Justin Roiland
Justin Roiland | |
---|---|
Born | Mark Justin Roiland[1] February 21, 1980 Manteca, California, U.S. |
Education | Modesto Junior College |
Occupations | |
Years active | 2004–present |
Mark Justin Roiland (born February 21, 1980)[2] is an American voice actor, animator, writer, producer and director. He is best known as the co-creator of Adult Swim's animated sitcom Rick and Morty, for which he voiced the protagonists Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith, and as the co-creator of Hulu's Solar Opposites, in which he voiced the main character, Korvo, until both networks severed ties with him in 2023 respectively as a result of domestic abuse charges.[3][4] He had also played Earl of Lemongrab on Adventure Time, Blendin Blandin on Gravity Falls, and Oscar on Fish Hooks. He founded the animation studio Justin Roiland's Solo Vanity Card Productions! and the video game studio Squanch Games, though he resigned from the latter in 2023.
Early life
Roiland was born and raised in Manteca, California.[5] He attended Sierra High School up until the first quarter of his senior year and then transferred to Manteca High School for the remainder of his senior year, graduating in 1998.[6] After high school, he attended Modesto Junior College in Modesto, California.[7] Roiland is dyslexic.[8] Roiland has claimed he was sexually assaulted by his cousin at age 7.[9]
Career
Roiland got involved with Channel101, an L.A. media collective started by Dan Harmon and Rob Schrab, where he made and acted in numerous movie shorts (such as 2 Girls One Cup: The Show, House of Cosbys and a small role as musician Christopher Cross in the series Yacht Rock) and in the VH1 television show Acceptable TV.[10][11] He appeared regularly on The Sarah Silverman Program on Comedy Central as "Blonde Craig".[12][13] From 2010 to 2016, he co-hosted The Grandma's Virginity Podcast with future Rick and Morty writer, Ryan Ridley, and future Steven Universe producer, Jackie Buscarino.[14]
In 2012, Adult Swim approached Harmon to produce a new animated series for their network. Harmon approached Roiland and together, they created Rick and Morty (based on Roiland's previous work for Channel 101, "The Real Animated Adventures of Doc and Mharti") which debuted in 2013 to widespread acclaim. The show quickly grew a fan community as audiences praised the show for its unique story telling and incorporation of science-fiction elements. Between 2013 and 2022, Roiland voiced Rick Sanchez and his grandson Morty Smith. In addition to the voice work, Roiland served as a co-writer and executive producer alongside Dan Harmon.[15][16] By the end of season 1, Rick and Morty became one of the most successful shows Adult Swim ever produced.[17] The success of the show spearheaded an entire franchise around it. Various themed merchandise have been produced and sold. In addition to the show, an app called "Pocket Mortys" was created. On August 25, 2016, Roiland launched virtual reality studio Squanchtendo, a portmanteau of the company Nintendo and Rick and Morty character Squanchy.[18] It was later renamed to Squanch Games.[16][19] Its first full-length title, Accounting+, made in collaboration with William Pugh's studio, was released for PSVR on December 19, 2017.[20]
In January 2021, Roiland offered over a dozen artworks in his first NFT art collection, titled "The Best I Could Do". His highest-selling piece was by his Simpsons homage The Smintons, sold at $290,100. The collection sold for a total of $1.65 million.[21] Roiland also sold his first painting, titled mypeoplefriend, via auction by Sotheby's in July 2021.[22]
On October 31, 2022, Roiland released a generative NFT project named "Art Gobblers" with Paradigm Ventures.[citation needed]
Legal issues
In August 2020, Roiland was arrested and charged with felony domestic battery and false imprisonment in Orange County, California, in connection with an alleged incident in January 2020 involving an unnamed woman he was reportedly dating at the time. Roiland was released on bail, after pleading not guilty, and pre-trial is scheduled for April 27, 2023.[23] Knowledge of these events was not public until NBC News reported on the matter in January 2023.[24][25]
After the charges were laid, multiple people came forward with their own allegations of abuse by Roiland, including claims of predatory behavior towards minors.[26][27][28] He private messaged Allie Goertz, who was at the time preparing for a Rick and Morty concept album, and said "Can you write a song about 9 Dick’s [sic] of different sized and ethnic origins hanging above your face, and then in the lyrics describe how they each splatter you with semen.”[29]
Adult Swim announced later that month that Roiland had been dismissed from Rick and Morty due to the charges and his roles would be recast for future seasons.[30] Squanch Games affirmed that Roiland had resigned from the company on January 16, 2023, in the wake of the Adult Swim news.[31] On January 25, 20th Television Animation confirmed that he had also been removed from Solar Opposites and Koala Man, which will also continue to be produced without his involvement.[32]
In March 2023 the criminal charges against Roiland were dismissed due to insufficent evidence.[33][34]
Filmography
Film
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2006 | Tenacious D: Time Fixers | Abe Lincoln | Short film |
The Real Animated Adventures of Doc and Mharti | Doc Smith, Mharti McDonhalds | Voice, short film | |
2009 | Santa Buddies | Chihuahua | Uncredited |
2015 | Krampus | Clumpy | Voice |
2018 | Smallfoot | Garry | |
Seth Rogen's Hilarity for Charity | Char | ||
2019 | Invader Zim: Enter the Florpus | Foodio 3000, Weird Alien #1, Excited Audience Member | Voice, Netflix film |
2021 | Space Jam: A New Legacy | Rick Sanchez, Morty Smith | Voice, cameo |
Television
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2004 | Cheap Seats without Ron Parker | Rhonda's Son | Episode: "1973 Superstars" |
2005 | House of Cosbys | Additional voices | Also creator, writer and executive producer |
2007 | Acceptable.TV | Various | Also director, writer and executive producer |
2007–2010 | The Sarah Silverman Program | Blonde Craig, Chant Leader | 8 episodes |
2010–2014 | Fish Hooks | Oscar Fishtooth | Voice, also writer |
2011–2018 | Adventure Time | Earl of Lemongrab, Lemonhope, additional voices | 14 episodes |
2012–2015 | Gravity Falls | Blendin Blandin, Bobby Renzobbi, additional voices | 7 episodes |
2013 | Out There | Chris Novak | Voice, 10 episodes |
2013–2022 | Rick and Morty | Rick Sanchez, Morty Smith, additional voices | Voice; also co-creator, writer, executive producer and director |
2014–2019 | The Cyanide and Happiness Show | Mr. Romero | |
2015 | The Simpsons | Rick Sanchez, Morty Smith | Voice, episode: "Mathlete's Feat" |
Community | Ice Cube Head | Voice, episode: "Emotional Consequences of Broadcast Television" | |
Aqua Teen Hunger Force | Honest Abe Lincoln's Hot Links Mascot | Voice, episode: "Mouth Quest" | |
2015–2017 | Pig Goat Banana Cricket | Psychopath Giraffe, Radical Rick, Customer | Voice, 7 episodes |
2015 | Yo Gabba Gabba! | Sea Queen | Voice, episode: "Mermaids" |
2016 | Animals. | H&M | Voice, episode: "Cats" |
Future-Worm! | General Couponocus, Mr. Clock Face, Professor Gigglesnorp, Commandant Giflington, Homework Android | Voice, 7 episodes | |
2017 | Mystery Science Theater 3000 | — | Writer: "Reptilicus" |
2018–2019 | Hot Streets | Chubbie Webbers | Voice, also executive producer |
2018 | Robot Chicken | Additional voices | Episode: "3 2 1 2 333, 222, 3…66?" |
70th Primetime Emmy Awards | Rick Sanchez, Morty Smith | Voice, television special | |
2019 | Star vs. the Forces of Evil | Doop-Doop | 2 episodes |
2020–2022 | Solar Opposites | Korvo | Voice; also co-creator, writer, executive producer and director |
2021 | Invincible | Doug Cheston | Episode: "You Look Kinda Dead" |
2022 | The Boys Presents: Diabolical | Papers, Narrator's Dad, Picante's Dad | Voice, episode: "An Animated Short Where Pissed-Off Supes Kill Their Parents"; also writer |
The Paloni Show! Halloween Special! | Leroy Paloni | Voice; also creator, writer, executive producer | |
2023 | Koala Man | Chad Wagon | Voice, episode: "The Red Hot Rule"; also executive producer |
King Star King | Hank Waffles | Voice, episode: "King Star King!/!/!/; also writer and executive producer |
Web
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2004 | Sockbaby | Ronnie's Lungs | 1 episode |
2005–2010 | Yacht Rock | Christopher Cross | 4 episodes |
2012 | SuperFuckers | Orange Lightning, Vortex | |
2013 | Friends and Lovers | Captain Xandar | 3 episodes |
2013 | Game Grumps | Himself | 1 episode (unreleased) |
2010–2016 | Grandma's Virginity Podcast | 44 episodes | |
2016–2018 | H3 Podcast | 3 episodes | |
2017 | Lasagna Cat | Vocals | Episode: "10/20/1984" |
2019 | Meme Review | Guest | Episode: "Will Smith hosts Meme Review w/ Elon Musk" |
2021 | Sand Planet | Uncle & PP88 | collabaration on Joel Haver's YouTube channel |
2022 | Half in the Bag | Guest | Overdub voices for Mike and Jay as Rick and Morty respectively |
Video games
In August 2016,[35] Roiland set up a video game studio, Squanchtendo, which was later renamed to Squanch Games in December 2017.[36]
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2013 | Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I Don't Know! | Earl of Lemongrab | |
2015 | Dota 2 | Rick Sanchez, Morty Smith | Rick and Morty Announcer DLC[37] |
Lego Dimensions | Earl of Lemongrab | ||
Adventure Time: Finn & Jake Investigations | |||
Dr. Langeskov, The Tiger, and the Terribly Cursed Emerald | Various Voices | ||
2016 | Pocket Mortys | Rick Sanchez, Morty Smith | |
The Lab | Various Personality Cores | ||
Job Simulator | Radio Announcer | ||
Accounting | Various Voices | Also co-director and co-writer | |
2017 | Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-ality | Rick Sanchez, Morty Smith | |
LawBreakers | Blitzball | ||
2019 | Trover Saves the Universe | Trover | |
2022 | High on Life | Kenny | |
Warped Kart Racers | Korvo | Archived recordings | |
MultiVersus | Rick Sanchez, Morty Smith, Mr. Meeseeks | Archived recordings |
Awards and nominations
References
- ^ "Justin Roiland".
- ^ "Justin Roiland". Amazon. Retrieved August 13, 2020.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (January 24, 2023). "Adult Swim Severs Ties With 'Rick And Morty' Co-Creator Justin Roiland After Domestic Violence Charges Against Him Became Public". Deadline. Archived from the original on January 24, 2023. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
- ^ Porter, Rick (January 25, 2023). "Justin Roiland Dropped From Hulu's 'Solar Opposites,' 'Koala Man'". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ "Justin Roiland, "Oscar"". Disney Channel. Archived from the original on March 18, 2012. Retrieved January 26, 2011.
- ^ "98 – Justin Roiland". Don't Ever Change with John Roy. Archived from the original on August 14, 2017. Retrieved August 13, 2017.
- ^ "Rick and Morty Origins Part One". Adult Swim. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved August 13, 2017.
- ^ Couch, Aaron (May 14, 2015). "'The Simpsons': Matt Groening Dissects 'Rick and Morty' Opening Credits Crossover". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 28, 2021.
- ^ "Harmontown Episode 143 - Retardinol". YouTube. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
- ^ "Justin Roiland – Filmography". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times. 2012. Archived from the original on November 3, 2012. Retrieved January 26, 2011.
- ^ "Justin Roiland". Channel101. Archived from the original on December 4, 2010. Retrieved January 31, 2011.
- ^ "The Sarah Silverman Program". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on July 13, 2011. Retrieved January 26, 2011.
- ^ "The Sarah Silverman Program: TV Show Cancelled; No Season Four". TV Series Finale. May 12, 2010. Retrieved January 26, 2011.
- ^ "The Grandma's Virginity Podcast". iTunes. Retrieved January 26, 2011.
- ^ "LOL: Watch Justin Roiland's Drunken Rick and Morty Voice Recording". Slashfilm. May 9, 2017. Retrieved October 19, 2017.
- ^ a b "An Interview With the Creator of 'Rick and Morty'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 15, 2017.
- ^ Munson, Ben (October 26, 2017). "Time Warner Q3 revenues rise 6% on boost from HBO, 'Rick and Morty'". Fierce Video. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
- ^ Rosenberg, Adam (August 25, 2016). "'Rick and Morty' co-creator launches a new VR studio, Squanchtendo". Mashable. Retrieved August 26, 2016.
- ^ "Co-Creator Of Rick And Morty Collaborating On New VR Game Studio". WWG. Retrieved December 15, 2017.
- ^ Alexander, Julia (December 7, 2017). "Rick and Morty co-creator confirms Accounting+ coming to PSVR this month". Polygon. Retrieved December 15, 2017.
- ^ Cascone, Sarah (March 23, 2021). "Here Are the 10 Most Expensive NFT Artworks, From Beeple's $69 Million Opus to an 18-Year-Old's $500,000 Vampire Queen". Artnews.
- ^ Dafoe, Taylor (July 19, 2021). "After Making His Seven-Figure NFT Debut, 'Rick and Morty' Creator Justin Roiland Is Selling His First Painting at Auction". Artnews.
- ^ "Justin Roiland dropped from Rick and Morty after domestic abuse charges". the Guardian. January 24, 2023. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
- ^ Tenbarge, Kat; Kingkade, Tyler (January 12, 2023). "'Rick and Morty' co-creator Justin Roiland faces felony domestic violence charges". NBC News. Archived from the original on January 12, 2023.
- ^ Shanfield, Ethan (January 12, 2023). "'Rick and Morty' Co-Creator Justin Roiland Facing Domestic Violence Charges". Variety. Archived from the original on January 12, 2023.
- ^ "Why Justin Roiland Is Out at 'Rick and Morty' and Adult Swim". Time. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
- ^ Kain, Erik. "Why Recasting 'Rick And Morty' After The Justin Roiland Controversy Is A Mistake". Forbes. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
- ^ Bevan, Rhiannon (January 13, 2023). "Further Allegations Made Against Justin Roiland Following Battery And False Imprisonment Charges". TheGamer. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
- ^ Rose, Lacey; Kilkenny, Katie (February 7, 2023). "Inside the Implosion of Justin Roiland's Animation Empire". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 8, 2023.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (January 24, 2023). "Adult Swim Severs Ties With 'Rick And Morty' Co-Creator Justin Roiland After Domestic Violence Charges Against Him Became Public". Deadline. Archived from the original on January 24, 2023. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
- ^ Carpenter, Nicole (January 24, 2023). "Justin Roiland out at High on Life studio Squanch Games after felony charges". Polygon. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
- ^ "Justin Roiland Cut from Solar Opposites, Koala Man Following Rick & Morty Exit".
- ^ "Rick and Morty Creator Justin Roiland Breaks Silence on Domestic Battery Case". Anime. Retrieved March 22, 2023.
- ^ "'Rick and Morty' Co-Creator Justin Roiland's Domestic Violence Case Dismissed". TMZ. Retrieved March 22, 2023.
- ^ "The Stanley Parable's designer lied to Rick and Morty's creator — and now they're making a game together". August 25, 2016.
- ^ "Squanchtendo is now Squanch Games". February 6, 2017.
- ^ "Steam Workshop :: Rick and Morty Announcer Pack". steamcommunity.com. Retrieved June 23, 2015.
- ^ "42ND ANNUAL ANNIE AWARDS CATEGORIES AND NOMINEES". annieawards.org. Archived from the original on December 14, 2014. Retrieved December 14, 2014.
- ^ Ceron, Ella (June 19, 2017). "Teen Choice Awards 2017: See the First Wave of Nominations". Teen Vogue. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ Hammond, Pete (December 6, 2017). "Critics' Choice Awards Nominations: 'The Shape Of Water' Leads With 14; Netflix Tops TV Contenders". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
- ^ "Annie Awards: Disney/Pixar's 'Coco' Tops Nominations". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on December 14, 2014. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
- ^ McNary, Dave (March 15, 2018). "'Black Panther,' 'Walking Dead' Rule Saturn Awards Nominations". Variety. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
- ^ Weatherby, Taylor (June 13, 2018). "Taylor Swift, Drake, Cardi B & More Among Teen Choice Awards 2018 Nominees: See the Full List". Billboard. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
- ^ "Emmys: Netflix Beats HBO With Most Nominations". The Hollywood Reporter. July 12, 2018. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
- ^ "Emmys 2020: List of Nominations". Variety. July 28, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
- ^ Kit, Borys (November 19, 2020). "Palm Springs,' 'Lovecraft Country' Lead Nominations for Inaugural Critics Choice Super Awards". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
- ^ Pedersen, Erik (March 3, 2021). "Annie Awards Nominations: 'Soul' & 'Wolfwalkers' Lead Field For Animation Prizes". Deadline. Archived from the original on December 3, 2019. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
- ^ Hipes, Patrick (March 4, 2021). "Saturn Awards Nominations: 'Star Wars: Rise Of Skywalker', 'Tenet', 'Walking Dead', 'Outlander' Lead List". Deadline. Archived from the original on December 3, 2019. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
- ^ Verhoeven, Beatrice (July 7, 2022). "'This Is Us,' 'Succession,' 'Severance' Lead 2022 HCA TV Nominations". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 7, 2022. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
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External links
- 1980 births
- Living people
- 21st-century American comedians
- 21st-century American screenwriters
- 21st-century American male writers
- Animators from California
- American male voice actors
- American male television actors
- American satirists
- American surrealist artists
- American cartoonists
- American animated film directors
- American animated film producers
- American television directors
- American television writers
- Comedians from California
- Journalists from California
- Male actors from California
- American male television writers
- People from Manteca, California
- Actors with dyslexia
- Writers with dyslexia
- Primetime Emmy Award winners
- Annie Award winners
- Screenwriters from California
- Television show creators
- Showrunners
- Television producers from California
- American people of Norwegian descent