Voice-A-Versa: Finding My Voice(s) Behind the Mic

From the voice behind Ren & Stimpy, Doug, Bugs Bunny, nearly half the main Futurama characters, and much more, a revealing memoir of life before—and in front of—the mic

Billy West is one the most accomplished and beloved voice actors alive today. He’s brought to life original animated characters like Stimpy from Ren & Stimpy, Doug Funnie, and Philip J. Fry, Dr. Zoidberg, Zapp Brannigan, and Professor Farnsworth (and more) on Futurama. And he’s played iconic characters like Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd in Space Jam, Popeye, and Woody Woodpecker.

Chances are, he’s made you laugh many times. You might even know some of his lines by heart.

In Voice-A-Versa, West recounts his remarkable life in show business and the circuitous route that got him there, from a radio-call in contest that led to skits on morning radio in Boston, to a one-off appearance on The Howard Stern Show that turned into a regular role, to a big move to Hollywood, and legendary roles working with other talented creators.

But West’s life story is deeper and darker than that, and this memoir reveals the traumatic upbringing that scarred and shaped him, and which gave birth to the “Billy-verse” of voices.