On this day in comedy on May 3, 1977, Comedian, Actor, Voice-Over Artist, Jeffrey “Jeff” Garcia was born in LaPuente, California.
Garcia got started in comedy early – age 15. A few years later he was working steadily in clubs and bars on the Latin circuit in Southern California such as The Wild Coyote. He became a popular club host and in-demand headliner. Known as a quick wit with a strong stage persona, he soon got the attention of mainstream establishments and the industry. Garcia performed on televised standup showcases and toured nationally as well as overseas.
The masses got the biggest Jeff Garcia impact through his voice. Garcia was the voice of Buster the Dog in 1999’s Toy Story 2. Then he got the role that gained him fame – Sheen Estevez in Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius. The film was nominated for an Academy Award and when it crossovered to television he remained in the Neutron world through its various phases and specials. He also did Planet Sheen on Nickelodeon. Garcia has played Pip the Mouse in Barnyard, Rinaldo in Happy Feet and the Baby Fish in Finding Nemo. He was Tipa Bat in Rio and a spoonbill in Rio 2. He’s also voiced numerous video games for Nicktoons including one for Happy Feet and SpongeBob SquarePants
However, Jeff Garcia’s more than just a funny voice. His face is too and has been seen in 3 Strikes, Caroline in the City, Dangerous Minds, Something to Sing About, Mr. Box Office, Transformers: Robots in Disguise and Clone High.
Garcia has done radio with the KMRK-FM 96.1 Wild Wake Up Crew. He performed a half-hour special on Comedy Central Presents and hosted Latin Comedy Fiesta Volume 1. In 2004 he won the Annie Award for Outstanding Voice Acting in an Animated Television Production.
By Darryl “D’Militant” Littleton
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