Kimiko Glenn Talks Kiff – Exclusive Interview

Kimiko Glen took time out of her busy schedule to talk to us about her voice over work on the show “Kiff” where she voices the titular role, Kiff. We get to talk all about the new show, which we just love, and learn more about Kimiko. Make sure to check out “Kiff” on Disney Channel and Disney XD as well as streaming on Disney+.

With nearly 10 years of experience in the animation space, Kimiko’s additional voice-over credits include a leading role in the Academy Award®-winning feature “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” “Over the Moon,” “Centaurworld,” “Close Enough,” “My Little Pony: A New Generation” and Michelle Obama’s “Waffles & Mochi.”

BSCKids: How did you get the role of Kiff?

Kimiko Glenn: Like any other project, I auditioned! I remember having a little drawing of the character and maybe 5 lines with some directional instructions, and I probably had to sing something. I definitely remember singing the song “THINGS” for the audition. That song is WILD.

Describe “Kiff” in your own words, and do you have anything in common with the character?

Kiff is an adventurous, high energy, curious little squirrel who gets into hilarious situations and misadventures with his best friend Barry. I definitely think I commonly share a zest for life and enthusiasm in a lot of things I do, similar to Kiff. She gets her mind dead set on something and has to see it through, and I find myself in those situations a lot. I feel like sometimes this works out better for a tight 11-minute cartoon, versus the harsh reality that is life!

Do you have a process to get into character before working?

Honestly, I feel like I relate to Kiff a lot and can connect pretty quickly with her. My process is: a big cup of coffee and warmed up voice!

Have there been any funny behind the scenes stories you can share while working on this show? If not, how about other voice work you have done?

Of course! The entire show is a blast to create, and we have so much fun doing it. I think probably one of the funniest revelations I had while working on this project, was realizing after 8 years of knowing him, that Sam Riegel (our voice director) was famous. I learned that when I met up with him at Burning Man!

What does a normal day look like for you when working on the show?

Well, we started this show during the pandemic, so on a normal day, I roll out of bed, in my pajamas, make a cup of coffee, and log onto zoom in my home recording studio – usually with my dog snoring next to me. It’s a pretty sweet deal!

What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

Maybe since I don’t showcase it a lot — I am pretty good at the guitar. It’s one of those things I’ve been doing for about 12 years, and I’d love for it to somehow come in handy for an on-camera job one of these days!

If you could voice the “Kiff” character on another Disney show, which one would it be and why? How would “Kiff” adapt to that world?

This might seem silly since I also played a role in this show as well… but I think Kiff would fit well into the “Ducktales” world. Or maybe “Kim Possible” – Kiff is ready for adventure at any point, and I think she could really be helpful at solving a mystery.

If you could design your own “Kiff” playset what would be in it?

All the characters we know and love of course!! Barry, Helen, Principal Secretary, Secretary Prince, all of Kiff’s family, and of course all of Barry’s. What is Table Town without the people who make it?

Why should everyone tune into “Kiff” and what makes it different from other animated show?

If nothing else, it is HILARIOUS. Truly. When I watch it, it makes me honestly LOL. The characters, the situations, the INSANITY… It’s going to be hard for the parents to turn it on and not watch!

Special thanks to Kimiko Glenn and make sure to tune in: “Kiff” airs on Disney Channel and Disney XD on Saturdays (8:30 a.m. ET/PT) and is streaming on Disney+.