Who Is Billy West? Age, Biography and Wiki
Billy West, born on April 16, 1952, is an iconic American voice actor celebrated for his unique vocal talents and contributions to animation and video games. As of 2025, he is 73 years old. West is best known for voicing characters in beloved animated series such as Futurama, where he brought to life Fry, Professor Farnsworth, and Zoidberg, as well as characters in Ren & Stimpy.
With a career spanning several decades, he has earned recognition and accolades for his work, including multiple Annie Awards and a Daytime Emmy Award.
| Occupation | Voice Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1952 (age 73) |
| Age | 73 Years |
| Birth Place | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Horoscope | |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Billy West's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
In 2025, Billy West stands at an approximated height of 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) and maintains a healthy weight of around 160 pounds (73 kg). While specific measurements like chest, waist, and bicep size are less frequently shared, West's robust voice and engaging personality present him as a vibrant figure in the entertainment world.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Though Billy West tends to keep his personal life private, he was previously married to his wife, known for her strong support throughout his career. As of 2025, there are no public reports of him dating anyone, suggesting he may be focusing on his career and personal pursuits. He has often mentioned the importance of family and has maintained close relationships with his loved ones throughout his life.
Throughout the 1980s, West provided character voices on Charles Laquidara's Big Mattress radio show on Boston's WBCN. West was one-half of the award-winning WBCN Production team from 1980 to 1986.
From 1989 through 1995, West provided The Howard Stern Show with character voices such as Jim Backus, Lucille Ball, Raymond Burr, Johnny Carson, Johnnie Cochran, Connie Chung, Pat Cooper, Jane Curtin, Sammy Davis Jr., Doris Day, Louis "Red" Deutsch, David Dinkins, Mia Farrow, Larry Fine, Pete Fornatale, Frank Gifford, Kathie Lee Gifford, Rudolph Gi
uliani, Mark Goddard, Bobcat Goldthwait, the Greaseman, Jonathan Harris (as Dr.
Zachary Smith), Leona Helmsley, Evander Holyfield, Shemp Howard, Lance Ito, Elton John, Don Knotts, Jay Leno, Nelson Mandela, Jackie Martling (as the Jackie puppet), Ed McMahon, Al Michaels, Bill Mumy (as Will Robinson), Cardinal O'Connor, Maury Povich, Soon-Yi Previn, Marge Schott, Frank Sinatra, Rae Stern (Howard Stern's mother), George Takei, Jo
e Walsh and Robin Williams until eventually leaving the show over money.
West was an occasional contributor to The Adam Carolla Show, a syndicated morning radio show that replaced Stern's show on CBS in LA. On February 19 and 20, 2007, The Howard Stern Show ran a special two-part retrospective of West's work with the show. It marked his first work with the show since leaving after his last show on November 1, 1995.
On June 9, 2009, West appeared on Jackie Martling's Jackie's Joke Hunt on Stern's satellite radio channel Howard 101.
Net Worth and Salary
In 2025, Billy West's net worth is estimated to be approximately $8 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his extensive career as a voice actor, which includes various TV shows, movies, and video games. His unique voice and versatility have allowed him to command substantial fees for his work, and he continues to engage in lucrative side projects and voice-over contracts.
Career, Business and Investments
Billy West's career began in the 1980s, and his breakthrough came when he voiced characters in The Ren & Stimpy Show. Over the years, he has lent his voice to numerous iconic characters across various media, making him one of the most recognizable voice talents in the industry.
In addition to voice acting, West has ventured into business by producing creative content and engaging in various projects, such as collaborations on shows and film adaptations. His keen sense for business also extends to investing in technology and media-related ventures, further bolstering his earnings.
West was the announcer of the program Screen Gems Network which ran from 1999 to 2001. He was the promotional announcer for The Comedy Channel before it merged with HA! to become Comedy Central. Over his career, Billy West has voiced multiple characters in television commercials.
These include (but are not limited to): West voiced the Speed Racer character in a late 1990s advertisement for Volkswagen, because the commercial's producers could not locate Peter Fernandez, the original voice of Speed. However, the producers did locate Corinne Orr, the original voice for the characters Trixie and Spritle.
Social Network
Billy West maintains a presence on social media platforms, where he connects with fans and provides insight into his life and career. On platforms like Twitter and Instagram, fans can keep up with his latest projects, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and personal anecdotes. His engagement with fans showcases his continued relevance and dedication to entertaining audiences worldwide.
West has stated that during the Vietnam War, he was subject to the draft lottery under the Nixon administration, receiving a low draft number which would have resulted in his being drafted in 1970. West was ultimately classified "4-F" and excluded from enlistment on medical grounds as he had hypertension and flat feet.
West described his later recurring role as Richard Nixon on Futurama as his "revenge" against Nixon.
In a 2019 video post, West opined that the "biggest joke" about his experience was the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum subsequently including images and footage of the Futurama Nixon character as part of its "Nixon in Popular Culture" exhibit.
Education
West's educational background includes his experiences in the world of music and performance. He attended the University of Massachusetts, where he developed his skills in voice and improvisation. His education laid the foundation for his future success in voice acting, enabling him to create the memorable characters for which he is known today.
In conclusion, Billy West in 2025 remains a significant figure in animation and entertainment, combining his talents, relationships, and business acumen to create a lasting legacy. Whether through his iconic voice or engaging personality, he continues to inspire both fans and fellow artists alike.
William Richard Werstine (born 1952), known professionally as Billy West, is an American voice actor, comedian, radio personality, impressionist and musician. His voice roles include Bugs Bunny in the 1996 film Space Jam, the title characters of Doug and The Ren & Stimpy Show, and several subsequent projects.
He also voiced Disney characters, including Ellyvan the Elephant in Jungle Junction, Bashful in The 7D, and the Futurama characters Philip J. Fry, Professor Farnsworth, Dr. Zoidberg, Zapp Brannigan, and many more. In commercials, he voices the Red M&M and formerly voiced Buzz for Honey Nut Cheerios.
West also voices other established characters such as Elmer Fudd, Popeye, Shaggy Rogers, Rocket Raccoon, Muttley, and Woody Woodpecker. He was a cast member on The Howard Stern Show, during which time he was noted for his impressions of Larry Fine, Marge Schott, George Takei, and Jackie Martling.
