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C. Martin Croker

C. Martin Croker (January 10, 1962 – September 17, 2016), born Clay Martin Croker in Atlanta, Georgia, was an American animator, voice actor, and artist renowned for his contributions to and programming. Best known for voicing and animating iconic characters such as the mantis-like Zorak and the lava monster Moltar in Space Ghost Coast to Coast (1994–2008), as well as the mad scientist Dr. Weird in (2000–2015), Croker played a pivotal role in defining the surreal, late-night humor of these series. Croker's career spanned nearly three decades, beginning in the early when he joined Turner Broadcasting as an animator for TNT's Cartoon Theatre. He animated and provided voices for , created by , transforming unused footage into a talk-show parody that became a cornerstone of Cartoon Network's block. In addition to voicing multiple roles in (2000–2003) and providing animation for characters like Master Shake, Frylock, and Meatwad in , Croker contributed as a , designer, and voice talent to other projects including (2000–2007) and (2005–2021). Beyond , Croker founded his own studio, Big Deal Cartoons, and contributed design work to shows like Ugly Americans (2010). Despite facing professional challenges such as financial instability and lack of healthcare, he was celebrated for his prodigious talent in drawing—evident from childhood interests in dinosaurs and —and his vast personal collection of artwork. Croker's sudden death at age 54 from an undisclosed cause left a profound void in the animation community, where he is remembered as an unsung pioneer whose low-key genius shaped the irreverent style of modern .

Early life

Birth and family background

Clay Martin Croker was born on January 10, 1962, in , . He was the son of Marion Winchell Croker (1924–2004) and Ouida Thelma Martin (1925–2017), who raised him in the Atlanta metropolitan area, including , where his father owned the local business Gigi's Pizza & Pasta. Croker had at least one , a sister named Julie Thornton, with whom he shared an early family life centered in the region. During his youth, Croker grew up in this familial environment in , where he demonstrated an early aptitude for , though specific creative influences from his are not detailed in available records. His father's passing in 2004 occurred well into Croker's adulthood, while his mother outlived him until 2017.

Early interests and education

From a young age, C. Martin Croker displayed a remarkable talent for drawing, often covering every available scrap of paper with detailed sketches inspired by his fascinations with dinosaurs, , , and comic book characters. Growing up in , a suburb of , , he would recite classic cartoons by and verbatim, mimicking all the voices with uncanny accuracy, which hinted at his budding interest in animation and performance. In sixth grade, he received a projector and camera as a Christmas gift, sparking his experimentation with stop-motion and special effects through self-recorded films. Croker's artistic development was largely self-taught during his youth, as he honed his skills by collecting and studying vintage animation reels from influences like , , and , whose works he admired for their innovative techniques. Before graduating from Campbell High School in , he secured his first paid artistic role airbrushing custom artwork at , working alongside fellow young artists in the area. This informal training immersed him in a collaborative environment of sketchbooks and home movies created with peers in unconventional settings like local graveyards, fostering his creative independence. While Croker did not pursue formal in art or , his early exposure to 's rich heritage—home to Productions since the 1950s—profoundly shaped his aspirations. At age 14, after watching an interview with on morning television, he resolved to enter the field, attending local conventions like Atlanta Comics and Fantasy Fare to acquire film trailers and deepen his knowledge of the medium. These experiences, combined with his hands-on experimentation, laid the groundwork for his future contributions to without reliance on structured academic programs.

Career

Entry into animation

C. Martin Croker's entry into professional was marked by local opportunities in his native , building on his early aptitude for drawing that had been evident since childhood. His first documented animation job came in 1988, when he contributed to the Park laser light show in , animating elements such as the galloping Confederate soldiers in the production's finale. In the early , Croker transitioned to work with , a major media company headquartered in , where he took on initial roles in production. He animated various promos for the "TNT Toons" block on , a programming segment featuring classic cartoons that required creating engaging interstitial content to promote the lineup. These support-oriented tasks, including background and elements, provided foundational experience in the fast-paced environment of television production. This period coincided with the rapid growth of 's animation industry, driven by 's 1991 acquisition of Productions and the subsequent launch of [Cartoon Network](/page/Cartoon Network) on October 1, 1992, as a 24-hour dedicated channel. The network's establishment transformed into a key hub for , attracting talent and fostering in-house production at facilities like , where Croker integrated through his roles. His early contributions, such as assisting with bumpers and promos, aligned with the channel's need for original content to complement its vast library of classic cartoons, setting the stage for a career that spanned nearly 30 years in the field.

Key roles in Adult Swim productions

C. Martin Croker was a pivotal voice actor and animator in the early development of Adult Swim's flagship programming, most notably through his work on Space Ghost Coast to Coast. He provided the voices for the mantis-like keyboardist Zorak and the lava monster director Moltar across the series' run from 1994 to 2008, while also contributing animation to bring these repurposed Hanna-Barbera characters to life in a surreal talk-show format.[] (https://www.cartoonbrew.com/animators/the-legend-of-c-martin-croker-adult-swim-animator-and-voice-actor-162399.html) His performances infused the characters with deadpan humor and sarcasm, helping define the show's ironic tone that influenced Adult Swim's overall aesthetic.[] (https://deadline.com/2016/09/adult-swim-c-martin-croker-dies-at-55-1201821822/) Croker's portrayal of Moltar extended to the original Toonami programming block in 1997, where the character served as the inaugural host, introducing anime series like Dragon Ball Z and Voltron to a new generation of viewers. This role amplified Moltar's gruff, no-nonsense persona, contributing to Toonami's cultural phenomenon status as a gateway for Western audiences to Japanese animation during the late 1990s.[] (https://www.cartoonbrew.com/animators/the-legend-of-c-martin-croker-adult-swim-animator-and-voice-actor-162399.html) Croker also handled animation and design elements for the block, enhancing its gritty, futuristic visual style.[] (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0188554/) In , Croker voiced the mad scientist Dr. Weird and his assistant Steve in the show's segments from 2000 to 2002, delivering eccentric, over-the-top performances that contrasted with the main series' absurdity. He further shaped the program through animation work, including designing core characters like Master Shake, Frylock, and Meatwad via his studio Big Deal Cartoons, which added a raw, hand-drawn edge to the series' stop-motion hybrid aesthetic.[] (https://www.cartoonbrew.com/animators/the-legend-of-c-martin-croker-adult-swim-animator-and-voice-actor-162399.html) These contributions helped establish as a cornerstone of Adult Swim's irreverent humor.[] (https://deadline.com/2016/09/adult-swim-c-martin-croker-dies-at-55-1201821822/)

Other animation and voice work

Throughout his career, C. Martin Croker contributed voice work to several Cartoon Network series beyond his primary Adult Swim roles, showcasing his range as a performer. In The Brak Show (2000–2003), he reprised his role as the mantis-like alien Zorak, providing the character's distinctive high-pitched, sarcastic delivery across multiple episodes. Similarly, Croker made uncredited appearances as Zorak in Sealab 2021 (2000–2005), integrating the character into the show's underwater sci-fi parody through brief cameos that highlighted his improvisational vocal style. His voice talents extended to the anthology series Sunday Pants (2005), where he voiced a character in the segment "Loving Lovers in Love," demonstrating his ability to adapt to lighter, experimental shorts. In animation, Croker's credits included work on Hanna-Barbera-inspired projects outside the Adult Swim block, reflecting his early roots in Turner Broadcasting. He animated numerous "TNT Toons" promos in the early 1990s for 's cartoon programming, creating dynamic interstitials featuring classic characters in fresh, humorous scenarios that bridged traditional cel animation with modern broadcasting needs. Later, for the Comedy Central series Ugly Americans (2010–2012), Croker provided , , and design, contributing to the show's blend of and through detailed, atmospheric visuals that supported its ensemble. Croker also lent his voice and animation skills to guest spots and independent endeavors, underscoring his collaborative spirit in the industry. Notable among these were minor voice roles in various pilots and specials, where he often filled in as quirky supporting characters, drawing from his foundational experience animating . Over his three-decade career, Croker exhibited versatility across techniques, from traditional hand-drawn in promos to digital cut-out styles in series segments and even experimental stop-motion elements in select bumpers, adapting seamlessly to evolving production demands while maintaining a signature whimsical edge.

Personal life

Relationships

C. Martin Croker was married to April Stephens from May 14, 1988, until their divorce in 2014. The couple shared a home in the area, where Stephens also supported Croker's career by managing production and bookkeeping for his projects. In adulthood, after his father's death in 2004, Croker remained connected to his mother, Ouida Croker, and sister, Julie Thornton, both of whom lived in . He was survived by his mother, sister, and nephew Justin Weaver, indicating ongoing family ties in his later years. Croker rarely discussed non-career topics in public interviews, keeping details of his private.

Interests outside work

Croker maintained a deep passion for collecting rare art and memorabilia, amassing a vast personal archive that included original cels, hand-painted models, vintage toys, hundreds of mint-condition comics, and correspondence from pin-up icon , such as Christmas cards occasionally enclosing $100 bills. His collection also featured memorabilia, which he proudly showcased to visitors, reflecting a lifelong fascination that originated in childhood. Additionally, Croker owned priceless movie memorabilia, though he occasionally sold items like a first-edition #1 comic to cover living expenses. Beyond collecting, Croker pursued as a personal hobby, maintaining sketchbooks filled with doodles dating back to the 1970s and engaging in casual sketching during social gatherings. He was known for hosting intimate late-night sessions in the basement of his modest ranch house in , where friends would join him for collaborative doodling, modeling, and selecting VHS tapes to watch. These events highlighted his welcoming and jovial nature, fostering close ties within Atlanta's artist community, including long-term friendships with illustrators like Joe Peery and Dave Newton spanning over 30 years. He was a familiar presence at local comic conventions, where he connected personally with fans beyond professional obligations, sharing stories and his enthusiasm for pop culture. This involvement in 's cultural scene underscored his roots in the city's creative undercurrents.

Death and legacy

Illness and death

C. Martin Croker died suddenly on September 17, 2016, at his home in , , at the age of 54. The cause of death was not publicly disclosed at the time, and autopsy results were still pending according to the official obituary. Later reports indicated he was found dead on the floor of his home after complaining of an upset stomach earlier that day, possibly from bad food; his heart had stopped, and emergency medical technicians were unable to revive him. He had been in poor health and was self-medicating for dental pain without health insurance. No details regarding any prior illness, hospitalization, or treatment were made available in public statements or reports from 2016. In the immediate aftermath, Croker's family announced a memorial service held on October 1, 2016, at Carmichael Funeral Home in Smyrna, Georgia, where friends and relatives gathered to pay respects.

Tributes and impact

Following the announcement of C. Martin Croker's death by Adult Swim creative director Jason DeMarco, the network issued a special bumper tribute featuring clips of Croker's iconic characters Zorak and Moltar from Space Ghost Coast to Coast. In a further homage, Adult Swim made nearly all episodes of the series available for free streaming on its website, allowing fans to revisit Croker's foundational contributions to the show's animation and voice work. Colleagues and networks also paid respects through targeted memorials. On the block, which Croker helped launch as the voice of host Moltar, a special segment aired on September 24, 2016, depicting Moltar sending a to the robot host , decoded by companion as a heartfelt farewell message. This tribute highlighted Croker's role in establishing Toonami's early identity within programming. Fans responded with widespread online memorials, including tribute videos on compiling Croker's performances and personal anecdotes from conventions, as well as discussions on forums like expressing gratitude for his surreal humor. Croker's influence on Adult Swim's surreal animation style remains profound, as his work on pioneered the talk-show parody format that inspired countless irreverent, boundary-pushing series in the block's history. Characters like Zorak, with their deadpan delivery and chaotic energy, have become cultural touchstones in , symbolizing the offbeat creativity that defined early 2000s Cartoon Network programming.

Filmography

Television roles

C. Martin Croker was a prominent voice actor and animator in adult-oriented animated television, particularly within Cartoon Network's Adult Swim block. His most notable contributions include voicing and animating characters in several long-running series produced by Williams Street Productions. In Space Ghost Coast to Coast (1994–2008), Croker provided the voices for the mantis-like keyboardist Zorak and the lava rock monster control room operator Moltar across 109 episodes, while also serving as a lead animator responsible for much of the show's distinctive cutout animation style. He reprised these roles in related programming, including Cartoon Planet (1995–1998; 2012–2014), where he voiced Zorak in musical segments, and Toonami (1997–1999), voicing Moltar as the original host introducing anime blocks. Croker's work extended to The Brak Show (2001–2003), voicing Zorak in 28 episodes as a recurring sidekick to the dim-witted alien Brak. In Sealab 2021 (2000–2005), he made an uncredited appearance voicing Zorak in one episode. His signature mad scientist character Dr. Weird, along with assistant Steve, appeared in Aqua Teen Hunger Force (2000–2015), where Croker voiced them in 42 episodes and contributed animation for the surreal opening sequences featuring Dr. Weird's laboratory experiments. He also voiced various minor characters, such as the Pinball Birds and members of the Granite Family, throughout the series. Additionally, Croker provided voices for Perfect Hair Forever (2004–2007; 2014), including the character Young Man, and lent his voice to roles in Assy McGee (2006–2008), an animated police comedy. In Transformers: Animated (2007–2009), he voiced minor Autobot characters Legs and Rung. Beyond these, Croker had guest voice spots in other , such as uncredited Zorak cameos in Space Ghost Coast to Coast spin-offs. He occasionally directed animated segments for these shows, enhancing their experimental visual style.

Other credits

In addition to his television work, C. Martin Croker contributed to feature films, , music videos, and promotional content. His and extended to various media, showcasing his versatility in the industry. Croker provided voices for Dr. Weird and Steve in the 2007 animated feature , where he also served as animation director, helping bring the film's distinctive low-budget style to life. He voiced the character Zorak in the 1998 browser-based How Zorak Stole X-Mas, a promotional title tied to the universe, in which players navigate a holiday-themed adventure to thwart Zorak's plans. Early in his career, Croker animated numerous national television commercials and contributed to promotional materials, including the concept and animation for 's "TNT Toons" bumpers in the early , which featured cartoonish interstitials for the network's programming block. He also helped design and animate bumpers and short promos for during its formative years in the late , including elements for blocks like . Croker served as animation director for (2005–2007).

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