Summary
The original voice cast of Futurama is back for the show's eleventh season, bringing iconic characters like Fry, Leela, and Bender to life once again.
Billy West, renowned for his talent in voicing various characters such as Fry and Professor Farnsworth, has also showcased his versatility by portraying Ren and Stimpy on The Ren & Stimpy Show. Additionally, he also assumed the role of Bugs Bunny in Space Jam.
Katey Sagal, acclaimed for her on-screen performances in Married... with Children and Sons of Anarchy, takes on the significant role of Leela, a skilled warrior and the captain of the Planet Express ship.
The beloved animated comedy, Futurama, owes much of its popularity to its diverse cast of characters. Set in the 31st century, the show follows Philip J. Fry, a youthful delivery man who accidentally gets cryogenically frozen and wakes up in the future. While the show's concept provides plenty of entertaining and outrageous ideas, it is the characters that Fry encounters in this new reality that truly make the show special. From his steadfast friends at Planet Express to the uproarious antagonists, the Futurama cast adds depth and charm to the series.
Fans can rejoice as the original voice cast returns for another revival in Futurama season 11. Despite initial uncertainty about who would be returning, fans can now be assured that these legendary characters will be brought to life once again by their original voice actors. While some of the faces behind these characters may not be instantly recognizable to fans, it's worth taking the time to get acquainted with the talented cast of Futurama. Their contributions have made Fry, Leela, Bender, and the rest of the ensemble standout as iconic animated figures.
Billy West As Philip J. Fry, Professor Hubert J. Farnsworth, Dr. John A. Zoidberg, And Zapp Brannigan
Billy West is known for his extensive roles in the cast of Futurama. Some of his notable characters include Philip J. Fry, Professor Hubert J. Farnsworth, Dr. John A. Zoidberg, and Zapp Brannigan. He is a highly sought-after voice actor and is known for taking on multiple roles within the show. His portrayal of Fry, the naive delivery man from the 20th century, is particularly memorable. Interestingly, West also lends his voice to the character of Professor Farnsworth, who is Fry's descendant and is known for his brilliance as a scientist, despite his grumpy and sleepy nature.
Apart from Fry, West also brings life to other beloved characters in Futurama. He shines as Dr. Zoidberg, a lobster-like creature, and as Zapp Brannigan, a self-proclaimed hero with a distinct lack of actual heroism. Even before his time on Futurama, West had already made a name for himself as a respected voice actor. He voiced the main character in the popular 90s cartoon series Doug, as well as both Ren and Stimpy in The Ren & Stimpy Show. Additionally, he took over the role of Bugs Bunny in Space Jam, further showcasing his exceptional range and talent.
Katey Sagal As Turanga Leela
Katey Sagal, known for her impressive television career, stars as Turanga Leela in the popular show Futurama. Leela, the female lead, is a one-eyed mutant and the captain of the Planet Express ship. The dynamic relationship between Leela and Fry is a central aspect of the show, with Leela caring for Fry but uncertain about a romantic future with him. However, Leela is not simply a love interest; she is the most skilled warrior among the main characters and feels like an outsider due to having grown up as an orphan mutant.
Among the Futurama cast, Katey Sagal is likely recognized by fans for her notable roles in live-action series. She gained fame for portraying Peggy Bundy in the sitcom Married... with Children. Sagal then ventured into the world of sitcoms once again, starring alongside John Ritter in 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter. However, her portrayal of the powerful matriarch Gemma Teller in Sons of Anarchy has perhaps made her most recognizable. Currently, she can be seen in the hit sitcom The Conners.
John DiMaggio As Bender
John DiMaggio reprises his role as Bender in the cast of Futurama. Initially, there were concerns that DiMaggio would not be returning due to salary negotiations, but those issues were resolved privately. Bender is a beloved character of the series, an industrial robot who prefers indulging in beer and breaking the law rather than fulfilling his work duties. Despite being the show's anti-hero, he quickly forms a bond with Fry due to their shared immaturity.
DiMaggio is a highly accomplished voice actor, boasting an extensive resume. Apart from Futurama, he is widely recognized as the voice of Jake in Adventure Time and has also lent his voice to portray The Joker in various DC animated films. Recently, he was part of the voice cast for Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. Furthermore, DiMaggio has made notable appearances in live-action television shows such as Interview with a Vampire, Perry Mason, and Better Call Saul.
Phil LaMarr As Hermes Conrad
Phil LaMarr is widely recognized for his portrayal of Hermes Conrad in the highly acclaimed TV series Futurama. In the show, Hermes takes on the role of the accountant at Planet Express and is known for his unwavering dedication to work. However, he often displays a strong indifference towards his colleagues and their lack of work ethic. Despite this, he occasionally surprises others with his compassionate nature, showcasing a hidden kindness beneath his stern exterior.
In addition to his success as a voice actor, LaMarr has also made a name for himself in live-action acting. Many remember him for his standout performance as Marvin in the acclaimed film Pulp Fiction, where he brings life to one of the movie's most darkly comedic moments. Furthermore, he was an integral member of the original cast of the popular sketch show Mad TV. LaMarr's talent as a voice actor has led him to become a recurring presence in the cast of Family Guy, while also lending his voice to the beloved character Samurai Jack.
Lauren Tom As Amy Wong
Lauren Tom stars as Amy Wong in Futurama. Amy is an intern at Planet Express who often finds herself in humorous and perilous situations due to her clumsiness and naivety. Despite coming from a wealthy background and being somewhat spoiled, she longs to break free from her controlling parents.
Prior to her role in Futurama, Tom had notable live-action performances in films such as The Joy Luck Club and on the show Friends, where she portrayed Ross' love interest Julie. In the realm of voice acting, she has garnered attention for her roles as Jinx and Gizmo in Teen Titans, as well as Connie Souphanousinphone in King of the Hill.
Maurice LaMarche as Kif Kroker
Maurice LaMarche takes on the role of Kif Kroker in the cast of Futurama. Kif serves as the second-in-command to the dim-witted and dangerously arrogant Zapp Brannigan. Although Kif possesses superior intelligence and military skills compared to Brannigan, his suggestions for logical action often fall on deaf ears. Brannigan consistently puts Kif in harm's way and places blame on him when things go awry.
Eventually, Kif embarks on a romantic relationship with Amy Wong, although he feels nervous and self-conscious around her. While not a central member of the Planet Express crew, Maurice LaMarche's portrayal of Kif remains one of the most memorable voices in the Futurama cast, mainly due to his comical connection with Amy. Besides Futurama, Maurice LaMarche is renowned for his roles as Brain in Pinky and the Brain and as the character Inspector Gadget.