From Hobby to Stardom: The Inspiring Journey of Voice Impressionist Brian Hull

Brian Hull: How a Texan YouTuber Became a Disney Voice Acting Sensation

The Inspiring Journey of Voice Impressionist Brian Hull

Brian Hull, a native Texan and a passionate voice impressionist since his elementary school days, has made a remarkable journey from a small-time YouTuber to a renowned voice actor in the Disney universe. This music major from Dallas Baptist University found his calling in voice impressions, particularly those from beloved Pixar and Disney movies, and began uploading videos to YouTube about seven years ago. Initially, Hull attracted a modest fan base, but his big break came in 2014 with a viral video that catapulted him to internet stardom.

Hull’s breakthrough moment was his “Disney and Pixar Sings Let It Go” video, created for a Disney contest to win a $100 gift card. Although he missed the contest deadline, his video quickly went viral, garnering millions of views and a surge of new subscribers to his YouTube channel. “I did the ‘Let it Go’ video as part of a Disney contest to win a $100 gift card,” Hull reminisced over breakfast. “I missed the deadline, but my YouTube channel exploded with views and new subscribers. It was totally crazy.” The video’s success caught the attention of a Disney representative who praised Hull’s talent, noting he likely would have won the contest had he met the deadline.

Born on August 28, 1991, Brian Hull’s journey from an aspiring YouTuber to a celebrated voice actor is nothing short of inspiring. His unique talent for mimicking a wide array of Disney and Pixar characters not only made him a YouTube sensation but also opened doors to a professional voice acting career. Hull’s popular videos often feature him performing voice impressions in Disney theme parks like Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and even Disneyland Paris.

Hull also co-hosts the “Bippity Boppity Bros” podcast with his friend Paul, another Disney enthusiast. This podcast, along with another titled “Life is A Bowl of Cashews,” has become a staple for Disney fans. Hull’s voice acting credits include roles in various “Pup Star” movies, showcasing his versatility and growing influence in the industry.

Hull’s fascination with cartoons began in his childhood. His mother, Melody, fondly recalls his early obsession with animated movies like “The Lion King,” “Bambi,” and “Dumbo.” “He used to draw cartoons all the time; he even tried to write movies and screenplays,” she said. Voice acting, however, held a special place in Hull’s heart. Inspired by iconic voice actors like Jim Cummings, known for voicing Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, Hull began honing his skills. “I was shocked to learn that the same guy who did Pooh and Tigger was also the voice behind some of my favorite villains like Pete and the singing voice of Scar,” Hull recalled.

Hull’s dedication to his craft, despite lacking formal training in voice acting, is commendable. His background in opera and musical theater at Dallas Baptist University played a significant role in developing his vocal abilities. By applying principles learned from his studies, Hull mastered the art of manipulating his voice to match different characters. “I thought if I can open the back of my throat and get an open sound, I can close the back of my throat and get this very soft sound,” Hull explained. Through experimentation and studying other voice actors, he expanded his repertoire and fine-tuned his skills.

The turning point in Hull’s career came with his viral “Let it Go” video. His impressive ability to switch between characters like Gaston and Mike Wazowski amazed viewers and industry professionals alike. “At the time I lived in Texas, nobody had any idea who I was,” Hull said. “All of a sudden people from Hollywood are calling and saying ‘Hey, have you ever considered doing voice acting work?’” This exposure led Hull to relocate to California, where he began collaborating with Disney and exploring voice acting opportunities.

Mickey, Donald, and Goofy at the Drive Thru

Hull’s YouTube channel, now boasting 1.7 million subscribers and over 200 million video views, features a variety of content including voice impressions, movie reviews, fan Q&A sessions, and Disneyland vlogs. His success has enabled him to consider expanding his team with an editor and an assistant to manage the growing demands of his channel. “I love the fact that I’m my own boss and get to decide what goes on this channel,” Hull said, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining family-friendly content.

In addition to his YouTube endeavors, Hull works with CESD, a prominent talent agency in Los Angeles specializing in voice acting. Through CESD, Hull has landed roles in several “Airbud” films and provided narration for Osmo Mickey and Friends. Pat Brady, a CESD agent, praised Hull’s versatility, stating, “He’s incredibly versatile. As a voice actor, the more versatile you are, the more work you’re going to get.”

Looking to the future, Hull has two significant film roles on the horizon, one of which remains under wraps. His ultimate dream is to voice a comedic sidekick in a Disney animated feature, following in the footsteps of beloved characters like Olaf, Pumbaa, and Timon. “If I could be an Olaf or a Pumbaa or Timon, I could quit my job right now and be totally happy,” Hull confessed.

Brian Hull’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and a bit of viral magic. His story continues to inspire aspiring voice actors and Disney fans worldwide, proving that with talent and perseverance, dreams can indeed come true.

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