Will Arnett, Canadian actor and producer

William Emerson Arnett, born on May 4, 1970, is a highly recognizable Canadian actor and comedian whose distinctive baritone voice and talent for deadpan humor have cemented his place in both live-action and animated entertainment. His career is characterized by a blend of critically acclaimed roles in cult classic television series and widespread appeal in major film franchises, showcasing his versatility and unique comedic timing.

A Career Defined by Iconic Characters

Arnett is perhaps most widely celebrated for his portrayal of George "Gob" Bluth II in the groundbreaking Fox/Netflix series Arrested Development. From its initial run (2003–2006) through its Netflix revivals (2013, 2018–2019), Gob's misguided magical illusions, questionable life choices, and unforgettable Segway entrances became a cornerstone of the show's unique comedic style, earning him multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

Beyond live-action, Arnett lent his voice to another titular character that would become a cultural phenomenon: BoJack Horseman in the critically lauded Netflix animated series (2014–2020). As the cynical, washed-up equine actor navigating Hollywood, Arnett's performance imbued BoJack with a complex blend of self-loathing, vulnerability, and occasional flashes of sincerity, earning him an Annie Award for Voice Acting in a Television Production.

Live-Action Film Appearances

Arnett’s presence on the big screen often sees him in comedic roles, leveraging his ability to play characters who are either charmingly oblivious or hilariously self-important. His filmography includes a range of titles where he typically brings a unique energy to ensemble casts. Notable appearances include the satirical comedy Let’s Go To Prison (2006), the figure skating spoof Blades Of Glory (2007), the basketball comedy Semi-Pro (2008), the family adventure G-Force (2009), the action-fantasy Western Jonah Hex (2010), and the family film Show Dogs (2018).

The Power of His Voice: Voice Acting Roles

One of Arnett's most distinctive assets is his deep, resonant baritone voice, which has made him a sought-after talent in the world of voice acting. He has brought a diverse array of animated characters to life, often with a signature blend of gravitas and comedic flair. His voice credits span beloved animated features such as Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006), Pixar’s acclaimed Ratatouille (2007), Dr. Seuss's Horton Hears a Who! (2008), Monsters vs. Aliens (2009), the global hit Despicable Me (2010), The Nut Job (2014), and Dolittle (2020).

Perhaps his most iconic voice role is that of Batman within The Lego Movie franchise, a portrayal that perfectly captured the character's brooding intensity while hilariously subverting it with comedic self-awareness and vanity, earning him widespread praise and a dedicated fanbase.

Accolades and Ongoing Projects

Arnett's talent has not gone unnoticed by industry peers. In addition to his Annie Award win for BoJack Horseman, he has received multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations. While many of these were for his work on Arrested Development, he also garnered a nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his memorable appearances on the critically acclaimed sitcom 30 Rock, where he often played the role of Devon Banks, a cutthroat network executive.

His collaboration with The LEGO Group extends beyond his voice work as Batman. In a natural evolution of his connection to the brand, Fox Network announced him as the host of their popular competition show LEGO Masters, which premiered on February 5, 2020. Arnett brings his signature wit and enthusiasm to this unique platform, guiding contestants through intricate building challenges.

Since July 2020, Arnett has also delighted audiences as a co-host of the highly successful comedy podcast SmartLess, alongside fellow actors Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes. The podcast features candid conversations with celebrity guests, offering listeners an engaging and often hilarious peek into their lives and careers.

In 2022, Arnett further showcased his improvisational skills by starring in the six-part Netflix improvised comedy series Murderville. In this innovative show, he plays Terry Seattle, a detective who, along with a rotating cast of celebrity guest stars (who are unaware of the script), must solve a murder, leading to genuinely spontaneous and comedic moments.

Frequently Asked Questions about Will Arnett

What is Will Arnett best known for?

Will Arnett is widely recognized for his roles as Gob Bluth in Arrested Development, the titular character in BoJack Horseman, and as the voice of Batman in The Lego Movie franchise.

What kind of voice acting does Will Arnett typically do?

He is known for his distinctive baritone voice, which he uses to portray a range of characters from comedic and deadpan to surprisingly vulnerable, often blending gravitas with humor, such as his iconic take on Batman.

Has Will Arnett won any awards?

Yes, he won an Annie Award for his voice work as BoJack Horseman. He has also received multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his roles in Arrested Development and for his guest appearances on 30 Rock.

What is the SmartLess podcast?

SmartLess is a popular comedy podcast co-hosted by Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Sean Hayes. Each episode features one of the hosts surprising the other two with a mystery celebrity guest for an unscripted conversation.

Is Will Arnett still involved with The LEGO Group?

Yes, his involvement continues as he serves as the host of the competition series LEGO Masters on the Fox Network, building upon his acclaimed role as Lego Batman.

Where is Will Arnett from?

Will Arnett is from Canada.