Rob Paulsen - Voice Lessons: How a Couple of Ninja Turtles, Pinky, and an Animaniac Saved My Life

Copyright 2019 by Robert Paulsen with Michael Fleeman.

All rights reserved. Except for brief passages quoted in newspaper, magazine, radio, television, or online reviews, no part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording, or by information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Published in the United States by Viva Editions, an imprint of Start Midnight, LLC, 101 Hudson Street, Thirty-Seventh Floor, Suite 3705, Jersey City, NJ 07302.

Printed in the United States.

Cover design: Allyson Fields

Cover image: Lesley Bohm

Text design: Frank Wiedemann

First Edition.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Trade paper ISBN: 978-1-63228-066-4

E-book ISBN: 978-1-63228-122-7

This book is dedicated to the human spirit. It sounds a bit pretentious for a cartoon voice guys story but the examples of utter courage in the everyday heroes cited herein have been and continue to be a source of inspiration, kindness, hope and faith for me. Family, friends and fans: We all fit those categories and we truly are all in this together, kids. So if my story inspires positive action, elicits joy, gives the reader strength... well, that, I believe, is what were all here to do for each other. Narf.

Thank you, Parri, Ash, Pooshie, and Tala. For making me a lottery winner.

Laughters the best medicine: the cool thing is, you cant OD and the refills are free.

Praise for Voice Lessons

As one of the most gifted, prolific, and beloved actors in animation, its no surprise that Rob Paulsens book is fascinating, hugely entertaining, and laugh-out-loud funny. What I wasnt expecting was his candid, inspirational, and ultimately life-affirming account of facing devastating medical issues with such optimism, courage, and determination. I only regret Im too old to play him in the inevitable movie version.

Mark Hamill

Rob is more than relentlessly optimistic, he is a disciplined professional, skilled in the art of positivity. Every session with Rob is a master class in technique and collegiality. It is a privilege to work with him. It is an honor to know him. If I could design a humanitarian award in the world of voice acting, Id call it the Rob and make it a statue of him with a mic sticking out of his head. And the first Rob goes to...Rob.

Sean Astin

Having worked with Rob I knew of the deep well of talent he could draw upon to create the extraordinary range of characters from Animainiacs, to Pinky, to a couple of Ninja Turtles. But it isnt until someone is forced to confront their own mortality that you truly see their mettle. In watching Rob fight his way back to life, I discovered he is a treasure.

Kevin Conroy

Want to know about the world of voiceover from a professional? One who has acted in some of the best-known cartoons ever made? An actor who has been in demand for decades and has the respect of his peers? How about learning by example to face adversity and yet be triumphant? Then this is the book for you.

Andrea Romano, Emmy award-winning casting and voice director

One of the most accomplished and beloved performers in animation, Rob doesnt shy from shameless expression. In this memoir he goes even deeper, sharing his most personal struggles and discoveries along the way. Its a celebration of entertainment and the way it connects us all. Its an inspiring peek behind the magic, exposing the rawness of a performers needs, the fears and insecurity we all share. He shines so brightly, its like a lighthouse guiding your way on a journey youll be glad you took.

Seth Green

I was stunned when I found out Rob had throat cancer. But true to form, he has NEVER been a victim. This page-turner will captivate and amaze you about the human spirit. Rob kills it, like his thousands of characters.

Nancy Cartwright

Rob Paulsen is inspirational to me not only for his legendary characters and ginormous heart, but now also for his incredible tale of strength and survival. I love this man!!! Cancer can go narf itself.

Chris Hardwick

Man, does Rob have skills! I was filled with joy the first time I ever worked with the guy. His story is also one of bravest Ive ever known, because he battled back so valiantly from cancer.

Billy West

One of the most iconic, versatile, recognizable and hard-working voices in this industry, Rob has undoubtedly brought his magic through the world of animation, to the world of real life. He is truly one of the kindest, most inspiring and deeply connected individuals you will ever meet. I get the honor of working with him consistently, and he has without a doubt changed my performances as a voice actress forever. Out of all the many voices that he has portrayed, it is his own that has been the greatest gift to this world.

Kat Graham

Pinky and The Brain fans love to debate about which one is the genius and which ones insane. But as the guy who has shared a microphone with him for many years, I can tell you that in real life, Rob Paulsen is the genius, not only by virtue of his quick, facile mind and legendary skills behind the mic, but of his huge and open heart. As for this book, youll find that, while youre enjoying what starts out as a fun and informative peek behind the curtain into our world, an honest tale of real courage, inner strength, and the redemptive power of human connection sneaks up on you, moves you to your core, and has you hooked to the very last page. While Brain may never admit to loving Pinky, Im totally unashamed to proclaim, I LOVE ROB PAULSEN. You will, too.

Maurice LaMarche a.k.a. The Brain

Since I was a kid, Ive had the pleasure of working with Rob on various animated projects, and I have always learned from watching him work. Now in this latest work, Voice Lessons, I have learned about living optimism. After decades of being entertained by the voices of his beloved characters, its a privilege to experience this candid story told in his own authentic and hilarious voice. As well as being a top-notch entertainer, Rob is a lover of life and a champion of living at your best. Typical of anything that Rob creates, his positivity soars beyond the expected and into a do or die optimism that inspires, uplifts, and dares us all to be better.

Scott Menville, Teen Titans, Teen Titans Go!

VOICE

LESSONS

INTRODUCTION

Pinky Gets Bad News

Pinky, I gotta tell you, dude. I got some bad news.

Is it really bad, Rob?

Yeah, its pretty bad. Maybe you can guess what it is?

Oh no. Wait a minute. Rosie ODonnell is back on network TV?

No.

Im soaking in it?

No.

Oh, you got me all freaked out, Rob. Youve got me all...

Take a breath.

Okay.

Lets put it this way. Im a Pisces, not a Cancer, although it seems I have it.

You what? You have cancer? Are you going to die?

Well, I suppose I could. I dont really know yet.

Well, whos gonna pay for this car?

You dont drive.

Yeah, but you do, you idiotand they call me the dumb one! Dont you die on me, I need food pelletsand maybe even a reboot someday.

I can talk to Pinky all day. I have a comfortable enough knowledge of the way he pronounces words, the phrases he would use, the ways he interacts with other charactersand human beingsthat my brain shuts down and Pinky takes over. Rob checks out, and Pinky checks in.