Justin RoilandAmerican actor, animator, screenwriter, producer, director and comedian
Date of Birth: .
Country: USA |
Content:
- Early Life and Family
- Creative Breakthrough
- "Rick and Morty" Success and Franchise Expansion
- Other Projects and Collaborations
- Personal Life
- Allegations and Arrest
- Preliminary Hearings and Cancellation
- Charges Dropped
Justin Roiland: American Actor, Animator, Writer, Producer, Director, and Comedian
Justin Roiland is an American actor, animator, writer, producer, director, and comedian who has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. However, his career took a dramatic turn in 2020 after allegations of abuse and harassment surfaced.
Early Life and Family
Justin Roiland was born on February 21, 1980, in Manteca, California. He grew up alongside his younger sister, Amy. His paternal ancestry traces back to Norway and Hungary, while his maternal lineage encompasses English, Irish, German, and French roots. The Roiland family ran an almond farm.
Creative Breakthrough
Roiland moved to Los Angeles in the early 2000s to pursue acting. He appeared in short films for Channel101 and various comedy shows on Comedy Central. He also landed a role in the horror film "Krampus." However, it was his behind-the-scenes work that would bring him widespread recognition.
In 2012, Roiland co-created the adult animated series "Rick and Morty" for Adult Swim with Dan Harmon. He not only served as a screenwriter, director, and producer but also voiced the two lead characters, Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith.
"Rick and Morty" Success and Franchise Expansion
"Rick and Morty" premiered in late 2013 and quickly became a critical and commercial success. The series has won numerous awards, including Emmys, Golden Globes, and Critics' Choice Television Awards. It has also spawned a franchise that includes comic books, a mobile app, several video games, and other merchandise. Roiland founded Solo Vanity Card Productions! and Squanch Games to manage the franchise's expansion.
Other Projects and Collaborations
Beyond "Rick and Morty," Roiland has worked on various projects as a writer, producer, podcaster, and voice actor. He has voiced characters in animated films such as "Smallfoot," "Adventure Time," "Gravity Falls," and "The Simpsons." Notably, he has collaborated closely with "Gravity Falls" creator Alex Hirsch, and cross-references between the two series are common.
In 2020, Roiland launched another animated series on Hulu, "Solar Opposites," about aliens who crash-land on Earth after a catastrophic event. He voices the lead characters alongside Thomas Middleditch. The show is currently in its third season.
Personal Life
Roiland has been private about his personal life. His only known girlfriend was Abi Lyn Maley, whom he dated in 2013. He has stated that he focuses primarily on his career but is open to serious relationships or marriage.
Allegations and Arrest
In the spring of 2020, an anonymous woman filed a criminal complaint against Roiland, alleging domestic violence. She claimed that she had dated Roiland earlier that year and had suffered abuse, threats, and false imprisonment. Roiland was arrested and released on $50,000 bail until further proceedings.
Preliminary Hearings and Cancellation
Preliminary hearings for Roiland's case began in January 2023. Adult Swim, Hulu, and Squanch Games announced his dismissal shortly after the allegations became public. "Rick and Morty" and "Solar Opposites" continue production without Roiland's involvement.
Charges Dropped
In March 2023, the domestic violence charges against Roiland were dismissed due to insufficient evidence.