Pop Culturalist Chats with Adam McArthur

Adam McArthur always knew he wanted to be an actor, and with his hard-work, perseverance, and determination, he’s become one of Hollywood’s leading voice actors. His credits include not one, but two Emmy Award-winning programs: Cartoon Network’s Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Netflix’s The Adventures of Puss in Boots. He is currently starring as Marco Diaz in Disney XD’s hit acclaimed series, Star vs. The Forces of Evil. Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of chatting with Adam about what’s to come, why Marco is his dream character, and the best part of the job (spoiler alert: it’s interacting with the fans!).

PC: Tell us about Star vs. the Forces of Evil and your character.
Adam: I voice a sweet little meatball named Marco Diaz. He’s a misunderstood, bad boy whose life changes forever when a magical princess from another dimension, Star Butterfly, moves into his house. He and Star become fast friends, and then a bunch of crazy stuff goes down and nothing will ever be the same. You know, typical kid show stuff!

PC: What can fans expect this season and do you have a favorite episode you can’t wait for them to see?
Adam: The story that’s been set in motion in the first two seasons continues, and we get to learn even more about Star and Marco as they navigate their new surroundings. I can’t say much more though. I’ve been sworn to secrecy, although, I will say, no one’s ready for where we’re headed.

PC: What was your creative process like when shaping your character? Was it different than previous projects you’ve done?
Adam: This is an interesting question. Before Marco, I really hadn’t ever voiced someone SO similar to myself. I pull from a lot of my own personal experiences with this guy. Through the guidance of Daron Nefcy, the creator of the show, and Kelly Ward, the voice director, as well as all the other amazing directors and creatives involved behind the scenes, the creative process has been very, very collaborative. Of course, I want to help them all tell the stories they want to tell, but I think I wouldn’t be doing my job fully if I didn’t give my own take/spin on certain things. All that combined makes Marco who he is.

PC: What’s been the most rewarding and challenging part about the role?
Adam: The absolute #1 most rewarding part of my job is the interaction I get to have with the fans. I mean how lucky am I? I love them all—even the weird ones. @aishaordonia I’m talking about you. The most challenging part is keeping my mouth shut. It’s so hard to see fans react to things and not be able to tell them what’s coming! Talk about torture!

PC: Have you always known you wanted to be an actor? When did you make the decision to pursue it professionally?
Adam: I’ve always wanted to be an actor! I begged my parents to put me in acting class when I was a kid. When I was sixteen years old, I finally got my first opportunity at a place called Kids on Camera in San Francisco. About two months later, I booked my first paying job and I’ve been making a living in entertainment ever since!

PC: How did you get started in voice acting?
Adam: The acting school I was taking classes from reached out to me one day about an audition for some Macy’s radio commercials. They needed a young teen voice to read legal copy on their Back to School spots. I ended up doing like 30 commercials for them that summer. It’s how I joined the union, and the rest is history!

PC: What’s the biggest misconception about voice acting?
Adam: I can think of two! The first is that voice acting isn’t “real” acting. It most definitely is! Just like acting for the stage differs from film and film differs from TV. Voice acting has its own nuances, techniques, and subtleties. The other is that I’m allowed to show up to work in my pajamas. I’ve never seen a voice actor in their pajamas!

PC: What’s been your favorite character to play and why?
Adam: Definitely, Marco. We’re so similar! It’s like I’m getting to share my awkward high school self with everyone! Plus, the entire cast/crew of SVTFOE is just so great to work with. We are in this era of cartoons where we’re finally getting some depth in plot lines and super well-developed characters. The reception from the fans has been insane, and truthfully, it’s all been a huge love fest! The cast, crew, fans, Disney XD casting and Disney XD execs, we’re all one big happy family. I have the best job!

PC: What’s your dream role?
Adam: Truthfully, Marco is a dream role, but if we’re talking something else, it’s a super easy question for me to answer! Michelangelo from the Ninja Turtles is #1 on my voice acting bucket list! The original show had such an impact on me as a kid. I would LOVE to have that opportunity.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Adam: The Challenge on MTV. Don’t judge me.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Adam: Any of the Fast & Furious movies.

PC: Favorite book?
Adam: Ender’s Game.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Adam: I’m seeing Hamilton soon, so I’m just gonna say that.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Adam: Tauren Wells. The guy is amazingly talented.

PC: Favorite social media platform?
Adam: Who doesn’t love a good Boomerang?

PC: Go-to karaoke song?
Adam: “Juicy” by The Notorious B.I.G.

Make sure to follow Adam on Twitter and Instagram. And catch Star vs. the Forces of Evil on Disney XD!

Photo Credit: Michael Roud Photography