For over a decade, Adult Swim’s animated phenomenon Rick and Morty has taken viewers on hilarious, mind-bending adventures across infinite realities. The show’s success hinges on its outrageous sci-fi concepts and crass humor and the incredible voice cast that brings these eccentric characters to life. From the genius-but-troubled Rick Sanchez to his anxious grandson Morty, each member of the Smith family is brought to life by a talented actor who perfectly captures their personality. So, buckle up and get ready to delve into the interdimensional lives of the Rick and Morty cast!
Rick and Morty Cast: Main Cast
Rick and Morty, Adult Swim’s wildly popular animated series, wouldn’t be the pop culture juggernaut it is without Rick and Morty cast. These talented actors breathe life into the dysfunctional Smith family, transporting viewers across infinite realities with their hilarious performances.
Rick Sanchez: The Unhinged Genius (Voiced by Justin Roiland)
Rick Sanchez, the show’s co-protagonist, is a mad scientist with an incomprehensible IQ. Fueled by a potent concoction called “portal fluid,” Rick spends his days constructing outlandish gadgets and dragging his hapless grandson Morty on interdimensional adventures. He’s a cynical alcoholic with a nihilistic outlook, constantly belittling those around him.
Yet, beneath the gruff exterior lies a flicker of vulnerability, particularly regarding his missing wife Diane. Justin Roiland, the show’s co-creator, masterfully captures Rick’s complexities. Roiland’s voice for Rick is distinct – a raspy, sarcastic drawl that perfectly embodies the character’s intelligence and arrogance. He employs a wide vocal range, effortlessly transitioning from moments of scientific exposition to drunken ramblings.
Morty Smith: The Anxious Sidekick (Voiced by Justin Roiland)
Morty Smith, Rick’s awkward grandson, serves as the show’s moral compass. A neurotic 14-year-old constantly riddled with existential dread, Morty is frequently dragged into Rick’s chaotic schemes, much to his dismay. Despite his anxieties, Morty possesses a strong sense of right and wrong, often acting as the voice of reason against Rick’s reckless antics. Roiland again shines, delivering a distinct voice for Morty that perfectly contrasts Rick’s. Morty’s voice is higher-pitched and filled with nervous stammers, perfectly reflecting his personality. Roiland expertly differentiates between the two characters, ensuring each is instantly recognizable to viewers.
Jerry Smith: The Incompetent Patriarch (Voiced by Chris Parnell)
Jerry Smith, Beth’s husband and Rick’s son-in-law, embodies the stereotypical sitcom dad. He’s insecure, weak-willed, and constantly seeking Rick’s approval, often failing miserably. Despite his shortcomings, Jerry loves his family and genuinely tries to be a good father. Chris Parnell, a comedic veteran known for his Saturday Night Live and Archer work, brings Jerry to life with his signature deadpan delivery. Parnell’s voice for Jerry perfectly captures the character’s fumbling nature and awkward attempts at humor. While Jerry can sometimes be frustrating, Parnell’s performance ensures he remains endearingly pathetic.
Beth Smith: The Strong-Willed Surgeon (Voiced by Sarah Chalke)
Beth Smith, Rick’s daughter and Morty’s mother, is a successful horse surgeon with a rebellious streak. Having spent most of her life overshadowed by Rick’s genius, Beth grapples with feelings of inadequacy and a desire to prove herself. As the series progresses, she becomes more assertive, even venturing on adventures with Rick and Morty. Sarah Chalke, known for her roles in Scrubs and How I Met Your Mother, brings a strength and vulnerability to Beth. Chalke’s voice for Beth is confident and decisive, perfectly embodying the character’s determination. She also conveys Beth’s emotional complexities, particularly her strained relationship with Rick.
Summer Smith: The Sarcastic Teenager (Voiced by Spencer Grammer)
Summer Smith, Rick’s granddaughter and Morty’s older sister, is a typical teenager – self-absorbed, sarcastic, and obsessed with social media. Initially portrayed as shallow and materialistic, Summer develops a more adventurous side throughout the series, becoming increasingly comfortable with Rick’s interdimensional excursions. Spencer Grammer, daughter of Kelsey Grammer, delivers a fantastic performance as Summer. Grammer’s voice perfectly captures the character’s teenage angst and dry wit. She showcases Summer’s growth across the series, from a stereotypical teenager to a capable and self-assured young woman.
The dynamic between these five core cast members truly elevates Rick and Morty. Roiland and Parnell’s contrasting performances as Rick and Jerry create a hilarious father-son-in-law dynamic.
Rick And Morty Cast: Supporting Cast
The supporting cast of Rick and Morty is a crucial aspect of the show’s success, providing depth and diversity to the universe created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon. The voice actors behind these characters bring their unique talents and experiences to the show, contributing to its rich and imaginative world.
Rob Paulsen
Rob Paulsen is a legendary voice actor known for his work in various animated series, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Animaniacs, and Pinky and the Brain. In Rick and Morty, he lends his voice to Snuffles, a.k.a. Snowball, and Centaur.
Snuffles is a loyal family dog who becomes super-intelligent after being exposed to Rick’s technology. Paulsen’s voice work captures Snuffles’ transformation from a lovable pet to a megalomaniacal tyrant. His performance is hilarious and unsettling, showcasing the character’s dark side.
Centaur is a mythical creature in the episode “Ricksy Business.” Paulsen’s performance brings a sense of humor and charm to the character, making him a memorable addition to the show’s diverse cast. His portrayal of Centaur highlights the character’s innocence and vulnerability, making him a relatable and sympathetic figure.
Jess Harnell
Jess Harnell is a veteran voice actor known for his work in various animated series, including Transformers, Animaniacs, and DuckTales. In Rick and Morty, he lends his voice to Scary Terry, Ruben, and other characters.
Scary Terry is a parody of Freddy Krueger from the Nightmare on Elm Street series. Harnell’s voice work captures the character’s menacing and intimidating demeanor while adding a touch of humor. His performance is terrifying and entertaining, showcasing the character’s unique blend of horror and comedy.
Ruben is a character who appears in the episode “Look Who’s Purging Now.” Harnell’s performance brings a sense of vulnerability and humanity to the character, making him a relatable and sympathetic figure. His portrayal of Ruben highlights the character’s struggles and insecurities, making him a complex and nuanced character.
Patricia Lentz
Patricia Lentz is an accomplished voice actor with a diverse portfolio, including work in animated series, video games, and commercials. In Rick and Morty, she lends her voice to Joyce Smith, the mother of Summer Smith.
Lentz’s voice work captures Joyce’s warmth and nurturing nature, making her a loving and supportive mother figure. Her performance also highlights the character’s strength and resilience, particularly in the face of the challenges that Rick and Morty’s adventures bring. Her portrayal of Joyce is both loving and realistic, making her a relatable and sympathetic character.
Echo Kellum
Echo Kellum is a UCB graduate and actor known for appearing in various television shows, including Arrow and Seal Team. In Rick and Morty, he lends his voice to Jacob Philip, Brad, and Triple Trunks.
Jacob Philip is a minor character who appears in the episode “Mortynight Run.” Kellum’s performance brings the character a sense of innocence and naivety, making him a likeable and relatable figure. His portrayal of Jacob Philip highlights the character’s vulnerability and innocence, making him a sympathetic and relatable character.
Brad is a character who appears in the episode “Auto Erotic Assimilation.” Kellum’s performance captures the character’s insecurity and vulnerability, making him a sympathetic and relatable figure. His portrayal of Brad highlights the character’s struggles and insecurities, making him a complex and nuanced character.
Triple Trunks is a minor character who appears in the episode “The Rickshank Rickdemption.” Kellum’s voice work brings a sense of humor and absurdity to the character, making him a memorable and entertaining addition to the show’s cast. His portrayal of Triple Trunks highlights the character’s eccentricity and absurdity, making him a unique and entertaining character.
Rick And Morty Cast: Famous Guest Stars
Rick and Morty has featured several famous guest actors throughout its run, adding star power and unique performances to the show. Here are some notable guest stars:
1. Stephen Colbert as Zeep Xanflorp: In the episode “The Ricks Must Be Crazy,” Colbert plays a Rick-like character in the microverse, showcasing his comedic timing and sarcasm.
2. Peter Serafinowicz as Agency Director: In the episode “Pickle Rick,” Serafinowicz portrays a cold and menacing character trying to eliminate Rick, who has turned himself into a pickle.
3. Christina Hendricks as Unity: Hendricks voices an alien entity capable of assimilating entire populations, who was also Rick’s one-time girlfriend, showcasing her ability to handle emotionally complex characters.
4. Christian Slater as Vance Maximus: Slater plays a villainous character in the episode “Vindicators 3: The Return of Worldender,” demonstrating his versatility as an actor.
5. Susan Sarandon as Dr. Wong: In the episode “Pickle Rick,” Sarandon voices a therapist trying to help the dysfunctional Smith family, bringing her deadpan humor to the absurd situation.
6. Nathan Fillion as Cornvelious Daniel: Fillion stars as a Galactic Federation agent in the episode “The Rickshank Rickdemption,” showcasing his comedic timing and voice acting skills.
7. Alison Brie as Planetina: Brie voices a brave and adorable character in the episode “A Rickconvenient Mort,” demonstrating her range as an actress.
8. John Oliver as Dr. Xenon Bloom: In the episode “Anatomy Park,” Oliver voices a character who is a parody of Dr. Xenon Bloom from the show “Anatomy Park,” showcasing his comedic timing.
These guest stars have brought their unique talents to the show, adding depth and humor to the already rich universe of Rick and Morty.
Rick and Morty Cast: Season 7 Changes
Rick and Morty’s Season 7 has undergone significant changes following the exit of co-creator and voice actor Justin Roiland. Here are some of the key changes in the show:
1. Reduced Role for Morty: In the first episode of Season 7, Morty has a reduced role, only appearing in the first four minutes without appearing again afterward.
2. Lack of Direction: Season 7 lacks a clear direction or story arc, with episodes more self-contained and less connected to the overarching narrative.
3. Changes in Rick’s Character: Rick’s obsession with Rick Prime, a central plot point in Season 6, seems to have disappeared without much explanation.
4. New Voice Actors: The show has introduced new voice actors to replace Justin Roiland. Ian Cardoni now voices Rick Sanchez, while Harry Belden provides the voice of Morty Smith.
5. Elevated Minor Characters: Season 7 has focused on giving bigger roles to some of the show’s minor characters, such as Mr. Poopybutthole and Jerry.
6. Lighthearted Episodes: Some episodes in Season 7, like the one without Rick, have a lighter tone and feel like a change of pace from the usual Rick and Morty dynamic.
These changes have led to mixed reactions from fans, with some praising the new direction and others feeling that the show has lost some of its edge without Roiland’s involvement.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Rick and Morty Cast are the unsung heroes of Rick and Morty. Justin Roiland, Chris Parnell, Sarah Chalke, and Spencer Grammer breathe life into these characters, transforming them from animated sketches into a dysfunctional yet strangely endearing family unit. Their performances capture the humor, complexity, and occasional pathos that define Rick, Morty, Beth, Jerry, and Summer.
The chemistry between the cast is undeniable. Roiland masterfully delivers Rick’s genius and cynicism, while Parnell perfectly embodies Jerry’s bumbling insecurities. Chalke portrays Beth’s strength and vulnerability, while Grammer showcases Summer’s transformation from a self-absorbed teenager to a capable adventurer. Together, they create a comedic symphony that resonates with viewers, making Rick and Morty a cultural phenomenon.