J. P. Karliak
A versatile voice actor who brings classic cartoon villains and video game characters to life with sharp comedic timing.
Born 1981 (age 45)·American actor (born 1980 or 1981)·Birthday: May 11·Millennials
Biography
J. P. Karliak carved a niche in the voiceover world with a chameleonic range that spans sly villains and hapless heroes. Born in the early 1980s, his career took off through a blend of on-camera comedy and vocal talent, landing him in major animation studios. He didn't just step into established roles; he reinvented them, giving the eternally scheming Wile E. Coyote a fresh manic energy and voicing the sinister Gargamel for a new generation. His work extends beyond cartoons into the interactive realm, where his performance as the Skylanders character Wolfgang showcased his ability to build personalities from the ground up. Karliak's success lies in his actor's instinct, treating each voice role as a full character study, which has made him a sought-after talent in a competitive field.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
J. was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When J. Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
J.'s Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Voiced the iconic Wile E. Coyote in the animated series 'New Looney Tunes'.
- Brought the character Morph to life in the acclaimed revival series 'X-Men '97'.
- Provided the voice for Wolfgang in the popular 'Skylanders' video game series.
- Portrayed both Gargamel and Razamel in the 2025 cinematic adaptation of 'The Smurfs'.
Did You Know?
He is also a skilled stage actor and improvisational comedian.
Karliak is an advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in voice acting and animation.
He frequently participates in table-reads and live script performances for animated projects.
“I love finding the humanity, even in the most ridiculous cartoon characters.”
