Nancy Cartwright's "My Life as a Ten Year Old Boy"

I picked it up at Bargin Books (hardcover) for $5 weekend before last. Has anyone else read/purchased it? There wasn't any info about the show I didn't know, but with the exception of her stating that Luke Perry was Sideshow Mel's brother (not Krusty), she really knew her stuff as well as any Simpsons nerd (so many times the voice actors really don't), and I really like reading some of the diary entries from the early stages of the show. I know this came out in 2000, so it's old news, but it WAS funny to hear her say that she thought the "new" exec. producer Mike Scully was doing well. ::gags::

I read this when it first came out, and thought it was a thoroughly good read. I was also suprised at how much she new about the show. I know I shouldn't have really been suprised, but I was.

I haven't read it since though, I think I might do though, just to find that Scully comment!

I read it two years ago and I think it was very entertaining. Maybe a bit boring sometimes, but a good read overall. I recommend it.

Cartright is an arrogant, selfobsessed egomaniac who thinks that, because she voices a cartoon character she is a God[ess]. An autobiography? She voices a cartoon character, she isnt a REAL actress like Sigorney Weaver. As for her thinking Mike Scully doing a great job? She is either stupid or she was paid to say that.

Im sorry if I sound a little harsh but I am still annoyed with her for going on strike and jeprodising the show so she could have a few extra bucks in her overflowing pocket.

Originally Posted by dantheman

Cartright is an arrogant, selfobsessed egomaniac who thinks that, because she voices a cartoon character she is a God[ess]. An autobiography? She voices a cartoon character, she isnt a REAL actress like Sigorney Weaver.

For over 15 years, she has given life to one of the most globally recognized American pop culture icons, but rarely is appreciated by the general public for it. I dunno about you, but I think that's an interesting enough life biography, and I don't see how that makes her anymore arrogant or self-obsessed than any other celebrity that writes an autobiography. Besides, Bart > PlanEx Ship, hands down.

Originally Posted by dantheman

Im sorry if I sound a little harsh but I am still annoyed with her for going on strike and jeprodising the show so she could have a few extra bucks in her overflowing pocket.

There's that 's' word, again.

Yeah, those poor Fox executives deserve the income that she had a huge role in making a lot more than she does. Maybe they would have funded Futurama's return instead, and then cancelled OFF which would clearly make Futurama better (for obvious reasons), then wiped out some world hunger with whatever was left.

Originally Posted by dantheman

Cartright is an arrogant, selfobsessed egomaniac who thinks that, because she voices a cartoon character she is a God[ess]. An autobiography? She voices a cartoon character, she isnt a REAL actress like Sigorney Weaver. As for her thinking Mike Scully doing a great job? She is either stupid or she was paid to say that.

Uh, huh? She's an arrogant egomaniac because she wrote an autobiography? Sure thing, dan.

Honestly, she wanted to write something and people wanted to read it. There's no problem with that. Lot's more people would probably write autobiographies if they thought anyone would read them. There's no problem in wanting people to hear about your life. It's no different then telling friends stories, only it's in book form. No egomania involved.

Originally Posted by dantheman

Im sorry if I sound a little harsh but I am still annoyed with her for going on strike and jeprodising the show so she could have a few extra bucks in her overflowing pocket.

You do realize that the so called 'strike' was just their contracts running out? They weren't on strike, they just weren't contractually obligated to do any work anymore. The only hold-up was in FOX dragging their feet over the fact that they like money and would prefer to hold on to it rather than giving it to others.

/

NANCY RULES! 'nuff said.

Anyone have a copy of the audio book version, read (and updated) by Nancy herself?

Originally Posted by dantheman

Cartright is an arrogant, selfobsessed egomaniac who thinks that, because she voices a cartoon character she is a God[ess]. An autobiography? She voices a cartoon character, she isnt a REAL actress like Sigorney Weaver. As for her thinking Mike Scully doing a great job? She is either stupid or she was paid to say that.

Im sorry if I sound a little harsh but I am still annoyed with her for going on strike and jeprodising the show so she could have a few extra bucks in her overflowing pocket.

I totally agree with you on this. Just check out this article and some of the things she said about herself; http://www.hfxnews.com/news.aspx?storyID=23197 She quotes, "But what if she were run down by a Chrysler like Snowball the cat? Or abducted by aliens, as the Simpsons were in the Hungry are the Damned episode? What would happen to The Simpsons? “It would be cancelled,” she replies. If she goes, so does the show. “I have no doubt about that. They have never found anybody who can do any of the characters that I do. I don’t think I can be replaced. I could, but the public would hate it.”

Who is she to tell us how we think? Phil Hartman and some other cast members left/died but the show still went on!

I mean what the hell is so special about voice acting a cartoon character? I for one am pretty shy but I would be anything or anyone that the producers told me to be if I was a cartoon voice. We all know Jay Sherman (Jon Lovitz) is a terrific voice character on The Simpsons when he gets the chance to voice an episode but he uses his normal voice so if you were to meet Jon Lovitz in real life, I wouldn't think there would be anything special about his voice. Nancy Cartwright is a self-loving showoff, IMHO. Quote "IMHO" so don't bash me because of what I've said.

We can still bash you if your opinion is wrong. And it is.

You're making one crucial mistake- Phil Hartman wasn't a main voice actor. He just voiced two recurring bit parts. It was a simple matter to drop them from the show and still go on.

Nancy, on the other hand, voices Bart, not to mention a score of other characters. If she died, the characters couldn't be written out- you can't get rid of Bart. Likewise, there would be a huge outcry from the fans if they tried to replace her (or any of the voice actors, for that matter).

And don't pretend people wouldn't be mad- there'd be a damn huge protest to attempts to replace her. Anarchy would reign in the streets! The army would have to be called in to quell riots! (Okay, maybe I'm going a bit over the top.) The point is, most fans wouldn't stand for her replacement, or the replacement of any of the other main voice actors- any of them leaving would result in the end of the show.

But just see the way she says it. C'mon, you can't possibely say she doesn't sound like she's bragging. And she cannot speak out for every single fan, who knows there may be people who disklike Bart and wouldn't mind him being off the show.

It's not necessary to speak for all fans, just the majority- the majority of fans like Bart. Likewise, the majority of fans would disapprove of a change of voice actors. If one person out of 20 Million doesn't agree, is their opinion statistically relevent?

And I think it's pointless to discuss "The way she says it" when it's in print, and thus any tone is taken out of it.

Originally Posted by Charmy

You're making one crucial mistake- Phil Hartman wasn't a main voice actor. He just voiced two recurring bit parts. It was a simple matter to drop them from the show and still go on

Just what I was about to type. Nancy Cartwright arrogant? Give me a break...if I voiced Bart Simpson, I would be too! And she's exactly right...imagine somebody else voicing Bart. That would be horrible. She has given us her voicing talents for all these years, and has earned the right to brag. I actually didn't even know she wrote an autobiography, but now I'm very interested in reading it.

Although this is a fairly dead thread, I provide you with a quote im surprised hasn't been mentioned yet
“cartoons are great because they don't have to pay the actors squat”
“plus they can replace them and no one cal tell the didily-ifference”
I've heard nancy cartwright on (very few) of the dvd audio commentaries, and she does indeed seem arrogant. Maybe she has a right to be, being the voice behind america's bad boy and all, but, regardless, she is arrogant, excuse or not.
That being said, im going to track down a copy of her autobiography. Shes arrogant, but also funny. To the book depository!

Originally Posted by Charmy

We can still bash you if your opinion is wrong. And it is.

You're making one crucial mistake- Phil Hartman wasn't a main voice actor. He just voiced two recurring bit parts. It was a simple matter to drop them from the show and still go on.

Nancy, on the other hand, voices Bart, not to mention a score of other characters. If she died, the characters couldn't be written out- you can't get rid of Bart. Likewise, there would be a huge outcry from the fans if they tried to replace her (or any of the voice actors, for that matter).

And don't pretend people wouldn't be mad- there'd be a damn huge protest to attempts to replace her. Anarchy would reign in the streets! The army would have to be called in to quell riots! (Okay, maybe I'm going a bit over the top.) The point is, most fans wouldn't stand for her replacement, or the replacement of any of the other main voice actors- any of them leaving would result in the end of the show.

I think that if Nancy died the show could continue with someone else voicing Bart. In fact, I think Bart's voice is a little irratating, so I wouldnt mind if Cartwright got the boot. Plus, it would deflate her oversized ego.

Oh, for Lord's sake - DantheMan and DashDingo: you have absolutely no f-ing idea what you're talking about. Typically.

First of all, if Britney Spears and WWF wrestlers can raise enough interest to get an autobiography published, then so can Nancy.

Nancy - aside from a voice acting career - has performed in front of the camera in a wonderful tv movie (which left a distinct impression on those who saw it as children,) some great sitcom appearances (including a priceless "Cheers" role,) and had great featured turns in Zememkis and Verhoven films.

Nancy has written 2 theatrical shows - one on Fellini, one adapted from her autobiography. She wrote most of the autobiography herself. You two can hardly cobble together coherent posts on a bulletin board.

Nancy worked for years as a voice-over artist in animation long before the Simpsons, and started down that path as a young girl, and worked at her craft and developed her career every step of the way. She had a dream and she worked hard to pursue it. Dantheman, if you think that making some home recordings of you & your sister dicking around makes you a master thespian - then, you know what: her book is directed at people like you.

You haven't achieved anything yet in life. If you truly have the drive - not to mention the talent - that you think you have - then follow her advice in the book, because you'll discover how to pursue the career. (Hint: it does not involve tearing down people in the field on a fan-message board. Not by a long shot.) Seriously - prove me wrong, by making a name for yourself, rather than a despised avatar. If you become successful, then I'll be the first to salute you.

In addition, Nancy is one of the sweetest folks in the entire profession, and not arrogant in the least. She doesn't come off that way in the book, either - far from it. For being "just" a voice actor, who really doesn't have any input over the rest of the show's production, she went to great lengths - as a curious fan, no less - to make use of her access in order to provide other OFF fans with great information about how the show is put together, long before & long after her performances are given. That not selfish - that's generous and cool.

Charmy explained well the "strike" bullshit you bring up - which reminds us that you have absolutely no understanding of the issue. I imagine that you're not self-supporting yet, so you may grasp it, in time. So I won't begrudge you that.

But Dash Dingo, your little 'thought' about how the show could go on without Bart single-handedly torpedoes your opinions about everything on the show entirely. Sorry, but it does.

And, again, sorry, but Nancy's right. She and the other 5 are entirely 'irreplaceable' - in every sense of the word.

And I wouldn't have it any other way. Most others feel the same - and even they have no idea how correct they are.

And, dantheman, I also suggest you do some research on the Web about voice acting and what it takes to be a voice actor. Then you'll realise just how wrong you've been. As a fan of voice actors I take it pretty hard when I see or hear people demeaning the trade.

Anyone can do a voice of a cartoon, I can, my sister can. Go out into the street and ask the first person you see to do a funny cartoon voice. Its not hard, Nancy is not a genius, she just knows how to make her voice go really high. Demeaning the trade am I? Billy West, now theres a guy who deserves the title of voice artist. Every character he does has a distinct voice that is different form the original. I did not know that Billy was Docter Zoidberg until I saw the commentary for Mars University. All of Nancy's characters sound alike with no distinction.By righting her biography, she is simply capitalising on her movie star esque lifestyle. She is saying 'I'm the voice of Bart Simpson, the Simpsons are nothing without me! Mwahaha!'

Dan

Anyone can do a voice of a cartoon, I can, my sister can. Go out into the street and ask the first person you see to do a funny cartoon voice.

Anyone can do a silly or goofy voice. I can do it right now sitting here. But what about ACTING with that voice to help lend personality and believability to a character? Because that is what voice acting is all about. I have done a heck of a lot of research on voice acting recently and so I am talking as an informed fan. Read interviews with voice actors, go and find sites that expand upon and inform people on the art. A great site is http://www.coreyburton.com. It's a site/forum run by an experienced VA who takes the time to answer queries posed by people who are interested in the art. I expect to be seeing you asking some searching questions, or else I will take it that you've conceded. If you're so sure that voice acting is just about 'doing a few goofy voices', then I'm certain you'll have no problem doing this. Just inform me, how many voice actors can you actually name off the bat?

Its not hard, Nancy is not a genius, she just knows how to make her voice go really high. Demeaning the trade am I? Billy West, now theres a guy who deserves the title of voice artist. Every character he does has a distinct voice that is different form the original. I did not know that Billy was Docter Zoidberg until I saw the commentary for Mars University. All of Nancy's characters sound alike with no distinction.By righting her biography, she is simply capitalising on her movie star esque lifestyle. She is saying 'I'm the voice of Bart Simpson, the Simpsons are nothing without me! Mwahaha!'

Bart, Nelson and Ralph's voices have no distinction? Wha? Wow, your credibility just shot back into negative figures, sunshine.

I realise you're probably spamming. But on the off-chance you're just grossly misinformed, and on the greater chance that people who should know better are reading this, I have answered your post. There, isn't that nice of me?

EDIT: Oh, and if you're angry that Nancy Cartwright has published an autobiography, then no doubt you'll be absolutely incensed to find out that Mel Blanc has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame...

Originally Posted by dantheman

All of Nancy's characters sound alike with no distinction.
Dan

So there's no distinction between Nelson and Ralph? And let me note that the Red MnM, the Honey Nut Cheerios Bee, Stimpy, and Fry all sound suspiciously similar (not to demean Billy West, who I greatly admire). And let me also note that I've never heard a good impression of Bart. He's one of the hardest characters in the world to imitate, let alone ACT with it as well as Cartwright does.

I don't think Cartwright is arrogant. I think when she makes statements about how the series would have to end without her, she's just making a correct statement. There is no one else that could do Bart, and I imagine much of the audience would stop watching if someone else starting playing him. I certainly would. When she's asked about it in interviews, she's just making a correct statement.

Roger explained it all perfectly. And if you're going to complain about the so-called "strike", remember that at least in past cases (might've been in this case too) she's been the first to sign the new agreements.

Originally Posted by DotheBartman

So there's no distinction between Nelson and Ralph? And let me note that the Red MnM, the Honey Nut Cheerios Bee, Stimpy, and Fry all sound suspiciously similar (not to demean Billy West, who I greatly admire).

a lot of billy's characters sound either a lot like the professor or fry (the "announcer" voice that he did on ren & stimpy from time to time was basically a cross between the two). not to mention the cop in futurama who sounded basically like fry with a cold. this is the case for all very prolific voice actors, that there are similarities between some of their characters. and nancy's most well-known three - nelson, bart and ralph - are nothing like one another.

Originally Posted by Roger Myers III

In addition, Nancy is one of the sweetest folks in the entire profession, and not arrogant in the least. She doesn't come off that way in the book, either - far from it. For being "just" a voice actor, who really doesn't have any input over the rest of the show's production, she went to great lengths - as a curious fan, no less - to make use of her access in order to provide other OFF fans with great information about how the show is put together, long before & long after her performances are given. That not selfish - that's generous and cool.

this is entirely the impression i've gotten. the allegations of arrogance are completely baffling (and sad) to me.

Yep she seems very nice to me, in her book she's basically just nice about people. About all the guest stars they have and about Scully. Your allegation that she's either stupid or was paid to say that is, ... well your credibility was already in negative figures but this puts it in triple negative figures.
She's just being nice about everyone there's no "this person was an asshole to work with" comments, she's just very sweet about everyone, unlike other autobiography writers.

Honestly the irony that dantheman is criticising someone for being arrogant and stupid.

Mel Blanc would be rolling in his grave if he saw what has been posted here.
As an aspiring voice actor, I find the need to address this topic.
" She (Nancy Cartwright) voices a cartoon character, she isnt a REAL actress like Sigorney Weaver."
I assure you that voice acting requires just as much talent and skill and training as on-camera acting does. It's an entirely different set of 'muscles' so to speak.
You also seem to have misconceptions of what being a good voice actor really is. To quote, "Anyone can do a voice of a cartoon, I can, my sister can. Go out into the street and ask the first person you see to do a funny cartoon voice. Its not hard, Nancy is not a genius, she just knows how to make her voice go really high."
This is a very common misconception; Voice acting is not 'doing funny cartoon voices,' voice acting is creating believable characters with just your voice, and telling a story with that voice. You may not think so, but it litteraly takes years of practice. Nancy did not get up one day and think to herself "Gee, I'm going to do cartoon voices now!" and got her job on the Simpsons. Therefore I guarentee that neither you, nor your sister, nor the random person you find on the street, could simply pick up voice acting as a career. Don't believe me? Try it.
Oh, and dantheman, really, you go to a voice actors page, someone who's been working in the field for over 30 years, and you honestly want him to tell you "Yes, voice acting isn't that hard. All it is is doing funny noises."? Come on!

Very well said, Lucien. I assume you're the same Lucien who posts at Corey's site. I've been reading the posts there for quite a while - although I've never actually posted - and I have to say I've learnt a lot. People like Billy West, Mel Blanc, Daws Butler, Nancy Cartwright, Dan Castellaneta, and Frank Welker are absolute geniuses (especially Welker, who can produce practically any voice or animal noise known to mankind). It's high time these people's talents were recognised.

I read the book in just the last two days, it was OK, not as good as I expected though, probably because the 10 chapters worth of fan gushing to celebrity guest stars. (I found that to be extremely boring, except for the chapter about her learning about the death of Phil Hartman.) Still, an interesting read, especially for anyone with aspirations for this profession.

Grade B-