Interview: Comedian And Voice Actor Carlos Alazraqui On Reno 911!'s First Emmy Nominatons And Rocko's Modern Life

By Alex Carrigan

Photo courtesy of Shark Party Media.

 Carlos Alazraqui has probably one of the most colorful careers in entertainment. Over the last few decades, he has played everything from a fast food mascot to a spider monkey at summer camp to a wallaby trying to make it in his 20's. If you can think of an animated series or movie, Alazraqui has likely lent his unique voice style to the work, having appeared in hundreds of projects over the last thirty years or so.

​​But he's not only known for his voice over work. Alazraqui is also known for his live action work, primarily his role as Deputy Garcia in the series Reno 911!. The series, which ran from 2003-2009, has recently been revived as on Quibi for Reno 911! Part 2. The series has even recently earned its first Emmy nominations for Outstanding Short Form Comedy or Drama Series and Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series for Alazraqui's co-star Kerri Kenney-Silver.

Quail Bell Magazine recently spoke to Alazraqui about the Reno 911! reboot and his extensive voice acting career.

​.Quail Bell: Reno 911! originally ran from 2003-2009. How did it feel when you learned the series was being revived by Quibi?

Carlos Alazraqui: It was a long time coming from original rumors to requests by cast members. We got close a couple of times but when we had a Christmas Holiday Dinner in December of 2019 it really became official. It felt like a Christmas present of your favorite childhood toy

QB: How was it getting back into the uniform to play Deputy Garcia? Was it easy to get back into the part?

Alazraqui: The polyester still fit thanks to swimming! Felt great. That first arrest of Jim Rash on the plane took a few seconds to get over the surreality of it all. 

QB: How do you think the series has changed from its original incarnation to its reboot?

Alazraqui: We don’t spend as much time on the interpersonal relationships between characters. It’s been streamlined. The calls are still hilarious and the explosions are better!

QB: Reno 911! received its first ever Emmy nominations this year. How does it feel to see the series nominated?

Alazraqui: Reno 911! has always been revered by it’s fan and it’s nice to get some recognition from the Emmy’s! It’s a smart show disguised as a “stupid bumbling cops “ show.

QB: Quail Bell readers probably know you more for your work in animation. How did you get into voice acting?

Alazraqui: I fell into animation while being a comic in San Francisco. There was an audition for a project called Rocko’s Modern Life. I had no agent I mad a tape and walked into an audition at a house in SF and just ended up having the right voice at the right time! Thus, my voice acting career was launched

QB: Do you have a particular favorite animated role and why?

Alazraqui: Rocko is, and always will be, my favorite role. He gave me my voice over career!

QB: Last year, Rocko's Modern Life had a Netflix film (Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling) and people have been clamoring for a reboot. How does it feel to know that this 90's series is still beloved in 2020?

Alazraqui: I love that people LOVE Rocko. I have always revered this show and I am glad people recognize just how good it was/is!

QB: Lastly, do you have any advice for people looking to work in comedy or animation?

Alazraqui: For both, it’s about going for it and sticking to it! Dee Bradley Baker posted a site called I Want To Be A Voice Actor. It answers many questions about the endeavor of becoming a working actor. But in the meantime, create your own content on YouTube, Tik- Tok, Instagram etc. Then, take classes and network!