We interviewed Mary Gibbs, the actress who voiced the character Boo from Monster’s Inc! But, since Monster’s Inc came out decades ago, the Boo we know from Monster’s Inc is all grown up! We asked her about what the experience was like, her favorite memories, what she’s up to now, and about the fan theories including that Boo is featured in Toy Story!

Thank you so much for agreeing to let us interview you! We’re so excited to hear about your experience voicing Boo.

How did you end up auditioning for the role of Boo?

Mary: My dad has been a story board artist and working for Disney and Pixar for the past twenty years. He was a part of the team working on Monsters Inc. They originally needed a little girl to come in so the artists could sketch a child’s natural movement, and also to use for scratch dialogue.*

*It is common for animators to use real people before sketching the characters in cartoon, or animations. Courtesy of Bored Panda.

I was already in the office a lot with my dad so I seemed like a good fit. With me being so comfortable in the studio and with the crew, they offered me the part in the final movie.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMZMzHrgZ_8/?taken-by=yoga_boo

What was it like to voice an animated character?

When I was younger I didn’t really know what I was doing. I think I just liked being able to go to my dad’s work everyday. Now it’s just a part of me. I’m going to be honest though, it’s pretty unusual knowing your voice has been heard around the world and is even on a ride at Disneyland.

Courtesy of Disneyland

What was the production process like?

You’d have to ask my dad about the production process, I just know from second hand experience. From what I know, my dad’s job as a storyboard artist is to take the script, draw it out, finalize the storyline, and figure out all the ways to make the audience laugh, cry, and feel as they watch the movie. From there they hand it over to animation and animate what they have created two-dimensionally.

Did you interact much with the other actors?

From what I can remember I wasn’t in the recording studio with the other actors. I met them at the premier party though when Billy Crystal walked me down the red carpet.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKw5ic1g4se/?hl=en&taken-by=yoga_boo

Did you watch the movie after you starred in it?

I probably watched the movie about a thousand times. When it first came out everyone wanted to watch it with me and that really hasn’t died down. It’s been about a year since I’ve watched it though, maybe I’m due to watch it again.

What’s you favorite memory from filming the movie?

My favorite memory was just being able to hang out with my dad and his co-workers all day. To me I was just playing and wandering around the studio. I’m sure there was more to it but from what I remember I was just having fun.

What are you up to now?

I’ve ventured far from my acting days into the world of health and fitness. I am the co-owner of Revival, a health and wellness company that uses personal training and health/life coaching to transform my clients lives. I’m very aware of the declining physical, mental, and spiritual health we are experiencing today and am determined to spark revival in people’s lives. To work with me or see what I’m up to, you can check out my Instagram @yoga_boo.

Would you ever want to star in another Monster’s Inc movie if you could?

I am not actively seeking any roles but if Pixar approached me with the opportunity to come back with Boo I would gladly accept.*

*Note: the image below is NOT released by Disney. It is fan art made by a Disney fan! (We wish it was real!)

Any fun facts you can share about Monster’s Inc?

I don’t know many fun facts, but I can assure you that the story board artists do not get together and conspire some “Pixar theory” that everyone on the Internet talks about.

Here’s some of the theories she might be referring to!

1. Boo is Bonnie, one of the children at Sunnyside Day Care in Toy Story 3. Read more here.

2. Boo grew up to be Andy’s mom in Toy Story. Read more here.

3. Boo is the witch from Brave. Read more here.

4. Boo is the same character as Violet from the Incredibles. Read more here.

Wrapping It Up

Thank you so much Mary for letting us interview you! Be sure to check out her Instagram account and follow her to see more about her yoga adventure, and some great throwbacks about Boo!