Jacob Hopkins Dishes on all things Gumball

Glitter sat down with Jacob Hopkins to talk about what it’s been like growing up in the acting business, what it’s like to voice Gumball Watterson on the Cartoon Network animated hit series, The Amazing World of Gumball, how much discipline Taekwondo takes, and what one thing he’d ask George Lucas. If you don’t know who he is…oh boy. Read on to find out more about this talented actor.

Glitter: Is it true that you were born into a family who was already in the acting business?

Jacob: Yes! I guess you could say I inherited the acting bug. My dad was in the business and was also a main character on a long running soap opera. My mom is a writer with her own various projects. They are both my support team!

Glitter: How did you land the role of Gumball on The Amazing World of Gumball on Cartoon Network?

Jacob: My very first meeting with my voiceover agent was my audition for Gumball! I couldn’t believe it…Gumball is my favorite cartoon!  Two weeks later I got a callback.  I was given a lot of material to prepare from five different episodes.  It was quite a process and I worked very hard because I really wanted to voice this character.  When I found out I got it, I was so excited and it has been a blast every time I go in to record!

Glitter: Are you reading lines with other people or in the room alone? How long does it take to film one episode?

Jacob: Actually no, not at all.  I go to a recording studio in Los Angeles, and I’m in the recording booth by myself and Skyping with the voice director of the show, Richard Overall. I don’t even have the animation to look at. It’s me, the script, and working with Richard.

Glitter: What’s your favorite episode of The Amazing World of Gumball so far?

Jacob: My favorite so far is “The Puppy.”

Glitter: Who has been your favorite co-star so far?

Jacob: I really like working with Sean Giambrone on The Goldbergs. We have a lot of fun and a lot in common.

Glitter: What’s it like playing Chad Kremp on ABC’s The Goldbergs? How did you land the role?

Jacob: It’s The Goldbergs so being a part of the show has been awesome!  Chad is fun to play because he loves all the cool 80’s stuff like Tron, Star Wars, and Ghostbusters.  He’s a nice kid and loves a good adventure!   I auditioned for the role and my manager got a call that I received a callback.  I went back in for casting and producers, and then later that day I found out I got the part.

Glitter: Is it true that you’re in GATE at school? What has been your favorite thing about the GATE program?

Jacob: Yes, I’m in the gifted program at school.  I really love school and I always have.  I think my favorite part is being challenged and having teachers who think outside of the box.  I just started 7th grade so I’m looking forward to new experiences, opportunities, and working on a higher level.

Glitter: Is it true that one of your favorite hobbies is Taekwondo? What belt level are you? Do you think it helps your focus?

Jacob: Yes, I’ve been in Taekwondo for over two years.  I’m a first degree black belt, mid-way to my second degree black belt. I do think it helps me focus. When you’re in class, it’s serious.  My teacher, Master Lee, expects a lot from us and he teaches us discipline, respect, concentration, and honor.

Glitter: What’s your favorite inspirational quote?

Jacob: I don’t really have a favorite inspirational quote, but I really like this one by Albert Einstein because it has great meaning. “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish’s ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

Glitter: What one question would you ask George Lucas?

Jacob: If Yoda is 900 years old, what did he do before the Star Wars movies?

Glitter: What’s your favorite movie and book at the moment?

Jacob: My favorite movie is Dragon Ball Z Battle of the Gods and my favorite book is The Man in the Iron Mask.

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Heather Riccio

Editorial Director | Writer | Tweet me @heatherriccio