Episode 50: How Do You Voice Act? - features legendary voice actor Billy West as he shares how he brings animated characters to life, from Fry, Dr. Zoidberg, and Professor Farnsworth in Futurama to Bugs Bunny in the original Space Jam.
Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a candid conversation with Billy West, the legendary voice actor behind some of animation’s most beloved shows. With a career spanning Futurama, The Ren & Stimpy Show, Doug, Looney Tunes, and countless commercials, Billy opens up about how voice acting really works—what happens behind the mic, how actors shape characters, and why the voices we hear can leave a lasting impact on our emotions and identity.
Listen as Billy also shares heartfelt stories from decades in the industry, advice for aspiring voice actors, and a reminder that behind every cartoon is a human voice shaped by experience, humor, and resilience.
In this episode we discuss:
- 00:27- Introducing Billy West
- 01:29 - Becoming a Voice Actor
- 18:23 - Voice Acting Industry
- 22:26 - Creating a Voice
- 26:15 - Impact on Health
- 31:20 - Recording Process
- 34:33 - Replicating a Voice
- 36:33 - Advice for Others
- 41:31 - Evolution of the Industry
- 45:50 - Learning More
- 53:31 - Conclusion
Resources:
- IMDB
- Billy's Website
This episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music here