The unbearable likeness of Zoidberg.

[on:]

"Three actors in the room means three Zoidbergs in the room."

-DXC

When Billy West created the voice of Dr. John Zoidberg he, I believe unwittingly, designed one of the most emulated voices in the series, and there beyond.  In every commentary some actor seems to do some Zoidberg impression.  Also, Dave Herman's decapodian voices were obviously designed to be close to what Billy had masterminded.   What is it about this Voice that so many impersonate it?

[Reply #1 on:]

Eh, it's a cool voice. Whenever I quote the fella, I always put on a shody Zoidberg voice. It doesn't really sound like him, but you can tell who I'm trying to be.

[Reply #2 on:]

It might be that the voice is so distinctive, even a bad impression can sound like him.

[Reply #3 on:]

i dunno, my bad impression sounds very little like him, however, to blow my own trumpet, my professor voice isnt bad, quite recognizable, even if not perfect

[Reply #4 on:]

I have no idea, if my Zoidberg impression is on target, so I don't even try.

[Reply #5 on:]

i'm terrible with zoidberg, but when it comes to zap brannigan, baby it'll blow your mind.

[Reply #6 on:]

I dont know anyone who can do a have decent zoidberg imitation, and especially not his woop,woops, but i reckon im ok at the Kif voice.

[Reply #7 on:]

Well, I've been here two weeks, guess I get to start welcoming.

So, welcome to PEEL, boognish.  And might I say, excellent first post (if this was your first...it's one of your first 5 anyway.)

[Reply #8 on:]

You have to remember that the people doing the Zoidberg voices on the commentaries are famous voice actors...

[Reply #9 on:]

 

Originally posted by Foot_Knight:
You have to remember that the people doing the Zoidberg voices on the commentaries are famous voice actors...

unfortunatly for this scum hole place we live the word famous doesnt really apply to people who are many many cartoon characters voices, if you ask someone on the street, they don't know who Billy West, Maurice LaMarche, or John Dimaggio are, these people who can manipulate their voices in astounding ways, while everyone has heard of people like christina applegate. sad i know, id say Billy, John, maurice e.t.c. are Quasi- Famous or something


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You read it, you cant unread it!

[Reply #10 on:]

Say, would somebody that can do a good Zoidberg mind to post a few tips on how they do it here?  I know mine is god-awful, and my usual method of learning new voices (repeated listenings) doesn't seem to work here.

[Reply #11 on:]

Billy West said in the commentary for "My Three Suns" that it was partly based on someone who he thought sounded like he had a potato in his throat. So cram a potato down there and see how you do.