Kiara Muhammad and Kimberly Brooks talk Doc McStuffins
Posted by Wilson Morales
May 7, 2013
Out today on Blu-ray and DVD is Doc McStuffins: Time For Your Checkup!, the second DVD compilation for Disney Junior’s hit animated TV series “Doc McStuffins.”
2012’s #1 cable TV series in Kids 2-5, “Doc McStuffins” tells the story of a nurturing six-year-old girl who heals stuffed animals and broken toys out of her backyard playhouse clinic. Assisting Doc at the clinic are her trusty team of lovable stuffed animals including: Stuffy, an overly proud dragon; Lambie, her cuddly best friend lamb; Hallie, a jolly and caring hippo nurse; and Chilly, a snowman who spends a lot of time getting check-ups at the clinic. Whether it’s a case of loose stitching, low batteries or a blow-up toy who has sprung a leak, Doc and her pals are always there to lend a helping hand, while imparting to young viewers the importance of taking care of oneself and others.
Blackfilm.com recently spoke with Kiara Muhammad (voice of Doc McStuffins) and Kimberly Brooks (voice of Mom McStuffins) as they talked about why McStuffins has been a pleasure for kids to watch.
How did you get involved to voice the character?
Kiara Muhammad: I auditioned once and then I got a call back. There were more people there than the first time. A couple of weeks later they called me and told me I got the role. I’m really happy and excited. I didn’t know that Doc McStuffins would be that popular and this is only the second DVD.
What should fans expect on the DVD?
KM: There are five episodes on the DVD but there’s also a growth chart. That’s a bonus that the kids can play with.
KB: There are some extra things that come with the video. The growth chart is really neat. You can expect more awesome singing and great storylines and lots of fun.
Is there anything special you did with your voice?
KM: It’s just my same voice. I just make it a little higher because she’s six and I’m fourteen, so she has to sound a bit younger.
What makes this character special than the other voice characters you have done?
KB: For one, it’s a really fun role to play. Even though the mom is oblivious to what’s going on, it’s so neat to see the relationship between the mom and little Doc McStuffins because I feel that we are sort of missing that in cartoons. It seems that it’s about kids against parents or the parents seem weird. It’s nice to have a really well done show with good writing and great singing and solid characters. It’s a pleasure to play this role.
Is there a favorite episode that you like to recommend to people?
KM: I like the one where Lambie hurts her wrist. The episode is about feelings and how Lambie feels sad. I try to help her emotionally in that episode.
Why do you think the show has gained a following?
KM: I think they like it because it’s actually a show that’s fun but it also has lessons in the episodes.
KB: I think it was time for a little special girl that’s different from what we have seen in the past to come to the forefront and people have responded to it. The message is empowering for kids to talk about things and have something that identifiable to them. It’s also really good writing. I personally love the music and all of the singing. It’s really a fun show.
With the other shows that you do, is your voice different?
KB: Sure. I’ve done a lot of animation. For Winks, I voice a teenage fairy girl who’s a really mean bad fairy. There are other shows where I do different things, but luckily on Doc McStuffins, I get to be myself.
When do you all get together?
KM: We’re trying to do a full group recording with everyone but because everyone has different schedule, it’s not easy. Normally, I’m in the booth by myself and do my own lines. Sometimes I would see someone when they are getting out of the booth and I’m going in. I met Loretta, who voices the Hippo, at the premiere party. We had done a whole season and I hadn’t met her. I was happy to meet her.
KB: Luckily, Chris Nee, the creator and writer, has had some parties and events and we also see each other at functions. I also have known Lara Jill Miller for years. We have worked on other shows together. It has a very nice community family feel. I think everyone is thrilled to work on the show. It’s been great.
How much fun is doing this job?
KM: It’s relaxing. You can do the lines as many times until they get what they want. I can go to the booth in my pajamas if I want because all you need to hear is my voice.
KB: I don’t even want to say because I don’t want people to know and come take my job. It’s pretty much a dream come true. I’ve always known I wanted to do this since I was a little girl. I knew I wanted to be an actress and I grew up here in LA and did the usual route of trying to do on-camera work, but you are just limited to what people see you as. That’s all I could ever be and I knew I had so much inside of me. I’ve been doing this for almost 20 years and I love it. Everyday, I get to do something different and it’s great.
For anyone who hasn’t seen Doc McStuffins yet, what’s a good reason to do so?
KM: The show is fun to watch and it teaches you things like brushing your teeth and floss. A lot of shows now don’t have a moral lesson.
