BoJack Horseman isn’t your typical animated sitcom. This Netflix original, created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg and features a star-studded cast including Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, and Aaron Paul, offers a unique blend of satirical humor, poignant social commentary, and heart-wrenching drama.
Set in a world where humans and anthropomorphic animals coexist, the show centers around BoJack Horseman, a washed-up TV star from the ’90s navigating his way through substance abuse, failed relationships, and the ruthless world of Hollywood.
BoJack Horseman Character Cast
Will Arnett stars as the title character, BoJack Horseman, alongside a supporting cast that features Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie, Paul F. Tompkins, and Aaron Paul.
Netflix premiered the series’ first season on August 22, 2014, and followed up with a Christmas special on December 19. Lisa Hanawalt, a cartoonist who previously collaborated with Bob-Waksberg on the webcomic “Tip Me Over, Pour Me Out,” designed the show.
BoJack Horseman – The Melancholic Protagonist
BoJack Horseman, the eponymous character from the Netflix animated series, is undoubtedly one of the most complex animated characters we’ve seen. Known as a washed-up sitcom star from the ’90s, BoJack’s depth lies in his grappling with addiction, depression, and self-destruction.
His character highlights the human struggle with identity, fame, and self-perception in a manner rarely seen in animation. The dark humor that underlies his persona offers a peculiar yet intriguing blend of comedy and tragic realism, creating an incredibly relatable and human BoJack Horseman character.
Diane Nguyen – The Voice of Reason
Among the various BoJack Horseman characters, Diane Nguyen often plays the voice of reason. This grounded, intellectual ghostwriter turned investigative journalist isn’t just the show’s moral compass but also its heart.
She’s a character that resonates with anyone who’s ever felt out of place, unfulfilled, or burdened with the need to make a significant impact. Diane’s journey to self-discovery and acceptance, her struggles with mental health, and her relentless pursuit of truth are particularly engaging, making her one of the most compelling BoJack Horseman female characters.
Princess Carolyn – The Tenacious Manager
Princess Carolyn is another standout among the characters in BoJack Horseman. As BoJack’s tireless agent and on-again, off-again girlfriend, she exemplifies perseverance and ambition. Many working women can relate to her struggle to balance her personal life with her professional aspirations.
Throughout the series, Princess Carolyn battles sexism, self-doubt, and personal tragedies while remaining unwavering in her pursuit of success. Her resilience and determination make her one of the most inspirational characters from BoJack Horseman.
Todd Chavez – The Lovable Goof
Todd Chavez offers comic relief amidst the show’s intense emotional undercurrent. Yet, his character’s depth is gradually unveiled as the series progresses. This happy-go-lucky, freeloading friend of BoJack becomes more than just comic relief.
He explores his identity, his sexuality, and his capacity for independence and creativity. Todd’s evolution from a couch-surfing slacker to a character that symbolizes the potential in all of us to grow and find our paths, positions him as one of the most endearing characters in BoJack Horseman.
Mr. Peanutbutter – The Perennial Optimist
Finally, we have Mr. Peanutbutter, the ever-optimistic Labrador Retriever who serves as BoJack’s foil. He navigates life with relentless positivity, starkly contrasting the often gloomy moods of other BoJack Horseman characters.
While his perpetual happiness may seem superficial initially, the show peels back layers to reveal the complexity beneath his cheerful exterior. His relationship troubles, deep-seated fears, and the struggle to maintain his exuberant demeanor make Mr. Peanutbutter a captivating character.
Sarah Lynn – The Tragic Child Star
One of the most tragically fascinating characters from BoJack Horseman is Sarah Lynn, the child star turned pop icon. Thrust into the limelight at a tender age through the fictional sitcom “Horsin’ Around,” Sarah Lynn’s character serves as a potent critique of the harmful impacts of early fame.
Her struggles with substance abuse, loneliness, and the constant search for authenticity in a world that sees her as a commodity make for an incredibly poignant narrative. Despite her untimely end, Sarah Lynn leaves a profound impact, underscoring the show’s commentary on the pitfalls of celebrity culture.
Hollyhock – The Hopeful Sister
Hollyhock Manheim-Mannheim-Guerrero-Robinson-Zilberschlag-Hsung-Fonzerelli-McQuack first appeared briefly in the season three finale of BoJack Horseman. She emerged as a new major character in the fourth season and continued to recur in the subsequent seasons.
Initially, Hollyhock assumed she was BoJack Horseman’s daughter. Following a DNA test that confirmed their relation, she lived with BoJack while trying to discover her mother’s identity. The truth unfolded later, revealing that Hollyhock was not BoJack’s daughter but his half-sister. Butterscotch, BoJack’s father, had fathered her during an affair with his mistress, Henrietta.
Beatrice Horseman – The Tortured Matriarch
Beatrice Horseman, BoJack’s mother, is one of the most complex BoJack Horseman female characters. Her coldness and harsh treatment of BoJack make her initially unlikable.
However, as the series peels back her history — her oppressive upbringing, the loss of her brother, her forced lobotomy of her mother, and her unfulfilling marriage — we come to understand her pain. Beatrice’s character provides a devastating exploration of generational trauma and how it affects family dynamics, making her one of the most memorable characters in BoJack Horseman.
Rutabaga Rabitowitz and Vanessa Gekko
While they may not be the main characters, Rutabaga Rabitowitz and Vanessa Gekko are worth mentioning. As ruthless competitors in the industry, they encapsulate the cut-throat nature of Hollywood. Rutabaga, the manipulative rabbit agent, and Vanessa, the shrewd gecko agent, reflect the darker side of the business.
Despite their ruthlessness, their characters aren’t two-dimensional villains but have depth, motives, and personal lives, which make them an integral part of the diverse set of characters in BoJack Horseman.
Herb Kazzaz – The Ghost from the Past
Herb Kazzaz, BoJack’s former best friend and “Horsin’ Around” creator, symbolizes the past that haunts BoJack. Their fallout and Herb’s eventual death weigh heavily on BoJack, and their relationship serves as a crucial component of his character development.
Herb’s narrative illustrates the bitter consequences of betrayal and the irreversible nature of certain mistakes, adding a layer of melancholy to the overall narrative of BoJack Horseman.
Joey Pogo
Joseph “Joey” Pogo, a teenage pop superstar, recurs in BoJack Horseman. He first appears in the Season 6 episode “A Little Uneven, Is All.”
Joey, a human man, sports spiky, sandy blonde hair and dark blue eyes on his tan skin.
His thick eyebrows, prominent nose, and an angled jawline define his face. An eye pyramid, a crown, and the word “PEACE” ink his chest as tattoos, and he also boasts tattoos on his legs.
His attire consists of a floral lavender scoop-neck tank top, a pink hoodie, and grey shorts with frayed edges. He completes his look with white and teal sneakers.
A Ryan Seacrest Type
“A Ryan Seacrest Type,” a character that recurs in BoJack Horseman, embodies an amplified version of the real-life Ryan Seacrest. Overflowing with enthusiasm, he hosts a talk show and personifies a more exaggerated Ryan Seacrest.
Despite his on-screen visibility, we know little else about him. He hosts “Excess Hollywood” (later renamed as “Excess Hollywoo”) and shares the host’s spotlight with “Some Lady” on “Morning Time Hollywoo.”
Judah Mannowdog
Judah Mannowdog, a recurring character in BoJack Horseman, used to be Princess Carolyn’s assistant at VIM throughout Season 3 until his dismissal in Season 4’s “Ruthie.” In the episode “The Kidney Stays in the Picture” in Season 6, Judah returns to VIM as their Chief-of-Operations.
He declares his love for Princess Carolyn through a song he penned for her in “Angela” and marries her shortly before the series finale.
An adult human male, Judah flaunts blue-green eyes and long brown hair, complemented by a long brown beard and mustache. Model sheets reveal that he stands about 6 ft tall. He completes his distinctive look with thick brown glasses.
Pinky Penguin
Pinky Penguin, recurring throughout BoJack Horseman, debuted in the pilot episode of Season 1. Displaying a timid, anxious, and extremely worrisome personality, Pinky embarked on his career in publishing initially to support his children and maintain his company’s operations.
He later transitions into a role in network television, consistently demonstrating his deep care for the companies he serves.
Charley Witherspoon
Charley Witherspoon, who recurs in BoJack Horseman, serves at Vigor and is the son of the agency’s owner, Mr. Witherspoon. He first appears in the Season 1 episode “Say Anything.” Charley, an adult green male tree frog, has distinctive orange eyes with large black pupils, orange dots on his face, and orange hands with sticky pads at his fingertips. His neck is a lighter shade of blue, adorned with black spots at the back and on the throat.
Based on the model sheets, Charley stands approximately 6 ft tall. His typical attire includes a tan button-down shirt tucked into cropped dark blue jeans, white socks, brown loafers, and a maroon necktie. As a CEO, he switches to a black and white checkered shirt paired with a red polka-dotted handkerchief.
Lenny Turteltaub
Lenny, a producer with a dry wit and monotone demeanor, aims to generate significant revenue from his movies. His primary goal is to ensure the business’s sustainability and recognition. Given his focus on the commercial aspects, he doesn’t devote much attention to the artistic intricacies of the movies.
However, this doesn’t make him heartless or uncaring. Lenny doesn’t intend to cause harm or malice. He’s simply a person whose expertise lies in the business side of movie-making. Even the transformation of the film “Secretariat” from a dark, gritty story to a family-friendly, cheesy film didn’t bother him, further reflecting his business-oriented approach.
Ana Spanakopita
Ana, a fiercely driven publicist, is relentless in her quest to secure Oscars for her clients, even if it means overlooking most obstacles. This was evident when BoJack inadvertently spilled the beans about “Secretariat” to Heather, a reporter from Manatee Fair.
Ana promptly stepped in, successfully preventing Heather from publishing the story. She later discussed BoJack Horseman’s activities during the Oscar announcements with Heather in the episode “It’s You.”
Flip McVicker
Flip McVicker, a recurring character in BoJack Horseman, makes his entrance in the late Season 4 episode, “Lovin that cali lifestyle!!” He then assumes a significant role in Season 5. Known for his eccentric and pretentious personality, Flip is the creator, writer, and director of the WhatTimeIsItRightNow.com series “Philbert.”
He is a middle-aged human man characterized by his short olive-brown hair, prominent wrinkles under his eyes and around his mouth, and a stubbly chin and mouth area.
The Philosophy of BOJACK HORSEMAN – Wisecrack Edition
How is Todd Chavez related to BoJack Horseman?
Todd Chavez is BoJack’s former housemate and friend. He is often involved in various schemes and has a knack for getting into unusual situations. He also notably identifies as asexual.
Who is Hollyhock and how is she related to BoJack?
Hollyhock Manheim-Mannheim-Guerrero-Robinson-Zilberschlag-Hsung-Fonzerelli-McQuack initially believes she’s BoJack’s daughter, but it is later revealed that she is his half-sister, sired by BoJack’s father, Butterscotch.
How is Mr. Peanutbutter related to the story?
Mr. Peanutbutter, another prominent character, is a cheerful and energetic Labrador Retriever who is also a former sitcom star. He was married to Diane Nguyen for a significant portion of the series.
What is BoJack Horseman’s profession?
BoJack Horseman is a former television star, best known for his role in the ’90s sitcom “Horsin’ Around.”
Complete Character and Voice Cast
- Will Arnett: BoJack Horseman (77 episodes, 2014-2020)
- Amy Sedaris: Princess Carolyn (77 episodes, 2014-2020)
- Alison Brie: Diane Nguyen (77 episodes, 2014-2020)
- Aaron Paul: Todd Chavez (77 episodes, 2014-2020)
- Paul F. Tompkins: Mr. Peanutbutter (75 episodes, 2014-2020)
- Adam Conover: A Ryan Seacrest Type (18 episodes, 2014-2019)
- Keith Olbermann: Tom Jumbo-Grumbo (17 episodes, 2014-2020)
- Diedrich Bader: Judah Mannowdog (14 episodes, 2016-2020)
- Kristen Schaal: Sarah Lynn (14 episodes, 2014-2020)
- Patton Oswalt: Pinky Penguin (14 episodes, 2014-2020)
- Raphael Bob-Waksberg: Charley Witherspoon: (13 episodes, 2014-2019)
- Aparna Nancherla: Hollyhock (13 episodes, 2017-2020)
- J.K. Simmons: Lenny Turtletaub (13 episodes, 2014-2020)
- Stanley Tucci: Herb Kazzaz (12 episodes, 2014-2020)
- Wendie Malick: Beatrice Horseman (11 episodes, 2014-2020)
- Angela Bassett: Ana Spanikopita (10 episodes, 2015-2018)
- Rami Malek: Flip McVicker (10 episodes, 2017-2018)
- Stephanie Beatriz: Gina Cazador(9 episodes, 2018-2019)
- Lake Bell: Katrina Peanutbutter (9 episodes, 2015-2018)
- Maria Bamford: Kelsey Jannings (9 episodes, 2014-2019)
- Kimiko Glenn: Stefani Stilton (9 episodes, 2016-2019)
- Dave Segal: Blackmailer #2 (9 episodes, 2014-2019)
- Ben Schwartz: Rutabaga Rabitowitz (9 episodes, 2015-2019)
- Mike Hollingsworth: Audience Member (8 episodes, 2014-2017)
- Raúl Esparza: Ralph Stilton (8 episodes, 2016-2018)
- Margo Martindale: Character Actress Margo Martindale (8 episodes, 2014-2020)
- Cedric Yarbrough: Officer Meow-Meow Fuzzyface (8 episodes, 2014-2019)
- James Adomian: Stuart (7 episodes, 2015-2019)
- Kevin Bigley: Quentin Tarantulino(8 episodes, 2014-2017)
- Abbi Jacobson: Emily (7 episodes, 2016-2018)
- Lisa Kudrow: Wanda Pierce (7 episodes, 2015)
- LaKeith Stanfield: Guy (7 episodes, 2019-2020)
- Julia Chan: Pickles Aplenty(6 episodes, 2019-2020)
- Olivia Wilde: Charlotte Moore (6 episodes, 2014-2020)
- Jean Villepique: Tracy (6 episodes, 2018-2019)
- Rachel Bloom: Laura (5 episodes, 2014-2016)
- Jessica Biel: Jessica Biel (5 episodes, 2016-2018)
- Hong Chau: Pickles Aplenty (5 episodes, 2018)
- Fielding Edlow: Roxie (5 episodes, 2014-2017)
- Kristin Chenoweth: Vanessa Gekko / … (5 episodes, 2014-2019)
- Daniele Gaither: Biscuits Braxby / … (5 episodes, 2016-2020)
- Echo Gillette: Maude (5 episodes, 2019-2020)
- Phil LaMarr: Judge (5 episodes, 2014-2020)
- Sam Richardson: Doctor Champ (5 episodes, 2019-2020)
- Hilary Swank: Joey Pogo (5 episodes, 2019-2020)
- Alan Arkin: J.D. Salinger (4 episodes, 2015-2016)
- Paget Brewster: Paige Sinclair (4 episodes, 2019-2020)
- Chris Cox: Tina (4 episodes, 2014-2015)
- Andre Braugher: Woodchuck Coodchuck-Berkowitz (4 episodes, 2017)
- Kelen Coleman: Woodchuck’s Advisor(4 episodes, 2014-2017)