Heilman & Haver - Episode 50 (Guest Rob Paulsen)

Welcome to Heilman & Haver - Episode 50.  We hope you enjoy the show!

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Catch "CLUE" on the BCT Mainstage

Running through November 21st, it’s "CLUE" - the play, based on the film, based on the board game!  Several of our talented friends are involved in this classic who-done-it, and Greg and I sat down with them and the rest of the cast for a special behind-the-scenes preview, available now on our YouTube channel.  Find Greg’s review of the show on our Facebook page and get your tickets for CLUE now, at bctshows.com.

“A Classic Christmas" with Jeremy Arnold

Saturday, December 18th, Jeremy Arnold will join us at the Roxy for a one-of-a-kind roundtable discussion before a “It’s a Wonderful Life” hits the Roxy big screen.  Plan to come early for a matinee showing of “White Christmas” and stay for the holiday bites and wine before we hit the stage with Jeremy.  We’ll also enjoy a special Christmas message from "Zuzu" herself, Karolyn Grimes.  Get more info on the Roxy’s Facebook page at @bremertonroxy.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT:  Voice Actor Rob Paulsen

We’re pleased to ring in our 50th episode with a man who has given voice to some of the most popular and timeless animated characters of our generation.  Rob Paulsen was born in Detroit, MI, and at an early age, fell in love with the talents of comedians like Pat Paulsen, Foster Brooks, Red Skelton, Carol Burnett, Jonathan Winters, Peter Sellers, and the cast of Monty Python.  His first role as an entertainer was as a singer, which trained his ear, eye, and voice to work together in a wide array of styles.

Rob hit LA in the 1970’s intending to be a live action actor but quickly fell under the spell of the Groundlings, the legendary Los Angeles’ comedy/improv troupe, where he befriended and worked with Phil Hartman, Paul Reubens, Lynne Marie Stewart, John Paragon, Cassandra Peterson, and Laraine Newman.  His skills honed, he landed his first voice gig on “GI Joe” which opened the door to Hanna-Barbera and veteran director Gordon Hunt, who cast Rob as one of Rob favorite characters from boyhood, Hadji, in a revival of the classic series “Jonny Quest.”

That early success came right at the advent of the cable revolution and the millennial baby boom, and a sudden demand for family-oriented programming that would enchant young viewers as well as their parents.  Disney, Warner Brothers, and Hanna-Barbera all started reviving old series and creating new ones, while networks like Nickelodeon and other syndication outlets began demanding more original daytime programming and Rob and his colleagues were part of it all.

Rob is best known for bringing life to beloved characters like Yakko on “Animaniacs”, Raphael on “TMNT”, Pinky and Dr. Scratchansniff on “Pinky and the Brain”, Carl Wheezer on “The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius”, and many, many more throughout a career spanning five decades.

After fighting a successful battle with throat cancer in 2016, a story detailed in his 2019 memoir “Voice Lessons”, Rob is back and busier than ever and still one of the hardest working, most in-demand, and beloved voice artists in the industry.  In 2020 he reprised his role as Yakko in a reboot of “Animaniacs” on Hulu and has set new dates for his live show, “Animaniacs In Concert!”, performed with live music in symphony halls and theatres around the country. He is an outspoken advocate for people battling cancer and frequently makes time to bring joy and comfort to fans of all ages, all over the world.  Rob joined us from his home in San Simeon, CA.

Rob on Twitter: @yakkopinky

Rob on Instagram: @rob_paulsen

Buy Rob's memoir: "Voice Lessons" on Amazon

COMING UP NEXT WEEK 

Join us Friday, November 12th, for the second half of our interview with Rob, when he’ll share some of his technique as an actor behind the mic.