The critically acclaimed adult animated series Bojack Horseman, created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg, debuted on Netflix in 2014 and came to an end after 6 seasons in 2020. Over its impressive run, the show gathered praise for its raw depiction of issues like depression, addiction, and the emptiness of fame. A huge part of what made the series so impactful was its talented cast of voice actors, who helped breathe life into the show’s anthropomorphic animal characters.
Leading the pack was Will Arnett as the nominal horse, Bojack, alongside Amy Sedaris as his agent and on-again-off-again girlfriend, Princess Carolyn. Other standout voice performances came from Aaron Paul, Alison Brie, and Paul F. Tompkins. This article will highlight the main voice actors on Bojack Horseman and discuss their contributions to the show’s lasting success.
The Main Cast
Will Arnett as BoJack Horseman
People are more curious to know who voices BoJack Horseman. He’s none other than Will Arnett as the voice of BoJack Horseman. Will gave a rough, gritty voice to BoJack that perfectly matched the former sitcom star’s bitter outlook and habits of self-destruction. With his deep, gravelly voice, Arnett was able to convey BoJack’s sarcasm, self-hatred, and moments of sadness in a way that made him a complex and relatable character. Arnett’s skill in delivering BoJack’s funny quips, angry rants, and vulnerability was key in bringing the character to life.
Aaron Paul as Todd Chavez
As the cheerful slacker Todd, Aaron Paul used a very enthusiastic and goofy voice that captured Todd’s obliviousness and good heart. Paul was excellent at delivering Todd’s silly one-liners and absurd tangents in a lovable way. But Paul also voiced Todd’s personal growth and real emotion as he figured out adulthood and formed meaningful connections. The warmth Paul gave Todd was a great counterbalance to BoJack’s negativity.
Alison Brie as Diane Nguyen
Alison Brie adeptly portrayed the many layers to Diane’s character through clear speech and thoughtful delivery. Brie perfectly captured Diane’s intelligence, social critiques, self-doubt, and depression using emotional range in her voice. Brie was able to convey Diane’s quick wit, inner frustrations, and deep sadness in a way that made Diane one of the most realistic characters.
Amy Sedaris as Princess Carolyn
As Princess Carolyn, Amy Sedaris blended deadpan humor, drive, and vulnerability through expertly timed quips and emotional tones. Sedaris delivered Princess Carolyn’s funny one-liners with dry understatement. But she also voiced the character’s inner struggles with poignant feeling. Sedaris highlighted Princess Carolyn’s strength as an agent as well as her romantic troubles beautifully.
Paul F. Tompkins as Mr. Peanutbutter
Paul F. Tompkins brought lots of energy and optimism to Mr. Peanutbutter through upbeat tones and excellent comedic timing. Tompkins showcased Mr. Peanutbutter’s silly and loyal personality with a lively, enthusiastic delivery. But at times, Tompkins hinted at the character’s inner loneliness by breaking his happy facade. The dynamic vocal performance was key to portraying the character fully.
Supporting Characters
Aparna Nancherla as Hollyhock Manheim-Mannheim-Guerrero-Robinson-Zilberschlag-Hsung-Fonzerelli-McQuack
Aparna Nancherla brought earnest warmth and vulnerability to the role of Hollyhock, BoJack’s long-lost half-sister. With her expressive vocal tones, Nancherla convincingly portrayed Hollyhock’s youthful spirit and innocence as she connected with BoJack. Nancherla’s portrayal captured Hollyhock’s guilelessness along with her resilience in building a relationship with her troubled brother.
Margo Martindale as herself
As a fictionalized version of herself, Margo Martindale’s cameo was a comedic standout. Martindale’s exaggerated line delivery and larger-than-life charisma made her scenes memorable and hilarious. Martindale leaned into the exaggerated persona with perfect comic timing and self-deprecating charm. Her performance was a fan favorite.
Stanley Tucci as Herb Kazzaz
Stanley Tucci brought gravitas and complexity to the role of Herb Kazzaz, BoJack’s former mentor and friend. With insightful nuance, Tucci voiced Herb’s witty banter with BoJack as well as his deep hurt and quiet regret after their falling out. Tucci’s thoughtful performance captured the weight of Herb’s impact on BoJack’s early career and his lasting influence.
Kristen Schaal as Sarah Lynn
Kristen Schaal presented herself by voicing Sarah Lynn and another very different character. As Sarah Lynn, Schaal affectingly portrayed the former child star’s struggles with sensitivity and sorrow. As the rebellious teen Hollyhock, Schaal hilariously captured her gung-ho spirit and vibrant personality. Schaal’s vocal range brought both characters to life memorably.
J.K. Simmons as Lenny Turtletaub
J.K. Simmons voiced the bombastic yet insightful film producer Lenny Turtletaub with charisma and humor. Simmons’ authoritative delivery and matchless cadence made Lenny leap off the screen. Though larger than life, Simmons also conveyed Lenny’s intelligence in recognizing BoJack’s talents and demons alike.
How Many Seasons of BoJack Horseman
“BoJack Horseman” consists of a total of 6 seasons. The series originally premiered on Netflix in August 2014 and concluded with its sixth season, which was released in two parts. The final episodes were made available to viewers in January 2020, marking the end of the show’s run. Throughout its six-season run, “BoJack Horseman” received critical acclaim for its writing, character development, and exploration of complex themes such as mental health, addiction, and the entertainment industry.
Final Words
All in all, the voices in “BoJack Horseman” made the characters feel real and relatable, adding humor and heart to the show. From BoJack’s struggles to Todd’s charm, each voice actor brought something special to their role, making the series unforgettable. As we say goodbye to the show, we remember the talented cast of Bojack Horseman who made it so memorable. “BoJack Horseman” will always be cherished for its honesty, humor, and the amazing characters it brought to life, thanks to the incredible voice actors who lent their voices to the series.