As widespread as his influence is across film and TV you’d think everyone would realize that Luis Guzman has voiced several animated characters on top of everything else he’s done. But to be honest he’s been such a prolific character actor that his other roles tend to go unnoticed a lot of times. In truth he’s one of the greatest supporting actors that’s ever lived and he’s been around for a good long while. Watch any movie and there’s at least a small percentage chance that he’ll be in it. Well, maybe that’s exaggerating, but if you watch one movie with him in it you’ll see why it feels necessary. The guy can be funny, deadly serious, or somewhere pleasantly in-between. When he becomes an animated character he’s no different as his voice alone carries the kind of humor in it that you can easily laugh at and enjoy.
Here are some of the voice roles that you didn’t know Luis Guzman was responsible for.
5. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – Ricardo Diaz
It’s kind of obvious that Ricardo is a little high strung, but this seems to be the them in Vice City, anyone that can be bought will be, and anything that needs doing will get done in the most violent way possible. Grand Theft Auto is definitely one of the more violent and controversial games to ever come out but for some odd reason people have locked onto it. Guzman’s voice just lends it a little more ‘oomph’ since he can play the part of crazy pretty well and nail it without much coaching, if any. Imagine him tearing off after another person in real life and you’ll understand the intensity here.
4. Beverly Hills Chihuahua – Chucho
This film is an oddity largely because it got buried by some and loved by others. It’s most definitely a niche film that appeals to some folks and not to others but Guzman seems to have fun with his roles no matter what film they’re in. That’s one of the greatest things about him, he simply gets into character and gets going without much or any real prompting. Playing a bigger dog named Chucho in a film that’s about small dogs like chihuahuas seems kind of odd since he’s never really the biggest guy on screen but it’s all good largely because he still delivers on the funny when it comes to his role.
3.Henry & Me – Lefty Gomez
This is a touching story about a young boy that develops cancer and then on his way to surgery dreams of being carted away to play for the New York Yankees. The game is, of course, a metaphor for his life, and whether or not he wants to keep playing and in effect fight for what he wants. He gets to meet a great many legends along the way, Lefty Gomez being one of them, and eventually finds out just what courage is as he finds out what it means to keep playing the game and to never give up. It’s the kind of story that might make you cry and yet will still make you feel all warm and toasty inside.
2. Gangstar Rio: City of Saints – Furno
Either Luis is attracted to productions that have gangster themes in them or he’s sought out because he stars in a lot of productions that tend to have a similar theme. If you ever watched Carlito’s Way and Carlito’s Way: Rise to Power, then you would see just how proficient he is a character actor. He’s not always the nice guy or the most popular but he gets in there and makes it work all the same. His personality comes out in such a way that you can’t help but be impressed since he makes the production just that much better.
1. Turbo – Angelo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_VLIl5msEo
Angelo is the kind of guy that just wants things to make sense and to get by doing what he does best. He doesn’t have a lot of big aspirations like his younger brother Tito, and he doesn’t really want them. In fact Tito is kind of like his bane as well as his brother at times since he has a lot of grand ideas that he can’t really follow through on largely because he doesn’t always see the big picture. But one thing Angelo is not is afraid to speak his mind, and he does plenty of that when it comes to Tito. However when Tito finally finds a way to make Dos Bros. Tacos take off and make everyone a good deal of money Angelo is right there to support his brother as well. He’s the hardcase, but he’s usually got a reason for being that way.
Luis Guzman is by far one of the best actors around and thankfully one of the most utilized when he’s needed.
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