Phil LaMarr, American actor, singer, and screenwriter

Phil LaMarr: A Voice Acting Icon and Versatile Performer

Phil LaMarr, born on January 24, 1967, is a highly acclaimed American actor, comedian, and writer renowned for his remarkable versatility and extensive career spanning live-action comedy, dramatic film, and, most notably, a prolific and influential presence in voice acting. With a career reaching across diverse mediums, LaMarr has left an indelible mark on animation, video games, and sketch comedy, captivating audiences with his distinctive voice and compelling performances.

Early Career and Breakthrough on Mad TV

LaMarr first gained widespread recognition as one of the original featured cast members on the groundbreaking sketch comedy television series Mad TV. Debuting in 1995, this popular late-night fixture on Fox allowed LaMarr to showcase his exceptional comedic range and improvisational skills through a variety of memorable characters, including the highly popular "JaMarcus" and "Officer LaMont," demonstrating his ability to craft distinct personas that resonated with audiences throughout his five seasons on the show.

Iconic Voice Acting Roles in Animation

Phil LaMarr's unparalleled prowess as a voice actor has made him a ubiquitous and beloved presence in animated series for decades. His contributions have shaped some of the most iconic characters and franchises in modern animation:

• John Stewart / Green Lantern: LaMarr brought gravitas and depth to the character of John Stewart, the Green Lantern, in the critically acclaimed DC Animated Universe (DCAU) series Justice League and its sequel, Justice League Unlimited. His portrayal solidified Stewart as a prominent and powerful Black superhero, becoming a definitive voice for the character for many fans.
• Hermes Conrad: In Matt Groening's beloved sci-fi comedy Futurama, LaMarr voices Hermes Conrad, the Jamaican-accented, by-the-book bureaucrat and proud rastafarian. His performance contributes significantly to the show's unique humor and character dynamics, making Hermes a fan favorite across its original run and revivals.
• Samurai Jack: As the titular hero in Genndy Tartakovsky's visually stunning and critically lauded animated action series Samurai Jack, LaMarr delivers a powerful and stoic performance, embodying the character's unwavering resolve and sense of justice in his quest to defeat the demon Aku.
• Static Shock: LaMarr lent his voice to the lead character, Virgil Hawkins, also known as Static, in the popular DC Comics animated series Static Shock. This series, part of the DCAU, was celebrated for its compelling storytelling and its positive representation of a young Black superhero.
• Wilt: In Craig McCracken's imaginative series Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, LaMarr voices Wilt, a gentle, extremely tall, and perpetually apologetic imaginary friend. His warm and kindhearted portrayal made Wilt one of the show's most endearing characters.

Expansive Video Game Portfolio

Beyond traditional animated series, Phil LaMarr has extended his voice talents to a vast array of prominent video game franchises, demonstrating his versatility across various genres and character types. His extensive credits include:

• Metal Gear: Contributions to Hideo Kojima's iconic stealth action series.
• Jak and Daxter: Roles within the popular action-platformer franchise.
• Darksiders: Lending his voice to characters in the fantasy action-adventure series.
• Final Fantasy: Appearances in one of the most celebrated role-playing game franchises globally.
• Infamous: Roles in the superhero action-adventure series.
• Dead Island: Contributions to the survival horror action role-playing game.
• Kingdom Hearts: Providing voices for characters in the acclaimed crossover action RPG series.
• Mortal Kombat: Lending his voice to the brutal fighting game franchise, showcasing his ability to adapt to high-energy roles.

Live-Action and Improv Career Highlights

While his voice work is extensive, Phil LaMarr has also made significant contributions to live-action film and television. His most widely recognized film role is that of Marvin in Quentin Tarantino's seminal 1994 neo-noir black comedy crime film Pulp Fiction. Despite its brevity, his character's memorable demise is one of the film's most iconic and darkly comedic moments. He has also appeared in other feature films such as Kill the Man (1999), Free Enterprise (1999), Cherish (2002), and Manna from Heaven (2002).

Beyond traditional acting, LaMarr is a skilled improvisational comedian, a talent he honed during his time with the acclaimed improv comedy troupe The Groundlings in Los Angeles. This background has served him well in various roles, including his notable appearance as Browntooth the Goblin rogue in "The Goblins," a popular one-shot adventure from Critical Role, the highly acclaimed Dungeons & Dragons web series. His performance showcased his improvisational prowess and comedic timing in the realm of tabletop role-playing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Phil LaMarr

What are Phil LaMarr's most famous voice roles?

Phil LaMarr is widely recognized for voicing John Stewart / Green Lantern in Justice League, Hermes Conrad in Futurama, the titular characters in Samurai Jack and Static Shock, and Wilt in Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, among many others.

Was Phil LaMarr an original cast member of Mad TV?

Yes, Phil LaMarr was one of the original featured cast members of the sketch comedy television series Mad TV, which premiered in 1995. He remained with the show for five seasons, showcasing his comedic talent.

Did Phil LaMarr appear in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction?

Yes, Phil LaMarr played the character of Marvin in Quentin Tarantino's iconic 1994 film Pulp Fiction, known for a memorable and darkly humorous scene.

Has Phil LaMarr done voice work for video games?

Absolutely. Phil LaMarr has an extensive resume in video game voice acting, contributing to major franchises such as Metal Gear, Jak and Daxter, Darksiders, Final Fantasy, Infamous, Dead Island, Kingdom Hearts, and Mortal Kombat, covering a wide range of genres.