NTV’S ANIMATION DOMINATION

Y
An exclusive chat with one of the stars behind The Cleveland Show,
and a look at some of NTV’s other hit animated programs.
BY VALERIE KENT
ou may not recognize the name Kevin Michael For now, Richardson is busy with The Cleveland Show
Richardson, but there’s no doubt you’ve heard his and he certainly has a soft spot (pardon the pun) for the
voice at some point. Well, technically, plump character.
you’ve probably heard one of his many voices. “I love playing this guy,” Richardson tells The
Richardson is a busy voice actor these days, Herald. “If I showed you a picture of me when I
and his signature sound can go as was a kid, you wouldn’t be able to tell us
low and as velvety as Barry White, or apart. He has this sweet side to him but
as twang-y as a redneck. But lately, he’s tougher than he looks. He’ll fall on his
you’ve been hearing Richardson pro- face but he’ll come back and say something
vide the voice of overweight teenager that you can’t believe came out of his
Cleveland Brown Jr. on the hit ani- mouth. I love the fact that he can outrap
mated series, The Cleveland Show. anyone and I love the pitch
of his voice which is
GIVE HIM SOME CREDIT quite different
The Emmy award nominee for from mine.”
outstanding performer in an ani- Richardson
mated program has also lent his also provides
voice to other TV shows, movies and the voice of
even video games. His list of credits Lester on the
include Family Guy, American Dad, show, the Brown’s
Lilo & Stitch, The Matrix: Revolutions, Transformers: Re- redneck neighbour. “Lester is a lot
venge of the Fallen, and many others. of fun too...I’ve had my experiences

“If I showed you a picture of me when I was a kid, you wouldn’t

be able to tell us apart.” — Kevin Michael on voicing Cleveland Brown Jr.
August 1, 2010 The Newfoundland Herald 27