Rodger Bumpass
Rodger Bumpass (born November 20, 1951) is an American actor. He is a main cast member on the animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants, providing the voice of Squidward Tentacles, among other characters. Bumpass also voiced The Chief in the animated series Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego?, Professor Membrane in Invader Zim and Mr.
Also recorded as Roger Bumpass · Rodger Albert Bumpass · Roger Albert Bumpass · Rodger A. Bumpass
Rodger Bumpass

Michelle Nakashima · CC BY 2.0
- Born
- 1951.
- Nationality
- United States.
- Occupation
- voice actor, comedian, actor, television actor, film actor and singer.
- Known for
- SpongeBob SquarePants.
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Rodger Bumpass (born November 20, 1951) is an American actor. He is a main cast member on the animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants, providing the voice of Squidward Tentacles, among other characters. Bumpass also voiced The Chief in the animated series Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego?, Professor Membrane in Invader Zim and Mr.
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Rodger Bumpass (born 1951) is an American actor, comedian and film actor, among other activities. The actor was born Rodger Dale Bumpass in Little Rock. Rodger Bumpass studied at Arkansas State University and Little Rock Central High School.
Works include SpongeBob SquarePants. Languages used include English.
Composed from admitted, traceable facts · 26 September 2026
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In this article
Early life
Early life
Besser, the school principal in the animated series The Kids from Room 402. Bumpass has amassed credits on other animated films, animated television series, and video games, and reprises the role of Squidward Tentacles in all SpongeBob SquarePants associated media.
Rodger Bumpass was born on November 20, 1951, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Carroll C. (1924–2009) and Virginia Cathey Bumpass (1921–2004). He had two siblings, one of whom was stillborn. His parents ran a dry cleaning business. He described his mother as "the life of the family" and his father "a typical Southern male with Southern male disgust" but added that he was loving and giving. As a child, Bumpass idolized Mel Blanc and would do impressions of Looney Tunes characters as well as other cartoon characters. He memorized the comedy albums of Jonathan Winters and Bill Cosby and was inspired by Tim Conway's physical comedy. Bumpass attended Little Rock Central High School, where he received his first training in theatre. He then majored in radio–TV and minored in theatre at Arkansas State University. He worked at the campus radio station and also at Jonesboro's ABC affiliated television station, KAIT-TV, where he had multiple duties as announcer, film processor, cameraman, audio technician, and technical director. While at KAIT, Bumpass also wrote, produced, and performed in a late-night comedy program called Mid-Century Nonsense Festival Featuring Kumquat Theater. He graduated from A-State in 1976, and when encouraged by an A-State professor to consider professional theatre, he moved to New York in June 1977.
Career
Career
In the late 1970s, Bumpass was involved with a number of National Lampoon productions. In 1977, he won a role in the National Lampoon music and comedy road show That's Not Funny, That's Sick and toured with them until 1978. That same year, he appeared in the National Lampoon TV special Disco Beaver from Outer Space for HBO. In 1979, Bumpass was cast as the leading role in a National Lampoon film to be called Jaws 3, People 0, in which he would have a love scene with Bo Derek. However, the film was cancelled due to objections by the creators of the movie Jaws. In 1980, Bumpass created the character of 'Fartman' to appear on the National Lampoon LP The White Album, which later inspired the Howard Stern character of the same name. He also made appearances in movies such as Escape from New York and Bio-Dome; however, when the demand for voice actors became higher, he started doing background voices on shows such as Batman: The Animated Series, Bonkers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles until he got a more prominent role on Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego?. He has since lent his voice in multiple Pixar films such as A Bug's Life, Toy Story 2, Monsters, Inc., The Incredibles, Cars and Monsters University. He has done additional voices for shows such as Gravity Falls, Rugrats, Alvin and the Chipmunks and Mighty Mouse: The New Adventures, also voicing Foreman in the English dub of Spirited Away. He is also known for voicing The Chief from Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego?, Doctor Light on Teen Titans and Teen Titans Go along with Professor Membrane on Invader Zim.
SpongeBob SquarePants
SpongeBob SquarePants
Bumpass is best known to present-day viewers as the voice of Squidward Tentacles and various incidental characters on the Nickelodeon animated comedy series SpongeBob SquarePants. When he auditioned for the role in 1999, the character notes he received highlighted Squidward's prominent nose, which inspired him to give the character the iconic "nasally" sounding voice. He has also provided the voice of other characters such as Squidward's mother. Bumpass has also voiced Squidward in the SpongeBob film series, spinoff shows and video games. Many of the show's crew praise Bumpass for his performance and similitude to the character. Tom Kenny called Bumpass "brilliant" and has stated that "when he goes apoplectic as Squidward while recording, his head turns red, and you're afraid he's going to have an embolism." In 2012, Bumpass received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for his role as Squidward. The show had its 20th anniversary in 2019. In celebration, a television special was aired, titled "SpongeBob's Big Birthday Blowout". One scene includes each of the show's main characters' voice actors portraying live-action versions of their characters. While not the first SpongeBob SquarePants episode that blended animated sequences with live-action characters, this was the first time that the characters' voice actors have all been in a live-action scene together.
Personal life
Personal life
On July 27, 2019, Bumpass married Angela VanZandt, with whom he attended high school 50 years prior. Bumpass is an avid collector of SpongeBob memorabilia and he believes that he has one of the biggest collections in the world. In February 2022, Bumpass received a special tribute at the Arkansas State Capitol. The Arkansas Senate passed Resolution 25, recognizing his accomplishments for his iconic voice work as Squidward. The moment was made even more memorable when he responded in character, delivering the University of Arkansas "Woo Pig Sooie!" cheer. In September of that same year, Bumpass was inducted into the Arkansas Walk of Fame in Hot Springs.
Legal issues
Legal issues
On January 15, 2016, Bumpass was arrested for alleged DUI in Burbank, California. A police report of the incident alleged that officers of the Burbank Police Department found Bumpass in his car in the middle of the road. Bumpass admitted to drinking and driving, and he failed a sobriety test. His blood alcohol levels were said to be more than twice the legal limit. He was later released on a $15,000 bail shortly the next morning. The incident was first reported by celebrity gossip website TMZ several days after it occurred, on January 19. A day later, Bumpass alleged to the website that the police had lied about the DUI report, claiming that he was not leaning against his car when officers spotted him, and that he was being tailed and pulled over by the officers before his arrest, though he did confess again to the DUI charge. Nickelodeon representatives were notified of the incident by Bumpass, but did not release any immediate comments or actions regarding the matter. On January 25, 2016, ten days after the incident, Nickelodeon representatives confirmed to TMZ that Bumpass would remain on SpongeBob SquarePants for the foreseeable future. The representatives alleged that the network did not consider DUI charges to be an immoral act, and thus Bumpass was not legally subject to termination.
Primary material
Documents and archives
reference work
- “Rodger Bumpass”, English Wikipedia, consulted as further reading
Reputable secondary · Wikipedia
authority record
- Wikidata, structured authority record Q4337: Rodger Bumpass
Unverified · Wikidata
Awards and nominations
2012 – Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program – Nominated 2013 — Behind the Voice Actors Awards Best Vocal Ensemble in a Television Series - Children's/Educational for SquarePants Sqaurepants — Nominated 2016 — Behind the Voice Actors Awards for Feature Film Voice Acting Award-Best Vocal Ensemble in a Feature Film: for The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water — Nominated

American voice actors Bill Fagerbakke and Rodger Bumpass sitting on the SpongeBob SquarePants panel at the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con
Michelle Nakashima

American voice actor Rodger Bumpass holding a sign in his mouth at the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con.
Michelle Nakashima
Notes from the source article
Cited by Wikipedia
Notes from the source article
These works are cited by the source article, in its own numbering. They are recorded as its citations, not as sources VALÉORINE has verified.
- 1.cite Rotten Tomatoes id=roger_bumpass type=celeb access-date=January 12, 2026
- 2.Carroll Bumpass. Smith Family Funeral Homes.
- 3.Virginia Bumpass. Legacy.com. December 30, 2004.
- 4.Reardon, Samantha. Rodger Bumpass is Squidward Tentacles. Georgia State Signal. September 8, 2013.
- 5.O'Neal, Rachel. HIGH PROFILE: Rodger Bumpass, Little Rock native who voices Squidward on 'SpongeBob SquarePants'. Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. October 21, 2018.
- 6.Rodger Bumpass (1951–). The Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture.
- 7.Reports of Death of Squidward's "Voice" Premature. KAIT. August 28, 2006.
- 8.McLellan, Joseph. Laugh-a-Minute Lampoon. The Washington Post. October 11, 1977.
- 9.Wilson, John S. Revue: Lampooners. The New York Times. C20. December 15, 1977.
- 10.Dawson, Jim. Who Cut the Cheese?: A Cultural History of the Fart. Ten Speed Press. 134. 1999. 9781580080118.
- 11.Drake, Sylvie. Low Moan Farce Almost Nimble Bumbles In 'Footlight Frenzy'. Los Angeles Times dead link. July 2024.
- 12.Churnin, Nancy. Old Globe Gets 24 Nominations From Critics. Los Angeles Times. September 19, 1989.
- 13.Cavazos, Norma. Television Q&A. Dallas Morning News. August 23, 2001.
- 14.Boxoffice Prophets. SpongeBob SquarePants. November 19, 2004.
- 15.Jared, George. Arkansas actor lands 'job of a lifetime' in SpongeBob SquarePants. Talk Business & Politics. June 13, 2022.
- 16.Heintjes, Tom. The Oral History of SpongeBob SquarePants. Hogan's Alley. September 21, 2012.
- 17.Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The 39th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy® Award Nominations. Emmy Award.
- 18.Flores, Terry. 'SpongeBob' Voice Cast on Acting Together in Live-Action for the First Time for 20th Anniversary Special. Variety. July 10, 2019.
- 19.Angela VanZandt and Rodger Bumpass's Wedding Website. www.theknot.com.
- 20.Arkansas native Rodger Bumpass, voice of Squidward, honored at state capitol. thv11.com. February 24, 2022.
- 21.Jenkins, Cary. ROLLING OUT THE RED CARPET: Arkansas natives Atkinson, Bumpass honored as newest inductees. Arkansas Democrat Gazette. October 9, 2022.
- 22.Ramisett, Kirthana. 'Spongebob Squarepants' actor Rodger Bumpass arrested on suspicion of DUI. New York Daily News. January 19, 2016.
- 23.Rodger Bumpass from 'SpongeBob SquarePants' arrested for suspicion of DUI, police records say. ABC7 Los Angeles. January 20, 2016.
- 24.Kirthana Ramisett. ‘Spongebob Squarepants’ actor Rodger Bumpass arrested on suspicion of DUI. New York Daily News. January 19, 2016.
- 25.(ABC7.com staff)). Rodger Bumpass from 'SpongeBob SquarePants' arrested for suspicion of DUI, police records say. ABC7 Los Angeles. January 20, 2016.
- 26.Rodger Bumpass, voice of Squidward on 'SpongeBob SquarePants,' arrested for alleged DUI. EW.com.
- 27.'SpongeBob SquarePants' voice of Squidward held on suspicion of DUI. Los Angeles Times. January 20, 2016.
- 28.Jackie Willis. 'SpongeBob SquarePants' Voice Actor Rodger Bumpass Arrested for DUI. Entertainment Tonight. January 20, 2016.
- 29.Rodger Bumpass: ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ Actor Arrested For DUI. Yahoo. January 20, 2016.
- 30.RODGER BUMPASS FROM 'SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS' ARRESTED FOR SUSPICION OF DUI, POLICE RECORDS SAY. 6ABC Philadelphia. January 20, 2016.
- 31.'SpongeBob SquarePants' Squidward Tentacles -- Claims Cops Lied in DUI Arrest. TMZ. January 20, 2016.
- 32.'SpongeBob SquarePants' -- DUI Bust Won't Cost Squidward His Job. TMZ. January 25, 2016.
- 33.Bruckner, D. J. R. LAMPOON'S 'CLASS OF '86'. New York Times. paragraph 6. May 25, 1986.
- 34.Friday. St. Petersberg Times. August 26, 1981.
- 35.National Lampoon's Hot Flashes. Ocala Star-Banner. June 12, 1984.
- 36.Rodger Bumpass (visual voices guide). Behind The Voice Actors.
- 37.Gallagher, Brian. The Spongebob Squarepants Movie 2 Sets Up Shop in Savannah, Georgia - MovieWeb.com. MovieWeb.com. July 11, 2013.
- 38.Cobb, Kayla. Netflix Announces 'Plankton: The Movie' Set in the 'SpongeBob SquarePants' Universe. June 6, 2024.
- 39.Plankton: The Movie. Plex.tv. March 7, 2025.
- 40.O'Rourke, Ryan. Never-Before-Seen 'SpongeBob SquarePants' Short "Order Up" Is Coming to Theaters With 'Smurfs' [Exclusive]. Collider. June 9, 2025.
- 41.Gardner, Chris. 'The Smurfs Movie' Sets Starry Cast to Join Rihanna; Dave Bautista, Eric Nam Board 'Airbender' Franchise. The Hollywood Reporter. April 11, 2024.
- 42.Namco Bandai Games. Dead to Rights: Retribution. 2010.
- 43.Patrick Star of SpongeBob Squarepants Gets His First-Ever Video Game. Outright Games. August 27, 2024.
- 44.Kay Oaks, Amanda. SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide Announced With First Trailer. August 1, 2025.
- 45.SpongeBob SquarePants 4-D: Ride (2005) - Full Cast and Crew.
References
Citations
References
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reference work
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The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 14 August 2026.
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