Pop Culturalist Chats with Jacob Hopkins

Talent knows no age. You’ve either got it or you don’t. And Jacob Hopkins, he’s got it. He’s the voice of Gumball Watterson in the BAFTA-Award winning series, The Amazing World of Gumball. The show follows the crazy adventures of a twelve year-old cat. And it’s Cartoon Network’s second highest-rated series.

This teen heartthrob has also had notable roles in The Goldbergs, True Blood, and CBS’ How I Met Your Mother. And did we mention, he started acting at the age of five! Yes, five. It’s clear, we’re witnessing the emergence of a new star.

When he’s not acting, Jacob can be found giving back to organizations including The Jonathan Foundation and Breaking The Chains.

The Amazing World of Gumball Questions

PC: Congratulations on all the success. What initially drew you to the project?
Jacob: Thank you so much! I was huge fan of the show before I got the role, and I’ve always wanted to voice a cartoon character! The show is super creative and has awesome writing!

PC: Can you tell us a bit about your character and the show?
Jacob: Gumball is a sarcastic, fast-talking, witty, but a lovable blue cat. He is an adventurous kind of dude! I admire his strong-willed spirit and how he never gives up easily. The Amazing World of Gumball revolves around the life of a 12 year-old cat, Gumball along with his goldfish adopted brother, Darwin. The two find themselves in all kinds of crazy adventures that often involves the lovable, but dysfunctional Watterson family: dad Richard, mom Nicole, and little sister Anais.

PC: Why do you think it’s resonated so well with audiences?
Jacob: It’s a very well written show with amazing animation and creative characters that people enjoy. The show is relatable to families in general, when things get crazy and they need to work things out.

PC: What’s been the most challenging part about lending your voice to an animated series?
Jacob: In animation, you have to make sure your clarity is spot on and Gumball talks a mile a minute, so aside from the acting itself, that was always important to me.

PC: Was the preparation different for a project like this?
Jacob: Yes, in the sense of always doing vocal warm-ups, I take private singing lessons as well because it’s not only is great for singing, but learning how to breathe, where to place your voice, your range, beats, and things like that.

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned from this experience?
Jacob: Believe it or not, voicing Gumball was my first voiceover acting job. I don’t know if there is a biggest lesson for me…it’s just that working with the voice director of the show, Richard Overall, was amazing. He’s the best!

The Goldbergs Questions

PC: Tell us a bit about the character you play on The Goldbergs.
Jacob: Chad Kremp is a good kid. He’s raised on good morals and standards. He’s smart and determined. And deep down, he’s an inner nerd. He’s loyal and a good friend, who is willing to walk on the wild and fun side with his buddy, Adam.

PC: Your character has many layers, how did you prepare for the role? Did you draw upon your own personal experiences?
Jacob: Yes and no. Chad Kremp is a lot like me, but I do spend time preparing for sure! I’m playing a real-life person, so knowing more about the relationship Chad has with Adam is important to bring out.

PC: What similarities do you share with your character?
Jacob: We share a lot! We’re both nice guys, athletic, drummers, Star Wars fans, smart, caring, and love to have fun and even get crazy sometimes.

PC: In your own life, what’s something you geek out over?
Jacob: ANIME!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Jacob: The Walking Dead

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Jacob: Spirited Away

PC: Favorite book?
Jacob: Animal Farm

PC: Favorite musical or play?
Jacob: Hamilton

PC: An artist or band that people would be surprised is on your playlist?
Jacob: Tsuko G.

PC: Favorite social media platform?
Jacob: Instagram

PC: Hidden talent?
Jacob: I’m a drummer!

To keep up with Jacob, follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

Photo Credit: Suzette Troche Stapp