H. Jon Benjamin Says His Voice Changed Because of ‘Bob’s Burgers’
H. Jon Benjamin, the iconic voice behind Bob Belcher on Fox’s long-running animated series Bob’s Burgers, has revealed that his real-life voice has permanently changed—and it’s all thanks to the show.
How It All Started
In a recent interview with Variety, Benjamin explained that his voice acting career began when he was doing standup comedy in Boston. He auditioned for a role on Dr. Katz, where he met Bob’s Burgers creator Loren Bouchard, who was an editor at the time.
“I just kept working with him,” Benjamin said. “So, he gave me the part [of Bob], I said yes, and it hasn’t stopped in 30 years.”
The Unexpected Success of ‘Bob’s Burgers’
When Bob’s Burgers premiered in 2011, no one expected it to become such a long-running hit—not even Benjamin himself.
“Whenever you start doing a television show, you feel like it’s gonna get canceled after a season,” he admitted. “You do one, and you’re happy to get two, then three—then, oh my God, four—then holy shit, five. And then, no way, six. And then—f–k—seven!”
How Bob Belcher Changed His Voice
After voicing Bob for over a decade, Benjamin says his real voice has shifted to match the character.
“I didn’t sound like this at all 15 years ago,” he confessed. “Now I talk like Bob. I’ve become him.”
The Challenges of Voicing Multiple Characters
Benjamin also voiced Sterling Archer on FX’s Archer, but juggling both roles proved difficult.
“I’d have a 10 a.m. Archer session, then go to Bob’s, and I’d have no voice left,” he said. “That was the day I realized I can’t do both shows in the same day.”
Does He Actually Cook Burgers?
Despite playing a burger-loving restaurateur, Benjamin isn’t much of a grill master in real life.
“I don’t make burgers,” he admitted. “They’re better made elsewhere.”
Final Thoughts
It’s fascinating how a role can leave such a lasting impact on an actor—even changing their voice permanently. H. Jon Benjamin’s transformation into Bob Belcher is a testament to his dedication to the character and the show’s enduring success. Whether he’s flipping imaginary burgers or cracking jokes in the recording booth, Benjamin’s voice will forever be tied to one of animation’s most beloved dads. And honestly, if I had to pick a voice to be stuck with, Bob Belcher’s gruff but lovable tone wouldn’t be the worst choice.
