George Newbern: The Man Behind the Voice (and the Face)
Born on December 30, 1964, in Little Rock, Arkansas, George Young Newbern is an American actor whose career spans television, film, and voice acting. He’s the guy who can charm your socks off on screen and then narrate your life story with that velvety voice.
Early Life and Education
George was born to Betty, a Spanish teacher, and David Newbern, a radiologist. Growing up in Little Rock, he developed an early interest in the performing arts, participating in community theater productions. This passion led him to Northwestern University, where he honed his acting skills and, perhaps more importantly, met his future wife, actress Marietta DePrima. They both graduated with degrees in Theatrical Arts and tied the knot in 1990. Talk about a college sweetheart success story!
Breaking into Television and Film
Newbern’s career took off in the mid-1980s with a recurring role as Payne McIlroy on the popular series Designing Women (1986–1992). He played the son of Julia Sugarbaker, portrayed by Dixie Carter. This role showcased his ability to hold his own among a strong ensemble cast.
In 1991, George landed the role of Bryan MacKenzie in Father of the Bride, acting alongside Steve Martin and Diane Keaton. The film was a hit, leading to a sequel, Father of the Bride Part II, in 1995. His portrayal of the endearing and slightly overwhelmed fiancé endeared him to audiences and solidified his place in ’90s pop culture. Who knew being the groom could be so entertaining?
Throughout the ’90s and 2000s, Newbern appeared in various television series, including guest spots on Friends (as Danny “The Yeti”), Providence, Chicago Hope, and CSI. He also took on roles in films like Adventures in Babysitting (1987) and Switching Channels (1988). It’s almost as if he had a checklist titled “Iconic ’90s Shows to Appear In.”
The Voice Behind the Hero
While his on-screen presence was notable, George’s voice acting career truly set him apart. In 2001, he began voicing Superman/Clark Kent in the animated series Justice League and later Justice League Unlimited, replacing Tim Daly. His association with the Man of Steel continued in various projects, including Superman vs. The Elite (2012) and the video game Injustice: Gods Among Us (2013). According to the DC Database, Newbern has portrayed Superman longer than any other actor in live-action and animation. Talk about a super achievement!
Not content with just one iconic character, Newbern also provided the voice for Sephiroth, the enigmatic antagonist in the Final Fantasy series and the Kingdom Hearts franchise. His performance added depth to the character, making Sephiroth one of the most memorable villains in gaming history. Who else can claim to be both a superhero and a supervillain?
Return to Television
In 2012, George took on the role of Charlie, a former CIA operative and B613 assassin, in the ABC political drama Scandal. His character’s blend of menace and charm made him a fan favorite throughout the series’ run until 2018. It’s not every day you root for a hitman, but George made it possible.
Personal Life
George and Marietta DePrima have three children together: Emma, Mae, and Ben. Balancing a thriving acting career with family life, Newbern has managed to keep his personal life relatively private, a commendable feat in Hollywood. Perhaps his superpower is maintaining normalcy amidst the chaos of showbiz.
Recent Endeavors
In addition to his acting roles, Newbern is a prolific audiobook narrator, with over 350 credits on Audible, one of the leading audiobook platforms in America. His narration spans various genres, showcasing his versatility and commitment to storytelling. Who wouldn’t want George’s soothing tones narrating their favorite novel?
Conclusion
From charming groom to animated superhero, and from sinister assassin to audiobook narrator, George Newbern’s career is a testament to his versatility and talent. Whether on screen or behind a microphone, he continues to captivate audiences with his performances. Here’s to many more years of George gracing our screens and ears, proving that some heroes don’t need capes—they just need a script and a microphone.
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