Who Is the Voice Actor Behind Rick on ‘Rick and Morty’?

Rick and Morty is an animated science fiction comedy series that has been airing on the Cartoon Network since 2013. The show, which combines everything from outrageous sci-fi scenarios to interplay between an anything-but-average American family, has become a fan favorite, with millions of viewers tuning into new episodes.

While the show is occasionally slammed by critics due to the crude and sometimes graphic nature of certain episodes, Rick and Morty has become one of the most popular animated shows on the air.  It might surprise some fans of the show to learn that there is actually a relatively small team of voice actors and artists who work to bring the show to life — and in fact, the show’s co-creator serves as the voice for Rick Sanchez. 

What is the show ‘Rick and Morty’ about?

Rick and Morty follows the adventures of a mad scientist named Rick Sanchez and his family, specifically, Rick’s grandson Morty, who is the polar opposite of the cynical, carefree Rick. Together, Rick and Morty travel through inter-dimensional portals and create new worlds, often inadvertently wreaking havoc in their wake. Since 2013, Rick and Morty has been one of the best-performing shows in the Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim programming block, and it is still going strong to this day.

With the fifth season of Rick and Morty set to debut in late June 2021, new viewers are discovering the brilliance and originality of the show for the very first time — and uncovering the talent in the show’s creators and voice artists. Much of the popularity of Rick and Morty comes down to the characters themselves, with Rick Sanchez, the eccentric scientist himself, becoming a sort of pop culture icon. 

Rick Sanchez is the central character in ‘Rick and Morty’

There’s no doubt that Rick Sanchez is not exactly the most lovable animated character in the world. He plays fast and loose with his family’s safety, shows little regard for others, and likes to live a relatively sloppy life, allowing his grandson to pick up many of his messes.

Still, viewers absolutely love Rick and there’s no doubt that the unique character has helped to make Rick and Morty truly unmissable television. It takes a special type of voice actor to bring Rick to life — and providing the voice of Rick in each and every episode of the show is Justin Roiland, the co-creator and writer for Rick and Morty. 

Justin Roiland voices the character of Rick Sanchez

Roiland has been involved in the entertainment industry since the early 2000s, producing and acting in movie shorts. He also has a long history with Comedy Central, regularly appearing on The Sarah Silverman Program. Fans of the show Adventure Time likely also recognize Roiland’s voice, since he voices the character Earl of Lemongrab.

However, Roiland’s most high-profile project is the show Rick and Morty, which he created along with his writing partner Dan Harmon. In addition to writing and executive producing the series, Roiland voices multiple characters in the hit show.

According to Den of Geek, Roiland provides the voice for Rick Sanchez, as well as Morty, Mr. Meseeks, and more minor characters such as Mr. Poopybutthole. From the very beginning of the show, it is Roiland who has brought the characters to life in a way that no one else could — and viewers certainly appreciate his hilarious vocal mannerisms and unique tics. Fans will be able to catch up on all the latest Rick and Morty action when the newest season debuts in late June!