Early Life and Background
Born on December 23, 1963, in Englewood, New Jersey, Jess Harnell was destined for a life in the spotlight. Growing up in nearby Teaneck, he was the son of jazz composer Joe Harnell and his wife, Alice. With such a melodious lineage, it’s no wonder Jess developed a flair for entertainment. One might say he was born with a silver microphone in his mouth.
Breaking into the Voice Acting Scene
Jess’s journey into the world of voice acting began with a splash—quite literally. In 1989, he lent his voice to Br’er Rabbit and other critters for Disneyland’s Splash Mountain attraction. This gig was just the tip of the iceberg, as he continued to voice Br’er Rabbit in various Disney projects, including the 2011 video game Kinect: Disneyland Adventures. Talk about hopping into the big leagues!
Animaniacs and Wakko Warner
In 1993, Jess struck gold by voicing Wakko Warner on the animated series Animaniacs. His portrayal of the zany, snack-loving Warner sibling became iconic, endearing him to audiences worldwide. Fun fact: Jess based Wakko’s voice on a high-pitched version of Beatle Ringo Starr’s accent, adding a unique twist to the character’s persona. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Expanding His Voice Horizons
Jess didn’t stop at one iconic role. He voiced Secret Squirrel on 2 Stupid Dogs and provided the singing voice for the father in Disney’s Carousel of Progress. From 1994 to 1996, he brought to life characters like Sewer Urchin, the Human Bullet, and Chief Louder in the animated series The Tick. Clearly, Jess was on a roll, and there was no stopping this vocal virtuoso.
Transforming with Transformers
In 2007, Jess showcased his versatility by voicing both Ironhide (an Autobot) and Barricade (a Decepticon) in Michael Bay’s Transformers film. This dual performance made him the only voice actor in the film to portray both an Autobot and a Decepticon. He reprised the role of Ironhide in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and Transformers: Dark of the Moon, as well as Barricade in Transformers: The Last Knight. Talk about playing both sides!
Crash Bandicoot and Other Video Game Ventures
Gamers might recognize Jess as the voice of Crash Bandicoot, starting with Crash Tag Team Racing and continuing through titles like Crash of the Titans, Crash: Mind over Mutant, and the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy. He also voiced Spyro the Dragon in Spyro: A Hero’s Tail and Spyro: Shadow Legacy. It’s safe to say Jess has left an indelible mark on the gaming world, one wumpa fruit at a time.
America’s Funniest Home Videos
Since 1998, Jess has been the announcer for America’s Funniest Home Videos, adding his unique charm and wit to the beloved show. His engaging narration has become a staple, guiding viewers through countless pratfalls, pet antics, and unexpected mishaps. Who knew narrating banana peel slips could be so entertaining?
Rocking Out with Rock Sugar
Beyond voice acting, Jess is the lead vocalist for the pop/metal mashup band Rock Sugar. The band is known for blending classic pop songs with heavy metal hits, creating a unique and electrifying sound. Their albums, including Reimaginator and Reinventinator, showcase Jess’s dynamic vocal range and his passion for music. It’s like mixing sugar with spice—and the result is oh-so-nice. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Personal Life
On November 8, 2019, Jess proposed to his girlfriend, Cara Leanne, and the couple tied the knot on November 19, 2019. When he’s not behind the microphone or on stage, Jess enjoys spending quality time with his family and indulging in his love for music. After all, even voice acting rock stars need a little R&R.
Conclusion
Jess Harnell’s career is a testament to his incredible talent, versatility, and passion for entertainment. From voicing beloved animated characters to rocking out on stage, he has left an indelible mark on the worlds of animation, gaming, and music. With a voice that knows no bounds and a personality to match, Jess continues to entertain and inspire audiences around the globe. Here’s to many more years of vocal adventures and rock ‘n’ roll escapades!
Be sure to read "SHOCKING: D.C. Douglas Exposes Truth About 101 Voice Actors!"
