Larry Kenney, voice of Lion-O, answers your questions - what a great guy he is!

Here we go… 

Q - Have you heard anything about the ThunderCats lately?  And not just the movie but the new series, videogames, etc.
(from Caravaggio)

A - Nothing specific, but I would guess that if the upcoming movie does well, Warner Bros. might consider producing a new TV series.

Q - How did you get into voice acting?  I’m really interested in that myself and would like to hear how you should go about it. (from Caravaggio)

A - I started my career as a radio DJ, which was great training for voice-over work; I read live commercials and did impressions and character voices on my show.  My advice to anyone considering getting into the field is to take classes from a reputable teacher or studio.  You’ll see listings in your yellow pages under ‘Voice Acting Classes’ or ‘Voice
Training’.

Q - Larry K. Your 80’s vocals truley brought life into the Lion-O character.  I shall honestly hope that you can provide service again in the upcoming media releases.  Just awesome…
(from Jason Mosley, ThunderCat)

A - Thank you, Jason!

Q - Hi Larry, I hope you get to read this message soon.  I can’t thank you enough for voicing Lion-O because he meant so much to me in my early years of growing up.  The main thing was the messages he used to sent out to me through the episodes and it was your voice all along that made me listen.  I don’t think I could have listened to Lion-O if it was anyone else.  I really hope you voice Lion-O in the ThunderCats movie I’ve heard little about.  I will honestly remove my arm if that was the only way to watch it hehe.  Again, hope you get this message, hit me back, just, truly yours, your biggest fan, Mr Stan. (from Aaron-O)

A - Wow … Thanks, Aaron!  But don’t remove that arm; you’ll need it to applaud the movie.

Q - I would like you to tell me an anecdote about your work and/or people you worked with on ThunderCats please? (from Remy F.)

A - My favorite memory is watching the late Earl Hammond each time he performed his lines as “MUMM-RA”.  As he bellowed “Ancient Spirits of Evil”, he took on the visual characteristics of the character … right down to the buckets of drool cascading from his mouth.  Disgusting, but funny as hell!

Q - Hello Larry, I was wondering if you recall what your favourite episode or scene was and what episode/scene/plotline you disliked the most? (from C-M)

A - I think my favorite episode (actually two episodes) was the one-hour pilot for the show titled ‘Exodus’.  Probably because it set up the entire series, giving the background of each character and explained where the ThunderCats came from and where they were going.  I honestly didn’t dislike any episode.

Q - Did you read any of the relaunched ThunderCats comics and if so, what were your thoughts on that? (from C-M)

A - I’ve seen many of the comics, but have never read them thoroughly.  They seem pretty cool.

Q - Bit of a random question but were the “outtake” sound files, that did the rounds on the internet a while back, real?  If they were, it sounded like you guys had a great time recording the episodes. (from Nim)

A - The are real, and we DID have a great time.  We recorded in the mid-80s, remember, when there was no internet.  In those days “out-takes” were only heard at the studio and in the homes of people who made copies and played them at parties.  We had no idea that our “goofing off” would one day be available to the whole world via the web.

Q - Would you listen to my ThunderCats version theme?  That could be great!!…Thanksss!! Cheers! (from s.w) 

A - I’d love to hear it!

Q - Hey Larry, do you have an opinion on how they could pull off the rumoured live action ThunderCats movie, as these things can be tricky because there are certain things you can only pull off in a cartoon? (from Stewart)

A - I really don’t know … I’m not versed in technology … I’m just an actor!

Q - If it is a live action movie, do you think they should include Snarf? (from Stewart)

A - It’s not live action, it’s CGI.  And yes, Snarf should be in it.

Q - Larry, your voice for Lion-O was fantasic!  I’ve been a big fan for years.  It was and still is the best cartoon EVER made.  What was it like recording the episodes for the show? (from Kenny)

A - Thank you, Kenny.  It was the most fun I’ve ever had in a recording studio.  We were like a family … a crazy, wild, fun family.

Q - Are there any aspects of yourself in Lion-O? (from Kenny)

A - Sure.  I try to follow the Code Of Thundera, just like Lion-O.

Q - Larry, first of all I would like to say that I am a huge fan of the ThunderCats even though I am only 18, thank my older brother for introducing me to it.  I get excited everytime I watch my brother’s DVD box sets and I even cried when Lion-O said goodbye to Jarga and when he meet his father Claudis and when he was dying, so sad I know.  How does it make you feel to know that the younger generation who were not even born when the ThunderCats were made really enjoy the cartoon? (from Samantha Gill)

A - It’s a fantastic feeling to know that ThunderCats still “hold up” … people your age and even younger who see it for the first time enjoy it as much as our original audience.

Q - Will you be taking part in the new film and will any of the original cast members be involved also? (from Samantha Gill)

A - My agent is in contact with Warner Brothers, but as of yet they have not made any decisions regarding casting for the voices.

Q - Are you a fan of CG animation or would you be happier with traditional 2-D animation? (from Shekky)

A - I like both … I’m just happy they’re making the movie.

Q - In the anointment trials episodes, would you consider when Tygra used his mind power to get the mutants off Lion-O’s path, him helping Lion-O?…thus interfering in his trial? (from Shekky)

A - I like to think Tygra would never interfere with Lion-O.  Otherwise, I’d have to kick his ass.

Larry concluded by saying “Thanks for all your questions and for being such great fans!  It’s wonderful to know that our work has brought enjoyment to so many nice folks like you all over the world.” 

I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to post a question and a big thanks to Larry Kenney for taking the time to answer them for us.

Please help spread the word, digg this post!

Thank you for all your questions for Larry Kenney, the voice of Lion-O from the popular ’80s cartoon series ThunderCats.  I’ve just sent them to him so watch this space for his answers!  I’m excited already!

I’ve been in touch with Larry Kenney, the voice of Lion-O from the 1980’s cartoon series ThunderCats, and he’s very kindly offered to answer any questions that you may have for him.  Amazing news hey?!

So, post your questions in the comments section below and I will make it happen!

ThunderCats, hoooooooooooooooooooo!

Update: August 11th, 2008 - your questions have now been sent to Larry Kenney.

Rumour has it that Tyrese Gibson, American R&B singer, is going to be involved in the new ThunderCats movie!

Tyrese told ComingSoon.net that he has been very involved in the attempt to bring the classic ’80s cartoon series to the big screen and seemed to hint that a deal is very nearly complete.  They asked him what character he would be playing, he just smiled and said that there are a number of options on the table.  Last year, the project was announced by Warner Bros as a CGI-animated feature that would be directed by video game veteran Jerry O’Flaherty.

Watch this space…!!!