Maurice LaMarche, born on March 30, 1958, in Toronto, Ontario, is a Canadian voice actor and comedian known for his exceptional contributions to the world of animation. With a career spanning decades, he has lent his voice to an array of iconic characters, captivating audiences with his remarkable talent. Let’s take a closer look at Maurice LaMarche, his impressive filmography, and some interesting aspects of his life.
Early Life
Maurice LaMarche’s journey into the world of entertainment began in his childhood. Growing up in Timmins, Ontario, he found solace in the realm of cartoons and ’60s television. However, it wasn’t until high school that he discovered his extraordinary talent for mimicry, which would ultimately shape his career. His knack for impersonations was on full display during a high school “variety night,” where he performed an act titled “celebrities as waiters.” Little did he know that this performance would be the catalyst for his future in entertainment.
Remarkably, one of his schoolmates during this time was none other than the renowned comedian Mike Myers, hinting at the budding talent within their school’s walls.
Stand-Up Comedy
At just nineteen years old, Maurice LaMarche took his high school act to the bustling comedy scene of New York City. His early experiences were met with indifference from the audience, but he remained undeterred. He continued to refine his craft, performing in comedy clubs across the United States and sharing the stage with comedy legends like Rodney Dangerfield, George Carlin, and Howie Mandel.
During this period, he even made appearances on popular shows like “The Merv Griffin Show” and “An Evening At The Improv.” Despite the growing interest in his comedic talents, LaMarche believed he needed funnier material to truly excel.
In 1985, he was part of the HBO production “Rodney Dangerfield Hosts the 9th Annual Young Comedians Special,” alongside other rising comedians. While his performance was well-received, LaMarche believed that he was still a few years away from reaching his full comedic potential.
Unfortunately, personal tragedies struck as he grappled with the murder of his father in 1987, followed by the loss of his 18-year-old sister in a car accident in 1990. These heartbreaking events led him to retire from stand-up comedy, feeling that he had exhausted his comedic reserves.
Voice Acting: An Uncharted Path
Maurice LaMarche’s foray into voice acting began in 1980 with animated Canadian TV specials, “Easter Fever” and “Take Me Up to the Ball Game.” His talent was undeniable, and he soon became a regular voice performer on Toronto’s cult TV hit, “The All-Night Show.”
After moving to Los Angeles in 1981, it took a few years for LaMarche to establish himself in the American voiceover industry. His journey began with “Inspector Gadget” in 1985, where he voiced various characters. He went on to contribute his voice to numerous beloved shows like “The Real Ghostbusters,” where he portrayed Egon Spengler, and “Tiny Toon Adventures.”
However, it was his role as “The Brain” in “Animaniacs” and its spin-off, “Pinky and the Brain,” that catapulted him to voice acting stardom. LaMarche’s portrayal of The Brain was a masterful impersonation of Orson Welles, a character that won him an Annie Award and an Emmy nomination.
Prolific Career in Animation
Maurice LaMarche’s voice resonated across a wide spectrum of animated shows. He became a mainstay in the industry with roles in series like “Futurama,” where he voiced several characters, including Kif Kroker, Calculon, Morbo, Hedonismbot, and Lrrr. His brilliant work on “Futurama” earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance.
His talents extended to “The Critic,” “Freakazoid!,” “The Tick,” “Hey Arnold!,” and “Queer Duck.” Notably, he also reprised his role as Egon Spengler in “Extreme Ghostbusters.”
In addition to television, LaMarche’s voice graced the big screen. He famously dubbed the voice of Orson Welles over Vincent D’Onofrio’s performance in “Ed Wood” and voiced characters in films like “Space Jam” and “Team America: World Police.” His unique vocal abilities enriched various animated feature films, including Disney’s “Zootopia” and “Frozen.”
Commercials and Beyond
Beyond television and film, Maurice LaMarche’s vocal talents were sought after in the world of commercials. He became the voice of iconic characters like Kellogg’s Froot Loops spokesbird Toucan Sam and the animated Willy Wonka in Nestlé’s Willy Wonka Candy Company commercials. His narration skills even graced Lexus commercials.
In the realm of theme parks, he provided the voice for Yosemite Sam in the “Yosemite Sam and the Gold River Adventure!” dark ride at Six Flags Over Texas.
Personal Life
Maurice LaMarche’s personal life has also been notable. He married Robin G. Eisenman on May 19, 1991, and they have a son named Jonathan.
Filmography
LaMarche’s filmography is extensive, featuring a wide range of roles in animated films. Some notable films featuring his voice acting include “Rock & Rule,” “Cool World,” “Ed Wood,” “Space Jam,” “Futurama: Bender’s Big Score,” “Wreck-It Ralph,” “Frozen,” and “Zootopia.”
Maurice LaMarche’s remarkable career in voice acting has left an indelible mark on the world of animation and entertainment. His talent for impersonations, distinct character portrayals, and versatility have endeared him to audiences of all ages. Whether as “The Brain” in “Animaniacs” or his numerous characters in “Futurama,” LaMarche’s contributions to the industry continue to be celebrated and cherished by fans worldwide.