Olaf the snowman is a loveable character featured in Walt Disney’s most beloved film franchise, which includes the movies ‘Frozen’ and ‘Frozen II’. Actor Josh Gad voices the snowman in both films. Olaf, a singing, dancing ball of snow, won the hearts of children and adults worldwide.
The Voices in Frozen
In this article
- The Voices in Frozen
- A Frozen Background
- Box Office Success
- Disney’s Version
- Old Friends
- Getting To Know Olaf
- Who Is the Voice of Olaf?
- Early Life
- Education
- Awards and Accolades
- Olaf’s Popularity
- Best Quotes
- Wrap Up
Animated films have continued to grow in popularity. Disney movies frequently cast famous actors and celebrities to perform voice overs and Josh Gad, who plays Olaf, is well known for his voice over talent.
Some of the other renowned individuals in ‘Frozen’ include:
- Anna Oldenburg – voiced by Kristen Bell
- Elsa Oldenburg – voiced by Idina Menzel
- Kristoff – voiced by Jonathan Groff
- Prince Hans – voiced by Santino Fontana
- Duke of Weselton – voiced by Alan Tudyk
A Frozen Background
‘Frozen’ is the 53rd feature film produced by Walt Disney Animated Studios. It was released on November 27th, 2013, and became an immediate box office sensation. To date, the franchise has earned more than $2.6 billion.
‘Frozen’ is the on-screen adaptation of Hans Chrisitan Andersen’s well-loved fairytale ‘The Snow Queen’.
In 1943, Walt Disney himself began working on ‘Frozen’, but the idea got temporarily shelved. Disney passed away in 1966 before completing the film. Writer and director Jennifer Lee picked up where Walt left off, and she developed a new storyline.
Box Office Success
‘Frozen’ earned $1.2 billion, bringing in over $60 million during its opening weekend. ‘Frozen II’ earned $1.4 billion, gaining $130 million in its opening week. ‘Frozen II’ holds the record for Disney Studio’s most successful opening week for an animated film.
Disney’s Version
Jennifer Lee put a significant twist on the film rendition. Lee presents the Oldenburg sisters, Elsa, voiced by Idina Menzel, and Anna, voiced by Kristen Bell. The sisters are the orphaned offspring of a fallen king and queen. The eldest sister, Elsa, becomes queen after losing her parents.
She is overwhelmed with the responsibility of ruling the kingdom of Arendelle. Events take a turn when Elsa loses control of her magical powers and freezes the entire kingdom. Her younger sister Anna sets out on a journey to save her sister and free the realm from an eternal winter.
While looking for Elsa, Anna befriends an ice-seller named Kristoff and his pet reindeer Sven. They accompany Anna on her quest. Along the way, Anna meets someone from her past.
Old Friends
While strolling through the forest, Anna and Kristoff meet a walking, talking snowman named Olaf. Olaf immediately becomes a part of the crew. Anna quickly recognizes him as the inanimate snowman she and Elsa built as children.
Olaf comes to life when Elsa runs away from home and releases magical powers over her domain. His resurrection symbolizes Elsa’s love and longing for her little sister. Amid the mania, she inadvertently recreates one of the best things she and her sister did together.
Getting To Know Olaf
While in the forest, Olaf regales Anna and Kristoff with his offbeat jokes and catchy songs. He is a unique character who stands out among other snowmen because he loves warm hugs and dreams of summertime!
The happy-go-lucky snowman is naive and cheerful to a fault. Anna and Kristoff wonder if Olaf truly understands the dangers of a warm client.
Olaf is a hero and proves to be a crucial part of the quest. He is small but has a big heart and does all he can to help his friends protect their kingdom. The tiny hero is responsible for saving the day on many occasions.
Who Is the Voice of Olaf?
Joshua Ilan Gad is the talented voice behind Olaf, the summer-loving snowman. Josh is a comedian, singer, broadway, and film star who has also made several appearances on television shows and sitcoms. He boasts more than 80 acting roles, and over a dozen are voice overs.
Early Life
Josh Gad was born in Hollywood, Florida, on February 23rd, 1981. His parents are of German and Jewish descent. Gad has two older brothers and two step-siblings. He realized when he was very young that he wanted a career in show business. Josh began his life with hopes of being a comedian.
Education
Josh graduated high school and attended the University School of Nova Southeastern University, the Carnegie Mellon College of Fine Arts, where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, then on to the National Institute of Dramatic Art.
Awards and Accolades
Josh Gad has won and earned nominations for a slew of awards. The talented voice actor holds several Behind the Voice Actors Awards for his role as Olaf in ‘Frozen’.
These include:
- Best Male Vocal Performance in a Feature Film in a Supporting Role
- Best Vocal Ensemble in a Feature Film
Olaf’s Popularity
Josh Gad’s performance as Olaf is a supporting role in the ‘Frozen’ franchise that catapulted the snowman to success. The character was a hit with audiences and went on to star in the short film ‘Olaf’s Frozen Adventure’. He is featured in ‘Frozen II’, in addition to several Frozen spin-off projects, such as Disney’s ‘At Home With Olaf’ and ‘Once Upon a Snowman’.
Best Quotes
“Hi everyone, I’m Olaf, and I like warm hugs.”
“Man, I’m out of shape.”
“I can’t wait until I’m ancient like you, so I don’t have to worry about important things.”
“Some people are worth melting for.”
“An act of true love will thaw a frozen heart.”
“So I’m made of snow, and I’m walking on snow. That’s kind of weird.”
Wrap Up
If you found yourself wondering, “Who is the voice of Olaf”, you now have your answer in the hilarious and talented voice actor Josh Gad. You’ll want to keep an eye (and ear) on his future projects.
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