Nick Kroll: Creator and Voice of Big Mouth

Overview and Role in Big Mouth

Nick Kroll is the comedian and creator behind the animated series Big Mouth, serving as co-creator, writer, executive producer, and the primary voice of its protagonist, Andrew Glouberman. Born in 1978, Kroll built a career in stand-up, sketch, and character work before channeling his experiences into this candid puberty-focused comedy. His performance as Andrew blends awkward vulnerability with sharp humor, anchoring the show’s mix of cringe, heart, and frank sexual education. The series, which launched in 2017 on Netflix, reflects Kroll’s interest in using comedy to dissect the messy reality of adolescence.

Nick Kroll at a Glance

Career Background and Influences

Before Big Mouth, Kroll honed a distinctive comedic voice through live stand-up, the sketch duo “The Kroll Show,” and character-driven digital shorts. His work often explores status anxiety, performative identity, and awkward social dynamics, themes that naturally translated into Big Mouth’s narrative about pubescent confusion and hormonal chaos. He has cited influences ranging from classic cartoon ensembles to candid teen comedies, adapting those templates into an animated series that balances surreal gags with emotionally grounded storytelling. His background in character comedy informs the distinct personalities populating the show, from Maurice the Hormone Monster to the neurotic Andrew.

Creation and Development of Big Mouth

Concept and Writing Process

Kroll co-created Big Mouth with Andrew Goldberg, Jennifer Flackett, and Mark Levin, drawing on their own middle-school memories to craft stories that are simultaneously exaggerated and recognizable. The writing process emphasizes authenticity in teen dialogue, often consulting with younger writers and reviewing personal journals to capture the emotional truth of puberty. The show’s structure alternates between cringe-inducing scenarios and reflective moments, with Kroll’s performance as Andrew serving as the emotional throughline. This approach allows the series to tackle topics like masturbation, crushes, and body image without slipping into caricature.

Voice Work and Character Design

As the lead voice, Kroll modulates Andrew’s tone to convey insecurity, anger, and sincerity within a single scene. His comedic timing enhances the show’s rapid-fire jokes while preserving the vulnerability that makes the characters sympathetic. The design of Hormone Monsters, notably the sharp-tongued Maurice voiced by Jason Mantzoukas, complements Kroll’s performance by externalizing Andrew’s impulses and anxieties. This interplay between internal turmoil and external manifestation is central to the show’s metaphorical framework.

Professional Context and Collaborators

Kroll frequently collaborates with a core group of writers and performers, including John Mulaney, who voices Andrew’s friend Nick Birch. Their offstage friendship informs the naturalistic rhythm of the dialogue, making the interactions feel lived-in rather than formulaic. The series’ production by Netflix Animation enables distinctive visual style and daring comedic choices that might be harder to justify on traditional broadcast television. Kroll’s experience in stand-up and digital shorts helps maintain a brisk pacing and a consistent joke density that suits both casual viewers and animation enthusiasts.

Stand-up, Side Projects, and Public Presence

Outside of Big Mouth, Kroll remains active in stand-up, character comedy, and occasional film and television work. His stage sets often revisit themes of insecurity and social performance, offering a live counterpart to the animated world of Big Mouth. He has also participated in podcasts and guest appearances, using these platforms to discuss the craft of writing and performing character comedy. While not as publicly prominent as some of his co-stars, Kroll maintains a steady presence in alternative comedy circles, where his distinctive voice and observational style continue to find an audience.

Reception, Impact, and Legacy

Since its debut, Big Mouth has been recognized for its frank approach to adolescence, humor, and representation, earning a devoted fanbase and critical praise. Reviewers highlight the show’s balance of outrageous gags and relatable emotional beats, with Kroll’s performance noted as a stabilizing force. The series has sparked conversations about sex education, mental health, and the language around puberty, positioning it as more than just a comedy. While it is one of several adult animated shows on Netflix, its willingness to linger on awkward details and emotional nuance distinguishes it within the crowded animated landscape. Kroll’s work on the show has shaped its tone and contributed to its longevity, suggesting that its cultural footprint will extend beyond a typical animated series.