Book Recommendation – Voice-a-Versa

I have often heard it said that people who wind up doing comedy almost always come from a troubled past. I had no idea of just how dark Billy West’s past was. Billy is one of the most talented voice over actors in the business. This is one of the most honest biographies I have ever read. Billy lays it all out for readers – the good, the bad, and the hilarious.

Here is the Goodreads synopsis:

From the voice behind Ren & Stimpy, Doug, Bugs Bunny, nearly half the main Futurama characters, and much more, a revealing memoir of life before—and in front of—the mic

Billy West is one the most accomplished and beloved voice actors alive today. He’s brought to life original animated characters like Stimpy from Ren & Stimpy, Doug Funnie, and Philip J. Fry, Dr. Zoidberg, Zapp Brannigan, and Professor Farnsworth (and more) on Futurama. And he’s played iconic characters like Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd in Space Jam, Popeye, and Woody Woodpecker. Chances are, he’s made you laugh many times. You might even know some of his lines by heart.

In Voice-A-Versa, West recounts his remarkable life in show business and the circuitous route that got him there, from a radio-call in contest that led to skits on morning radio in Boston, to a one-off appearance on The Howard Stern Show that turned into a regular role, to a big move to Hollywood, and legendary roles working with other talented creators. But West’s life story is deeper and darker than that, and this memoir will reveal the traumatic upbringing that scarred and shaped him, and which gave birth to the “Billy-verse” of voices.

Billy was raised in Detroit. As he mentions landmarks, streets, and other Michigan things, I knew exactly what he was talking about. He speaks of his time in band with a cornet. As a trumpet player, I chucked at his band stories and mention of valve oil. When he talks of his time with Howard Stern and his radio gigs, again, I could relate to many stories and his feelings about radio. He mentions his influences like the Three Stooges, Sid Caesar, the Beach Boys and so many others that I loved.

Billy does a good job of balancing the deep and sad stories with the good and funny ones. He makes it clear that the tough stuff he went through in his early life shaped him into the man he is today. It is hard to believe some of the things that he went through on his climb to success. He holds nothing back and is honest about abuse, bullying, drug addiction, therapy and mental health.

I follow Billy on Facebook. This book is one that I will remember for a long time. I am tempted to write him and tell him how much I connected with him as I listened to him (He reads the audiobook). He could have me laughing one minute and almost in tears in another. I can only imagine the emotions that he went through as he wrote this. Prior to reading this, I was in awe of his talent. After reading this, I am in awe of all that he has accomplished and all he went through to achieve his success.

5 out of 5 stars. I recommend the audio book. Its great to actually hear him do the various voices and sounds, rather than read them on a page.