Introduction
Rupert Joel Degas (born (1970-08-17)17 August 1970) is a British-Australian actor, best known for his voice work in animation and audiobooks. Since the 1980s, he has worked in film and television, theater, video games, radio productions and podcasts, audiobooks and as a producer.
Early life and education
Degas was born in London, to film and TV screenwriter Brian Degas and radio and television presenter Maggie Clews. He was educated at Hill House School in Knightsbridge and Emanuel School in Wandsworth.
Career
Animation
Best known as the voice of Scrambler in Bob the Builderfrom 2002-2011, Degas has lent his voice to a string of cartoons such as Chop Socky Chooks , Robotboy , Thomas & Friendsand The Amazing World of Gumball .He also played several characters in the animated feature film Planet 51 .Since moving to Australia, Degas has provided voices for The Wild Adventures of Blinky Bill , Kitty Is Not a Cat , The Strange Choresand Maya the Bee: The Honey Games
Audiobook narration
Degas has narrated over 250 audiobooks including A Possible Life by Sebastian Faulks which The Times reviewed as "exceptionally well read". He has received particular critical acclaim for his performances of The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss, and Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy . Degas says of audiobooks, "I do accents. It's my specialty." The Guardian called his voice performances "shape-shifting".
Film and television
Degas's first film appearance was in Jerry Schatzberg's Reunion , followed by TV appearances in Dead Romantic , Over Here , A Touch of Frostand Passport to Murder .Other notable film and TV appearances include Holby City , Love Soup , Shoot the Messenger , Nathan Barleyand Red Dwarf.
Theatre
Having been a regular Newsrevue performer at the Canal Café Theatre and at the Edinburgh Fringe, Degas made his West End theatre debut in Stones in His Pocketsat The Duke of York's Theatre and the New Ambassadors Theatrefollowed by The 39 Stepsat The Criterion Theatre in London's Piccadilly Circus.
Radio and podcasts
On radio, Degas has performed in over eighty plays and series, most notably BBC productions of The Brightonomicon , Dirk Gentlyand The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy .He also played Pantalaimon in the full cast audio production of His Dark Materials .
Awards and honours
- AudioFile Earphones Award - over 15 honors as of January 2020.
- 2008 Odyssey Award for Skulduggery Pleasant