Ready 2 Rumble: Who Voiced Michael Jackson?

Hey guys, ever wondered who brought the King of Pop to life in the Ready 2 Rumble boxing game? It's a question that's popped up in many gamers' minds, and the answer might surprise you. So, let's dive into the world of virtual boxing and uncover the mystery behind Michael Jackson's voice in this iconic game.

The Ready 2 Rumble Phenomenon

Before we get into the specifics of who voiced Michael Jackson, let's take a quick trip down memory lane and remember what made Ready 2 Rumble such a hit. Released in 2000, this boxing game wasn't your typical serious sports simulation. Instead, it was an over-the-top, arcade-style brawler with cartoonish characters and ridiculous moves. Think of it as the anti- Fight Night, prioritizing fun and accessibility over realism.

One of the game's biggest draws was its colorful cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities and fighting styles. From Afro Thunder to Lulu Valentine, the roster was packed with memorable faces. And then there was Michael Jackson, or rather, a character heavily inspired by him. Called "Rumbleman," this character bore a striking resemblance to the King of Pop, complete with his signature dance moves and high-pitched voice.

The inclusion of Rumbleman was a stroke of genius, adding a layer of celebrity intrigue and humor to the game. Players were eager to unlock and play as this iconic figure, delivering knockout blows with a touch of moonwalking magic. But who was the voice behind this virtual impersonation? That's the question we're here to answer, and trust me, it's an interesting story.

Unmasking the Voice Actor

Alright, guys, let's get to the heart of the matter: Who voiced Michael Jackson (or Rumbleman) in Ready 2 Rumble? The answer is Jon Curry. Now, if you're not a voice acting aficionado, that name might not ring any bells immediately. But Jon Curry is a seasoned voice actor with a diverse range of credits to his name.

Jon Curry is an American voice actor, impressionist, comedian, and writer who began his voice-over career in 1994. He has worked with several studios and production companies, including Hanna-Barbera, Warner Bros., Cartoon Network, and Disney. He is best known for his voice work on the animated series "Johnny Bravo" as Carl Chryniszzswics, various voices on "The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy," and "Whatever Happened to Robot Jones?"

He is also well known as an impressionist, with a repertoire of over 200 celebrity impressions. He has performed his impressions on television shows such as "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," and "MADtv." He has also performed his impressions live at comedy clubs and corporate events.

Curry's ability to mimic a wide range of voices made him the perfect choice to bring Rumbleman to life. While it wasn't an official Michael Jackson performance, Curry's impersonation captured the essence of the King of Pop's voice and mannerisms, adding to the game's comedic charm.

Why Jon Curry?

You might be wondering, why didn't the developers get Michael Jackson himself to voice the character? Well, there are a few potential reasons. First and foremost, securing the rights to use Michael Jackson's actual voice would have been incredibly expensive and complicated. Licensing deals for celebrity likenesses and voices can be a legal minefield, and it's often easier and more cost-effective to hire a talented impersonator.

Secondly, the game's tone was intentionally over-the-top and humorous. Using an impersonator allowed the developers to poke fun at Michael Jackson's persona without being disrespectful. Jon Curry's performance struck the perfect balance between imitation and parody, adding to the game's overall comedic appeal.

Finally, it's worth noting that at the time, Michael Jackson's public image was somewhat controversial. The developers might have been hesitant to associate the game too closely with the King of Pop, opting instead for a more distanced impersonation. Whatever the reasons, Jon Curry's performance as Rumbleman was a memorable part of the Ready 2 Rumble experience.

The Impact of Rumbleman

Regardless of who voiced him, Rumbleman left a lasting impact on the Ready 2 Rumble franchise. The character's popularity led to appearances in subsequent games, solidifying his status as a fan favorite. While the series may not be as prominent today as it was in the early 2000s, Rumbleman remains a beloved figure in the world of virtual boxing.

The character's design, inspired by Michael Jackson, was a clever way to inject celebrity appeal into the game without breaking the bank. It also allowed the developers to tap into the King of Pop's global popularity, attracting a wider audience to the Ready 2 Rumble universe.

Moreover, Rumbleman's inclusion sparked countless conversations and debates among gamers. Was it a respectful tribute or a tasteless parody? Did it cross the line or was it all in good fun? These questions added to the character's mystique and kept players talking about the game long after they had put down their controllers.

Other Notable Voice Actors in Ready 2 Rumble

While we're on the topic of voice acting, it's worth mentioning some of the other talented individuals who lent their voices to the Ready 2 Rumble franchise. The games featured a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities and vocal quirks. Here are a few notable examples:

• Michael Buffer: The legendary boxing announcer provided his signature catchphrases and commentary, adding authenticity and excitement to the matches. His iconic "Let's get ready to rumble!" became synonymous with the game.
• Jay Leno: The former Tonight Show host voiced himself in Ready 2 Rumble: Round 2, adding a touch of celebrity humor to the game. His appearances in the game were brief but memorable.

The contributions of these voice actors, along with Jon Curry's performance as Rumbleman, helped to create a vibrant and engaging world that kept players coming back for more.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it, folks! The mystery of who voiced Michael Jackson in Ready 2 Rumble is finally solved. It was none other than the talented Jon Curry, whose impersonation skills brought Rumbleman to life in a memorable and hilarious way. While it wasn't the real Michael Jackson, Curry's performance captured the essence of the King of Pop and added to the game's overall charm.

Ready 2 Rumble was more than just a boxing game; it was a cultural phenomenon that captured the spirit of the early 2000s. Its over-the-top characters, arcade-style gameplay, and celebrity cameos made it a hit with gamers of all ages. And while the series may have faded from the spotlight in recent years, its legacy lives on in the hearts of those who remember the thrill of stepping into the virtual ring and unleashing a flurry of punches.

So next time you're feeling nostalgic for some old-school gaming, why not dust off your copy of Ready 2 Rumble and relive the glory days of Rumbleman? You might just find yourself moonwalking your way to victory.