One of the busiest voice talents in the industry, Bob Jump has recorded countless radio and TV commercials, movie trailers, political ads, and narrations. He’s been the voice for Smucker’s, Ron Paul, ArmorAll, Bridgestone, and the PGA Tour, just to name a few. We took a minute to sit down with Bob to find out what makes him tick…
Bob, how long have you been in the voiceover business and what got you started?
Ricky Martin was chosen over me as the replacement star in the boy band Menudo in 1984; it was then that I knew voiceover acting was my life’s path.
How would you characterize your style, sound, or signature read?
Well, I’ll let one of my clients speak for me, (yeah, that’s a first!). He said, “When Bob says words like “divorce” or “chemotherapy” it doesn’t sound so bad.”
Have you had any interesting, unique, funny or scary experiences while voicing that you can recall?
I voiced a soiree at the White House a few years back. Barbara Bush asked if the V.O. was Walter Cronkite! HIGH praise indeed!
Do you have any heroes, mentors or others in the business that you look up to or have influenced you?
The voice of God. No, not that voice of God. Charlton Heston – for heaven’s sake!
What is the best advice you can offer people who are just getting started?
Do not, I repeat, do not take losing an audition personally…. While it’s never happened to me, I’ve heard it can be really devastating to the ego!
What would you be doing if you were not a voice over talent?
Scratching at the top of my coffin. In other words, I LOVE what I do. Being a V.O. actor makes me truly happy. It’s not work, it’s fun – and I am blessed to have fun and earn a living at the same time. I hope to be behind the mic when I’m 80 – even if I have to use a walker and shuffle up to it 30 minutes before a session starts!
What is the most important thing you’ve learned since you started in this industry?
Please refer to question #5.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Usually a little pepper. Maybe a dash of Tabasco.
