Mike Nawrocki: Movies & Box Office

Mike Nawrocki, born Michael Louis Nawrocki on July 8, 1966 in Dayton, Ohio, United States, is an American animator, filmmaker, teacher, voice actor, and executive executive vice president best known for co‑creating the beloved Christian video series VeggieTales. After studying biology and history at the University of Illinois at Chicago, he initially contemplated a career in medicine before his partnership with Phil Vischer and a shared passion for puppetry and animation led him to co‑found Big Idea Entertainment in 1993. At Big Idea, Nawrocki not only provided the iconic voice of Larry the Cucumber but also voiced a roster of memorable characters such as Jerry Gourd, Jean‑Claude Pea, and Crackle in Rice Krispies commercials, showcasing his versatile vocal talent. His creative influence extended behind the camera, where he directed numerous episodes, contributed to award‑winning “Silly Songs with Larry” segments, and helped shape the visual aesthetic that made VeggieTales a cultural touchstone for children and families. When Big Idea faced liquidation in 2003, Nawrocki demonstrated resilience by reactivating the company in 2004 and later, on September 30, 2008, was appointed Executive Vice President of the newly formed Big Idea Entertainment, overseeing strategic operations and expanding the brand’s reach. In 2014, under the umbrella of DreamWorks Classics, he continued to voice his beloved characters for the Netflix series VeggieTales in the House, ensuring continuity for longtime fans. Diversifying his creative output, Nawrocki authored the Christian children’s chapter book series The Dead Sea Squirrels beginning in 2019, which later blossomed into an animated series released on Minno in 2025. As a visiting professor at Lipscomb University, he shares his industry experience with aspiring animators, blending practical expertise with academic instruction. Nawrocki’s personal life includes his marriage to Lisa Klepp since 1995 and the couple’s two children, grounding his prolific career with a supportive family foundation.