Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Martin.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I moved to Dallas January 1994 from Haughton, LA to attend KD Studio Actors Conservatory of the Southwest. Upon graduation in January 1996, I booked my first job as body talent for Barney the purple dinosaur in the world tour Barney’s Big Surprise. After 3 years on tour, a summer filling in on PBS Barney & Friends, home videos and countless public and private appearances, I settled back in Dallas to pursue other acting opportunities. I quickly reconnected with my friends from acting school, and we formed our 3rd and most successful comedy group called Section 8 Comedy.
While in our 10 years run at Ozona Grill & Bar, two of my fellow castmates booked parts on the then fairly unknown anime called Dragon Ball Z. My friends invited the director to our show, where he saw me perform a character called the Pilzberry Homeboy: Famous Doughboy turned gangsta rapper after being jumped by a gang of Keebler Elves. I was invited by the director to come and record for Dragon Ball Z the next day, and I’ve been the voice of Majin Buu since 2001.
I’ve been fortunate enough to continue to provide voices for many Funimation properties, as well as video games and commercials. You can currently find me at an anime/comic/pop-culture convention near you, or as MCA in the Original Beastie Boys Tribute Band Rhymin’ N Stealin’ since 2009.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth is relative. The entertainment business is not an easy, nurturing business from the beginning. We started comedy troupes in acting school to make work for ourselves, because we couldn’t get agents to help us get work…because we had never worked. SOMETIMES the pay can be good, but it’s mostly sporadic at best. Balancing ones needs, such as food and shelter etc., against one’s needs to perform. I oftentimes found myself sacrificing steady income for the hope and chance of maybe booking a job.
All of that said, I know people who have had it far worse and some better. I’ve been fortunate that I’ve been able to balance both sides. It’s not always pretty, but I’ve managed.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m most known for being the voice of Dragon Ball Z’s Majin Buu. My specialty is character voices. I’m most proud of my family.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Stubbornness, dedication, and water.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @originalbuu
- Facebook: Josh Martin
- Twitter: @JoshMartinVoice
Image Credits
Carey Stinson Photography
Jordan Fraker
