Arif Zahir – Family Guy

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

Q) How did you land the part as the voice of Cleveland on “Family Guy?”

A) The casting department from “Family Guy” came across my YouTube and TikTok videos of me impersonating Cleveland. They reached out to me via email and I was blown away. I auditioned about four times before getting the part.

Q) As Mike Henry has stepped down from the role, what has it been like getting to work with him and how has he helped you influence the way you portray Cleveland?

A) Mike has been nothing but supportive and inspiring. For example, we’ve had conversations about what makes Cleveland, well, Cleveland. I still gotta pinch myself sometimes because this still doesn’t feel real.

Q) You have been known to impersonate Cleveland for “Call of Duty” online matches. What has been one of your favorite moments during those matches?

A) In a video I posted sometime in 2015 titled “Cleveland Makes People Cry Laughing” I kept quoting Cleveland’s line “Party over here” and the lobby couldn’t breathe. Still my favorite reaction from doing his impression.

Q) Your YouTube channel also features you doing impersonations of other well-known characters and celebrities. Aside from Cleveland, what has been one of your favorite voices to do? Are there any new voices you are working on now that you can share with fans?

A) Kendrick Lamar is hands down an immediate favorite of mine after Cleveland. I’ve repeatedly convinced people online that I was him and the reactions are PRICELESS. And no new voices at the moment, unfortunately. They just come naturally.

Q) In what ways has YouTube helped you kickstart your career and what would be your best advice to those looking to do the same?

A) I mean, without YouTube I wouldn’t have been able to have been noticed by “Family Guy,” build a strong fan base and even build a following around my music. I’d say to always stay topical and do things no one else is doing, work your hardest, upload as much as you can and you will prevail.

Q) Who would you love to invite on to your YouTube channel to do a gaming video?

A) [laughs] Well, anyone from the “Family Guy” cast would be great, but Jack Black would be pretty dope, too.

Q) As you do a lot of different voices, what are some of your go-tos to make sure you always give a top-notch performance?

A) Always gotta have water on deck. Also, before I record, I study the character’s voice really quick on YouTube or something just to refresh it in my head.

Q) From doing so many videos for YouTube, how has that prepared you for making the leap onto television with “Family Guy?”

A) Luckily, after 7+ years of impersonating the character of Cleveland on my channel, voicing him for the first couple episodes for the show was MUCH smoother and easier than I thought it’d be

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback to the upcoming episodes?

A) I CAN’T WAIT. I’m biting my nails every day until the episodes drop. Gonna have a party and everything.

Q) What would you like to share with your fans and supporters?

A) Thank you all for everything, you truly are my life!