Seth MacFarlane’s rise to success is one of Hollywood’s incredible tales. Years of hard work and a habit for never giving up took him from a writer and animator for Cartoon Network shows Johnny Bravo and Cow and Chicken to the heights of Family Guy and the Ted film franchise.
Although we’ve failed to mention a key reason behind his success – the sheer and multiple talents he has used to craft such an impressive career. Aside from the relentless drive and ambition that got him his first and following gigs, it’s amazing how one man can have quite so many talents.
#1: He’s a natural draughtsman
MacFarlane started drawing at the tender age of two when he sketched his first animations. This earliest skill would set him on course for a career that included working at Cartoon Network and Disney before a deal for his own creation The Life of Larry fell through. This didn’t stop MacFarlane though and he soon had his $50,000 grant to create the pilot show that would later become Family Guy.
#2: He has a gift for comedy
There’s no denying this guy has a flair for the funny side of life – most evident in the turbulent success of Family Guy. Despite huge controversy for AIDS, rape, race and other jokes, the Family Guy team has remained defiant and continued to take a laugh at the darker side of life. But MacFarlane has brought far more to animation comedies than controversy with a natural gift for turning the expected into laughable moments.
#3: He has a talent for music
An integral part of MacFarlane creations has always been music and this is no accident, because the man himself is a talented pianist and singer. He’s trained with a number voice coaches over the years and appeared in a number of concerts, including the BBC proms.
The fact is this guy has a serious voice – actually many of them – that have helped him create and voice a diverse mix of characters throughout his career, down to his upcoming release of Ted 2 which will be released in July at Cineworld.
#4: He’s an incredible writer
As you’re starting to see Seth MacFarlane is the kind of guy who can do it all on his own, but even with all of the above he wouldn’t be where he is now without his incredible writing ability. His knack for comedy, drawing skills and other talents are all tied together by his ability to combine them into a compelling, often hilarious story.
#5: He can also act and produce
As if that wasn’t enough, the award winning voice actor has showcased his acting skills in live action TV shows and film – albeit his big film role was in his own creation, A Million Ways to Die in the West. Then again, this is one of three major films he has produced himself, adding yet another talent to his extensive list.
So where does it end for Seth MacFarlane?
When you’re talking about a guy who can write, animate, act, direct and create the soundtracks for his own productions you have to wonder where his talent will end. He seems to add a new gift to the bag every couple of years, so what’s next for the guy – curing disease? Probably not…
This post was sponsored by Cineworld