Daran Norris

Daran Norris
Norris in 2025
Born
Daran Morrison Nordland

November 1, 1964 (1964-11) (age 60)
Other names
  • Justin Shyder[2]
  • Chris Baker
  • Bob Thomas
  • Aaron Weslee
  • James Penrod[2]
OccupationActor
Years active1988–present
Spouses
(m. 1988; div. 2012)
    Ray Garcia
    (m. 2021)

    Daran Morrison Nordland (born November 1, 1964),[1] known professionally as Daran Norris, is an American actor. He has appeared or voiced characters in more than 400 films, video games, and television programs, including: Gordy in Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide; Cliff McCormack in Veronica Mars; the voices of Cosmo, Mr. Turner, Jorgen Von Strangle, and Anti-Cosmo in The Fairly OddParents franchise; Buddha Bob in Big Time Rush; Spottswoode in Team America: World Police, Knock Out in Transformers: Prime and Jack Smith on American Dad!. In anime, he is best known for his roles as Tasuki and Mercurymon in the English dubs of Fushigi Yûgi and Digimon Frontier respectively.

    Career

    Norris has been an actor since 1988, beginning such work in television commercials for Pop-Tarts, and moving into film, television, and voice work in the 1990s.

    Live action

    His first film was Hobgoblins in 1988. Afterwards, he moved to television. He is known for playing Gordy in 44 episodes of Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide.[3][4] Gordy is the "school's lazy, wacky janitor" who always goads Ned into rash actions[5] while acting as Ned's go-to guy for advice.[6] Norris recurred as Buddha Bob in the 2009 series Big Time Rush.[2][7][8]

    He portrayed Cliff McCormack, a public defender and family friend in the television drama Veronica Mars.[3] The character of McCormack served as an ally to Keith and Veronica Mars and a client of Mars Investigations. He reprised the role in the movie, released in 2014,[9] and the fourth season, which debuted on Hulu in 2019.[10] He recurred on Rob Thomas's subsequent series, iZombie as weatherman turned anchorman Johnny Frost, from 2015 to 2019.[11]

    In 2015, it was announced that Norris would star as Phil Hartman in a film about him, directed by Jason Priestley.[12] As of 2022, the film has yet to begin development.

    Voice acting

    Among his voice projects, Norris voiced Count Spankulot and various others in 22 episodes of Codename: Kids Next Door from 2002 through 2007, and 18 episodes of The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack from 2008 through 2009. He is noted for voicing the lead Dick Daring in 71 episodes of The Replacements from 2006 through 2009, and for voicing Mr. Turner, Cosmo, and Jorgen Von Strangle, for The Fairly OddParents franchise from 2001 to present,[3] including 126 episodes of the television series, six specials, and seven TV movies, and reprised the roles for the related Jimmy Timmy Power Hour trilogy: The Jimmy Timmy Power Hour, The Jimmy Timmy Power Hour 2: When Nerds Collide, and The Jimmy Timmy Power Hour 3: The Jerkinators.[2][7][8]

    In October 2010, Norris voiced the Decepticon 'Knock Out' in The Hub TV network original series, Transformers: Prime. Norris recurs as the voice of The Chief and The Chameleon in the 2010 series T.U.F.F. Puppy. He also played Mr. Turner in the special live-action television film A Fairly Odd Movie: Grow Up, Timmy Turner!.[2][7][8] He also is the voice of Jack Smith (Stan Smith's estranged father) on American Dad!.

    In anime, he has voice acted in the English dub for the series Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex.

    In video games, he voiced Venom and various characters in the 2000 video game Spider-Man.

    Norris has also done voice work for Burger King commercials.

    Personal life

    Born in 1964 in Ferndale, Washington,[1] Norris graduated from Ferndale High School in 1983, and married voice actress Mary Elizabeth McGlynn in 1988. They divorced in 2012.

    Norris operates a performing arts school in Texas with his husband, Ray Garcia, who is also an actor whom he wed in 2021.[13] They live in Bay City, where he is a board member and director of the Community Actors of South Texas.[14]

    Filmography

    Live action roles

    Film

    Year Title Role(s) Notes
    1988 Hobgoblins Club Scum MC
    1989 Vice Academy Laundromat John
    1998 Billy Frankenstein George Credited as Daran W. Norris
    Invisible Dad Andrew Baily Direct-to-video
    The Souler Opposite Young Man
    1999 The Kid with X-ray Eyes Harry Stamper
    2001 In the Bedroom Red Sox Replay Voice role
    2004 The Greatest Short Film Ever!!! Director Short film
    Comic Book: The Movie Commander Courage / Bruce Easly
    2007 Jekyll Emcee
    2008 El Sonoma Janitor Smithson
    2013 I Know That Voice Himself Documentary
    2014 Veronica Mars Cliff McCormack
    2023 The Killer Deep South Lounge Greeter

    Television

    Year Title Role(s) Notes
    1991 Earth Angel Flat Top Television film
    1995–1996 Mad TV Waiter / Passbyer
    1999 Becker Man Episode: "Choose Me"
    The Jersey Counselor Episode: "Heroes"
    2002 Son of the Beach Karaoke Emcee Episode: "Empty the Dragon"
    2004–2007 Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide Gordy
    Cosmo
    Recurring role (season 1); main role (seasons 2–3)
    Voice role (season 1)
    2004–2007, 2019 Veronica Mars Cliff McCormack Recurring role
    2005 Grounded for Life Glamorous Man Episode: "Tom Sawyer"
    2007 Ben 10: Race Against Time Diamondhead Voice; television film[15]
    2008 Gym Teacher: The Movie Announcer Television film
    2009 Imagination Movers Captain Terrific Episode: "Captain Terrific"
    Party Down Tony Carolla Episode: "Investors Dinner"
    Tracey Ullman's State of the Union Larry King Episode 2.1
    2009–2013 Big Time Rush Buddha Bob Recurring role
    2011 A Fairly Odd Movie: Grow Up, Timmy Turner! Cosmo/Mr. Turner Television film
    Desperate Housewives Phil Episode: "The Art of Making Art"
    2012 A Fairly Odd Christmas Cosmo/Mr. Turner Television film
    2014 A Fairly Odd Summer Cosmo/Mr. Turner Television film
    2015 Dog with a Blog Colonel Fink Episode: "Stan's Secret is Out"
    2015–2019 iZombie Johnny Frost Recurring role, 12 episodes
    2016 Gamer's Guide to Pretty Much Everything Jefferson Landry Episode: "The Cabin"
    100 Things to Do Before High School Janitor Episode: "Leave Your Mark Thing!"; uncredited
    The Real O'Neals Game Show Host Episode: "The Real Dates"
    2018 The Thundermans Commander Dirk Trumbo Episode: "The Thunder Games"
    2022 The Fairly OddParents: Fairly Odder Cosmo, Jorgen Von Strangle[16] Voice role
    2025 The Thundermans: Undercover Thunderford[17] Recurring role

    Voice roles

    Animation

    Year Title Role(s) Notes
    1998–2001 Oh Yeah! Cartoons Cosmo, Jorgen Von Strangle, Mr. Turner, various voices [15]
    2000 Rocket Power TV Reporter Episode: "Snow Day/Welcome to the Club"
    Garbage Island Santa Claus
    2001 Jason and the Heroes of Mount Olympus Dracchus [15]
    2001–2002 Time Squad XJ5, Samuel Adams, Sinon, Winston Churchill, Joseph Stalin, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Louis Pasteur, Davy Crockett, Jack the Ripper, William Shakespeare, Phileander Knox / Vampire
    2001–2003 Oswald Egbert, various voices [15]
    2001–2004; 2017 Samurai Jack X-49, Ra, Rama, Spartok, Gentleman, Barber, Chartman, Pirate Captain, Max
    2001–2017 The Fairly OddParents Cosmo, Jorgen Von Strangle, Mr. Turner, various voices Main role[15]
    2002–2004 The Powerpuff Girls Stanley Practice, Voodooric, various voices [15]
    2002–2005 The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius Nanobot #1, Baby Quackers 3 episodes[15]
    2002–2008 Codename: Kids Next Door Count Spankulot, Big Brother, Judge Heerkumsduh, various voices [15]
    2003 What's New, Scooby-Doo? Ugo DiRinaldi, Shopkeeper, Camel Sam, Tourist Dad, Sheriff
    My Life as a Teenage Robot Shop Teacher, Mopey, Old Lady No. 2 Episode: "Attack of the 5 1/2 Ft. Geek/Doom with a View"[15]
    2003–2005 Star Wars: Clone Wars Durge, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Tarr Seirr, Daakmen Barrek, Even Piell [15]
    Tutenstein Luxor, additional voices Seasons 1–2; as Vince Del Castillo
    2004 Johnny Bravo Webble Wobble, Arctic Hound, Gardener, Horse, Weightlifter 2 episodes[15]
    Megas XLR Gynok, Brock Episode: "Thanksgiving Throwdown"[15]
    Go Go Moba Boy Henrich Strack/Destructo Man, Barf Bunny Pilot
    2004–2006 Jimmy Timmy Power Hour Cosmo, Mr. Turner, Jorgen Von Strangle, Anti-Cosmo Television film [15]
    2005 Stroker & Hoop Santa Claus, Elf, Mall Cop [15]
    Danny Phantom Bullet, Newscaster Episode: "Public Enemies"[15]
    Duck Dodgers Fox Bounty Hunter, Cyborg No. 1, Hungortus Episode: "Good Duck Hunting/Consumption Overruled"[15]
    The Batman Brent Episode: "Meltdown"[15]
    The Buzz on Maggie Dr. Electric, Flynator
    Loonatics Unleashed Ralph Runner, Alien Dad Episode: "The Family Business"[15]
    2005–2006 The Life and Times of Juniper Lee Mr. Radcliffe, Camel, Steven the Sandman, Mr. Rosskins
    2005–2022 American Dad! Jack Smith
    2006–2009 The Replacements Dick Daring [15]
    2006 W.I.T.C.H. Tynar Episode: "B is for Betrayal"
    Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends Imaginary Man Episode: "Challenge of the Superfriends"[15]
    2007 Random! Cartoons Conrad Episode: "SamSquatch"
    El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera Emilliano Suarez, various voices [15]
    Chowder Bubble Gum Vendor, Screaming Vendor Episode: "Grubble Gum"
    2007–2015 WordGirl Seymour Smooth, Nocan the Contrarian
    2008–2009 The Spectacular Spider-Man J. Jonah Jameson, John Jameson / Colonel Jupiter [15]
    The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack Dock Hag, Dashing Danny, various voices
    2010 DC Super Friends Batman Short[15]
    Handy Manny Jack Episode: "Big Construction Job"
    2010–2012 Kick Buttowski: Suburban Daredevil Additional voices
    2010–2015 T.U.F.F. Puppy The Chief, The Chameleon, Jack Rabbit, Bad Dog, various voices [15]
    2011 Generator Rex Coach, Burly Jock Episode: "Without A Paddle"[15]
    Dan Vs. Colby Episode: "Dan Vs. The Family Camping Trip"
    Fish Hooks Scientist Episode: "Parasite Fight"[15]
    Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated Skipper's Brother Episode: "The Sirens Song"
    Back at the Barnyard Leader Episode: "Aliens!!!"[15]
    2011–2013 Transformers: Prime Knock Out, Trooper No. 3, Seeker No. 1 [15]
    2012 The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes Police Chief Episode: "Along Came a Spider"
    2013–2016 Turbo Fast Mel Shellman, Dr. Shellman, Line Cutter Snail, Worker Snail No. 1, Old Timey Announcer, Bailiff, Spa Yetti, Mama Shellman, Bulgarian Television Announcer, Land Shark [15]
    2015 Wabbit Sir Littlechin Episode: "St. Bugs and the Dragon"
    2015–2016 Mixels Snoof, Waka, Spugg, Tiketz, Mixapod 2 episodes[15]
    2016 Bunnicula Agent 51 Episode: "Area 50 Bunn"[15]
    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Wingnut Episode: "Bat in the Belfry"[15]
    The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show Allan Pinkerton Episode: "Allan Pinkerton"[15]
    Wander Over Yonder Mittens Episode: "The End of the Galaxy"[15]
    2016–2022 The Loud House Various voices 8 episodes[15]
    2017–2018 Bunsen Is a Beast Cosmo, Mr. Turner, Troll No. 2, Fuzzy Fred Friendly, TV, narrator 3 episodes[15]
    2018–2019 The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle Narrator, Evil Chicken Series regular
    2019–2022 Victor and Valentino Bone Boys Mic & Hun
    2021 The Casagrandes Coach Niblick Episode: "Tee'd Off"
    2022 Transformers: EarthSpark Mr. Smelt Episode: "Family and Friends"[15]
    2023 The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder Clone Papi Episode: "Us Again"
    Hailey's On It! Rod Toolman Episode: "U.F.Whoa!"[15]
    2024 The Fairly OddParents: A New Wish Cosmo, Jorgen Von Strangle, Anti-Cosmo Main role[18]

    Anime

    Year Title Role(s) Notes
    1989 Akira Gym Teacher English dub[15]
    1993 Doomed Megaopolis Astronomy Teacher English dub
    1996 Hyper Doll Detective Todo
    Giant Robo Zangetsu the Mid-day English dub (Animaze dub)
    1997 Black Jack Tokio Umetani English dub
    Street Fighter II V Narrator English dub (Manga Ent. version)
    El Hazard: The Wanderers Villager English dub
    1998 Fushigi Yûgi Tasuki
    Bastard!! Dark Schneider
    1999 Cowboy Bebop Cowboy Andy Von de Oniyate, Morgan
    Battle Athletes Victory Lahrri's Coach, Exercise Voice
    2000 Dinozaurs Dino Toro, Dark Dragon
    Outlaw Star Ctarl Ctarl officer
    2001 Mon Colle Knights Gabriolis, Redda
    Gate Keepers Fiancé
    Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team Yuri Kellarney
    2001–2002 Transformers: Robots in Disguise Heavy Load
    2002–2003 Digimon Frontier Mercurymon, Sakkakumon
    2003–2005 Lupin the 3rd Part II Marcal Daran/George Marshall, H. Von Meyer
    2004 Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Nanao
    2005 Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. 2nd GIG Sergeant Rod
    Naruto Sangorou
    2010 Stitch! Peter / Goodman English dub; episodes 18 & 24
    2011 Marvel Anime: Iron Man Editor Nomura English dub
    2012–2013 Tiger & Bunny Alexander Lloyds, Mario

    Film

    Year Title Role(s) Notes
    1995 Meltdown The Doctor American dub (2001)
    1996 They Were Eleven Doctor, Instructor No. 1 English dub
    1998 Ninku: The Movie Touji
    2001 Ah! My Goddess: The Movie Hikozaemon Ohtaki
    2002 Cowboy Bebop: The Movie Vincent Volaju English dub[15]
    2003 The Little Polar Bear Brutus English dub
    WXIII: Patlabor the Movie 3 Kiichi Goto
    2004 Team America: World Police Spottswoode [15]
    2006 Asterix and the Vikings Vitalstatsisx English dub[15]
    2007 Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow Sandayu Asama English dub
    2008 Bolt Louie [15]
    2009 Naruto Shippuden the Movie Mouryou English dub
    2013 Escape from Planet Earth Orientation Film Host [15]
    Tiger & Bunny: The Beginning Alexander Lloyds, Mario English dub
    Transformers Prime Beast Hunters: Predacons Rising Knock Out
    2021 Seal Team Roger, Radio DJ [15]

    Video games

    Year Title Role(s) Notes
    1997 Dilbert's Desktop Games Techno Bill, Cheesy Announcer, Fool Voices
    1998 Jade Cocoon: Story of the Tamamayu Koris, Kikinak
    King's Quest VIII: Mask of Eternity Ice Lord, King Graham, Weapons Dealer Gnome
    2000 Spider-Man Venom/Eddie Brock, Mysterio, Scorpion, Captain America, Human Torch, Punisher [15]
    Ground Control Squad and Dropship Voices
    2001 Spider-Man 2: Enter Electro Shocker, Beetle, Sandman, Charles Xavier, Thug
    2002 The Scorpion King: Rise of the Akkadian Hammet, Set
    The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Aragorn, Tom Bombadil Credited as Darren Norris[15]
    Star Wars: The Clone Wars Dark Acolyte, engineer, Old Obi-Wan
    The Mark of Kri Rongo [15]
    Minority Report Roy Verhaegen
    2003 .hack//Infection Piros English version[15]
    .hack//Mutation Piros
    Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Zelka Forn
    The Hobbit Gollum Credited as Darren Norris
    The Fairly OddParents: Breakin' da Rules Cosmo, Jorgen Von Strangle, Mr. Turner, Crimson Chin, Comicbook Anchorman [15]
    Armed & Dangerous Henry, Q1–12, Shrub Patrol 1 Credited as Darren Norris
    .hack//Outbreak Piros English version
    Nickelodeon Toon Twister 3-D Cosmo [15]
    Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge Soloho Salawa, Deputy, Militia
    2004 Onimusha Blade Warriors Osric English version[15]
    .hack//Quarantine Piros
    Tales of Symphonia Rodyle, Shadow
    The Fairly OddParents: Shadow Showdown Cosmo, Jorgen Von Strangle, Mr. Turner, Crimson Chin, Comicbook Anchorman
    Onimusha 3: Demon Siege Soldier [15]
    Transformers Red Alert, Cyclonus
    EverQuest II Generic Amygdalan Enemy, Generic Dragon Enemy, Generic Centaur Enemy
    Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines Officer Chunk, Simon Milligan, Cal [19]
    Nicktoons Movin' Cosmo [15]
    Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords G0-T0
    2005 Nicktoons Unite! Cosmo, Jorgen Von Strangle
    Doom 3 Sergeant Kelly Credited as Darran Norris
    Madagascar Announcer, sailor, Construction Worker, Cop [15]
    Codename: Kids Next Door – Operation: V.I.D.E.O.G.A.M.E. Count Spankulot
    Kingdom of Paradise Uzo English version
    Ratchet: Deadlocked Dallas
    2006 Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Gatou, Kaji English version
    .hack//G.U. vol.1//Rebirth Piros the 3rd, Grein, Salvador Aihara English version[15]
    God Hand Belze, Great Sensei
    Nicktoons: Battle for Volcano Island Cosmo [15]
    2007 .hack//G.U. vol.2//Reminisce Piros the 3rd, Grein, Salvador Aihara English version[15]
    Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction Narrator
    .hack//G.U. vol.3//Redemption Piros the 3rd, Grein, Salvador Aihara English version[15]
    Nicktoons: Attack of the Toybots Cosmo, Jorgen von Strangle [15]
    Bee Movie Game Honex
    2008 Ninja Gaiden II Volf English version[15]
    Spider-Man: Web of Shadows J. Jonah Jameson [15]
    Kung Fu Panda: Legendary Warriors Gorilla Boss, Yak Minion No. 1
    2009 Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Volf English version
    2010 Final Fantasy XIII Cocoon Inhabitants
    2011 Star Wars: The Old Republic Gault Rennow, Colonel Darok [15]
    2012 Transformers: Prime – The Game Knock Out

    References

    1. ^ a b c Thomas S. Hischak (October 6, 2011). Disney Voice Actors: A Biographical Dictionary. McFarland. pp. 156–. ISBN 978-0-7864-8694-6.
    2. ^ a b c d e "Daran Norris". VoiceChasers.com. Archived from the original on May 27, 2019. Retrieved December 18, 2010.
    3. ^ a b c Lloyd, Robert (June 8, 2007). "Nick's 'Ned's' Got Straight- A's All the Way; The Middle-School Saga Comes to an End, but It Leaves a Yearbook Filled with Smart Characters, Fun Gags and Real Advice". Los Angeles Times. pp. E.27. Retrieved December 21, 2010.
    4. ^ Dalton, Mary M.; Linder, Laura R. (2008). Teacher TV: Sixty Years of Teachers on Television. Volume 320 of Counterpoints: Studies in the Postmodern Theory of Education (illustrated ed.). Peter Lang. p. 141. ISBN 978-0-8204-9715-0.
    5. ^ Mavis, Paul (August 27, 2007). "Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide: Field, Trips, Permission Slips, Signs and Weasels". DVD Talk. Retrieved December 21, 2010.
    6. ^ Gutierrez, Albert. ""Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide": Special Field Trip Edition DVD Review". DVDizzy.com. Retrieved December 21, 2010.
    7. ^ a b c "Daran Norris Biography". FilmReference.com. Retrieved December 18, 2010.
    8. ^ a b c "Daran Norris: Biography". TV Guide. Retrieved December 18, 2010.
    9. ^ "Three More Return for 'Mars' Movie". HuffPost. June 12, 2013. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
    10. ^ Piwowarski, Allison (July 19, 2019). "The 'Veronica Mars' Season 4 Cameos Are The Perfect Homage To The Earlier Seasons". Bustle. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
    11. ^ Pai, Tanya (February 2, 2016). "4 Reasons to Watch Tonight's iZombie/Veronica Mars Crossover". Vox.com. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
    12. ^ Barsanti, Sam (December 2, 2015). "Daran Norris to Star in Phil Hartman Biopic Directed by Jason Priestley". The A.V. Club. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
    13. ^ "Daran Norris". SBV Talent Agency. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
    14. ^ "Cast presents 'The Red Velvet Cake War'". Bay City Tribune. April 14, 2023. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
    15. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk "Daran Norris (visual voices guide)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved January 15, 2024. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
    16. ^ Schwartz, Ryan (February 23, 2022). "Does Live-Action Fairly OddParents Revival Capture OG Nicktoon's Tone? Watch Trailer, Get Premiere Date". TVLine. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
    17. ^ Petski, Denise (December 19, 2024). "'The Thundermans: Undercover' Spinoff Series Gets Premiere Date, Trailer & First Photos". Deadline. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
    18. ^ Otterson, Joe (February 23, 2024). "'Fairly OddParents' Sequel Series Ordered at Nickelodeon With Original Voice Actors Returning". Variety. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
    19. ^ Troika Games. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines. Activision. Scene: Ending credits, 2:05 in, Voice Over Actors.