INTERVIEW WITH GREGORY CIPES
VOICE OF MICHELANGELO IN THE NEW 2012 NICKELODEON SERIES

 

Today my TMNT fans, I have with me Gregory Cipes who will soon be voicing our beloved turtle Michelangelo. Welcome Gregory. I'm glad you want to take some time to talk about your work and your upcoming role as Michelangelo in the new TMNT series.

 

It is a great honor to be in Nickelodeon's new TMNT series as Michelangelo. Thank you for reaching out to me for this interview. There is no greater joy to than connecting and giving back to fans.

 

01. According to IMDb your first voice acting role was a singer on 'Rocket Power'. You hit two birds with one stone there, 'cause you are also a musician right?

It is true I love hitting 2 birds with one stone. I perform a lot of my own original music in many shows and movies I'm in and even cartoons these days.  

02. You have quite some skills: Martial Arts, comedy, dancing, singing, voiceover and like me you play guitar. What do you like best?

I like it all man. I do it all. I enjoy it all. I'll never stop it all. It's really who I am.

03. After some memorable voiceover jobs on Teen Titans, Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go! and Ben 10 you are about to become a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. How do you feel about that and could you tell something about how you got that part?

It's the highlight of my life so far. I was raised on the TMNT series as it gave me so much -- like teaching me how to meditate. It inspired my 20 year martial arts career. Mikey is in me. I am so excited to share my deep love for this show with the everyone while channelling " Mikey" to the masses.
I guess I got the part because everyone at Nickelodeon felt I was the one for the job. I really can't take credit. It's such a big deal for me to be apart of this show and to be working with such an amazing crew and cast that I know there is a higher power at work -- like executive producers Ciro Nieli, Joshua Sternin, and Jeffrey Ventimilia.
 
04. You have plenty of examples now from previous Michelangelo incarnations, like Townsend Coleman, Robbie Rist and Wayne Grayson. Are you trying to match any previous Mikey voice or did Nickelodeon ask you to come up with something unique?

I've heard I got the part because they wanted to cast the turtles purely on a unique take on the roles. But again "Mikey" really has impacted my life so deeply that it's only natural that I would bring something that made them say, THAT'S OUR MIKEY!!!! I'm so grateful.
 

05. The show won't air until somewhere in 2012, but you already started recording your lines. What is it like working with Sean Astin, Jason Biggs and Rob Paulsen? I can imagine you feel honoured working with Rob, and that Jason and Sean can learn a lot from you two.

  It's really a star studded scenario. From Nickelodeon, the hottest kids’ network in the world, to the extremely talented artists, writers and production team, we all are deeply flowing in creative positive energy that fuels the show. It's pretty awesome.

06. Where you a Ninja Turtle fan before you were asked to voice Michelangelo. Did you watch the classic movies, the old cartoon or even read the comics?

Again the original turtles series raised me. I love and have seen all things turtles up to this point. But I can say with confidence there has never been a show like the NEW TMNT series that we all will get to see in 2012.

07. The hardcore fans are all, like me; in there late 20's and early 30's and hope the show won't be to kiddie and with a good storyline and character development. Is there anything you are allowed to tell us about the tone of the new show, or any details?

The fans will have to tune in to find out, but it will be very cool!
 
08. I read you also study Martial Arts, does that come in handy when voicing any battle cries during fight scenes? We fans all hope the fight scenes will be good!

It's all very real to me. The fight scenes are amazing -- the best ever. Some of the crew and cast actually get to take ninja classes together every week. It's very real to all of us and it comes through on screen.

09. Can you maybe tell me something about your singing career and your band?

One good thing about music is when it hits you feel no pain. I love playing live music and being on stage, music runs the world and is one of, if not the greatest, weapon a true ninja can use to make a difference in the world.
I put an album out in 2007 called "Conscious Revolution" by my band name CIPES AND THE PEOPLE. I really put my heart and soul into this first album. It took 7 years to make. Now I’m working on wrapping up the 2nd album due out in 2012. Maybe right around when TMNT comes out. More details to come.  

10. I'm looking forward to the new show and hope you will be a kick-ass wisecracking Michelangelo. I wish you all the best with the rest of the recording and I hope this show will last for a number of seasons. Is there anything you wish to say to the fans out there, young and old?

Everything you ever wanted you will get, and you will get it in a way better way than you ever could have imagined. Keep your dreams alive and follow your heart.  

Cowabunga to that. Thank you very much for your time and we’ll hear you soon on the show!