Richard Steven Horvitz

Richard Steven Horvitz (born July 29, 1966) is an American actor and comedian whose career spans more than four decades, making him one of the most recognizable voices in modern animation and video games. He first entered the entertainment world as a child model and commercial actor, appearing in a 1976 Freshen Up gum spot that led to numerous hand‑modeling jobs and a brief off‑Broadway stint in Oliver! before landing small television roles on Kids Incorporated and Safe at Home. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s he transitioned to live‑action sitcoms, most notably portraying Howie on The Munsters Today, while simultaneously building a reputation for energetic comedic timing. In 1993 Horvitz shifted his focus to voice acting, a move that would define his legacy: he originated the iconic robot voice Alpha 5 in the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers franchise and later voiced its successors Alpha 4 and Alpha 7. His distinctive nasal timbre and rapid delivery earned him leading roles such as Zim in Invader Zim, Daggett in The Angry Beavers, Grey Matter in Ben 10, and the wildly eccentric Raz in the critically acclaimed video game Psychonauts. Horvitz also contributed writing to The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy and served as a voice director for the adult animation Helluva Boss, showcasing his versatility beyond performance.

Beyond the microphone, Horvitz is known for his collaborative spirit, often appearing with sketch comedy group The MoHos alongside Fred Willard and making cameo appearances on shows like Saturday Night Live and Tosh.0. He married playwright and screenwriter Kristen Lazarian in 1996, and the couple shares three sons while residing in Los Angeles, where Horvitz also continues to hone his fluency in Spanish. His enduring influence is evident in multiple award nominations, including two Annie Award nods for his work on Invader Zim, and his voice remains a beloved fixture for fans of both classic and contemporary pop culture.