Will Arnett
The actor who played Gob Bluth, the magician with a penchant for Europe's "The Final Countdown."
Will Arnett is the actor who portrayed George Oscar "Gob" Bluth II in the Fox/Netflix sitcom Arrested Development (2003–2006, 2013, 2018–2019). His performance earned him his first Emmy nomination in 2004. Arnett has described himself as an "actor first" rather than a comic, and his role on the show remains comedy. He has stated that his two favorite episodes of the series are "Pier Pressure" and "Afternoon Delight."
- Character
- Gob Bluth
- Role
- Main Cast Member
- Status
- Alumni
- Affiliation
- The Bluth Family
- First Appears
- Pilot Episode
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
In 2003, Arnett found mainstream success playing Gob Bluth in Arrested Development. The show was cancelled after three seasons due to low ratings, despite critical acclaim and a cult following. Arnett had become frustrated after four failed television pilots and had "swore off pilots" altogether, until his agent persuaded him to audition for this one. Prior to Arrested Development, he guest-starred in The Sopranos and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in 2002. Arnett's exposure on Arrested Development led to larger roles in feature films. He also played Max the Magician on Sesame Street, though there is no canon evidence that this was a specific nod to Gob Bluth. His distinctive gravelly voice has earned him voice-over work, including for CBS television promos, film trailers, and numerous advertisements.
In Their Own Story
In 2003, Arnett stepped onto the set of a Fox comedy pilot that would change his career. After four failed pilots and a period he called "the darkest year of [his] life" in 2000, he had nearly given up on television. A friend had helped pull him out of his battle with alcoholism in summer 2000, and he began getting his career back on track. Now, playing Gob Bluth, he found mainstream success. The show earned him his first Emmy nomination in 2006, though it was cancelled after three seasons due to low ratings.
Reader's Guide
Arnett's performance as Gob Bluth relied on physical comedy and his natural baritone voice. He has stated he "never considered himself a comic" and considers himself an "actor first." His two favorite episodes of the series are "Pier Pressure" and "Afternoon Delight," according to a 2006 interview with the Los Angeles Times. The character's use of Europe's "The Final Countdown" during magic shows became a signature element, later referenced when Arnett played Max the Magician on Sesame Street. Arnett's work on Arrested Development led to an Emmy-nominated recurring role as Devon Banks on 30 Rock (2007–2013), for which he received four Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series. He also co-starred in the NBC comedy series Up All Night, about a couple balancing home lives with their newborn child and work.
Did You Know?
- Arnett was nominated for his first Emmy in 2004 for his role as Gob Bluth.
- He had sworn off television pilots after four failed attempts, but his agent persuaded him to audition for Arrested Development.
- Arnett's two favorite episodes of Arrested Development are "Pier Pressure" and "Afternoon Delight."
- He played Max the Magician on Sesame Street, though there is no canon evidence linking this role to Gob Bluth.
- Arnett called 2000, the year after The Mike O'Malley Show was cancelled, "the darkest year of [his] life" and admits he "drank those years away."
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Will Arnett in relation to Arrested Development?
Arnett brought the character of Gob Bluth to life during the series broadcasts on both Fox and Netflix platforms. His work in this role secured him an Emmy nomination early in his career.
What character does Will Arnett play?
He stars as George Oscar "Gob" Bluth II, a magician who constantly seeks fame while navigating family dysfunction. As a main cast member, he remains affiliated with the Bluth Family throughout the entire show run.
Why is his performance considered significant?
Many fans credit him for grounding the absurdity of the script with genuine dramatic acting skills. He has stated he views himself as an actor first, which brought a unique depth to the comedy role.
What are Will Arnett's favorite episodes?
The actor has publicly identified "Pier Pressure" and "Afternoon Delight" as his top picks from the entire series. These choices highlight moments where Gob's storylines resonated most with him personally.
When did Will Arnett appear on the show?
He first appeared in the pilot and continued acting through the original seasons and subsequent revivals until 2019. His status as an alumni member covers all production periods of the sitcom.
More in Behind the Scenes & Production
Elsewhere in the Arrested Development universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record