10) On 25 years of SpongeBob:
Every episode is incredible to me because I’m learning something—everything from the artists to the writers to the engineers to the actors. I see it as a gift. The whole cast and crew have been so supportive over the years. I came to Los Angeles on my own, and they were the first group of people that had come together where I felt a sense of family. I always felt like they were looking out for me.
Steve Hillenburg knew that I was also a writer, making films and doing all these things. Every time that I came into session, he’d be like, “Well, what are you doing? What else is going on?” He really was supportive and encouraging in a meaningful way. I’m so grateful for the gift this show continues to give and the experiences that I continue to have.
I have this idea that I’ve wanted to pitch to Nickelodeon, where I go around the globe, meeting the other utility actors in various countries who voiced the same characters that I’ve voiced on SpongeBob. What are they doing now? In addition to doing utility voices like me—did they also do the voices of Sandy, Mrs. Puff, and other main characters? I just think it would be such a cool way for kids to get a sense of the world community. I love the fact that this show has supported so many actors over the years. And I cannot say enough how grateful I am for it!
I remember when we had done ten years, and we were doing a table read. Tom mentioned how lucky we are that we’ve been able to be on this show for ten years and how rare it is in this industry. Here we are at twenty-five now, and it’s kind of mind-blowing. I can’t even believe it. Do you know what this means? I’m old!
