Vol. 2, Issue 52 - Interview with Stuart Zagnit (Issue 100 special)
An interview with Stuart Zagnit, the voice behind the beloved character Professor Oak, from 1998 to 2008
Welcome to Vol. 2, issue 52 of Johto Times! We hope our readers are enjoying the festivities of the holiday season.
Today’s issue is a rather special one, as it marks our 100th issue! Since Johto Times began in February 2023, we have had the pleasure of publishing a wide variety of content every week, which includes many great interviews with some very notable individuals. Today, we are adding another to that list with our special guest: Stuart Zagnit. Stuart was the original voice of Professor Oak in the English dub of the Pokémon anime as well as several video games. He also played minor characters such as Gym Leader Koga and returned to the show to voice Cedric Juniper in 2012.
Feature: Interview with Stuart Zagnit
We are honoured and delighted to interview Stuart Zagnit, the original voice actor for Professor Oak from 1998 to 2008 in the English adaption of the Pokémon anime and several video games, such as Pokémon Snap and Pokémon Puzzle League. In this interview, Stuart discusses his memories and experiences of playing these beloved characters in Pokémon and reflects on the role more than twenty-five years after it first began.
It's fantastic to be conducting this interview with you for Johto Times, Stuart! Please introduce yourself to our readers!
Stuart:
Hello there! It’s me, Professor Oak! And me, Stuart Zagnit, the original voice of Professor Oak! It’s nice to be here!
Before we learn more about your work with Pokémon, I would love to hear how it all began! What inspired you to pursue a career in acting?
Stuart:
I wanted to act, to perform, since I was a little boy. I think my mother got a real kick out of watching me sing or do characters, and she encouraged me. I also watched many great performers on TV – Laurel & Hardy, Abbott & Costello, Jerry Lewis, The Three Stooges – who made me laugh – I think I wanted to be like them!
As an actor, you have performed a wide range of roles in theatre, television and film, and you have voiced characters in various anime series and video games. How did you get your first professional acting role?
Stuart:
The first real role I can remember was playing Haman, the villain in the Purim play at Sunday School. It was kind of thrilling, pretending to be a really “bad guy”, and it all started from there. Professionally, I was cast in a touring production of “PINOCCHIO” which toured schools all over Louisiana – I was Mr. Cat!
Eventually, your career led to you accepting the role of the beloved Professor Oak character, whom you voiced for the English dub of Pokémon. How did this opportunity present itself to you?
Stuart:
An old friend, who was a former actor, told me about this “new animated show” that a friend of his was producing. He said they were looking for character voices [and] gave me a phone number to set up an appointment. I went in and auditioned for several characters, including this eccentric professor. A few weeks passed and they called me and said they wanted me for the professor. And the rest is history!
Not only did you play Oak in the anime and movies, but you also voiced him in Pokémon video games, such as Pokémon Snap, Pokémon Puzzle League, and in a series of educational CD-ROMs called PokéROM. In your experience, what are the differences between voicing animation and video games?
Stuart:
They are all very different mediums - the Pokémon series gave me lots of opportunities to interact with Ash, Pikachu, and the people and creatures who populated the show. The games [were] more tedious, speaking hundreds of words, phrases, and the occasional sentence, and the interaction is virtual as I’m not directly engaging with the players. Voicing the games was more work, but necessary. I preferred the series and the movies, which let me explore more [of the] range of the character.
In addition to Oak, you also voiced Koga during the original run of the show. What was the original direction you were given when you auditioned for that character?
Stuart:
Not much that I can recall. Koga was much more business-like – it did not require the range vocally that Oak did – so he was more “serviceable,” if that makes sense.
I am curious to know how much creative freedom you had with the characters you played. Do you have examples of when you were a part of the process?
Stuart:
As the seasons progressed, we all got more comfortable with our characters, so it became a bit more collaborative. I remember towards the end of the movie Pokémon 2000, Oak is rushing to find Ash, and he jumps out of a jeep (or it might have been a helicopter, I forget), and he winces and grabs his back. The original line was, “Oh, my back!” But I thought the line could be funnier, so I asked if I could try something. Instead, I said, “Oooh, my lumbago!” (which was an old-timey term for a back condition). They kept the line in, and it got a big laugh when it was played in the movie theater! I was very proud!
You have mentioned in previous interviews that you and other cast members recorded your lines separately and only occasionally saw each other in the waiting room at the studio, which meant you didn’t get the opportunity to really speak to one another during those recording sessions. In one interview, you mentioned that the producers would host parties, which allowed for the opportunity for cast members to meet each other. What were those like?
Stuart:
It was always fun! Because we did not see each other that frequently, these were always festive occasions. That’s when we knew [we] were all part of something special, and we felt like a team! And all these years later, when we meet up at [conventions] and do panels together, we have such a good time!
During those rare moments when you would get together with other cast members, which actors did you get along well with?Stuart:
Stuart:
Well, that’s a bit of a catty question – I get along with everyone. But those characters Oak had the most contact with – Ash (Veronica), Brock (Eric) – were the ones I knew the most. But over the years, we all have gotten to know each other better.
You also voiced the character of Dr. Dome in the 2003 TV series of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. You have mentioned in previous interviews that you had the opportunity to record your lines with the other actors for that show, which is a different approach to Pokémon. What is your preference when it comes to recording your lines?
Stuart:
I enjoyed the energy when all of us were voicing in the same room – and you want to keep up with the other actors, so it keeps you on your game. I also enjoyed recording solo, as that can make you feel like you’re getting all the attention of the director and the person recording you. We would still have a good time, especially when you flubbed a line, or, in our case, had to try and make an English line fit the “lip flaps” on the screen – that’s when we all got creative!
How would you describe your working relationship with the producers and the rest of the team while you were working on Pokémon at 4Kids Entertainment?
Stuart:
The 4Kids production team was a well-oiled machine – we all did our jobs well, so it was enjoyable work. I have to also acknowledge the first seasons, which were produced at TAJ Productions, and Larry Juris, who was the original producer. That’s where the series began, and where the template for future seasons was created. I give them a lot of credit for launching the series in the best possible way!
You played the role of Professor Oak for eight years (1998–2008), until you and other members of the original cast were let go. I would like to understand how you felt about the news back then. What can you share with us?
Stuart:
I would be lying to [say] it wasn’t painful, because it was. We were so proud of our work, and I have to say that we all put our collective stamps on our characters, which fans all these years later have confirmed to us. My own son, who was a teenager when we were released and grew up with the series, was very angry about it, as I now know so many of our fans were. It was a difficult time, but I am so grateful to our fans who have told us how much our characters mean to them. That means more than I can say, and I’m very grateful!
In 2012, you were invited back to play Cedric Juniper, the father of Professor Juniper, during the Pokémon the Series: Black & White arc of the anime. What was that experience like for you?
Stuart:
It was nice to come back, but already it felt different. I appreciated being back, but Juniper wasn’t the same kind of character as Oak, so for me [it] was not as memorable.
In recent years, you have been attending conventions to share your memories and meet fans face to face. What have those experiences meant to you personally?
Stuart:
I am overwhelmed by the love, the respect, and the joy that fans express to me when they meet me! I’ve often said, on those occasions, everyone turns into a 10-year-old!! And to know I've been such an important part of so many people’s childhood is an indescribable experience! Remember, we did not see our audience when we recorded the series, so [we] were not aware of the impact we were having – meeting our fans in person lets us know that we did a good job, and that’s more rewarding than I can say…
Some fans have very kindly given you some gifts! What are some of your favourites that you have received?
Stuart:
I received a Pikachu from a fan back in 2012, and I bring him to all my personal appearances! I’ve gotten great fan art, tee shirts and handcrafted work, and recently received a custom Prof. Oak Funko POP!!
As you mentioned earlier in the interview, while working on Pokémon, you had a young son who grew up with the series. What was his experience like with Pokémon, and how does he feel about having such a renowned Pokémon researcher as his father?
Stuart:
It was very thrilling for him when he was little, and I loved taking him to the premieres of the films (they originally had a run in movie theaters). The first time he went with me and heard Oak speak in the film, he turned to me and just stared – it was a moment I’ll cherish forever! He has gotten more cool about it, but most of his friends are still very impressed!
Despite your huge portfolio of work across different acting mediums, you have described yourself as a theatre guy and have played the Wizard in Wicked, Seymour and later Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors, and the Mayor of Whoville in Seussical the Musical, to name but a few. What have been your favourite theatre roles you have performed in your career so far?
Stuart:
Besides the ones you mentioned, I’ve loved playing Tevye in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Max in THE PRODUCERS, and Grandpa Who in HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS. I’m still working in live theatre, so I plan on adding to the list!
When you’re not working hard, what are some of your hobbies and interests that you like to engage with?
Stuart:
I don’t have that much downtime, but my wife and I like to get away, to Maine in the summers, and when we can, to Europe (France, Italy, Spain and Greece, for example). And I write, so maybe there will be a “Wisdom of Professor Oak” book down the road someday!
In October 2024, twenty-six voice actors and actresses in Japan announced a collective stance against unauthorised use of performers’ voices by generative AI, due to their feelings on the risks the technology brings to their profession. As an actor who works in this field, could you please tell me your personal opinion on the topic?
Stuart:
I think what voice actors do is special. We do need to protect our talents, and I support organizations which seek to protect voice actors – we deserve it, and so do our audience!
In 2023, Ash’s story arc was finally completed after 1200 episodes when he finally won the world championship. The anime has now moved into a new age with brand-new characters and story. Considering you were there from the very first episode, how does it feel to know that Ash’s story has finally reached a conclusion?
Stuart:
It’s a bit sad knowing Ash’s adventure has come to the end. And that it all started with Prof. Oak! But all good things come to an end. And the good news is the original episodes are still available, so new generations are discovering the original series, and I’ll have new fans to enjoy our work and who I can meet!!
I would love to hear what projects you are currently working on! What can you share with us?
Stuart:
Well, as a stage and TV actor, I’m regularly reading for projects – I don’t have anything currently, but in this business, that can change by the day, week or year! But rest assured, I will turn up again, [sometime] when you least expect it!!
Before we end this interview, I would like you to reflect on your time playing the role of Professor Oak. What are your thoughts on your contribution, the character, and its lasting legacy?
Stuart:
The fans tell me frequently the impact Prof. Oak has had on them, and it gives me such joy knowing this. For many, he is the surrogate father figure, just as he was for Ash, and it’s a great feeling knowing he has touched so many hearts and so many lives. It fills me with gratitude, and as an actor, is the best validation of the work I did. In short, it’s a very good feeling!!
Stuart, I know you often hear this comment from fans, but for me, and I am sure for many of our readers, you really were a huge part of our childhoods, which brought a funny, lovable, and highly appreciated character to life as the voice of Professor Samuel Oak. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your contribution to the Pokémon series, and for sparing some time to answer these questions. Do you have any closing comments you would like to make to our readers, and to the Pokémon community?
Stuart:
Just a very sincere “Thank You” to you and all the fans out there reading this. It’s always a performer’s dream to want to make an impact – to know that something you created had a lasting impact on others. It’s an invisible gift from me to you – and one which you then carry within you. There are many who gave me such gifts, and some make me smile, or even weep – but all of them are important to me. Thank you all for embracing my gift to you – it makes this performer very happy!!
A huge thank you to Stuart for taking time out of his schedule to speak to Johto Times and for answering our questions. While Stuart has a wide range of acting credits, the character of Professor Oak is one that is iconic and beloved to many Pokémon fans, and it was a wonderful opportunity to learn more and document some important information. We wish Stuart the very best of luck with his future career and hope that his time with Pokémon will continue to be remembered fondly.
Favourite Starter Pokémon Poll & Fansite Word Search Puzzle
A huge thank you to everyone who reached out to let us know they completed our Word Search! Here is the solution to the puzzle. Did you find them all?
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We are currently running a poll to see which starter Pokémon is the fan favourite. This poll will run from November 22nd, 2024 at 18:00 UTC until December 31st, 2024 at 18:00 UTC. The winner will be announced via the Johto Times newsletter and our social media pages on January 9th, 2025! You can cast your vote here.
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Subscribers can expect a special Johto Times issue in their inboxes this Tuesday, December 31st 2024 at 14:00 UTC, as we recap our year and look back at the content we have featured, as well as my own personal thoughts. The newsletter will then return to its regular schedule: every Thursday at the usual time of 14:00 UTC, starting on January 2nd, 2025.
actors are so cool, he seems like a wonderful guy!! such a huge memorable part of my childhood! thanks for providing the interview and sharing his words, love to hear about the fun fan interactions and the cast members getting along!