Let's dive into the world of animation and the beloved show, King of the Hill, through the eyes of its talented voice actor, Toby Huss. In this insightful conversation, we explore the emotional journey of returning to a classic series, the impact of a beloved cast member's passing, and the unique challenges and rewards of reviving a beloved show.
The Emotional Return
Toby Huss, known for his versatile voice acting, shares his experience of stepping back into the world of King of the Hill. The show's revival came with a heavy heart, as the cast mourned the loss of Johnny Hardwick, the original voice of Dale Gribble. Despite the sadness, Huss reveals an intriguing decision-making process within the creative team, led by Greg Daniels, Mike Judge, and Saladin Patterson. They believed Huss could carry on Hardwick's legacy, and with a few read-throughs, the decision was made.
"I think they decided, you know, interiorly, that I could do the voice. And I did it at a couple of read-throughs, and they said, 'Yeah, that'll work.' It was a tough one, but I wanted to honor Johnny and his unique talent."
Walking the Fine Line
Taking on the iconic role of Dale Gribble, Huss faced the challenge of balancing homage and personal interpretation. He explains the delicate balance he strives for, staying true to the character's world while adding his own touches. It's a fine line, as he doesn't want to deviate too much from Hardwick's brilliant creation. Huss aims to stay within Dale's world, adding his own nuances while respecting the original voice actor's vision.
"I don't want to change it too much because what Johnny made was so great. I'll add my things now and again, but it's not out of Dale's world."
The Power of Kindness
What sets King of the Hill apart, according to Huss, is its underlying theme of kindness. In a world often filled with political divides and mean-spiritedness, the show offers a respite. It's about a family being kind to each other, understanding each other, and navigating life with sincerity and compassion. This sincerity and lack of irony are rare in today's media landscape, making King of the Hill a refreshing and timeless watch.
"It's about kindness, and nothing is ironic in that show. It's very sincere, and it's not a political show. At its heart, nobody gets to be mean on that show to each other."
The Impact of Aging the Characters
Aging the characters was a bold move, and one that Huss believes was executed brilliantly. While it's challenging to imagine beloved characters growing older, the creative team pulled it off seamlessly. Huss highlights the difficulty of this task, especially with characters like Bobby Hill, and how the audience quickly embraced the change. It's a testament to the show's ability to evolve and remain relevant.
"Aging the people up was such a great idea and also a really difficult idea. I think they did a great job, especially with Mike, Greg, and Saladin's guidance."
The Revival's Success
King of the Hill's revival has stood out among a sea of reboots, and Huss attributes this to the show's timeless themes. It offers a break from the polarized nature of society, presenting a world where characters are kind to each other and find their way through life with love and understanding. This sincerity and focus on humanity are what make the show so appealing and enduring.
"It's about kindness, and nothing mean. It's a family being kind to each other, and that's a nice respite from the world we live in."
The Future and New Projects
Huss has been busy with various projects, including the acclaimed Widow's Bay, where he had the pleasure of working with Matthew Rhys and Hiro Murai. He praises the collaborative environment and the freedom to improvise, highlighting Stephen Root's exceptional performance and Emmy nomination. Huss also mentions his involvement in Chad Powers and The Four Seasons, sharing insights into the production and his anticipation for future seasons.
In conclusion, Toby Huss's journey with King of the Hill and other projects showcases his versatility and the impact of sincere storytelling. The show's revival, with its focus on kindness and humanity, offers a unique and much-needed perspective in today's media landscape. As we await more seasons and projects, Huss's talent and dedication continue to leave a mark on the industry.
