I am Alex Borstein, voice of Lois on Family Guy and Nurse Dawn on HBO's Getting On. AMA

sorry Alex. but my favorite character of yours is MUTHAFUCKIN MS. SWAN!!!!!

MUTHAFUKIN THANK YOU!!! You look like a man :)

Lois, Lois, Lois, Lois, Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Ma! Ma! Ma! Ma!

WHAT?!?!?!?!

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Swan was always so much fun to do. The live audiences were so much fun to perform in front of. Also loved The Gap Troll sketches and You Are The Love Of My Life songs.

My favorite FG moment if "Who wants chowder?"

I loved Ms Swan.

She's not dead! No need for past tense :)

HELOOKALIKEAMAN

Indeed

Hey Alex I've always wondered given that you Seth and Mila are all Jewish how you feel about all the Jew jokes on Family Guy?

I am a fan of whatever makes me laugh my ass off. If it happens to be a Jew joke, then it's a Jew joke.

How did you come up with your voice for Lois? Was it based on anyone, like Fran Drescher, or did you just try different things until one voice fit? Thanks for the AMA!

She is based on my cousin in Long Island, but don't tell her.

Okay folks. I'm done. This was fun, let's do it again :)

How many voices, besides Lois, do you do in Family guy? and What's your favorite character?

I usually do about 5 voices per show. Sometimes Tricia Takanawa, Babs Pewterschmidt, random women, random kids, babies, hookers, grandmas…whatever comes up. My favorite character of all is Jasper.

What's it like to work with Seth MacFarlane?

Insane. He's a freakin' genius and one of the funniest people I know.

Serious question: do you believe Seth's moviemaking efforts and other ventures have reduced the amount of time invested by him in Family Guy? Don't get me wrong, I still love the show, but I am very curious to know if he leaves more Family Guy responsibilities to other staff now that he's expanding his creative resume. And if this is so, how do you think it is changing (or not changing) the show and your responsibilities on it?

Of course, with Seth doing movies he has to split his time.

Is he pretty normal or does he always goof around?

He's not a "goof around" kind of guy. Pretty serious most of the time, but always ready to laugh.

Is there gonna be a Ghost reference between you and Brian?

Ha! Love it!!!

Hello! Thanks for this!

What is one interesting thing about the Family Guy studio people should know?

The writer's room has a black toilet in the executive restroom that is attached. I have a fear of black toilets. During my entire tenure there as a writerI never peed in that scary black hole.

Hi, Alex! You make me laugh and smile all the time. Your voice as Lois in Family Guy is absolutely perfect. :)

My question is, what was it like working with Hillary Duff in the Lizzie McGuire Movie?

Hillary Duff was just a kid when we shot The Lizzie McGuire Movie and now we both have babies…how did that happen? She was very sweet during the filming and getting to shoot in Rome, Italy was HEAVEN!!! TRIVIA: On my new HBO show GETTING ON, one of the elderly women in our hospital (Birdie) is played by Anne Guilbert, whose real life daughter, Hallie Todd, played Lizzie's Mom in the show and movie

Do you and Seth ever talk together as Stewie/Peter and Lois, just casually off the set?

Nope.

Just wanted to let you know that for the longest time I thought a man voiced Lois on Family Guy. Love your work so far in "Getting On"!

Good news that after you saw my face you still didn't think I was a man.

How did you (and Seth for that matter) get roles on Gilmore Girls?

Dan Palladino was our show-runner on Family Guy for a few years. He is married to Amy Sherman-Palladino. Dan asked me to read Amy's pilot one day, Gilmore Girls. I read it and loved it and Dan asked me to audition for the role of Sookie. I did, I got the part. We shot the pilot in Toronto, but when the show got picked up to series, my MADtv contract wouldn't allow me to do GG, so I had to let it go. Amy wrote a new part for me DRELLA the bitchy harpist. Later, Amy wrote a part for Seth M.

I'm a Nielsen family. Do you want me to watch Shameless live or Family Guy live Sundays at 9.

Oh shit…that's a toughie…probably FG :)

Hey Alex!

• What is your reaction to the guy who got RIP Brian tattoo'd on his body before the Christmas special aired?
• Since MADTV was your first big break, how much stress did you feel trying to make a funny impression?
• Haven't checked out Getting On yet but what to you made the show stand out when you auditioned?
• I host a podcast that has celebrity guests such Brendon Small and soon-to-be Seth Green on. I was wondering if you would be interested in being a guest as well?

Thank you and look forward to your answers!

*The tattoo is just priceless. The poster child for why tattoos might not be forever. *I was doing sketch comedy at ACME Comedt Theatre when I auditioned and had already done some impressions when I auditioned. *Saw the UK version of GETTING ON and loved it! Knew I wanted to be a part of it somehow. *Contact PrimePR for podcast booking

is it awkward when you have to fake sex sounds?

It's kind of funny. Many times in the recording booth I can be seen kissing my hand and humping the air :)

Hey Alex! I have two questions if you don't mind:

1 - I've always wanted to look into the life of being a voice actor, what would be the best first steps to take?

2 - What's it like working with the cast of Family Guy for so long? Especially with seeing all the interesting people they get for cameos.

Thanks again!

1. I answer this on my website on the FAQ section because SOOOO many people ask this question. www.alexborstein.com Quick answer: there is no "one way" to get into VO. Many pads lead to OZ.
2. I love my FG cast mates. It's been amazing to see everyone's career explode. And also fun to watch Mila grow up. She wasn't even driving when we first met.

Hey Alex, What did you think of the episode of Family Guy when Brian died, then in the next couple of episodes he came back, would you rather have him dead or alive?

I thought it was a great episode when he kicked the bucket. Kind of couldn't believe how people went nuts about it online. I got so many disgusting hate-tweets from angry guys with no lives. It was kind of nuts. But I am very happy to have Brian back in the family. He's a great kisser.

What's your favorite Family Guy episode? And when is the Family Guy movie coming out??

Don't have a favorite episode really, but I have favorite moments: Who wants chowder? (the Ipecac puke sequence) Diarrhea (anytime Lois says it) Singing in the basement bar. Boxing

As for the Family Guy movie…no idea when that will come to pass. Sorry.

I absolutely love Getting On. Yesterday, I introduced my sister and her BF who both work in a mental care facility. They absolutely loved it and plan to spread the word at their hospital. One thing they were amazed was how accurate the show is at getting the correct terminology down in the writing.

How did you, Neicy Nash, and Laurie Metcalf prepare yourselves for the role as nurses/doctors? Did you have to do much studying to understand the terminology or was it all just rigorous memorization?

Hi! So happy to hear that you like the show. I'm kind of in love with it myself. Before we started shooting we had two weeks of research and rehearsal to familiarize ourselves with the whole world of geriatric care. I also went to a stroke ward of hospital and followed a nurse around for a while to see what it's actually like.

I saw you in Toronto a couple months ago at the Family Guy Live and your singing was great - also when you called the lady up front a bitch for yelling her son's name at you.

Kara told me on Twitter that maybe that show could maybe be released on DVD at some point, do you know if that's possible?

I have no idea. Perhaps they will include it as a DVD extra on one of the Family Guy volumes?

Where did you come up with the character (or who did come up with) Ms. Swan?

And you're awesome btw

Happy to be awesome. Thank you. Ms. Swan is based on my grandmother. I think most memorable characters are based on someone we know. That's where the fine details and odd quirks come from.

Do you still have the Ms. Swan clothing?

Yes I do!!!

Hey Alex! I'm a big fan of yours and I'm so glad to see you doing this AMA. I used to watch MadTV ALL THE TIME when you were on it, no matter what character it was. I just wanted to know if there was anything that you miss about the show and do you still keep in touch with your former cast mates? Do you still do live sketch comedy at all? Thank you for making me and my family laugh all these years!

I don't do sketch anymore and sometimes I miss it. But I think what I really miss is that time in my life, it was kind of like college. No kids, no real responsibilities, just comedy, food and late nights. Yes, Will Sasso and I are still very close friends and many of the rest of us stay in contact. Maybe a reunion at some point?

What is your favorite TV show that you haven't worked on?

Breaking Bad

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Has to do with gravity and proximity to the sun.

Hi Alex! When you were working on the episode "Ders Comes in Handy" for Workaholics, what was the weirdest/most hilarious thing to happen on set? Also, are you going to be back on the show any time soon?

Ha! I almost forgot about that little stunt. My sex scene. I was really pregnant with my daughter in that scene and it cracks me up to think that my fetus was in a sex scene, too. The whole thing was hilarious and weird!!

Montez's wife has to give birth right? I'll be back for that.

Can you please insult me with your best Lois insult and record it?

Ok. Just did it.

Hi Alex! No question. I just wanted to say I grew up watching you on MadTV and immediately recognized you when Family Guy came out. I love your voice, and the MadTV era you were in had the best group of actors.

Thanks for all of the entertainment!

Thanks :)

Im guessing Seth likes Star Wars because of all the references and the specials on family guy, do you also like it? Also, whats Mila Cunis like in person?

Yes! I have always been a HUGE Star Wars fan since I was like 5 years old. Most of us in the writers room at Family Guy were big nerds growing up and could recite almost any scene from Star Wars (1st three.) Mila Kunis is really fun and pretty easy-going considering she's the sexiest woman alivE!!

Gotta say, I love watching you in Getting On. It's probably my favorite new show this season! Keep up the good work and I hope to see a season 2!

Yay! Thank you :)

What's the most cringeworthy line or scene you've ever had to perform in Family Guy?

Hmmm, that's tough. There isn't much out there that can make me cringe. Sometimes if we have too many of one type of joke in an episode I'll give the producers my two cents. Not because I think they are too offensive, but because I think if you hit the same are too many times it lessens the effectiveness of all of the jokes. Sometimes less is more.

Do you have an interesting behind the scenes story that we may not know about?

See answer regarding black toilet above. Hmmm, what else…when Seth andI first met in a recording studio in 1997 (or was in '96?) we had the same awful haircut.

Do you prefer acting or doing VO work?

I love both, but I find myself missing one when doing the other. VO work is kind of lonely sometimes so it's always fun to get out on a set to work with other actors in person every once in a while.

Hi Alex,

What is your favorite board game?

Scattergories

How much creative input do you have with Family Guy, and how does the show keep turning out ideas that fresh (despite the Simpsons doing it first lol)? What was it like behind the scene with Mad TV? And please, "tell me every-ting"

Okay, I tell you…everything. MADTV was my first big break, so it was an exciting and amazing time for me. Kind of felt like a college dorm experience. Everyone was up late, working really hard trying to get their characters on the air. And the live tape nights were a blast.

Now that I am not writing on Family Guy, I don't have much to do with the story and or character development on the show. But occasionally I'll throw my two cents in and/or improvise a little in the recording booth.

Do you watch South Park? If not, what do you think of other animated shows that compete with Family Guy?

I don't actually. Not becauseI don't think it's funny, but just having very little time to do anything. Most things I watch are on iTunes or Netflix and I really don't watch much comedy, always dark and gloomy stuff.

I loved your scene with Ders and the over the pants handy in Workaholics. I'm curious, though. Was it awkward to do that scene and how many takes was it?

It was nuts doing that scene! I was actually pregnant with my daughter so that made it even creepier. But Ders was fun and we had a blast doing it. Tune in to see if Colleen gives birth this season :)

Do you feel that the character of Lois has changed over time? If so, how?

Oh yeah. I think the characters we play have to change over the years because the writers writing them are always changing, the actors playing them are always changing and the times themselves keep moving along. Lois ebbs and flows.

What do you think of the progression of the series? Peter has gone from a clumsy, loving parent to a sadistic idiot (this season looks better..). The hating on Meg got old really quick, too.

How do you think the characters have evolved?

Just kind of answered this above: "I think the characters we play have to change over the years because the writers writing them are always changing, the actors playing them are always changing and the times themselves keep moving along. Lois ebbs and flows."

It's also good to member that comedy and al art is subjective. To some people the hating on Meg got old quick, to others there wasn't enough hating on Meg. Everyone has a different opinion. Impossible to please everyone.

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They have not yet!!!! I'm freaking out. Hate to wait, but looks like I have to. Thanks for watching and spree the word.

Did he lookalike a man?

Okay. I tell you...

What's your favourite sexual position?

My position: Make time for fuckery.

How were you able to keep it together for Ms. Swan skits on Mad TV?

It was always a challenge with the live audiences, but I got pretty good at it. Once I start playing her I kind of enter a little trance and hang in there until the end.

What topic(s) are a "line in the sand" that are internally self-imposed, personally or as a writing group, ie: guidelines not handed down by network/censors that FG sticks to?

O-kay, I tell you one ting, thanks for all the laughs over the years!

Just answered this above: "Sometimes if we have too many of one type of joke in an episode I'll give the producers my two cents. Not because I think they are too offensive, but because I think if you hit the same are too many times it lessens the effectiveness of all of the jokes. Sometimes less is more."

What your favorite part of being the voice of Lois? Alternatively, what's your least favorite?

I love finding new sounds for Lois. Sometimes it's a new way to chuckle, or a new sex noise with Peter. Also fun to do the unexpected at a table read, if everyone assumes you will deliver a line a certain way, sometimes it's fun to try the opposite. Least favorite thing…nagging.

Hi Alex!

I was front row center at Family Guy Live in Manhattan like 8 years ago. After you guys did the "deep south" episode and took your bows, I swear our eyes connected and you winked at me. I just wanted you to know that I remember that moment like it was yesterday. You were almost certainly just getting something out of your eye, but it was still super duper awesome.

As for my question, Lois is one of the mot dynamic and interesting female characters on TV (much less cartoons), do you feel like you've had a hand in evolving her character from early episodes where she was more one dimensional to where she is now?

Continue being awesome!

I winked? Hmmm…

When we first started at FG I was in the writers room a lot and definitely had a hand in helping to shape Lois. But there was a room of 15-20 writers who also had their hands all over her (dirty girl.)

I actually have two questions. What is your favourite colour m&m? And, what is Lois' favourite colour m&m?

Red. Orange. We are both big fans of the peanut butter m&m

Can you explain why you ended up not playing Sookie on Gilmore Girls?

When I auditioned for Gilmore girls I was in a holding pattern with MADtv, unsure if it was going to be renewed. I shot the GG pilot and then found out MADTV was renewed and they wouldn't share me :( I was heartbroken at the time, but now know it wasn't in the cards.

verry delighted to be the first to comment! so where did you find the time to do this and other social network streams?

As I type my 5 year old is asking me to pour him milk and my 1 year old is screaming because I took a penny and crayon bit out of her mouth. So…there really is no time, but I'm doing it anyway. If my kid chokes I hope it will have been worth it!

PROOF https://twitter.com/AlexBorstein/status/416637573159604225

Thank you so much for your time for this AMA. Few questions.

How do you feel about Brian leaving the show

What was your favorite episode to record

And can you be the voice of my voicemail?? A dream come true!!

I can't believe that Brian's death saw more people upset than the death of Nelson Mandela!!
There are so many favorites, but my favorite line go all time is "Who wants chowder?" Probably not gonna be able to do the VM, sorry.

Hi Alex! Just wanted to say I love you as Lois.

So... I might address the elephant in the room...

Family guy isn't exactly what it used to be, isn't it?

How do you think the quality of the newer episodes shape up to those of Family guys hay day?

If you answer, thanks so much! You're the only famous person I've ever reached out to. If not, you're still awesome.

Hi! Phew, so happy that I'm not the elephant in the room. Um, not sure how to answer your question because I don't really agree. All shows change as they age, as do the people who created the shows and the people watching the shows. Perhaps YOU ain't what or who you used to be, no? They should teach a philosophy course on this.

what is your biggest fear?

My biggest fear…the ocean. It's a great big, powerful sea toilet.

now that you have children is this going to affect your succes?

Yes, they will suck me dry until my soul and bank accounts are empty.

I loved you on the Lizzie McGuire movie!

Thank you.

Favorite 90s Television show?

VIP…was that 90's?

Regarding Family Guy:

• Do you feel that Family Guy is declining in quality like some fans believe? Maybe you think it's getting better?

• Have you realised that you only ever say "Peder", never actually "Peter"?

I think all shows change as they age as do the people who make the shows. As do the people who watch the shows. All targets are moving.

I think I say "Pedah"

Have you ever been in The Netherlands?

Yep. Was there in 1994.

What's your most faaaaaaaavorite Lois line?

"Who wants chowder?"

Are any of the characters you play/write "you," in the way that some would say Seth is Brian Griffin?

I think there's always a little bit of me in all the characters I do from Swan, to Lois, to Dawn on GETTING ON. They are never true depictions of me, you just see little glimpses of me here and there.

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Wow, that's a very hard question. There was a Ms. Swan series of sketches that we did at MADtv that included all these amazing guest stars like Susan Sarandon, Tony Shaloub, Dennis Hopper and Garry Marshall. That was pretty surreal and fun. But also the "Love of My Life" singing sketches with Will Sasso, those were a blast.

Hello Alex, Big fan of the show and your work, all the way back to MadTV.

Who is your favorite secondary character to voice on Family Guy?

Tricia Takanawa is always fun. But I really like the odd parts that come up here and there. Always fun to create someone new on the fly.

Thanks for doing an AMA Alex! Who is your favorite character to play? Be it animated or a sketch character or anything.

My favorite character to play is Dawn Forchette on GETTING ON on HBO. She's such a freakin' mess of a person and so much fun to portray. Never know what she is capable of.

Hi there! What is yourleast favourite episode of FG and why?

Hasn't happened yet.

What advice would you give to newbies at performing comedy? Any tips you'd consider sharing?

1.Be funny.
2.Write write write. 3.Be really funny. 4. write some more

Will you sign my boobs? I'm a dude.

Sorry, only girl boobs.

Do you or anyone else play any pranks whilst on sey?

Nope.

Thanks for this AMA. I have to say, I almost peed my panties watching your Marlie Matlin/Poker Face skit!! I loved it and I'm going straight to hell!

My question is, do people recognise you/your voice in public but get confused cause they think they know you but can't quite put their finger on it? Any funny stories to share on that theme?

Thank you. I loved that bit, too. So did Marlee.

No. People usually recognize my face first.

What do you think of the show and what should be changed about it? Ty

Um, which one?

What was your experience like on mad TV, was Artie Lange as big of a mess as his book suggests?

My experience there was like a college dorm. It was a blast, exciting scary, late nights and hard work. Artie had just left when I started so I didn't really work with him at all. Heard some great stories, though.

What would you say is the best way to train for voice acting? Do you think that anyone with commitment can improve?

See my FAQ section at www.alexborsein.com

To be a good VO actor you need to be a great actor, so study acting first and it will enhance your VO skills. It's all about creating characters.

What is your favorite character to play?

Right now my favorite character is Dawn Forchette on GETTING ON. She's such a delicious mess!

Hey Alex! My mom makes it her daily mission to always remind that "he......... look-ah like a man." So thank you for that.

My question would be, if you could pick any two characters that you've portrayed in the past to sit down and have dinner together, which two would you pick?

Ms. Swan and Dawn Forchette (HBO's GETTING ON)

And your mother is right, He does look like a man!

Do you have a favorite Family Guy song?

Seth and I did a song on the album called "But I'm Yours" that was always fun to sing together.

Do you read books? If so, what kind of books do you like to read? Thanks. :)

Yes. English.

I find your voice strangely sexy - do you ever get guys hitting you because of the way you speak?

Thank you. I once met a guy and dated him after meeting on the phone, so yes, I guess.

Thank you for your work and the laughter you bring to my home on a daily basis. Nurse Dawn is just hilarious. Where did the idea come from to make Getting On happen on HBO?

Will Scheffer and Mark V Olsen the show runners decided to adapt it. And thank go they did.