Clone High first premiered in 2002 and was created by Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Bill Lawrence. The show featured a unique premise: a high school populated by clones of famous historical figures, such as Abraham Lincoln (voiced by Will Forte), Gandhi (voiced by Michael McDonald), Joan of Arc, Cleopatra, and JFK. Despite its clever satire and innovative animation style, Clone High faced a rocky initial reception, partly due to controversy surrounding the portrayal of Gandhi, which offended some audiences and led to the show's cancellation after just one season. Over time, however, Clone High's reputation has significantly improved. Fans and critics alike have come to appreciate its sharp writing, witty humor, and creative characterizations, leading the series to be regarded as a cult classic and an underrated gem. It is now celebrated for its ahead-of-its-time approach to blending historical figures with teenage drama, earning a devoted fanbase years after its original broadcast.
Main Cast of Clone High
Will Forte
Abe Lincoln / Narrator (voice)
Will Forte lent his voice talent to the animated TV show 'Clone High,' where he portrayed Abe Lincoln, one of the teenage cloned historical figures. His performance was widely praised for capturing the character's awkwardness and naivety, blending humor with heartfelt moments that resonated with audiences. What made Forte's portrayal unique was his ability to infuse Abe with both comedic timing and genuine vulnerability, setting the character apart in the show's satirical take on high school tropes. A lesser-known fact about Forte's involvement is that much of his voice work was done remotely, which was relatively uncommon at the time, allowing him to bring a fresh and spontaneous energy to the character despite not recording alongside the full cast.
Michael McDonald
Gandhi (voice)
Fans of Michael McDonald will appreciate his role in the animated TV series 'Clone High' because it showcases his distinctive voice and comedic timing, reminiscent of his iconic performances on '
MADtv' where his character work and unique vocal style garnered acclaim. In 'Clone High,' McDonald voices Principal Scudworth, a quirky and eccentric school principal whose over-the-top antics and bizarre management style add a layer of absurd humor to the show. An interesting and unexpected detail is that McDonald's casting leveraged his ability to bring a dry, deadpan delivery to an otherwise ludicrous character, making Principal Scudworth both funny and memorably odd, which contrasts with the more straight-faced satire of his original tv roles.
Christa Miller
Cleopatra (voice)
Christa Miller brings a unique blend of wit and charm to her voice portrayal of Cleopatra in the animated TV series 'Clone High.' Her performance captures Cleopatra's sassy and confident personality, making the character stand out amidst a cast of teenage clones. Compared to Miller's live-action roles, such as her comedic parts in '
Scrubs' and '
Cougar Town,' this voice role allows her to explore a more exaggerated and playful persona, showcasing her versatile comedic timing. A fun trivia fact is that 'Clone High' was initially canceled after one season but later gained a cult following, leading to a revival announcement years after its original airing.
Christopher Miller
JFK / Mr. Butlertron (voice)
Christopher Miller co-created the animated television series 'Clone High,' where he served as a co-creator, writer, and producer. This role showcased his talent for innovative storytelling and sharp, satirical humor early in his career. Unlike his later, more mainstream blockbuster projects such as directing the 'Lego Movie' and '
21 Jump Street' films, 'Clone High' allowed Miller to experiment with edgy, offbeat comedy and character-driven narratives on television. This performance stands out because it helped establish his voice in adult animation and satire, laying the groundwork for his distinctive style seen in subsequent works.
Crew of Clone High
Full backstage crew list →