Andy Serkis on Finding Gollum's Voice

If you enjoyed this clip, you can watch more exclusive videos like this by subscribing to the AFI KZbin channel: bit.ly/SubscribeAFI
Actor Andy Serkis shares how he developed the voice of his LORD OF THE RINGS character Gollum.
Follow AFI:
/ americanfilminstitute
/ americanfilm
/ americanfilminstitute
www.afi.com

[@ryann45]

If it wasn't for a cat we might have a completely different version of Gollum today.

[@nobody2021]

that doesn't mean it wouldn't be as good, it would just be different.

[@ch1nosanp3dro]

I'm pretty sure that cat wears the one ring on her neck as a pendant.

[@corkeybucheck8666]

ryann45 If it wasn't for the Cat we might not have such a brilliant representation of the president of Turkey.

[@absolian]

If it wasn't for fur ball

[@aptonymic3014]

OH YEAH!!!!!!!!

[@GGGG-zl1iw]

one of the most underrated actors today

[@keyboarddancers7751]

He's not underrated at all; he's in constant demand for his genuinely unique and diverse acting abilities and he's paid $£millions.

[@nihilist1680]

Keyboard Dancers He probably meant that he's overshadowed by the maincharacters in the movies so he's not as known as he should be.

[@edinson1613]

How's he underrated? Everyone loves him lol.

[@h20deliriousvr19]

Gollum gollum!!!!!! My precious

[@Lord_morningstar193]

He is underrated because people sometimes dont know he plays a role because of the CGI

[@emilierapportmunro7595]

"I'm not a voice actor" says Andy Serkis.

[@natm.e4127]

"Caught in a lie" moment

[@User-lu3gv]

He's not. He's a motion capture actor.

[@H0n3yMonstah]

logan he's an actor that does motion capture, before doing Gollum he was a traditional actor, as he states in this short clip. It just so now happens that he does motion capture as well as traditional acting.

[@htf5555]

punipunipyo Congratulations. Very clever

[@ebonylover539]

He meant to say that voice-acting isn't what he is highly paid for. He is a screen actor in the first place, followed by voice-acting being his second working area. Though he probably voices his played-on-screen-characters only.

[@earnestinegreene4446]

GIVE ANDY SERKIS THE OSCAR DAM IT

[@MM-vs2et]

And some sleep. That dude looks tired

[@brianc9374]

Can't sleep til he finds the precious

[@zodiac909]

He deserves an oscar DESPERATELY.

[@dawsoncampbell455]

Earnestine Greene I can't believe he doesn't have an Oscar yet

[@renxielnc-1789]

@@brianc9374 most underrated comment of this whole section 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@flippert0]

His cat was an amazing voice coach!

[@BennetDudley]

If it wasn't for his cat making a hair ball, then Andy Serkis wouldn't have been able to make his Gollum voice we know and love today.

[@seetaami5810]

My guess is it would be different - but brilliant in its own way nonetheless. Serkis is such a brilliantly talented, creative man. "God" bless him.

[@EoinFC]

I surmised that myself after watching the video. Thanks anyway.

[@Zinit]

then we would have had Nicholas Cage as Gollum

[@computerguy6264]

It's a fake story idiot. Go watch the black cauldron. He literally directly copies the Gurgi character.

[@MrTardis11]

God bless his cat

[@SugarRuneStarNut]

God I love him, he's such a great actor and he is such a smart, creative, grounded man!

[@Doors067]

GodPleaseBring HeavenOnEarth niceee

[@bax442]

"From a cat to the gollum", great story of Andy Serkis, the books are available now.

[@Itchy__]

bax442 would love to see it in the cinemas

[@computerguy6264]

To bad it's all bullshit and he really just copied Gurgi from Black Cauldron.

[@MamadNobari]

@@computerguy6264 Oh no Anyway...

[@Alchemisterius]

That "Gollum! Gollum!" sound he does in the movies is exactly as the book of The Hobbit describes it. I have not read the Lord of the Rings books but I guess it is the same story.

[@diablo0073]

You REALLY should read The Lord of The Rings if you liked The Hobbit.

[@vidogamesarebeast]

Hobbit is a children's book while LOTR is a serious and dark more adult series of books. I'd say hobbit movies and book is shit to LOTR movies and books. I've done them all.

[@diablo0073]

vidogamesarebeast For someone who can't be bothered to spell correctly (or at all, in some cases), you sure do come with a lot of opinions.

[@keyboarddancers7751]

Hobbit, LotR, Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales, Children of Hurin and Book of Lost Tales; that's the ideal order although I never read The Hobbit for many years until after reading the Silmarillion. It's fair to say that you miss nothing by not reading the Hobbit - a children's book, a literary bagatelle; there's enough in the LotR Prologue and Appendices to sufficiently cover that episode as long as it's clear that THAT was the context of Bilbo finding the One Ring.

[@jens2049]

Alchemisterius same story? What the fuck?

[@Alucia0]

Andy helped to create a role for all motion actors. He not only is a fantastic voice actor, he gives life to characters that don't have a truebody. Such an amazing tallent.

[@UltraRebels]

You really can't give him enough credit for his role as Gollum. The character Gollum is such a huge part of the story, and the way that Andy portraits him... brilliant... pure genius! I can't wait to see him in more roles!

[@MauricioRPP1]

From the future here, he has been in a lot more roles. Hope you saw it.

[@attackpatterndelta8949]

All the credit goes to his cat.

[@MichaelHolmgaard]

Andy has done many great characters, and I too love both Kong & Caesar....but for me, Gollum will always be his best character. I remember when I saw LOTR as a little kid, and I saw Gollum for the first time: I didn't know whether I should laugh or be scared, hate or petty him.....there are SO many layers in that character, and he just added even more layer as he took the role, and made it his own. People also seem to forget, that he didn't just do voice-over. Andy really did PLAY the role as Gollum, and were in every scene, with his white Gollum-suite on ;)

[@paulopinzon]

"I didn't know whether I should laugh or be scared, hate or petty him" - Interesting :)

[@princessthyemis]

Wow!

[@Sem5626]

he did such a great job because its.... exactly how everyone read gollums lines in the books its just amplified and taken on its own serkis, kind of character

[@sputnikalgrim]

This dude really doesn't get enough recognition for his brilliance.

[@Seriksy]

He really looks like he needs a few eons of sleep

[@DeathBringer769]

Man that's how I feel too.

[@christophergraham5531]

+Deathbrewer well he is an actor so they useily tired

[@mephostopheles3752]

Seriksy Well he is several hundred years old and driven mad by a magic ring, so I'd say he's looking rather well.

[@worthless_opinion]

It's called working hard.

[@joeyuzwa891]

Looks like if Steve buscemi and Elijah wood had a kid

[@joyunicycle]

It's really cool how voice actors (or just regular actors) can find inspiration for their characters. Love you Andy Serkis!

[@MeenyMcSweeny]

What a cool guy!

[@mbunds]

Andy and the Weta crew matched the character of Gollum as I pictured him while reading the books so perfectly, in voice, looks, and action! I wish Tolkien had been able to witness his performance and the digital character.

[@ekathe85]

I always thought it was the result of trying to play a deranged Donald duck.

[@tzukeethoman8488]

Hahaha oh my gosh!

[@dushawnpowell234]

😭🤣😂

[@Punki80]

So that´s where Gollum´s hair went XD!

[@HolandaChiquita]

The first thing i remember seeing of him is the line he says in Inkheart: DUCT TAPE! All his performances are great! I especially love Kong and Ceasar. I think those are his best, because we can see the real behavior of a real existing being!

[@IronSly1]

I once said that: Andy is the Master. And I can repeat that any time. Yesss, my precioussss.

[@nylahwalker6254]

' ('( &&@@ @.:*£+£=()? ,))9+. ,*(

[@zodiac909]

This man is a GENIUS who deserved an Oscar A LONG time ago.

[@the-terminator5682]

What a genius

[@MoTheCat3]

If one can learn from even the most mundane of events and transform it into a life of it's own, that's pure genius!

[@8dioproductions]

Truly one of the greatest actors ever!

[@starlalaronce1929]

I love learning about stuff like this! It's great.

[@MrStensnask]

Such a great example of a curious, observant and creative mind

[@d3m1g0d4]

Am a bit sad Mr Serkis didn't mention anything about Gurgi from the black cauldron being his inspiration to the portrayal of Gollum

[@elsakristina2689]

I’m not even sure he knew about that movie at least at the time since it’s pretty obscure for a Disney movie.

[@major600]

Serkis deserves a special Oscar. No doubt.

[@Preda.Y]

i love him so much

[@00Mindi00]

He is AMAZING man. Just amazing.

[@sportsmania5969]

My precious...

[@pwmiles56]

An actor who read the material and thought his way into the part. Plus some well-deserved inspiration from the cat.

[@virgildantefrazier1]

what kind of history and honor is it when you get to witness that kind of brilliance....genius in person.

[@Gnzlz707]

This video is awesome, really cool to see how it all started! :D

[@lachlann4275]

2:07 laughed with the crowd 🤣🤣

[@afrosymphony8207]

wowwwwww!!!!! there's a quote that goes somehow like creativity is all about connecting the dots of our experiences in life and making that into something and mehn andy serkis just proved that with this

[@annubi19]

I do an exact Gollum impression and did it in front of my poor daughter. She freaked out!! LOL

[@reactionx1041]

Absolutely brilliant

[@ErsenAsper]

Hes so good.

[@IAmJonnariffic]

I really wanted him to say I watched The Black Cauldron when I was younger and really liked one of the characters voices, as that's what I'm doing now and one of them does! xD...

[@eurynomeliri9653]

Despite what he says, I still think Gurgi from The Black Cauldron was a huge influence.

[@theothertonydutch]

Did you come here from imgur?

[@eurynomeliri9653]

I did! lol I saw the post and I was like.. Holy crap, thats so true lol

[@nagualdesign]

Then you came straight here to pass it off as your own, long-held opinion. Nice.

[@TheKnoxvicious]

HOW DARE SOMEONE LIE ON THE INTERNET!!! At least people like you have higher morals...

[@lonewalkerproductions]

Exactly !

[@sarcasm4905]

The mental image of him reading the tolkien books and his cat suddenly starting to gag near him and him then observing the cat, very interested in the whole thing is making me crack up so bad :'D Brilliant :D

[@briannarichardson9511]

I love his hair!

[@chengz617]

A brilliant actor

[@deadmandirector3]

Remarkable... absolutely Remarkable! Good kitty! 🐱 😄 And Bless Andy Serkis

[@strider593]

Whenever I see his face, I literally see Gollum ^^

[@thebassbat7882]

Just Fucking love this man, an amazing dude.

[@arethabs.as.6304]

he is one of a kind

[@ashrael37]

I was just watching the 1984 Muppet Babies cartoon with my daughter and Gollum sounds just like Baby Animal, voiced by Dave Coulier.

[@legolasgreenleaf5441]

Andy deserves an Oscar!!

[@suzannesadiiqa]

He was marvelous as Rigaud in Little Dorritt......

[@Hung_Nguyen_90]

I can imagine every night, Andy Serkis sitting on a chair with a cat on his lap and he crawl his finger through his cat and say: "My precious" with Golum's voice.

[@prachuryyabaruah7]

Genius of an actor👏👏👏 applause. Seriously the guy who can pull off Joker playing Alfred🙆🏻‍♂️

[@zennologyofeverything7265]

Holy shit, that is Moran Cerf interviewing Andy!! He was on tom bilyeu!

[@Bluefax]

What a legend. Basically created a new segment of the industry from his imagination with this character. Btw I've got a Gollum voice tutorial on my channel! :)

[@jesusgrciapna375]

ese Jim root es un loquillo

[@NekoInk13]

So amazing...

[@JustJokingYou]

This guys awesome

[@21rasko]

He voice acted in a dramatic recording of The Screwtape Letters. Most beautifully creepy thing I've ever heard.

[@alexanderconsul6960]

Thank you, Andy's cat for making Gollum's voice successful.

[@justinwhy6404]

*What is love, baby don't hurt me no more* Still waiting for his mixtape

[@kilroywashere123]

His narration of the books is epic

[@legaultrants]

It's Gurgi from Black Cauldron...

[@SimplyAmazing770]

Legend

[@viviane76for]

Talented guy

[@micktaylor7745]

Damn this dude is awesome! Thumbs up!

[@NotthatRossKemp]

He totally nailed Gollum. The man is a genius.

[@sabahahamd8701]

Sir u are amazing

[@Soundstage8]

His hair is amazing

[@ratnadeepghosh3387]

It's amazing

[@deegiffinscott5581]

Love it !!!

[@lbroderick783]

Always interesting to hear how they come up with their ideas! A cat, who would have thought! I wonder how Andy Serkis keeps his throat from getting sore because the voice of Gollum I would think after a while would put a strain on the throat and the vocal box. Andy Serkis does a great job!

[@lydiajkdr]

He drinks what he calls "Gollum juice", which is made up of honey, ginger and lemon with warm water and he said he drinks loads of it when playing Goolum

[@BulbaSaruman]

Looking forward to seeing him in the new star wars

[@BaronAnon]

the cat gets some of credit then c:

[@sujaychandrappa3761]

wat a talent

[@HALchannel108]

gack hack kack funny cat hairball noise serkis is aaaaaaaawesooooooome

[@punipunipyo]

Dude, GIVE THE MAN HIS OSCAR ALREADY!

[@ashley.sterling]

"I'm not a voice actor" goes on to create an iconic character voice

[@alexandrebertrand-lafleur3114]

MYYYY PRECIOUSSSSS!!!!!

[@marsxac4878]

Thanks for the cats and thanks for amazing Andy Serkis

[@HALchannel108]

Andy Serkis makes a great Gollum/Smeagol how do you do that accent mark on the 'e'???

[@RichRotella]

new LEGEND

[@spinakker14]

Serkis is pure genius

[@Chrilleg]

Happy 50s Birthday Andy!

[@paulguseman6004]

He just sounds like Grover or Elmo or even Kermit. Talking with your throat just has that unmistakable muppet quality. I could never take it seriously.

[@minjabens]

Genius

[@JMBBrasil]

Genial!!

[@mikeraymond6822]

amazing actor, watch him as Ian Dury . Fab Bo lous

[@Phoenix_cataclysm_in_2040]

Will never look at my cat puking up her furball the same way again.

[@Gorgeousbaebeauty]

He needs a billion awards

[@UltraRebels]

VERY true!!!

[@Jimmersaunt]

When I first saw Gollum I was like “What the f?” I didn’t know what I was expecting but that wasn’t it. But once I got over my shock, I really began to appreciate the performance and the look of the character. I also thought back to when I had read the book and realized that the film had nailed it better than any version before as the book had told us Gollum had once been a hobbit and that the shriveled human like look was more accurate than the kind of reptilian thought that I had. Now I can’t imagine Gollum looking any other way. When you look at the behind the scenes footage and realize how much they based Gollum’s facial movements on Andy’s facial expressions you realize what an amazing performance and technical achievement it was. Andy Serkis is a master of this type of acting and tho was the beginning of it!

[@gerrymcwilliam]

Toilken would be proud

[@UniversalBrother108]

Utter genius.

[@papertherapy]

Coooooooooool!

[@The_Bashar]

Oh Andy, you underestimated your r theatre background in creating the most *ICONIC* character *EVER!*

[@bradgearly]

He played Spike in Flushed Away.

[@mmebaggins]

Sméagol ♥