Jacob Hopkins discusses “The Amazing World of Gumball” and voice acting.
We had the chance to speak with Jacob Hopkins, star of “The Amazing World of Gumball.” During our discussion we spoke of Jacob’s other talents and projects, what he likes and does not about the business, and where he’s going with his career. Check out his thoughts below!
Film Fad:
What made you decide to get into acting at such an early age?
Jacob Hopkins:
My dad was an actor and one day while running errands with him we stopped by to visit his agents. While I was there, the children’s agent spotted me and asked my dad who I was and if I was interested in acting. While I was only five years old at the time, my dad said, “I don’t know, you can ask him” and I remember saying, “What’s acting?” They signed me and I immediately booked a K-mart commercial and I guess the rest is history!
Film Fad:
After a number of TV appearances on very popular shows (True Blood, The Goldbergs, How I Met Your Mother), what made you decide to explore voice acting?
Jacob Hopkins:
I have always wanted to voice a cartoon. My brother and I always made crazy voices and doing the voices were so much fun. I love cartoons and am so glad I got into voice acting.
Film Fad:
How do you practice for your voice work? Do you do any vocal warm ups or training before?
Jacob Hopkins:
I practice my voice every day. I take private singing lessons and do vocal and breathing exercises every day. I always warm up my voice and drink hot tea before I record.
Film Fad:
Can you do any voice impressions of other famous people?
Jacob Hopkins:
I can actually do JFK, which I got to do for an episode of The Amazing World of Gumball. I’m actually really good at impersonating other cartoon characters, like Beavis and Butt-head, Bart Simpson, Ms. Simian and Principal Brown on TAWOG, and many more.
Film Fad:
What has been your favorite project thus far?
Jacob Hopkins:
“The Amazing World of Gumball.”
Film Fad:
How do you juggle so much while attending school? Do you have someone onset to keep you on top of your school work?
Jacob Hopkins:
I have a great support system who helps me with everything. School is really important to me and I’m really self-motivated as well, so getting my school work done is a priority. When I am onset, my mom works with the teachers to get all my school work onset. I also have a set teacher on every project I do to help me with school work.
Film Fad:
Have you ever used an acting or voice job as an excuse to get out of homework?
Jacob Hopkins:
No, that would be the wrong thing to do— but I wish I could. LOL!
Film Fad:
What were some of the funniest on-set moments you’ve had with other cast members of previous projects?
Jacob Hopkins:
On the set of Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life, Thomas Barbusca would randomly jump on my back for a piggy back ride and say, “Go Forth.”
Film Fad:
Where do you want to go in the future? Do you want to pursue more voice work or do you prefer live action?
Jacob Hopkins:
There are a lot of things I look forward to doing in the future. School is very important to me and I would really like to go to college. I would love to voice the main character of an action anime. I would also like to continue acting and possibly get into directing some day. Right now, I am looking forward to shooting this new project called The Nerd Posse. It’s about an anime and comic book character group of kids that team up and work together for the better good!