The Famous Faces Behind Family Guy
A Look at the Guest-Star Appearances on This Animated Comedy
Sep 23, 2008
Most avid Family Guy watchers know the voices behind Peter, Stewie and dog Brian Griffin is Seth McFarlane, the writer of Family Guy, American Dad and Dexter’s Laboratory. Furthermore, watchers may be familiar with Lois Griffin, voiced by Alex Borstein from Mad TV, Meg Griffin, voiced by Mila Kunis from That 70’s Show, and Chris Griffin voiced by Seth Green from the Austin Powers’ series.
However, you might be surprised to know how many celebrities have guest-starred on Family Guy since it first aired in 1999. Some appear as themselves; others take on animated disguises, but all of them add a little extra comedy to one of the funniest shows on television.
The Regulars:
Jennifer Tilly, from The Bride of Chuckie and Patrick Warburton, from Seinfeld and Rules of Engagement play Bonnie and Joe Swanson, the Griffin’s friendly neighbours. Other regulars on the show include Death, who is played by The Man Show’s Adam Carolla and Mayor Adam West, who is, in fact, played by Batman’s Adam West.
The late Don La Fontaine, the voice behind over 5,000 movie-trailers and credited as the most-famous voice in movie history made regular appearances as the Fox announcer while Drew Barrymore from 50 First Dates and Charlie’s Angels, appeared in several episodes as Brian’s girlfriend Jillian.
The Family Members:
Long-time Hollywood star, Phyllis Diller plays Peter’s mother, Thelma Griffin, while Tropic Thunder’s Robert Downey Junior portrays Patrick Pewterschmidt, Lois’ long-lost and insane brother.
The Television Stars:
It seems like someone from every television show airing today has made an appearance on Family Guy. Nicole Sullivan from The King of Queens, Hugh Laurie from House, Neil Patrick Harris from How I Met Your Mother and Rob Lowe from Brothers and Sisters prove that when it comes to guest appearances, it’s a Family affair.
80’s television stars such as Jenna Von Oy from Blossom, Candice Bergen from Murphy Brown, Judith Light from Whose the Boss, Patrick Stewart from Star Trek and even Patrick Duffy from Step by Step all made appearances over the years. In most cases they were just one-episode pop-ins.
The Movie Stars:
Hollywood A-Listers such as Semi-Pro’s funny man Will Ferrell and sizzling siren Jessica Biel get into the Family spirit. Michael Clarke Duncan from The Green Mile makes his voice known and even Princess Leia’s portrayer Carrie Fisher from Star Wars puts in an appearance or two. Office Space’s Gary Cole, who guest stars in several different episodes and Ray Liotta from Smoking Aces, cross over into television for Family Guy.
Adult movie stars are also appearing, with Jenna Jameson, Ron Jeremy and even Playboy’s Hugh Hefner making their way on-screen in the episode Brian Does Hollywood
Family Guy has even nabbed child stars for their show with both The Sixth Sense, Haley Joel Osmont and Hide and Seek cutie, Dakota Fanning playing young children. Osmont is credited as playing Boy in Bathroom while Fanning is credited as Little Girl.
As Themselves:
Family Guy is known for parodying everything and everyone else, so it is no wonder they have had so many celebrities appear as themselves. Apart from Adam West, both Jeopardy talk show host, Alex Trebek and The Price is Right’s host, Bob Barker have made appearances as themselves. Ed McMahon, Jay Leno and Regis and Kelly have also joined in on the comedic fun.
When it comes to singers, Gene Simmons from Kiss, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson from American Idol, Peter Frampton, Waylon Jennings and even Frank Sinatra Junior have joined the list of cast mates over the years. Actors Jennifer Love Hewitt, Andy Dick and Ben Stiller all made their guest-spots as themselves, allowing the last laugh to be on them.
So, if you think you recognize the voice from one of the characters on Family Guy, you probably do! Stay tuned for the next season where there are sure to be several more guest-appearances. Keep your ears open and see if you can spot them before the end credits role!
