Kari Wahlgren – Rick and Morty

By: Jay Smith

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on? 

A) There are a number of cool projects that have just been released.  I’m doing the voice of ‘Lyra’ on Amazon Prime’s new animated series “Niko and the Sword of Light.” I’m playing ‘Dorothy’ and ‘Ozma’ on Boomerang streaming’s “Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz” and season three of “Rick and Morty” just came out.

Q) How did the script for “Rick and Morty” come to you?

A) I worked with Justin Roiland on Disney’s “Fish Hooks.” I auditioned for “Rick and Morty” and he ended up casting me in it.  I respect him a lot, so it’s a real joy to be working on his show!

Q) Knowing that Rick is essentially bonkers because he lost Diane and Beth at one point, do you feel bad for him knowing that he’ll never be complete even with his grandkids trying to help?

A) I’m not convinced that Diane and Beth are even real…

Q) Which voice is your favorite to perform on Rick and Morty?

A) The old hag lady in the bar in season one was really fun….and I always love playing the voice of Rick’s spaceship.

Q) Any chance we can know your favorite episode this season and past? 

A) Oh man, it’s hard to pick…but the “Keep Summer Safe” episode was one of my favorites, and I loved the one with the multiple Jerry’s……

Q)Were you or do you know a “Jessica” from high school to help with the voice and mannerisms?

A) Jessica is much cooler than I was in high school.

Q) Will there be any more “Happy Rick” moments involving Diane and Beth this season? 

A) I can’t say.

Q) Which character can you relate to the most (will also accept a hybrid of two)? 

A) Maybe Summer…though I have moments where I feel like Morty.

Q) You frequently do a lot of voice over work. Do you have a preference between doing voice work or screen work? 

A) If I had to pick one, I’d say voiceovers.  I love it that I get to play a wide range of characters that I wouldn’t get to play on-screen.

Q) What do you think it is about “Rick and Morty” that has made it such a fan favorite? 

A) Dan [Harmon] and Justin manage to make the show raunchy and gross and incredibly smart at the same time.  It’s a killer combo.

Q) What have you personally taken away from your time working on the show?

A) I think working with Justin and just watching his brain tick has been really inspiring.  I love seeing what they think of next…I’m happy to be a small part of it.

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the instant fan feedback you receive to episodes?

A) It’s a great way to keep in touch with fans and I like hearing from people on social media!  I’m on Twitter @KariWahlgren and Instagram @kari_wahlgren …and I have an Official Facebook fan page where I post news about upcoming projects.

Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of you and the show?

A) A lot of times when we record voiceover work, we’re in a dark studio by ourselves…we do our work and then leave.  To see what you’ve done go out into the world and then hear people say that they like your work…or that they love the show…it’s very, very special.  I really appreciate the fans more than I can say.