Bob Bergen on becoming Porky Pig, Mel Blanc, Bart Simpson, Looney Tunes & 40 Years of Cartoon History

Legendary voice actor Bob Bergen, the voice of Porky Pig, joins Nancy Cartwright for an unforgettable conversation celebrating animation, storytelling, and the incredible craft of voice acting. With decades of experience bringing iconic Looney Tunes characters to life, Bob shares hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, career-defining moments, and the lessons that helped him become one of animation's most respected performers. Bob reveals that he knew he wanted to become Porky Pig when he was only five years old. That childhood dream led him on an extraordinary journey that included tracking down Mel Blanc's phone number as a teenager, secretly observing a recording session, studying under legendary voice actor Daws Butler, and eventually inheriting one of the most beloved characters in animation history. The conversation explores Bob's work on Space Jam, Tiny Toon Adventures, Looney Tunes, and countless animated projects, along with fascinating insights into how classic cartoon voices evolved over decades. Bob explains the art behind Porky Pig's famous stutter, why voice acting is really about acting—not funny voices—and why even after more than three decades, he still auditions to keep the role. Nancy and Bob also dive into the history of animation legends including Mel Blanc, Daws Butler, June Foray, Joe Alaskey, Chuck Jones, and Friz Freleng, sharing personal memories that offer a rare glimpse into the golden era of cartoons and the people who built the industry. Along the way they discuss The Simpsons, audition techniques, protecting your voice, performance psychology, and the importance of taking creative risks. Filled with laugh-out-loud moments—including donuts, customs agents, weddings officiated by Porky Pig, Ryan Seacrest auditions, and some unforgettable celebrity impressions—this episode is a love letter to animation and the artists who have entertained generations of fans. Whether you're an aspiring voice actor, lifelong Looney Tunes fan, or simply love hearing incredible Hollywood stories, this episode is packed with inspiration, nostalgia, and pure fun.