The Incredibles and Shrek 2 tied for favorite all-time animated features. © 2004 Disney Enterprises Inc./Pixar Animation Studios. All rights reserved; Courtesy of DreamWorks Pictures.

8. Do you feel voice-actors are appropriately acknowledged for the work they do?
In other words, do the awards ceremonies (Emmys, Oscars, Annies) properly commend the voice-artists for what they do to contribute to the project? Unanimously a big fat no! This was a 100%, unequivocal no. Most of the comments focused on the difference between being a celebrity and being a “real voice-actor” and that the awards shows (the Emmys, the Annies and the Oscars) do not properly acknowledge those of us who have dedicated their whole career to doing so many different types of voices and characters.

A majority agreed that this lack of “official” acceptance somehow seem to degrade those voice-artists whose faces aren’t as well known. I find this information truly encouraging, but I need no convincing. It might take a concerted effort on the part of voice-actors everywhere to make a significant change in how the industry views and ultimately rewards this particular group of artists.

Anyone up for the challenge?

9. What are your top three favorite animated television shows? 32% The Simpsons; 13% Family Guy; 9% Futurama. Other favorites included: Animaniacs, Kim Possible, SpongeBob SquarePants and Rocky and Bullwinkle.

10. What are your top three favorite animated feature films?
Coming in at a tie, 15% The Incredibles and Shrek 2; 12% Toy Story and 8% for Aladdin, Little Mermaid and The Lion King. Other favorites included, but not limited to: Beauty and the Beast; Cowboy Bebop; Finding Nemo and Over the Hedge.

How many conversations can Tom Kenny have with himself?

11. If I could write an article about any topic having to do with the voice-over industry, what would that article be?
The responses to this were both hilarious and insightful. Just a few include: “How many conversations can Tom Kenny have with himself? “How do you get started?” “Why is there a disproportionate number of jobs for men vs. women?” “How to have the strongest voice possible?” “What types of production personalities make it easier for you to get your job done? And many more interesting subjects to be used in future articles.

12. What burning questions do you feel have not been answered by me in any of the articles you have read up to this point?
Most people responded with thanks and appreciation.

In closing, just so you don’t think I’m not appreciative, I want to once again say “Thank you!” for taking the time to cut and paste and to give such clear and insightful answers. I am going to have a great time coming up with my next years’ worth of articles. You guys rock! I hope this has been as interesting for you as it has been for me.

In the meantime, keep your ears to the ground and yours eyes wide open, you never know when a sound, a sight, or even a smell might tickle something inside you that might eventually, someday end up on the big screen. Good luck on your journey!

My best,
Nancy

Nancy Cartwright is best known as the voice of spiky-headed Bart Simpson on The Simpsons. She has voiced dozens of cartoon characters in her career that has spanned more than 20 years. Currently, she can be heard as the voice of Rufus the Naked Mole Rat on Disney’s Kim Possible and Chuckie on Rugrats and All Grown Up. To learn more about Nancy’s career, listen to her audio book My Life as a 10-Year-Old Boy.