The Lives of Tom Kenny and Bill Fagerbakke: A Look Behind the Voices of SpongeBob
Summary
In this article, we dive into the lives of Tom Kenny and Bill Fagerbakke, the voices behind the beloved characters of SpongeBob SquarePants and his best friend Patrick Star. We learn about their unique audition processes, their personal lives, and their impressive careers in the entertainment industry.
Table of Contents
- Tom Kenny’s Work and Personal Life
- Bill Fagerbakke’s Journey to SpongeBob
- The Voices of SpongeBob and Patrick
- Conclusion
Tom Kenny’s Work and Personal Life
Tom Kenny is a 58-year-old man who has become a household name due to his work in the entertainment industry. He is most well-known for his work on SpongeBob SquarePants, where he voices the titular character, as well as various other characters in the show. Kenny also works from home on other projects, such as Rick and Morty and Futurama. Despite his success, Kenny remains humble and admits that he sometimes forgets which characters he voices in various shows.
Kenny is married to actress Jill Talley, who also works on SpongeBob SquarePants as the voice of Karen, Plankton’s computer wife. The couple has been together for over 30 years and has two children together.
Bill Fagerbakke’s Journey to SpongeBob
Bill Fagerbakke, on the other hand, had a non-traditional audition process for his role as Patrick Star. Fagerbakke, who is now 63 years old and stands at an impressive 6’6″, was cast in the show by creator Steven Hillenburg after a chance encounter at a party. Hillenburg was impressed with Fagerbakke’s humor and asked him to audition for the role of Patrick.
Fagerbakke, who was called Sputnik for six weeks after he was born, has had an impressive career in the entertainment industry, including roles in Coach and How I Met Your Mother. He also attends Comic-Cons and other events, where he is accessible to fans of SpongeBob SquarePants.
The Voices of SpongeBob and Patrick
Despite their different paths to the show, both Kenny and Fagerbakke have become integral parts of the SpongeBob SquarePants universe. Kenny’s portrayal of SpongeBob has earned him the nickname “the Mel Blanc of our day,” referring to the legendary voice actor who brought Bugs Bunny and other iconic characters to life. Meanwhile, Fagerbakke’s deep voice and unique approach to the character of Patrick have made him a fan favorite.
Interestingly, Fagerbakke revealed that he does the voice of Patrick by taking a deep breath and using his torso to create the character’s signature sound. Kenny, on the other hand, has a multiple personality disorder and enjoys doing the voice of SpongeBob as it allows him to tap into his playful side.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the lives of Tom Kenny and Bill Fagerbakke are just as interesting as the characters they bring to life on SpongeBob SquarePants. From their unique audition processes to their personal lives, these two actors have left a lasting impact on the world of entertainment. As fans of the show, we are grateful for their contributions and look forward to seeing what they do next.
