Interview Stuart Zagnit

Stuart Zagnit: The Voice Behind Pokémon’s Professor Oak – An Exclusive Interview

Interviews, Stories
Stuart Zagnit: The Voice Behind Pokémon’s Professor Oak – An Exclusive Interview

Welcome to an insightful journey into the life and career of Stuart Zagnit, a versatile actor whose voice has become synonymous with one of the most beloved characters in the Pokémon universe, Professor Oak. This exclusive interview delves into Zagnit’s experiences, from his initial foray into voice acting to the memorable moments that have defined his career. Join us as we explore the man behind the voice that has inspired generations of Pokémon fans.

Stuart Zagnit: A Journey Through Broadway, Television, and Voice Acting

Stuart Zagnit

Stuart Zagnit’s career in the performing arts spans several decades, marked by a diverse range of roles on Broadway, television, and beyond. Born and raised in the United States, Zagnit discovered his passion for acting at a young age, leading him to pursue a career that would eventually make him a familiar voice to millions around the world. His journey through the entertainment industry is a testament to his adaptability and talent, showcasing his ability to bring a wide array of characters to life.

Before becoming the iconic voice of Professor Oak in the Pokémon series, Zagnit honed his skills on the stage, appearing in numerous Broadway productions. His theatrical work provided him with a solid foundation in acting, allowing him to develop a keen understanding of character development and storytelling. This background in live performance would later serve him well in the world of voice acting, where he would leave an indelible mark on one of the most successful animated series of all time.

Zagnit’s transition into voice acting was marked by his role as Professor Oak, a character that quickly became a fan favorite for his wisdom, kindness, and mentorship. Beyond Pokémon, Zagnit has continued to work in various capacities within the entertainment industry, demonstrating his versatility as an actor. Despite the wide range of characters he has portrayed, it is his role in Pokémon that remains a highlight of his career, endearing him to a global audience of fans who have grown up with the series.

Exclusive Interview with Stuart Zagnit

Q: How did you get the role of Professor Oak in Pokémon?1
A: It was a happy accident. A former actor friend turned attorney knew the first producer and told me about this new anime show (which was not really a “thing” in 1998). And they were looking for character voices. They set up an appointment, and I read several characters, including one eccentric Professor. I looked at his picture and came up with something I thought might work. A few weeks later, they cast me as that Professor, and the rest is history…
Q: Reflecting on the role, what initially drew you to the character, and how did you approach bringing him to life?2
A: Essentially, I was a freelance actor, and the thought of voicing an animated character was something I’d always wanted to do. And I was attracted to Oak’s serious study of all things Pokémon combined with his sense of humor and his ability to laugh at himself. A fun challenge!
Q: Can you share a memorable moment or experience from your time recording for Pokémon that has stayed with you over the years?3
A: That first year was about finding our way with the journey and who we were. It was clear that Oak acts as a surrogate father to Ash, but it never was heavy-handed. The balance of serious and light was always in our minds. When we started, before every session, they would play back my audition tape to remind me how I sounded. In that first year (I think), I also recorded Pokémon Snap. Hours in the studio running down pages & pages of one, two, or three-word responses. We had just begun the session, and after a few minutes, I was interrupted by a NINTENDO executive who happened to be in the director’s booth. He didn’t speak very much English, but suddenly I heard, “No, no, no… More OAKY!!!!”

A little panicked, I quickly tried to figure out what he meant… “Oaky?” Really??

Then it struck me! “Oaky” meant that crack in the voice I had been doing unconsciously! That was it! So this Japanese exec halped me understand the vacal quality I had already been doing!

After that, I never had to be reminded again!

Q: Professor Oak is a character beloved by many for his wisdom and kindness. How much of your own personality did you bring to the role?4
A: Not much. We had good writers and good directors who kept things running smoothly. But I will say, I quickly bonded with Oak, to a point where I would know how he would say a line, so if it seemed a bit off, I’d suggest a tweak to make it more in his style, which is very handy now when I’m doing Cameo messages or other copy people send me to read! (For a fee, of course!)
Q: The Pokémon franchise has evolved significantly since its inception. How do you feel about the evolution of the series and your character within it?5
A: I won’t lie – I’m sad that Prof. Oak was used gradually less and less over the years because I think his presence brought so much to Ash and to the series. But, I’m grateful that so many fans grew up with the character, and many are re-watching the original episodes with their kids, so new generations are discovering the joys of Pokémon!
Q: Working on such an iconic show, did you face any particular challenges in voicing Professor Oak, especially as the series grew in popularity?6
A: No. If anything, as I said in question 4, I’ve only grown closer to him, so it had gotten to be a job I always looked forward to! And remember, we were not iconic when we started, but by the end of SEASON 1, I passed by a newsstand, and on the cover of Newsweek was Ash & Pikachu, with the headline, “THE POKÉMON PHENOMENON!” That stopped me in my tracks!!!
Q: Pokémon has inspired generations of fans. What is the most touching or surprising fan interaction you’ve experienced related to your work on the show?7
A: When I’m at anime cons, and fans come up to my table and I simply say, “Hello there!” They frequently “lose their sh*t” and I often hear, “You were my entire childhood.” It’s an indescribable feeling!
Q: Throughout the years, Pokémon has introduced an extensive array of characters. Besides Professor Oak, do you have a favorite character from the series? Why?8
A: As Ash’s journey has taken him away from Pallet Town, Oak has been less of the influence that he was. So as the voice actor, I honestly can say I am less involved and less interested in the new areas, events, and dramas in the series. I’m naturally more attached to the original characters and don’t follow the show anymore. Sad, but true!
Q: Looking back on the early days of Pokémon, is there anything you know now that you wish you had known when you first started working on the show?9
A: Probably not. Because it was new to US audiences, I was just happy to have a job! Perhaps if we knew how big it would become, it might have had some unnecessary impact on our work. Instead, we looked at every episode as a small adventure, had fun making it, and are so proud of the work we did. Pokémon Forever!
^ 1. Anime in 1998: Anime was gaining popularity in the West during the late 1990s, with series like “Pokémon” playing a significant role in introducing Japanese animation to a broader audience outside of Japan.
^ 2. Voice Acting: Voice acting for animated characters requires actors to convey emotion, personality, and depth through voice alone, often without the physical actions available to traditional actors.
^ 3. Pokémon Snap: A video game for the Nintendo 64 where players take on the role of a Pokémon photographer. This game was unique for its time, focusing on capturing photos of Pokémon in their natural habitats rather than battling them.
^ 4. NINTENDO Executive: Nintendo, a Japanese multinational consumer electronics and video game company, is the creator of the Pokémon franchise. The involvement of a Nintendo executive in the voice recording process underscores the importance of the Pokémon series to the company.
^ 5. Cameo Messages: Cameo is a platform that allows fans to purchase personalized video messages from their favorite celebrities, including voice actors like Stuart Zagnit.
^ 6. Newsweek Cover: The appearance of Ash and Pikachu on the cover of Newsweek magazine with the headline “THE POKÉMON PHENOMENON!” highlights the massive cultural impact and popularity of the Pokémon series in the United States.
^ 7. Anime Cons: Short for anime conventions, these events are dedicated to anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture, where fans can meet voice actors, artists, and other creators associated with their favorite series.
^ 8. Personal attachment to original characters: Reflects the voice actor’s deeper connection to the characters they originally portrayed, often leading to a preference for the series’ early content over newer developments.
^ 9. The early days of Pokémon: Reflecting on the series’ beginnings and its unexpected rise to global popularity, highlighting the humble origins of what would become a worldwide phenomenon.

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