Colors was an educational children’s TV series that aired on Nick Jr. from 1993 to 2005. The show followed an anthropomorphic frog named Frog as he explored colors, numbers, shapes, and patterns with his friends. Frog quickly became the show’s popular main character and mascot. But who provided the voice of Frog during the 12 seasons Colors was on the air? Let’s take a look at the actors behind this famous frog.
Bob West Voiced Frog from 1993-1998
Bob West was the original voice actor for Frog on Colors. West was already an experienced voice actor when he landed the role, having voiced various characters for Hanna-Barbera cartoons in the 1980s and 1990s.
When Colors premiered in 1993, West voiced Frog with a youthful exuberance and energetic curiosity that encapsulated the show’s spirit of playful learning. His vocal performance brought warmth and appeal to Frog, making him a relatable character for the preschool audience.
West continued voicing Frog for the first 5 seasons of Colors, from 1993 to 1998. During this time, he helped establish Frog as the upbeat and endearing center of the Colors ensemble.
Michael Caloz Replaced West as Frog from 1998-2005
In 1998, Nickelodeon decided to recast the role of Frog with a new voice actor, Michael Caloz. Caloz was an experienced children’s entertainer and puppeteer who had previously played roles on Sesame Street and Allegra’s Window.
When Caloz took over as Frog on Colors starting in season 6, he continued the enthusiastic and charming characterization that West had originated. While the two actors had distinct voices, Caloz maintained Frog’s positive energy and warmth.
Caloz voiced Frog for the remainder of Colors’ run, from 1998 to 2005. Over those 7 seasons, he helped evolve Frog while keeping his core traits intact. Caloz gave final vocal performances for the character that a generation of viewers grew up with.
Behind the Voice Actors
| Actor | Years as Frog |
|---|---|
| Bob West | 1993-1998 |
| Michael Caloz | 1998-2005 |
Bob West and Michael Caloz were the only two voice actors to portray Frog during Colors’ 12 season run. West originated the role and voiced Frog for the first 5 seasons. Then Caloz took over for the remainder of the series.
Both actors brought enthusiasm and warmth to Frog. While West established the character’s personality, Caloz maintained Frog’s spirit while adding his own touches over 7 seasons. Together, their vocal performances created the Frog that so many kids grew up with on Colors.
Frog Remained a Memorable Character
Frog was clearly the breakout star of Colors thanks to the two talented actors behind him. With his friendliness, curiosity, and energetic voice, Frog made learning fun. He quickly became the show’s mascot and a beloved character for a generation of young viewers.
Years after Colors went off the air, Frog remains one of the most memorable educational TV characters. Both Bob West and Michael Caloz deserve credit for bringing Frog to life through their vocal characterizations. Their voice acting talents helped create the endearing and iconic Frog that fans still love today.
Conclusion
Bob West and Michael Caloz were the actors who portrayed the beloved character Frog on the children’s series Colors. West voiced Frog from 1993 to 1998, establishing the character’s positive personality. Then Caloz took over the role from 1998 through the end of the series in 2005, maintaining Frog’s appeal for viewers. Their voices brought Frog to life for 12 seasons. While Colors is no longer on the air, Frog remains a recognizable mascot representing the show’s spirit of playful learning. He is an example of how skilled voice acting can create an educational character that resonates with generations of children.
