Hilarious Voice Talents by Seth MacFarlane on The Graham Norton Show

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Challenge of Voice Acting
3. Characters in Family Guy
   1. Peter Griffin
   2. Brian Griffin
   3. Stewie Griffin
   4. Quagmire
   5. Other Characters
4. The Inspiration Behind the Characters
   1. Peter Griffin's Inspiration
   2. Stewie Griffin's Inspiration
   3. Quagmire's Inspiration
5. Recording Process and Table Reads
6. The Nakedness of Voice Acting
7. Seth MacFarlane's Vaudeville Humor
8. Other Actors Who Do Voices on the Show
9. Unique Voice Acting Moments
   1. Emily Blunt's TC Goat Noise
   2. Seth MacFarlane's Donald Duck
   3. Seth MacFarlane's Liam Neeson Impression
10. Conclusion

Voice Acting in Family Guy

Voice acting is no easy task, especially when it comes to portraying multiple characters in a show like Family Guy. Seth MacFarlane, the creator of the show, faces the challenge of bringing to life a wide range of iconic characters with distinct voices. From Peter Griffin to Stewie Griffin and Quagmire, each character has their own unique voice and personality. In this article, we will explore the world of voice acting in Family Guy, Delve into the inspirations behind the characters, and uncover the behind-the-scenes process of recording the show.

The Challenge of Voice Acting

As an actor, it can be challenging to switch between different characters and voices. However, for Seth MacFarlane, the transition from acting to voice acting was smoother than expected. Having already been a part of Family Guy as a Writer and director, MacFarlane found it less daunting to step into the recording booth and lend his voice to the various characters. He had developed a knack for quickly switching off his own identity and immersing himself in the characters he portrays.

Characters in Family Guy

Peter Griffin

One of Seth MacFarlane's most iconic characters is Peter Griffin. He revealed that Peter Griffin's voice was inspired by the many people he encountered while growing up in New England. MacFarlane knew countless individuals who lacked a self-editing mechanism and would blurt out anything that came to mind without thinking. This lack of a filter became the basis for Peter Griffin's unique voice and mannerisms.

Brian Griffin

Another prominent character in Family Guy is Brian Griffin, the anthropomorphic dog. Unlike Peter Griffin, Brian's voice does not rely on any specific person or inspiration. Brian's voice came naturally to MacFarlane, and he did not have a specific reference point when creating the voice for this beloved character.

Stewie Griffin

Stewie Griffin, the diabolical yet adorable baby of the Griffin family, has a distinct voice that is Based on Rex Harrison. MacFarlane has always been a fan of Harrison's voice, which he describes as sophisticated and articulate. The voice for Stewie initially started as an impression of the renowned actor, but MacFarlane added his own unique twist to it, giving Stewie his distinct personality.

Quagmire

The infamous character Quagmire has a voice that was heavily influenced by old radio dramas from the 1940s and 1950s. MacFarlane's father used to buy him these dramas, complete with original commercials. The high-pitched voices in the advertisements stuck with MacFarlane, and he incorporated that style into Quagmire's voice. Quagmire's voice serves as a nostalgic nod to the radio dramas of yesteryears.

Other Characters

Aside from the main characters, Seth MacFarlane lends his voice to various other characters in Family Guy. These characters may not have specific inspirations or references and are a result of MacFarlane's creativity and vocal range.

The Inspiration Behind the Characters

The characters in Family Guy are brought to life through the talented voice acting of Seth MacFarlane. Each character has their own unique voice, which is based on various inspirations and personal experiences.

Peter Griffin's Inspiration

Peter Griffin's voice is a homage to the people Seth MacFarlane encountered while growing up in New England. The essence of Peter's voice originated from the countless individuals who lacked a filter and would speak without thinking, resulting in humorous and sometimes outrageous situations.

Stewie Griffin's Inspiration

Stewie Griffin's voice draws inspiration from Rex Harrison, an actor known for his sophisticated and articulate voice. MacFarlane was a big fan of Harrison and incorporated elements of his voice into Stewie's character, creating a juxtaposition between a diabolical baby and a refined accent.

Quagmire's Inspiration

Quagmire's voice finds its roots in the old radio dramas that Seth MacFarlane used to listen to as a kid. The commercials in these dramas featured high-pitched voices that stuck with him. When creating Quagmire's voice, MacFarlane drew upon his memories of those old radio advertisements, resulting in the distinctive voice we know today.

Recording Process and Table Reads

When recording Family Guy, Seth MacFarlane follows a unique approach. During table reads, where the cast gathers to read the script together, MacFarlane jumps back and forth between characters, portraying each one individually. However, during the actual recording Sessions, he takes it one line at a time, ensuring perfection in each delivery. This method allows him to fully embody the characters without getting overwhelmed by the multitude of voices.

The Nakedness of Voice Acting

Voice acting requires actors to strip away their physical presence and rely solely on their voices to convey emotions and portray characters. Seth MacFarlane describes the experience as being emotionally and physically naked. He believes that voice actors must expose their true selves and be completely vulnerable to successfully bring characters to life.

Seth MacFarlane's Vaudeville Humor

Seth MacFarlane's comedic style often includes references to old vaudeville humor. This style is evident in the dialogue and jokes featured in Family Guy. MacFarlane incorporates elements of classic vaudeville acts, such as wordplay, slapstick comedy, and recurring gags, adding to the show's unique Charm.

Other Actors Who Do Voices on the Show

While Seth MacFarlane is the primary voice actor on Family Guy, he is not the only one who lends his voice to the characters. There are other actors involved in the show who bring their own distinct voices to the table. This collaborative effort adds depth and variety to the voices heard in each episode.

Unique Voice Acting Moments

Within Family Guy, there have been Memorable moments where actors showcased their vocal talents in unique ways.

Emily Blunt's TC Goat Noise

Emily Blunt, a guest star on the show, surprised everyone with her talent for making a goat noise. This unexpected skill became a highlight of her appearance, showcasing the versatility and talent of actors involved in voice acting.

Seth MacFarlane's Donald Duck

Seth MacFarlane is known for his ability to imitate various voices, including Donald Duck. His impression of the classic Disney character adds a whimsical touch to moments on the show, further highlighting his vocal range and comedic prowess.

Seth MacFarlane's Liam Neeson Impression

In one episode, Seth MacFarlane parodied Liam Neeson's famous "Taken" phone call speech but with a twist. Instead of using his own voice, MacFarlane performed the speech as Kermit the Frog, creating a hilarious and memorable voice acting moment.

Conclusion

Voice acting is a crucial component of the success of Family Guy. Through the talent and creativity of Seth MacFarlane, each character is brought to life with their distinct voice and personality. From the inspirations behind each voice to the recording process, this article has explored the fascinating world of voice acting in Family Guy. By diving into the behind-the-scenes details, we gain a deeper appreciation for the skill and artistry involved in bringing animated characters to life through the power of voice.