Larry the Lobster is a recurring side character[3] in SpongeBob SquarePants. He is a muscular red lobster who, along with Scooter, is a common attendee of Goo Lagoon. He first appears in the episode “Ripped Pants.” He is also the owner of his own gym.
His voice is normally provided by Doug Lawrence in most of his speaking appearances. Bill Fagerbakke fills in for Larry the Lobsters voice during the Anchor Toss in “MuscleBob BuffPants” and a cameo in “House Hunting.”
Larry the Lobster is one of the most iconic characters from the beloved Nickelodeon series SpongeBob SquarePants. With his oversized muscles, tiny swim trunks, and laidback attitude, Larry has been making audiences laugh since his debut in 1999. But who is the talented voice actor behind Bikini Bottom’s resident lifeguard? Let’s investigate!
Doug Lawrence Brought Larry to Life
The man behind Larry’s distinctive deep voice is veteran voice actor Doug Lawrence, better known by his stage name Mr. Lawrence. Lawrence has been a crucial part of SpongeBob SquarePants since the show began In addition to Larry the Lobster, he voices the series’ main antagonist Plankton, the sarcastic Realistic Fish Head, and numerous background characters
Lawrence’s voice work on SpongeBob earned him a 2012 Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Short Format Animated Program. He has voiced Larry and other characters in all 13 seasons of the show as well as in the three theatrical SpongeBob films Lawrence is truly a multitalented force in the SpongeBob universe, working as a writer, storyboard artist, and director on the series over the years in addition to his voice work
From Rocko’s Modern Life to Bikini Bottom
Before he joined SpongeBob SquarePants Lawrence was a key figure on another beloved Nicktoon – Rocko’s Modern Life. He voiced the neurotic turtle Filburt and also directed episodes helping to establish the surreal comic sensibility that made Rocko a hit.
Rocko creator Joe Murray praised Lawrence’s unique sense of humor. When SpongeBob creator Stephen Hillenburg assembled a team for his new show in 1999, he remembered Lawrence’s talent and invited him on board. The rest is Bikini Bottom history!
Bringing Life to Live Action Roles
In the 2004 SpongeBob film and its 2015 sequel, Lawrence didn’t just lend his voice to animated characters – he actually portrayed live-action versions of Plankton and Larry, thanks to the magic of costumes and special effects. He had to sit through hours in makeup chairs to transform into the characters, but the results stole scenes in both movies.
Lawrence has compared the grueling process of becoming Plankton to turning into Hellraiser’s Pinhead! The films featured intricate costumes that perfectly translated the animated characters into the real world, allowing Lawrence to fully embody their physicality – not just their voices.
From Surly Lobster to Circus Ringmaster
Lawrence’s vocal versatility allows him to voice a diverse array of SpongeBob characters. In sharp contrast to laidback Larry, he plays the constantly shouting Plankton as a Napoleon-complexed villain obsessed with stealing the Krabby Patty formula. He captures Plankton’s desperation and tyrannical management style perfectly.
Lawrence also voices Potty the Parrot, known for his surly, sailor-mouthed attitude. As Potty, Lawrence gets to curse and hurl insults to his heart’s content! Potty is a crude contrast to his upbeat owner Patchy the Pirate. Lawrence clearly relishes voicing Potty’s R-rated rants.
Another recent Lawrence character is the deadpan, unenthused Realistic Fish Head, an animate prop who introduces surreal live-action bumpers on the series. The Fish Head’s bored tone heightens the absurdity of the bumpers. Lawrence also plays various fish announcers and reporters.
A True SpongeBob Renaissance Man
In addition to voice acting, Lawrence’s responsibilities on SpongeBob SquarePants have included:
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Writing episodes since season 1, including classic segments like “The Secret Box”
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Serving as story editor for seasons 10 and 13
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Co-developing the Kamp Koral and Patrick Star Show spinoffs
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Composing songs like the Kamp Koral theme
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Directing episodes over multiple seasons
Lawrence’s many talents have strengthened SpongeBob for over 20 years. Without him, Bikini Bottom just wouldn’t be the same!
A Unique Comedic Voice
Throughout his varied career, Lawrence has created tons of indelible characters. Friends and collaborators have praised his unique comedic sensibility and way with a bizarre joke. Fans may not know Lawrence by name, but his work has undoubtedly shaped their childhoods for the better.
So next time you watch Larry flex his muscles or hear Plankton bellow “Curses!” on SpongeBob, appreciate the versatility of the gifted performer behind these iconic roles. Doug Lawrence has been essential to SpongeBob SquarePants’ success – and he deserves recognition for making Bikini Bottom such an endearingly weird and funny place!
Appearance[]
Larry is a very large lobster with very developed muscles. He has yellow eyes with black pupils, and he is always shirtless which shows his developed muscles.
Relationships[]
Larrys first real interaction with SpongeBob is in “SpongeGuard on Duty” and he is pretty impressed when he sees the drop of ice cream on his nose, thinking it is sun tan lotion, or as it is referred to as, “white stuff.” Larry seems to interact well with SpongeBob, talking to him when hes around and creating small talk with him quite often, as he asks him to help him spread sun tan lotion on himself in “The Abrasive Side,” and compliments him in “Pet or Pests.” Despite their occasional friendship, Larry was extremely furious with SpongeBob in “A Life in a Day” when the latter did a dangerous stunt and got themselves and Patrick severely injured at Rippers Reef, resulting in Larry chasing SpongeBob out of the hospital (possibly threatening to beat SpongeBob to a pulp).
In “Pet or Pests” when SpongeBob asks Larry about his worm pets, Larry asks, “Do I… know you?” SpongeBob replies, “Probably not.” This shows that, although they have interacted before, they do not really remember each other well.
In the episode “Larrys Gym,” Larry attempts to build SpongeBob in his own , and succeeds. Later, all of the paperwork causes Larry to neglect his body, and his muscles deteriorate. SpongeBob becomes Larrys personal trainer and helps him get his old body back. After working out, the two share a hug.
WHO is Larry the Lobster’s father?! #spongebobsquarepants #nickelodeon #cartoons #manray #nicktoons
FAQ
Who is the voice actor from Larry the Lobster?
Douglas Lawrence Osowski (born January 1, 1969), who is known professionally as “Mr. Lawrence”, is an American voice actor, comedian, writer, storyboard artist, animator, and director. He is known for his voice roles such as Plankton, Larry the Lobster, and the Realistic Fish Head in SpongeBob SquarePants.
What happened to Larry the Lobster?
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Rescue and Transport:Larry the Lobster was saved from being cooked at a restaurant and was intended to be sent to the Maine State Aquarium.
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Shipping Delays:The lobster’s journey was not overnight as planned, and he was handled and repacked multiple times, according to ABC News.
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Possible Causes of Death:Experts suggest the extended time out of the water, handling, and stress of the journey contributed to his death, according to NPR.
Is Larry the Lobster the same voice as Plankton?
Mr. Lawrence has played a pivotal role in bringing the world of SpongeBob SquarePants to life for over 25 years. Not only is Mr. Lawrence the voice of Plankton and Larry the Lobster (among others), but he’s also part of the writing team.
What was Larry the Lobster’s famous line?
Quote. “You guys wanna go lift some weights?” “Livin’ like Larry.” “Last time I saw a moon that big, it was in a locker room.”