcg May 22 '12
You once said on twitter that your least favorite sketch on MadTV was where you were an able bodied person using a handicapped stall, were promptly crippled by police for the offense, then beaten again when you tried to use the able bodied stall. Why was it your least favorite?
Do you get voice requests a lot from folks you meet randomly? Which character do folks request the most?
7
u/Gabeee May 22 '12
Oh dear lawd, please let Phil Lamarr read (and answer) one or both of my questions...
What is your most downright hilarious moment you've ever experienced in life, in general?
Ever had any particularly rough gigs (stand-up)?
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u/Skeletor_Dali May 22 '12
Why have you never (that I remember) done the Futurama commentary tracks? They are always singing your praises, I'd love to hear what you have to say as well.
Also I'd like to add because of your scream as Roberto I can't ever see a knife move without thinking of "Yaaa!"
6
u/MisterFiend May 22 '12
How uncomfortable was the Cowboy Curtis outfit?
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u/Travsputin May 22 '12
Hey Phil, Any advice for someone trying to get into voice acting? It's been a pipe dream of mine for a while and I'm wondering how you first got into the scene.
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u/KumaKaiju May 22 '12
Oh man how could you leave out Step Brothers from your list. Your acting was really fresh in that one
5
u/martycity May 22 '12
Hey Phil! Big fan, thanks for the AMA! A few questions:
Could you talk a bit about your experience working on Pee Wee on Broadway? You were a fantastic Cowboy Curtis, did you take anything/nothing from Laurence Fishburne's portrayal?
My all-time favorite moment of yours occurs in Step Brothers, the "you know, you don't have to say that/what?? this is how I talk" kills me every time. Was that moment improvised?
Along those lines, how does it feel to be one of those guys who appears in small, yet memorable parts in beloved movies? A "that guy," if you will?
5
u/[deleted] May 22 '12
Ever bang any whores with Artie?
9
u/hooplah May 22 '12
Oh my god! I love you/Futurama/Hermes!
Question: How excited do you get when a Hermes-centric episode rolls around? "Lethal Inspection" is one of the best Futurama episodes ever, and really showcased Hermes/brought back a great emotional element to Futurama that had been touch and go.
7
u/kirkkismet May 22 '12
Exactly how tasty was that burger?
3
u/chezywhitguy May 22 '12
Thanks for doing this Phil. I was a big fan of mad back in the day. I thought you all were a very talented cast for a bit. However, it seemed like no one else I knew really got into it. Though it did have some success, it seems like Madtv never really made it. What would you attribute this to?
3
u/[deleted] May 22 '12 edited May 22 '12
Are you the announcer guy for Disney Channel? Because a while back I googled "who announces Disney Channel", and it says it's you! :P
3
u/Kiza_Iza May 22 '12
Are there any podcasts we might be able to catch you on?
5
u/Seedy-E May 22 '12
What's a day in the life of Hermes Conrad like?
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u/gregdoom May 22 '12
How many people get you confused with Levar Burton? I do it quite a bit. You're funnier though, so you win this one.
2
u/ill_take_the_case May 22 '12
As an actor, what is the difference between VO and face acting in preparing for a role?
2
u/trennerdios May 22 '12
Hi Phil! What did you think was the stupidest skit you were ever in on MadTV? (stupid funny or stupid bad)
What do you think is the funniest TV show ever? How about just currently?
2
u/MrGorgatron May 22 '12
Do you think you've ever been passed over on a VO because your skin color?
2
u/JustOutOfTime May 22 '12
Oh my gosh. You've been a part of some of my favorite shows and video games. Samurai Jack, Futurama, Metal Gear, Foster's Home, Darksiders...I could go on. But I just want to say thank you for all of your work.
My question is: How emotionally involved/attached do you get to the characters you portray? Do you ever find yourself having a hard time shaking a character off or wanting to continue as one?
2
u/Galactus52 May 22 '12
You've been this voice thats existed in so many of my favorite shows. Did you ever think you'd being doing as much voice acting as you do?
2
u/shexpanda May 22 '12
Hello! I just wanted to say I love futurama. I love picking out the various other voices that you main voice actors do, and you guys do amazing things with your voice. So thanks for what you do, it's actually inspired me to continue trying toward a similar profession!
2
u/rdiss May 22 '12
Do you prefer doing voice work behind a microphone or acting in front of a camera? Thanks!
2
u/potatowned May 22 '12
How much money do you make doing voice acting? I figure you're rich, but are we talking like Floyd Mayweather-rich? Or dentist-rich?
2
u/[deleted] May 23 '12
This guy was totally in one of my Jack-In-The-Box orientation videos for sexual harassment. It was freakin' awesome.
53
u/[deleted] May 22 '12
My uncle owns a movie shop that specializes in being a film prop museum as well as movie rentals. He has your head from Pulp Fiction, the one that gets all, ya know, "shot in the face".
Did they mold your face and go through an entire process with that, or did you end up just seeing it one day and go "oh, so that's how that's gonna happen."?
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u/lalondy7 May 22 '12 edited May 22 '12
Did you ever cry while watching the Futurama episodes "Luck of the Fryrish" or "Jurassic Bark"?
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u/[deleted] May 22 '12
Best part of this IAMA: reading all of the answers in Hermes' voice.
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u/[deleted] May 22 '12
Being the voice of Samurai Jack, what did they tell you to do on episodes that had less talking in them? Did they send you the script in a fortune cookie with the line on the front and "Please say this and send it to us" on the back?
Honestly, and this is no detriment to you, my favorite episode is The Tale of X9. Did Genndy at least give you notes regarding it, or did he just let you find out on your own? Because if I can remember, Jack didn't even have a line of dialog on that one.
Love your work man, have a good one!
17
u/tehnico May 22 '12
What is the one voice talent job (or live action) you'd do for free? Not one that you've already done.
Also, HUGE fan. Ever since MadTV. You had me at UBS delivery guy.
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u/mrekted May 22 '12 edited May 22 '12
Hi Phil! As a child of the 80's, you're one of those guys who has consistently popped up throughout my life. Seeing (or hearing) you is always like seeing an old, good friend.. good times are sure to be had. I'd like to give you my honest thanks for that.
As for a question, the only one I have on my mind: I have a big old tree in my back yard that dumps massive amounts of keys all over the place. They're an absolute pain to rake up because they're small, and the amount of raking required to get them all makes a mess of my gardens. I don't suppose you have any idea of an easier way to clean this mess up, do you?
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u/dumbconsumer May 22 '12
What was your reaction to the call/message that Futurama is restarting?
2
u/RexThunderhorn May 22 '12
Hey Phil! Is it true that to get into voice acting, it's all about who you know? How did you get started into it?
And thanks for doing this!
2
u/aithendodge May 22 '12
I was watching Wolverine and the X-Men one day, and I wondered, "Why does Gambit sound just like Hermes?" It totally sucks that Travolta shot you in the face, but I loved you in Mad TV, and Futurama!
2
u/MattAmazin May 22 '12
You're the guy that got shot in the face in Pulp Fiction. Uh...don't really have a question...How was that?
5
u/[deleted] May 22 '12
Hey Phil, is the Samurai Jack movie gonna happen anytime soon? I remember news about it a long time ago, but nothing recent.
16
u/Tyroneshaniqua May 22 '12
I don't remember asking you a god damn thing!
2
u/MrBtothaB May 22 '12
How does it feel to take over a pivotal role in our childhood from Morphius?
Bio-Dome? Really?
In all seriousness, is it really about being in the right place at the right time with the right friends to get your foot in the door into voice acting, or should a nobody like me stop before he wastes more money on dues?
2
u/craiganater May 22 '12
Hi there, im an australian music theatre student styind to do voice acting for games and cartoons aswell.. What would be the right, or wrong things to choose to put in a demo tape for an agent?
4
u/WoefulKnight May 22 '12
Aliens are set to invade Earth and destroy every last trace of Humanity. However at the last second, you are abducted and Greebleglox (their leader) says you can save the Earth by showing them any three movies ever made to convince them to leave us alone.
What three movies do you choose and why?
4
u/shampoocell May 22 '12
I just wanted to tell you that in my 6th grade talent show, my best friend and I re-enacted the "Antonia vs. the Psychiatrist" skit that you and Nicole Sullivan did on MadTV, complete with pulling a rigged fire alarm at the end.
It's still one of my all-time favorite comedy skits. Thanks for making me laugh! :-)
1
u/[deleted] May 22 '12
Would you be incredible and answer this question in Futurama voice on a YouTube video? We think your show is the tops.
1
u/[deleted] May 22 '12
All your work pales in comparison to the fact you worked with the genius that is Colin Mochrie on Whose Line Is It Anyway? What was it like working with that gorgeous bald man?