Central Floridians may recognize the voices of Yakko from “Animaniacs,” Pinky from “Pinky & The Brain,” Carl Wheezer from “Jimmy Neutron” and Raphael and Donatello from “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” at Fanboy Expo. Voice actor Rob Paulsen is excited to see his fans Aug. 20-21 at the event.
“I’m a blue-collar worker in the dream factory when we go to these events,” he said. “It’s about inclusion, joy, fun, kindness. It’s about all that pop culture, the experience it elicits in people.”
Whether it’s a family who bonded over watching “Animaniacs” or a foster child who once gained strength from “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” Paulsen loves to hear his fans’ stories.
“When they talk to me about the characters that I’ve done, it is the most incredible thing,” Paulsen said. “It’s not about my paycheck. It is a pure expression of joy and love, and I am the one who’s the most grateful beneficiary.”
But Paulsen emphasizes that bringing these beloved cartoons to life involves teamwork between talent, writers, artists and more.
“Actors are the ones who get to go out and enjoy all the lovely accolades and the kindness from the fans,” he said. “It is a deeply collaborative effort, and were it not for all those other fine folks, I wouldn’t have this opportunity.”
As a throat cancer survivor, Paulsen is taking precautions to ensure his health and safety at the convention. He will use a face mask throughout the event and acrylic barriers during meet-and-greets. He’s also limiting interaction.
“I don’t want it to be, for the fan, a less than wonderful experience,” Paulsen said. “People come up to me all the time and I start speaking like Pinky … and they ask if they can hug me, and I usually say, ‘Of course, you can!’ It’s the most wonderful thing in the world. But I can’t do that right now.”
Paulsen has voiced characters for almost 40 years, and that experience often pays off at auditions. Producers and writers have a comprehensive breakdown of the ideal voice, but sometimes they ask actors for input.
“I love that because that means it’s now my turn to show them what my 40 years of experience brings,” he said. “Often, it’s ended up with me getting a job.”
For his characters, Paulsen draws inspiration everywhere. For Pinky, he drew from Monty Python, Peter Sellers and “The Goon Show.” He infused the vibe of Groucho Marx into Yakko and Raphael (adding”a ‘tude that was decidedly more aggressive”).
“I have been adding sort of character arrows in my quiver pretty much since I can remember,” he said, noting he relished the laughter his performances garnered from family members growing up. “If you’re a kid and you’re predisposed to being a bit of a goofball, when somebody pours gas on that fire up, then you’re hooked.”
While he said his favorite project is “always the next one” because it means he’s working, if he had to pick specific roles he’s proudest of, Paulsen points to “Animaniacs” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” He returned to voice Donatello in the Nickelodeon reboot “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” as well as Yakko and Pinky in Hulu’s “Animaniacs” revival (the second season debuts Nov. 5).
“Now we have a fan base that is exponentially larger,” he said. “Anytime you get to work on something and you’re part of the creation of a brand-new character that turns out to be arguably iconic, it really doesn’t get any better to get another shot at it.”
Paulsen continues to work on the “Animaniacs” series. He also hosts the Talkin’ Toons with Rob Paulsen podcast in which he interviews voice actors. And he unites with his “Animaniacs” castmates and writer/producer/composer Randy Rogel for Animaniacs in Concert, bringing the show’s music and animation throughout the U.S.
“People just freak out and they sing the songs,” Paulsen said. “It’s really quite humbling and an awful lot of fun, so I’m luckily a pretty busy old Ninja Turtle.”
More info
Fanboy Expo takes place Aug. 20-22 at Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive (8001 International Drive in Orlando). Hours are 4-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. If purchased in advance, tickets cost $30 on Friday or after 3 p.m. Saturday ($33 at the door); $40 on Saturday ($44 at the door); $35 on Sunday ($39 at the door); $95 for the weekend ($105 at the door); $199 for two kids and two adults; $20 for ages 6-12 daily ($22 at the door); or $45 for ages 6-12 for the weekend ($50 at the door). VIP and premium ticket packages are also available, ranging in price from $129 to $799. Photo ops and autographs cost extra and vary by celebrity, but Q&A sessions are included with admission. For more information, go to fanboyexpo.com/orlando.
Watch the original “Pinky & The Brain” and “Animaniacs” as well as reboots “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and “Steven Spielberg Presents Animaniacs” (with appearances from Pinky and The Brain) on Hulu. For more information about the concert series, go to animaniacslive.com.
Want to reach out? Email me at kchristiansen@orlandosentinel.com. For more fun things, follow @fun.things.orlando on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
