Bob Bergen has been the voice of Porky Pig for 20 years now. But even before that, as a kid, he set his sights on being the voice of this famous cartoon icon. Find out how he found his way to the role.

Congrats Bob!!

-Tracy Pattin

1. Describe your first Porky audition.

Well, my first audition was in my agent’s (Arlene Thornton at the time) office.  The first callback was for the fabulous Andrea Romano.  I had several callbacks for various WB execs.  Chuck Jones (co-creator of the Looney Tunes) was at my final callback.  I tell this story in my one man show.  I rarely get nervous at auditions, but when I went to shake Chuck’s hand my hand was shaking like Katharine Hepbern.  Chuck asked me why I was so nervous.  I told him, “I’m about to do Porky Pig for Chuck Jones.  It’s like doing Jesus for God!!

2. How did you even get the chance to audition for this big role?

I’d already been in the business for about 8 years.  So fortunately, having an agent (and an agent who knew I wanted this part badly!!) I was able to read for the part.  But I often think about the odds.  And there are many.  I was born in the Midwest.  The fact that I eventually got to LA, was able to secure an agent, AND was able to even do the character at the exact time WB needed to replace Mel Blanc…well, all I can say is I knock wood daily!!!  I never take anything for granted and I’m count my blessings”

Stay Tuned for part 2. Click here to read part 2.