INTERVIEW: Sean Giambrone Shares His Love for ‘The Goldbergs,’ His Role as Adam, Voiceover Acting, and His Favorite Things

Sean Giambrone is best known for playing Adam Goldberg on the ABC hit show, The Goldbergs. In addition to being wonderful on camera, Sean is a fantastic voice-over acts as well. He was Jeff Randall’s voice on the Cartoon Network show, Clarence, Travis in The Emoji Movie, Richardson Mole in Big Hero 6: The Series, and the voice of Cotton in The Secret Life of Pets 2. Sean recently sat down with Glitter to discuss how he started in acting, his favorite moments on The Goldbergs, his favorite trends from the 1980s, his definition of self-love, and what he likes to do in his free time. Read on to find out more about this incredibly talented actor.

GLITTER: Where did you grow up? What were some of your favorite hobbies or things to do as a kid?
SEAN: I grew up in Chicago. My favorite hobbies were drawing, playing soccer and basketball, and making home movies with my brother.

GLITTER: You started acting at the age of nine. How did you get your start, and when did you first know you had a love for it? 
SEAN: I got started performing in the variety show for my elementary school. I really liked performing on stage, so that’s when it became apparent that I loved it. I auditioned for commercials and landed a role on Friendly’s and Sea World commercials, which really solidified it for me.

GLITTER: Can you share some highlights from your voice-over projects?
SEAN: Cartoon Network’s Clarence was my first job in voice-over, and I loved that experience. It was here that I got to meet and work with Tom Kenney (SpongeBob) and have my first improv, collaborative session. To do improv like that reminded me of my days back in Chicago where I was able to use my imagination and creativity to come up with stories with my brother and my friends. Doing this as a job really drove home why I love acting and this business. 

GLITTER: Can you tell us about your character Adam Goldberg and how you landed the role?
SEAN: Interestingly enough, it was Clarence that got me the role of Adam. Cartoon Network asked if I would come out and record with the other actors. While I was in LA, I took an audition for The Goldbergs, where I met with Adam Goldberg himself. In the audition, they asked me what I was doing in LA, and I said I was out here on business. That clinched it for Adam because that is something he would have said.

GLITTER: How are you similar to your character? 
SEAN: I have a very similar love of pop culture like Adam, and as I indicated before, I made home movies with my brother. Like Adam, I can easily be annoying to my family and told to shut up and knock it off. Most importantly, we both have a similar love for our families.

GLITTER: You mentioned recently that you were trying to get Adam’s laugh down for the audition. What was that like?
SEAN: He’s got a unique laugh that’s really contagious, and it continues to build. All I know, it’s pretty special and one that I still can’t recreate.

GLITTER: Your character is obsessed with Time Bandits, The Lost Boys, and The Dark Crystal. Have you watched any of these projects to get into character?
SEAN: I’m not going to lie. These are the three that I haven’t seen. I saw most of his other loves even before getting on the show. I plan to watch these too someday. 

GLITTER: You’ve grown up on the series. What have been some of the highlights of being a part of your TV family?
SEAN: Growing closer to everyone; they’re an extended family now, cast and crew. It was pretty funny that I had such a large family watch me get my first kiss, learn how to sword fight, get all the dodge balls thrown at my head, and so many other things. The highlight is truly the people I work with every day.

GLITTER: The series takes place in the 80s. What are some of your favorite trends or shows from that time period? Has anything about 1980s culture perplexed you?
SEAN: Family Ties, Star Wars, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and John Hughes movies are all my favorite. I like the music, too. It just seemed like a cool time with bright colors and huge hair. Amazing how they pulled it off.

GLITTER: Can you share a funny or fun moment from set where you laughed out loud with the cast?
SEAN: One of the times that stood out for me was when Barry, Erica, and Lainey were doing a scene with music. Barry (Troy Gentile) just took off doing a long rap song from nowhere. We all stood in amazement as he was able to entertainingly create an entire rap on the spot. Great moment.

GLITTER: What is one of your favorite scenes to film?
SEAN: I loved the scene with my Pops (George Segal) when we were both Batmans, and we were supposedly using ropes to climb up the side of the Goldberg house. Through movie magic, George at one point said, “That’s it…let go of the rope,” and jokingly walked off, making it look like he was walking down the side of the house freeform. 

GLITTER: The Goldbergs is such a highlight for many viewers during the pandemic for everyone wanting to laugh and enjoy a feel-good family series. How did that make you feel to be a part of uplifting fans?
SEAN: For me, I grew up on ABC sitcoms, so being on one of their sitcoms is so unreal. Just being a part of it is amazing. I’m really glad the viewers enjoy it as much as we enjoy making it.

GLITTER: What are your top five binge-worthy series?
SEAN: 

• Malcolm in the Middle
• Seinfeld
• That 70s Show
• Breaking Bad
• Peaky Blinders

GLITTER: Favorite place you’ve ever traveled? Where are you hoping to travel to once it’s safe?
SEAN: Italy was my favorite place because I traveled with my family, including my Nonna, whose family is originally from Lucca. Just going as a first-timer to try the food, see the sights, and experience the culture, I know I need to go back because there is so much more to experience. Before I go there, though, I have to go back to Chicago.

GLITTER: Glitter has a #SelfLoveCampaign. What’s self-love mean to you?
SEAN: Take it easy on yourself and value every moment you have.

GLITTER: Favorite go-to snack?
SEAN: Double-burgers.

GLITTER: When you aren’t acting or working, what do you do like to do in your free time?
SEAN: Basketball and soccer.

GLITTER: What’s next for you?
SEAN: Hopefully, a lot more acting, and voice-over.

GLITTER: What are the best socials for fans to find you?
SEAN:  Instagram: @seangiambrone, Twitter: @seangiambrone1 and Facebook