Futurama Characters Fun Facts and Character History
Welcome to our article all about the fascinating characters of Futurama! Created by Matt Groening, this animated science fiction sitcom has captured the hearts of fans around the world. Join us as we explore the fun facts and character histories of the beloved cast of Futurama.

From the main characters like Philip J. Fry, Turanga Leela, and Bender, to the supporting and recurring characters that add depth and humor to the series, Futurama offers a diverse and entertaining ensemble cast.
Key Takeaways:
- Discover the main characters of Futurama and their unique contributions to the show.
- Learn interesting facts about the iconic characters like Philip J. Fry, Turanga Leela, and Bender.
- Explore the character histories and backstories that make Futurama so engaging.
- Understand the voice actors’ role in bringing these characters to life.
- Appreciate the supporting and recurring characters that add depth and humor to the series.
Main Characters of Futurama
In the animated science fiction sitcom Futurama, there is an incredible ensemble of characters that bring the futuristic world to life. Let’s take a closer look at the main characters who make this show memorable and hilarious.
Philip J. Fry
Philip J. Fry is the lovable and sometimes clueless protagonist of the series. After being cryogenically frozen for 1000 years, he wakes up in the 31st century and embarks on a journey of self-discovery in the bustling city of New New York.
Turanga Leela
Turanga Leela is the no-nonsense captain of the Planet Express ship. With her one eye and strong leadership skills, she navigates through the challenges of space travel while providing guidance to the crew.
Bender
Bender is a foul-mouthed, fun-loving robot with a penchant for bending girders and partying. His sarcastic wit and lack of morals make him a fan favorite and a constant source of laughter.
Professor Farnsworth
Professor Hubert J. Farnsworth is the eccentric owner of the Planet Express company and Fry’s distant relative. He is known for his mad scientist inventions and his unpredictable behavior, adding a touch of chaos to the crew’s adventures.
Dr. Zoidberg
Dr. John A. Zoidberg is the clumsy but well-meaning Decapodian doctor of the Planet Express crew. Despite his ineptitude in medicine, he always manages to bring a dose of hilarity and unconventional wisdom to the group.
Amy Wong
Amy Wong is a student intern at Planet Express and a wealthy heiress. With her sassy attitude and knack for getting into trouble, she adds a dynamic energy to the team.
Hermes Conrad
Hermes Conrad is the strict, by-the-book bureaucrat and accountant of the crew. Known for his love of paperwork and his Jamaican accent, he constantly adds comedic moments to the show.
Kif Kroker
Kif Kroker is the long-suffering assistant to the hapless Captain Zapp Brannigan. With his resigned demeanor and dry wit, he provides a contrast to Zapp’s outrageous behavior.
Zapp Brannigan
Captain Zapp Brannigan is the pompous and dim-witted leader of the DOOP flagship Nimbus. From his exaggerated bravado to his failed attempts at command, he is a recurring character who never fails to bring laughter to the screen.
Nibbler and Mom’s
Throughout the series, we also encounter other memorable characters like Nibbler, the cute and mysterious pet who is more than meets the eye, and Mom, an evil businesswoman with sinister plans. These characters add depth and intrigue to the storylines.
As we delve into the exciting world of Futurama, it is clear that the main characters are the heart and soul of the show. Their unique personalities and adventures keep us entertained and coming back for more.
Philip J. Fry
Philip J. Fry, voiced by Billy West, is the main protagonist of Futurama. He is a pizza delivery boy from the 20th century who gets cryogenically frozen and wakes up in the 31st century. Despite his dim-wittedness, Fry’s lovable personality endears him to fans of the show. After awakening in the future, he finds himself working at the Planet Express delivery company, embarking on various adventures with his eccentric colleagues.
Billy West used an impression of his own voice when he was 25 years old to create the voice of Fry. This distinctive voice brings Fry’s character to life and adds to his charm and comedic timing throughout the series.
Fry’s journey through time and space, as well as his endearing qualities, make him one of the most beloved characters in Futurama.
| Character Information | Fact |
|---|---|
| Main Protagonist | Philip J. Fry is the central character in Futurama, driving the narrative and providing a relatable perspective for viewers. |
| Loveable and Dim-Witted | Fry’s endearing nature and lack of intelligence make him both relatable and entertaining. |
| Voice Actor | Billy West’s iconic voice acting brings Fry’s character to life and adds depth to his comedic moments. |
Turanga Leela
Turanga Leela, voiced by Katey Sagal, is the female lead of Futurama. She is a one-eyed mutant who becomes Fry’s love interest and the captain of the Planet Express ship. Leela is known for her strong leadership and resourcefulness, often saving the crew from dangerous situations. She is also an environmentalist and has a complex backstory, making her one of the most interesting characters in the series.
Key Traits of Turanga Leela
- Strong leadership skills
- Resourceful in challenging situations
- Environmental advocate
- Mutant with a complex backstory
In Futurama, Turanga Leela serves as the female lead and brings a unique dynamic to the crew of the Planet Express ship. As the captain, she takes charge of the missions and leads with confidence and determination. Leela’s one-eyed mutant appearance adds to her distinctiveness and serves as a reminder of the diversity within the Futurama universe.
Beyond her commanding presence, Leela is characterized by her resourcefulness. Whether it’s navigating through treacherous environments or outsmarting enemies, she consistently finds creative solutions to save herself and her crewmates. Her quick thinking and adaptability make her an invaluable asset in the face of danger.
Leela’s commitment to environmentalism is another notable aspect of her character. She often demonstrates a deep respect for nature and advocates for its protection. This aligns with the show’s themes of exploring the consequences of human actions in a futuristic society.
Lastly, Turanga Leela’s complex backstory adds depth and intrigue to her character. As a mutant, she faces prejudice and discrimination, and her journey includes exploring her origins and discovering her true identity. This exploration of her past contributes to the overall narrative of the series.
Overall, Turanga Leela’s role as the female lead and captain in Futurama showcases her strength, resourcefulness, and dedication to both her crew and the environment. With her distinctive appearance and complex backstory, she has become one of the most memorable and beloved characters in the series.

Bender Bending Rodríguez
In the world of Futurama, one character stands out for his unforgettable personality and hilarious antics: Bender Bending Rodríguez. As a humanoid robot and the comic antihero of the show, Bender brings a unique blend of sarcasm, wit, and mischief to every episode.
Voiced by the talented John DiMaggio, Bender is known for his iconic voice acting and impeccable comedic timing. He perfectly captures Bender’s love of alcohol, his sarcastic remarks, and his complete disregard for rules and morals. With his sly sense of humor and quick one-liners, Bender never fails to deliver laughs.
As Fry’s best friend and roommate, Bender often finds himself in the center of trouble. Whether it’s scheming for wealth, pulling pranks, or concocting outrageous plans, Bender’s misadventures make for some of the most memorable moments in the series.
But beyond his comedic role, Bender is also a complex character with unexpected depth. Despite his flaws, he occasionally shows moments of vulnerability and even displays unexpected acts of heroism. This dimension to his character adds an intriguing layer to his overall persona.
“Bite my shiny metal ass!”
A true icon in the world of animation, Bender has garnered a massive fan base who can’t get enough of his outrageous behavior and hilarious escapades. Whether he’s bending girders, stealing valuable artifacts, or singing about his love for being evil, Bender’s presence on-screen always leaves a lasting impression.
In fact, with his popularity, Bender has become one of the most recognized and beloved comic antiheroes in television history. Futurama simply wouldn’t be the same without his unique brand of humor and mischief.
| Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Sarcasm | Bender’s sarcastic wit adds a humorous edge to his character. |
| Love of alcohol | Bender’s constant desire for alcohol is a recurring theme throughout the series. |
| Lack of morals | With his complete disregard for rules, Bender often finds himself in morally questionable situations. |
Whether he’s bending metal or bending the rules, Bender Bending Rodríguez is a true legend in the animated world. Thanks to John DiMaggio’s incredible voice acting and the character’s undeniably hilarious personality, Bender has cemented his place as one of the most iconic and beloved characters in Futurama.

Professor Farnsworth
Professor Hubert J. Farnsworth, voiced by Billy West, is the eccentric mad scientist and owner of the Planet Express delivery company. As Fry’s distant descendant, he alternates between moments of brilliance and moments of senility due to his advanced age.
The Professor is renowned for his groundbreaking inventions, often delving into the realm of doomsday devices and atomic supermen. His creations never fail to stir up chaos and danger, frequently sending the crew on thrilling and perilous missions.
“Good news, everyone!”
“In the game of chess, you can never let your adversary see your pieces.”
Despite his absent-minded tendencies, Professor Farnsworth’s genius shines through in his innovative and outlandish inventions. From the What-If Machine to the Smelloscope, his creations continuously astound and amuse. With Billy West’s exceptional voice acting, the Professor’s eccentricity is brought to life in a way that captivates fans.

The Genius of Professor Farnsworth
| Invention | Description |
|---|---|
| The Smelloscope | A device that allows the user to smell objects from a distance. |
| The What-If Machine | A contraption that poses hypothetical scenarios and reveals their consequences. |
| The Finglonger | An elongated glove that extends the user’s reach. |
| The Death Clock | A device that predicts the exact moment of an individual’s death. |
Professor Farnsworth’s knack for pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration continues to delight fans of “Futurama.” Whether he’s unwittingly causing havoc or leading the crew on daring adventures, the Professor’s mad genius and hilarious inventions remain a beloved aspect of the show.
Dr. Zoidberg
Dr. Zoidberg, voiced by Billy West, is a beloved supporting character in the animated sitcom Futurama. He is the incompetent yet lovable alien doctor of the Planet Express crew, known for his unique voice and personality.
Hailing from the planet Decapod 10, Dr. Zoidberg often provides comedic relief with his strange mannerisms and misunderstood medical practices. Despite his lack of medical expertise, his presence brings joy and entertainment to the show.
“I’m a doctor. I don’t know anything about that. I’m just a simple country doctor.”
Billy West’s voice acting brings Dr. Zoidberg’s character to life, capturing his distinct voice and quirky personality. His portrayal of the bumbling doctor adds depth and humor, making Dr. Zoidberg a fan-favorite among Futurama enthusiasts.

The Incompetent Doctor Who Stole Our Hearts
Dr. Zoidberg may not be the most skilled doctor, but his charm and endearing nature have won the hearts of fans worldwide. Despite his eccentricities and constant failures, Zoidberg remains an essential part of the Planet Express crew and the Futurama universe.
Whether he’s performing bizarre medical procedures, devouring garbage, or exclaiming his signature catchphrase “Why not Zoidberg?”, Dr. Zoidberg never fails to bring laughter and entertainment to the screen.
Next time you watch Futurama, pay close attention to Dr. Zoidberg and appreciate the talent of Billy West, the voice actor who brought this iconic supporting character to life.
Amy Wong
Amy Wong, voiced by Lauren Tom, is a vibrant and dynamic supporting character in the animated series Futurama. She is an intern at the Planet Express delivery company and also happens to be a rich, spoiled heiress. Despite her privileged upbringing, Amy is hardworking and frequently finds herself getting involved in the crew’s exciting adventures.
With a sassy and determined personality, Amy brings a unique energy to the show. Lauren Tom’s exceptional voice acting brings out the full depth of Amy’s character, making her a beloved favorite among fans.
Whether she’s contributing her scientific expertise, providing comic relief, or adding a touch of glamour to the group, Amy proves that supporting characters can have just as much impact as the main cast. Her dynamic personality and engaging storylines make her an essential part of the Futurama universe.

Character Highlights
- Rich and spoiled heiress
- Hardworking intern at the Planet Express delivery company
- Sassy and determined personality
- Brings scientific expertise to the crew
- Provides comic relief
- Adds glamour and excitement to the show
Hermes Conrad
Hermes Conrad, voiced by Phil LaMarr, is a key supporting character in the animated series Futurama. He serves as the Jamaican accountant and bureaucrat of the Planet Express crew, bringing a unique blend of humor and professionalism to the show. Hermes is known for his strict adherence to regulations, often acting as the voice of reason amidst the chaos.
With his signature catchphrase, “Sweet Christmas!”, Hermes adds comedic relief to the series and keeps the audience entertained. His Jamaican accent and comedic timing, brought to life by Phil LaMarr’s voice acting, make the character even more endearing and memorable.
In addition to providing comic relief, Hermes Conrad plays a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of the Planet Express company. As the accountant, he ensures that everything is in order and that the crew stays on track. His attention to detail and bureaucratic nature bring a level of authenticity and humor to the series.
“Sweet Christmas! I can’t believe we have to fill out these forms again!”
If you’re a fan of Futurama, you’ll appreciate Hermes Conrad’s witty remarks and his ability to balance the absurdity of the future with a touch of grounded reality. His character adds depth to the show, contributing to the overall dynamic and chemistry of the Planet Express crew.

Whether he’s crunching numbers or cracking jokes, Hermes Conrad is a beloved character that fans of Futurama have come to know and love. So the next time you watch the show, keep an eye out for Hermes and his entertaining antics!
Kif Kroker
Kif Kroker is a green-skinned alien and a recurring character in the animated series Futurama. Voiced by Maurice LaMarche, Kif serves as the long-suffering assistant to the egotistical Captain Zapp Brannigan. Known for his timid personality, Kif is constantly frustrated by Zapp’s reckless behavior and questionable decision-making.
Despite his meekness, Kif often provides a much-needed voice of reason and plays a vital role in the show’s humor. His dry wit and unwavering patience in dealing with Zapp’s antics add a comedic element to their interactions. Maurice LaMarche’s voice acting brings Kif to life, capturing his timid nature and providing the perfect contrast to Zapp’s bombastic personality.
Notable Traits of Kif Kroker:
- Timid personality
- Constantly frustrated with Captain Zapp Brannigan
- Voice of reason amidst chaos
- Dry wit and sarcasm
- Patience in dealing with Zapp’s antics
“I have no choice but to promote you to… CAPTAIN!” – Zapp Brannigan
Kif Kroker Voice Actor and Episodes
| Character | Actor | Number of Episodes |
|---|---|---|
| Kif Kroker | Maurice LaMarche | 73 |

Zapp Brannigan
Zapp Brannigan is a recurring character in Futurama, known for his egotistical nature and dim-witted personality. Voiced by the talented Billy West, Zapp is the captain of the DOOP flagship Nimbus and a member of the military organization known as the Democratic Order of Planets.
Zapp Brannigan epitomizes arrogance and incompetence as a military leader. His overconfidence often leads to disastrous consequences, providing plenty of comedic moments throughout the series. Despite his flaws, Zapp is a beloved character among fans, thanks in large part to Billy West’s exceptional voice acting.

In addition to his larger-than-life personality, Zapp is notorious for his womanizing tendencies. His constant pursuit of female companionship often gets him into humorous and awkward situations. This recurring theme adds an element of romance and comedy to the show, further enhancing Zapp’s role as a memorable character.
Notable Quotes from Zapp Brannigan:
“I am the man with no name…Zapp Brannigan at your service!”
“You win again, gravity!”
“If we hit that bullseye, the rest of the dominoes will fall like a house of cards. Checkmate.”
With his exaggerated voice and flamboyant personality, Zapp Brannigan is undoubtedly one of the standout characters in Futurama. Billy West’s exceptional voice acting brings Zapp to life, making him a fan favorite among viewers.
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Zapp Brannigan | Billy West |
Supporting and Recurring Characters
In addition to the main characters, Futurama showcases a vibrant cast of supporting and recurring characters that contribute to the show’s humor and depth. These characters add an extra layer of entertainment and keep fans coming back for more.
One notable supporting character is Nibbler, a cute and seemingly harmless creature who is revealed to be a highly intelligent being with a secret mission. Nibbler’s presence in the series adds mystery and intrigue, making him a fan favorite.
Mom, the ruthless and business-savvy owner of MomCorp, is another memorable character. Her relentless pursuit of profits often leads to hilarious encounters and unexpected plot twists. Mom brings a dynamic and cunning energy to the show.
Scruffy, the Planet Express janitor, is a comical recurring character who provides dry wit and understated humor. Despite his low-profile job, Scruffy presents a depth of character and surprises viewers with unexpected insights.
Finally, the Robot Devil is an iconic character who appears in memorable episodes and delivers devilishly funny performances. His diabolical schemes and musical numbers elevate the show to new levels of creativity and entertainment.
FAQ
What is Futurama?
Futurama is an animated science fiction sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company.
Who are the main characters of Futurama?
The main characters of Futurama are Philip J. Fry, Turanga Leela, Bender Bending Rodríguez, Professor Farnsworth, Dr. Zoidberg, Amy Wong, Hermes Conrad, Kif Kroker, Zapp Brannigan, Nibbler, and Mom.
Who voices Philip J. Fry?
Philip J. Fry is voiced by Billy West.
What is Turanga Leela’s role in Futurama?
Turanga Leela is the female lead of Futurama and serves as the captain of the Planet Express ship.
Who voices Bender Bending Rodríguez?
Bender Bending Rodríguez is voiced by John DiMaggio.
Who is Professor Farnsworth in Futurama?
Professor Farnsworth is an eccentric mad scientist and the owner of the Planet Express delivery company.
Who voices Dr. Zoidberg?
Dr. Zoidberg is voiced by Billy West.
Who voices Amy Wong?
Amy Wong is voiced by Lauren Tom.
Who voices Hermes Conrad?
Hermes Conrad is voiced by Phil LaMarr.
Who voices Kif Kroker?
Kif Kroker is voiced by Maurice LaMarche.
Who is Zapp Brannigan in Futurama?
Zapp Brannigan is the egotistical captain of the DOOP flagship Nimbus and is voiced by Billy West.
Are there any other notable characters in Futurama?
Yes, there are numerous supporting and recurring characters in Futurama, including Nibbler, Mom, Scruffy, and the Robot Devil.
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