The Voice Behind Six-Thirty in Lessons In Chemistry: Unveiling the Talented Actor

WARNING! This article contains SPOILERS for Lessons in Chemistry episode 3!

Summary

Lessons in Chemistry features an intriguing addition to its cast with the introduction of Six-Thirty the dog. In episode 3, this lovable character takes on the role of narrator, offering a fresh and interesting viewpoint. Renowned actor B.J. Novak, famous for his work on The Office, brilliantly lends his voice to give life to Six-Thirty, delivering impactful and emotionally charged dialogues.

Novak secured the role with his kind nature and ability to effectively portray the dog's grief and guilt following the loss of his human companion.

In Apple TV's drama series Lessons in Chemistry, a captivatingly unique dog character grapples with grief, but who provides the voice for this role? Based on the eponymous book, Lessons in Chemistry delves into the journey of Elizabeth Zott, a woman fighting to establish herself as a scientist in a male-dominated era of the 1950s. To achieve this, she takes on a job in a TV cooking show, utilizing it as a platform to challenge societal expectations and preconceived notions about women. With Brie Larson leading the cast, Lessons in Chemistry also boasts a talented supporting ensemble cast, featuring notable actors in unexpected roles.

In episode 3 of Lessons in Chemistry, the cast expands with the introduction of Elizabeth's dog, Six-Thirty. Elizabeth adopted Six-Thirty in episode 2 after discovering him abandoned and hungry. While pet companions are common in entertainment, Six-Thirty plays a unique and crucial role in both the novel and the series. Not only does he provide narration for the events in episode 3, but he also features an esteemed actor lending his voice to the character. The selection of a talented actor was essential to bring Six-Thirty to life, considering the significance of his role.

B.J. Novak Voices Six-Thirty The Dog In Lessons In Chemistry

B.J. Novak, renowned for his portrayal of Ryan in the beloved sitcom The Office, showcases his skill in voice acting as he takes on the role of Six-Thirty, a dog character in Lessons in Chemistry. Unconventionally, Six-Thirty not only narrates various chapters in the book but also lends his perspective to the show. Viewers are first introduced to his voice in episode 3, where he reflects on the day of his birth, expressing fear and disappointment in his lack of courage.

What sets Six-Thirty apart from other characters in Lessons in Chemistry, a show set in the 1950s, as well as from television characters in general, is the unique perspective he offers. In this episode, Six-Thirty shares his experiences of grief and the loss of his human companion, Calvin. While the idea of a narrating dog may seem cliché, Novak's delivery of the lines is remarkably impactful and provides an intriguing twist on the widely explored bond between humans and their pets.

Why B.J. Novak Was Cast In Lessons In Chemistry

Novak, known for his role on The Office, is not new to voice acting. He demonstrated his experience in this field by voicing Baker in The Smurfs and The Smurfs 2. However, what really secured Novak the role in Lessons in Chemistry was his ability to compassionately deliver the heart-wrenching lines of Six-Thirty. According to Today, showrunner Lee Eisenberg, who has a longstanding connection with Novak, recognized his talent in portraying the tragic moment of Calvin's death and the dog's accompanying guilt in a powerful and moving manner, ultimately leading to his casting in the show.