Just try finding a similarity between two of his characters!
Dan Castellaneta has so many totally different characters. Grandpa Phil, Genie (in Return of Jafar and the animated series), Jonathan of Rugrats, Homer Simpson, Abraham 'Grampa' Simpson, Krusty the Clown, Barney Gumble, Groundskeeper Willie, Diamond Joe Quimby, Sideshow Mel, Itchy, Megavolt, Earl (from Cow and Chicken *gag*), the narrator on Super Mario Brothers, and Mr. Thickley from Taz-Mania. And these are only a few of his credits.
Mr. Castellaneta has so much talent! Imagine Megavolt without his unmistakable laugh. He wouldn’t seem half as psychotic with a different voice. Grandpa Phil’s voice has a personality all its own. You can listen to him and tell what kind of person he is. Homer would be so much different with another voice, also. And although no one can ever match Robin Williams, Dan did a great job with Genie (Kelly didn’t even know that it wasn’t Mr. Williams. Then again, that was Kelly…)
I first heard him a long time ago as either Homer or Megavolt. I saw his name for the first time when I found out that Grandma was Tress MacNeille and got curious about who Grandpa was.
Mr. Castellaneta won the 1993 Annie Award for Individual Achievement for Voice Acting.
He can be reached at:
Dan Castellaneta
10635 Santa Monica Boulevard #130
Los Angeles, CA 90025 USA
Thanks to Helga's Shrine to the Football Head for the picture.
