Alan Tudyk Career Retrospective | SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations

Career Q&A with Alan Tudyk. Moderated by Jenelle Riley, Variety.
Alan Tudyk is a multi-dimensional actor whose credits span throughout stage, film, television and voiceover entertainment platforms. Over the span of his career, his films have garnered over $2 Billion at the Box Office.
In 2016, Tudyk appeared in Lucasfilm’s “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” as the scene-stealing and snarky, security droid, ‘K-2SO.’ Directed by Gareth Edwards, the film grossed over $1 billion at the global box office and is the first live action Star Wars spin-off. He also voiced characters in two Academy-Award nominated animated films, playing the ‘Duke of Weaselton’ in Disney’s “Zootopia” and the rooster ‘Hei Hei’ in Disney’s “Moana.”
Tudyk also stars as ‘Van’ in NBC’s new workplace comedy “Powerless,” opposite Vanessa Hudgens. Danny Pudi, Ron Funches, and Christina Kirk also star. “Powerless” is the first comedy series set in the universe of DC Comics, where the story follows the reality of working life for a normal, powerless person in a world of superheroes and villains. “Powerless” premiered on February 2, 2017.
Tudyk is also the creator and star of the record breaking web series, “Con Man.”Executive produced by Tudyk, Nathan Fillion and author PJ Haarsma, the series was funded via Indiegogo, resulting in a record-breaking $3.2 million donation which had the support of over 46,000 fans from around the world. The second season of the series debuted on Lionsgate’s Comic-Con HQ on December 8th. Loosely based on Tudyk’s and Fillion’s experiences starring in “Firefly,” “Con Man” centers on the post-show life of ‘Wray Nerely’ (Tudyk), the co-star of “Spectrum,” a sci-fi TV series canceled before its time that later became a cult classic beloved by fans. ‘Wray’s’ best friend, ‘Jack Moore’ (Fillion) starred as the series’ Captain and has gone on to become a major celebrity, while ‘Wray’ continues to struggle to find his big break. While ‘Jack’ enjoys the life of an A-lister, ‘Wray’ is the begrudging guest of sci-fi conventions, comic book store appearances and different pop culture events. The series explores these events and all the crazy and real things that happen behind the scenes in the world of fandom. In 2016, Tudyk, along with Fillion, also launched “Con Man: The Game” based on the series. The game allows players to build and host their own comic book conventions and can be downloaded for free on iTunes and Google Play.
Tudyk has shown audiences wide versatility in numerous television shows and a plethora of feature films. Most recently he co-starred inthe Jay Roach 2015 SAG Award nominated feature “Trumbo,” opposite Bryan Cranston, Diane Lane, Helen Mirren, John Goodman, Louie CK, Michael Stuhlbarg and Stephen Root as well as 2014’s “Welcome to Me” with Kristin Wiig. In 2013, Tudyk co-starred in the well-received Jackie Robinson biopic, “42,” as former Phillies manager ‘Ben Chapman.’ He made his feature film debut in 1998, when he first appeared opposite Robin Williams in “Patch Adams.”
Tudyk’s role in the Disney’s animated feature, “Wreck it Ralph,” garnered him an Annie Award for his role as ‘King Candy.’ He returned to the recording booth to voice ‘The Duke of Weaselton’ in Disney’s Academy Award-winning “Frozen.” He continued his work with Disney Animation Studios voicing ‘Alister Krei’ in “Big Hero 6” and will reprise his role in the upcoming “Big Hero 6” television series on Disney XD. He can also be heard as ‘Ludo’ and ‘King Butterfly’ on the Disney Channel series, “Star vs. the Forces of Evil,” which had its second season premiere on July 11th. Tudyk has also done voice work for many other features, television shows and video games.
His film credits also include: “Wonder Boys,” “28 Days,” “A Knight’s Tale,” “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story,” “Death at a Funeral” (the original UK version), “Knocked Up,” “Tucker and Dale vs Evil,” “3:10 to Yuma,” “Serenity,” “Premature,” “Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter,” and “Transformers 3.” Additionally, Tudyk motion performed the lead robot, ‘Sonny,’ in “I, Robot” opposite Will Smith.
In television, Tudyk was a series regular on the critically acclaimed ABC comedy, “Suburgatory” and he reprised his role in the Netflix revival of “Arrested Development” as ‘Pastor Veal.’ His work on Joss Whedon’s “Firefly,” has been highly lauded by fans and has gained him a strong cult following. Tudyk also appeared in “Strangers with Candy,” “Dollhouse,” “Frasier,” and “Justified.” He also was the host of “Newsreaders,” written and produced by Rob Corddry and David Wain, on Adult Swim.
Tudyk attended the prestigious Juilliard School in New York and has starred on Broadway opposite Kristin Chenoweth in “Epic Proportions,” played ‘Lancelot’ with the original cast in Monty Python’s “Spamalot,” as well as the lead role of ‘Peter’ in “Prelude to a Kiss” opposite John Mahoney.

[@antr7493]

that guy is more talented than most of the actors in hollywood and london, but doesn't get the respect he deserves.

[@blupunk01]

Finishing the first season of Resident Alien (in which Alan is brilliant) got me searching around for interviews with Mr. Tudyk, and I'm really glad to have run across this one. Like many people, I first discovered him on Firefly and have been following his career ever since. It's fascinating to hear about the development of his career.

[@kathychildress18]

Lucky you

[@Fiawordweaver]

Season 3 now. I watch all seasons over and over and get so much out of each rewatch. What a great cast with Alan🎉❤🎉

[@opiateutopia]

17:50 "...a lot of dancers", he says, as he starts smiling and rubbing his wedding ring, without mentioning his wife yet. Just a tiny moment I find sweet.

[@Sara_Sepia]

delightful thing to notice

[@sunflowerz54]

I just love his new show.

[@msrainbowbrite]

"Drinking rum before midday doesn't make you an alcoholic, it makes you a pirate"

[@mcyawnface991]

Alan Tudyk is my favorite actor of all time. Whenever I see him pop up on the screen I instantly get a huge smile on my face

[@francoc5900]

Alan Tudyk is a national treasure.

[@juanitomp]

Such a talented actor, such a funny and inspiring guy.

[@swankyswede]

Alan Tudyk is such an underrated talent.. i love him

[@Raiche58]

He's talented and he does the work needed to get the most from his talent.

[@joshuapeterson8575]

One of my favorite all-time actors, and it’s criminal the lack of recognition his gift receives.

[@jcstuart6978]

I've watched many of these, this is one of the best, in my humble opinion. So real, honest and FUNNY!

[@andreraymond6860]

I love this man's work. I just went bonkers when he mentions 'A Knight's Tale 2' Really? It has got to happen. My wife, two sons and I will be first in line to buy a ticket for that.

[@luckyDancer100]

Happiest audience ever. They laugh at everything Alan does.

[@Crimson11100]

Great interview but why are there always so many bottles of water?

[@josephthomaswhiting8417]

I vividly remember the first time I saw “I, Robot” years ago, and how moved I was by Sonny. What a beautiful character played magnificently by Alan! Remains one of my all-time favorite performances to this day.

[@MsRedsphere]

I am so glad I found this. I love watching you talk about life. I miss the updates on periscope about Conman. Maybe you could periscope personally to update us on what you are doing.

[@lostinspacerobinson1527]

Alan is absolutely an amazing actor and human / alien , in this world and any other ........

[@-.NYX.-]

Apparently Alan doesnt have his own channel. I love Alan's work. This fellow needs more attention!!!!

[@janetstagg9243]

How great would it be to be able to hang out with him?

[@queencobra7019]

He's such a lovely fella. must be cool to hang out with

[@comfortablylexi]

So entertaining! I love how he tells stories!

[@laughytauffy8530]

That guy is my dads best friend. He comes over to our house every weekend, he signs for me all the time

[@vinceniederman3235]

@Star TV Awesome is Alan Tudyk is a Nice Guy?

[@tahutahu3406]

I am watching this from Australia & this episode is the best i’ve seen on this series. very entertaining. thank God for Alan Tudyk

[@christinabrasili8363]

Love his comedy!

[@rudolftrost3534]

I'll watch everything that has Alan tudyk in it.

[@MovieWidowMedia]

I just love Alan! He reminds me of my husband. Alan’s a better conversation partner tho 😁

[@hellraiserbabalu7032]

Great Host+Great Guest=Awesome interview so entertaining love it😁☺️

[@megatronnicaccuracy5279]

you see the main rules of sci fi survival are to stay within the 3 points of [control] [order] and [unity]

[@nicolaskwatnoski8754]

Barely touched upon Firefly. This makes me sad.

[@sameaston9587]

It's a conspiracy. Fox just wants us to forget Firefly. They want us to forget their Great Sin.

[@nigelbaboolal5072]

every other panel nathan fillion and alan tudyk do is like 50% firefly, i think its ok if 1 doesnt get taken over by it.

[@angelinaebner2726]

This Man is a Gift❤️ favorite Actor of all time❤️

[@sunflowerz54]

My fav is 21 days!!! And of course Resident Alien. He is just hilarious!!

[@LegacyFable]

I know everyone cast they're fav actor as a batman villain but he would make a great riddler

[@ladylaudanum8663]

It would be a terrible shame if he doesn't pass on what he's learned.

[@reedsawyer5704]

Alan Tudyk is a national treasure. I first noticed him in Knights' Tale, (didn't like that character). But, he was brilliant in Firefly.

[@GaryPhelpsII]

Just curious, but who is this woman? 😍

[@ianrobinson4200]

When he wears glasses, you could easily get him mixed up with Anthony Rapp

[@pamelapugh8846]

She mispronounced his last name but great video anyway . Loves him in 42

[@anntally7503]

The best pirate joke he's referring to goes something like this: "What is a pirate's favorite letter? You'd think it would be R (Aarr) but his heart will always belong to the C (sea.)"

[@cmcull987]

I love when they talk about Texas and fast food stores.

[@Ireneharnack1138]

Shoulx take Con-Men meets Galaxy Quest. He .iss the obvious respo se toward answering Death At A Funeral, he should have said hes very big Down Under. 😉

[@Glayceb]

Great actor!

[@movielover4244]

👍🏻

[@katmanard3107]

Great interview!

[@Fiawordweaver]

Why didn’t they talk about 28 DAYS? Always a great host. I look to seeing her and watch her love her job. This is the most fun interview ever at sag. Thank you🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@cyn2612]

Resident aliens hilarious, never knew this guy was so talented 😆

[@katmanard3107]

❤

[@marielaschmidt198]

♡

[@DrDevWeightLossExpert]

alan is extremely talented guy.i loved watching him on the show