The hit animated series BoJack Horseman captivated audiences with its unflinching portrayal of the darker aspects of fame, addiction, and personal struggle. Among its rich tapestry of characters, Sarah Lynn stands out as a particularly tragic and memorable figure. A former child star who spirals into substance abuse, Sarah Lynn’s journey is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking. But who is the talented voice actor behind this complex character? In this article, we delve into the life and career of Kristen Schaal, the voice behind Sarah Lynn, and explore how she brought this beloved character to life.
The Character of Sarah Lynn
Sarah Lynn is introduced in the first season of BoJack Horseman as a former child star who gained fame playing the adorable young daughter on the fictional sitcom Hamptons Daze. Her character draws inspiration from real-life child stars like Lindsay Lohan and Amanda Bynes, who often struggled with the pressures of fame and the difficult transition from childhood to adulthood in the public eye.
In the show, Sarah Lynn’s life is marked by an overbearing mother who pushed her into acting against her wishes of becoming an architect and the traumatic experience of being sexually assaulted by her stepfather. These experiences lead her down a path of substance abuse and personal turmoil, making her story a cautionary tale about the toxic nature of the entertainment industry.
The Voice Behind Sarah Lynn
Behind Sarah Lynn’s multifaceted persona is the incredible talent of Kristen Schaal. Known for her distinct voice and exceptional acting skills, Schaal was the perfect choice to bring Sarah Lynn to life. The show’s creator, Raphael Bob-Waksberg, selected Schaal without hesitation, recognizing her ability to embody the dual aspects of Sarah Lynn’s character – the childlike innocence and the deeply troubled adult.
Kristen Schaal’s Acting Career
Kristen Schaal’s journey in the entertainment industry is as fascinating as the characters she portrays. Born on January 24, 1978, in Longmont, Colorado, Schaal’s unique voice and comedic talent quickly set her apart. She gained prominence with her role as Mel in the HBO series Flight of the Conchords, where her quirky charm and distinctive voice won over audiences. Her career spans various genres and platforms, showcasing her versatility and broad appeal.
Iconic Voice Roles by Kristen Schaal
Beyond her role as Sarah Lynn in BoJack Horseman, Kristen Schaal has brought her distinctive, childlike voice to a range of memorable animated characters. Here are some of her notable voice roles:
Louise Belcher in Bob’s Burgers and Bob’s Burgers Movie
Schaal voices Louise Belcher, the clever and mischievous youngest child in the Fox animated sitcom. Her performance has made Louise a beloved and iconic character.
Mabel Pines in Gravity Falls
In Disney’s Gravity Falls, Schaal portrays Mabel Pines, a spirited and heartwarming character whose vibrant personality and emotional depth are brought to life through Schaal’s voice work.
Trixie the Triceratops in Toy Story 3
Schaal lends her voice to Trixie the Triceratops in Pixar’s Toy Story 3. Her performance adds charm and personality to this beloved dinosaur character.
Jake Jr. in Adventure Time
In the popular animated series Adventure Time, Schaal voices Jake Jr., showcasing her ability to bring a unique and engaging quality to this character.
Carol Pilbasian in the Last Man on Earth
Schaal plays Carol Pilbasian in the post-apocalyptic comedy series The Last Man on Earth, where her voice work contributes significantly to the show’s humor and character dynamics.
Hurshe Heartshe in the Heart, She Holler
In the adult animated fantasy series The Heart, She Holler, Schaal voices Hurshe Heartshe, demonstrating her range with a distinctive and quirky character.
The Guide in What We Do in the Shadows
Schaal provides the voice for The Guide in the FX comedy series What We Do in the Shadows, bringing a quirky and engaging presence to the show.
Kristen Schaal’s unique and versatile voice has brought numerous animated characters to life across movies, TV shows, and web series, showcasing her exceptional talent in the world of voice acting.
The Unique Talents of Kristen Schaal
What sets Kristen Schaal apart in the world of voice acting is her distinctive voice and her ability to convey a wide range of emotions. Her high-pitched, childlike voice is instantly recognizable, but it’s her skill in using this voice to create nuanced and compelling characters that truly stands out. Schaal’s performances are marked by a blend of humor, vulnerability, and authenticity, making her characters relatable and memorable. Whether she’s playing a mischievous child or a troubled adult, Schaal’s voice work consistently brings a unique and engaging energy to her roles.
Behind the Scenes: Voicing Sarah Lynn
Bringing Sarah Lynn to life was no small feat, and Kristen Schaal approached the role with a deep understanding of the character’s complexities. In interviews, Schaal has shared insights into her process, revealing how she balanced the character’s innocent beginnings with her darker, more troubled adult persona. Schaal’s ability to switch between Sarah Lynn’s happy childlike voice and her more serious, world-weary tones was a key factor in making the character so compelling. Her dedication to portraying the raw emotions and struggles of Sarah Lynn added a layer of authenticity that resonated deeply with audiences.
How Kristen Schaal Became the Queen of Quirky Voice Acting
Kristen Schaal’s rise to fame as the “queen of quirky voice acting” is a testament to her unique talents and dedication to her craft. Unlike many voice actors who strive to transform their voices completely for each role, Schaal embraces her natural vocal qualities and infuses them with a distinct personality. This approach allows her to create characters that are not only memorable but also deeply relatable. Schaal’s ability to balance humor and emotional depth in her performances has made her a standout in the industry, and her innovative use of voice acting techniques continues to set her apart.
Kristen Schaal Movies and TV Shows
Kristen Schaal’s impressive body of work includes a wide range of movies and TV shows, showcasing her versatility as an actress and voice artist. Here are some highlights from her career:
Movies:
- A Walk in the Woods (2015) – Role: Mary Ellen
- Despicable Me 2 (2013) – Role: Shannon (voice)
- Toy Story 3 (2010) – Role: Trixie the Triceratops (voice)
- Shrek Forever After (2010) – Roles: Pumpkin Witch and Palace Witch (voices)
- Bill & Ted Face the Music (2020) – Role: Kelly, the daughter of George Carlin’s character, Rufus
TV Shows:
- BoJack Horseman (2014-2020) – Role: Sarah Lynn (voice)
- The Last Man on Earth (2015-2018) – Role: Carol Pilbasian
- Gravity Falls (2012-2016) – Role: Mabel Pines (voice)
- Archer (2009-2021) – Role: Tiffy (voice)
- Bob’s Burgers (2011-present) – Role: Louise Belcher (voice)
- The Hotwives of Orlando (2014) – Role: Amanda Simmons
- The Mysterious Benedict Society (2021-present) – Role: Number Two
- What We Do in the Shadows (2019-present) – Role: The Guide
In a Nutshell
Along with the other voiceover actors behind BoJack Horseman, Kristen Schaal’s performance as Sarah Lynn in BoJack Horseman is a testament to her incredible talent as a voice actress. With her ability to seamlessly transition between Sarah Lynn’s childlike innocence and her more mature, troubled persona, Schaal brought depth and emotional resonance to the character. Her work on BoJack Horseman, along with her other iconic voice roles, has cemented her status as a true master of the craft.
Whether she’s lending her quirky, high-pitched tones to lovable characters like Louise Belcher or darker, more complex figures like Sarah Lynn, Schaal’s versatility and commitment to her roles make her a true force to be reckoned with in the world of voice acting. For fans of BoJack Horseman and animated series alike, Kristen Schaal’s contributions are truly invaluable.
Kristen Schaal’s career continues to flourish, and her work remains a shining example of the power of voice acting to bring animated characters to life. Through her performances, she has touched the hearts of many and left an indelible mark on the world of animation.
