Marc Silk, the voice behind Scooby-Doo, Bob the Builder in the USA, Danger Mouse, Aks Moe in ‘Star Wars’, and many more, tells Joanne Bednall about the “magical” impact his dog, Honey, has had on his life.
When he’s not working in his Solihull recording studio or performing character voices in films, animation, games, commercials, theme parks, and TV shows, Marc Silk and his dog, Honey, can be found browsing city art galleries or soaking up the peaceful surroundings of nearby Hampton Manor Bakery.
Although the Birmingham-born voice actor is probably best known for bringing Scooby-Doo and his best pal Shaggy to life in the UK, for Cartoon Network, CITV, commercials, toys, and radio interviews, this iconic canine character is only a small part of Marc’s impressive portfolio.
From providing clucks for the Aardman film ‘Chicken Run’ to working with legendary filmmaker George Lucas in ‘Star Wars: Episode 1 — The Phantom Menace’, Marc loves nothing more than spending quality time with his beloved Beagle X Chihuahua, Honey.
Q Did you dream of working in the entertainment industry when you were young? A “I was always musical at school and played the piano from the age of seven. I didn’t want to be on stage. I was more interested in working behind the scenes — at a mixing desk in a recording studio.
“On a media course at school, I had to create a radio show. It was completely out of my comfort zone, taking me from behind the scenes to performing on a microphone. It was a revelation, bringing together music, comedy, writing, studio tech — I loved it!
“At the time, my heroes were Mel Blanc (the voice of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and many other Warner Bros cartoon legends), Jim Henson (‘The Muppets’ creator), Ben Burtt (‘Star Wars’ sound designer), Freddie Mercury, Billy Joel, Aretha Franklin, Robin Williams, and Kenny Everett.”
Q What was your first big break? A “I did work experience in the record library at a local radio station, BRMB, and used to sneak into the studios to watch how programmes were made. I learned a lot by watching the engineers create their worlds of sound. I became a freelancer there earning a massive £3.75 per hour! I produced radio jingles, music, engineered celebrity interviews, and created sketches for the ‘Breakfast Show’.
“I saved up to buy my own basic recording equipment, which I set up on Mum and Dad’s dining room table.
“My first big break in voice acting was as a dodo in the animated TV series ‘Rocky and the Dodos’
