Lately, I've picked up the remote instead of grabbing a cocktail after work.
Among the shows I watch is about a quirky family with a small business and many antics. And if you've ever found yourself humming a little ditty about passing cranberry sauce or cackling at an impeccably timed "All right!"–congratulations, you're likely already in the John Roberts fan club.
Best known as the voice behind Linda Belcher on Bob's Burgers, Roberts has spent over a decade breathing life into one of television's most beloved matriarchs, meme-able figure, and muse for Halloween costumes. But beyond the illustration, beyond the off-kilter charm of Linda's vocal inflections, is a man whose journey is as rich and layered as a perfectly constructed burger.
"My kind of mom character is something that I've been doing my whole life," he shares. He reminisces about his Brooklyn-born mother, who passed away last August, and the signature accent that inspired his most famous role. "Since we had our first camera, I recall just kind of making fun of her or doing that voice, and she was always a really good sport about it."
From the East Village to Primetime
Roberts' path to Burgers wasn't paved with traditional industry stepping stones. Instead, it was a slow, organic burn of a character crafted through drag-inspired performances in New York's East Village in the early 2000s on stages of varying sizes and audiences. "Sometimes there were 40 people, sometimes five," he laughs. "But I had to do it every week, and it got me off my ass."
His YouTube videos, The Tree and My Son Is Gay, became early viral sensations, leading to a manager, live gigs, and ultimately recognition from industry powerhouses like Bob Odenkirk and David Cross. The connection was immediate when Bob's Burgers creator Loren Bouchard saw Roberts' work. "Loren was a big fan and kind of wrote the role of me based on my character." And the rest, as they say, is history.
Or, in this case, a 15-season love affair between Roberts and the burger-flipping Belcher family.
"Probably the greatest job I'll ever have," he muses.
The Queer Comfort of Bob's Burgers
For many LGBTQ+ audiences, Bob's Burgers is more than just a cartoon. It's a hug, a laugh, a safe space wrapped in pastel colors protecting one from a grim world. "I think it shows a family that really cares for each other and accepts each other for all their differences," John reflects. "And LGBTQ+ people need that. They need people to see them for who they are and accept them in a world that's increasingly turning violent and hateful towards us."
He credits the show's "intelligent writing, humor, and heart" as the secret to its staying power, calling it "good mental healthcare." In all their quirky, nonjudgmental glory, the Belchers have become the TV family many of us wish we had.
More Than Just a Voice: The Advocacy & Music of John Roberts
Roberts is involved in activism, particularly AIDS United, where he works on the advisory council. "We're fighting to make sure PrEP is accessible," he says, noting that he'll be heading to D.C. to lobby for national programs. "They're being hateful and cruel, so it's going to be a real battle."
While he's dedicated to advocacy, he's still focused on his creative pursuits. Music is another avenue of self-expression that blends fun with activism. It's about putting your voice out there," he says, "representing yourself and having fun."
John's music is a celebration of queer identity, especially as someone who has never been in the closet—a rarity for LGBTQ+ performers of his generation. He's collaborated with the likes of Kevin Rudolf and Junior Sanchez, the latter working on the album Lights Out, also the name of the first track, featuring iconic Debbie Harry. He plans to release new tracks this year, including Hotcore, now available, and a music video directed by Cody Critioli. He'll also be performing at New York City's Mercury Lounge on May 21st alongside Miss Guy from Toilet Boys. "More music, more videos, more live performances," he promises. "Because that's what keeps me alive and me happy."
Despite Hollywood's evolving (and regressing) attitude toward queer representation, Roberts remains steadfast in his approach: "Being who you are as an artist is the most important thing."
Linda's Wisdom and the Perfect Burger
I asked John what Linda Belcher would say if she were giving him life advice. Without missing a beat, he replies: "Find the good people in the room. Protect your joy. Always look on the bright side, if you can."
And, of course, what would a John Roberts burger be? "A handmade veggie burger, maybe like the old-school Dr. Praeger's ones with the peas in them. No dairy, no lettuce…Something I could just chew with my gums," he laughs.
Whether playing Linda, making music, or fighting for LGBTQ+ rights, John Roberts makes the world funnier, kinder, and more marvelous.
I've fallen in love with Bob's Burgers and often turn it on after a long day at work. For half an hour—or longer if it's a Friday with takeout—I relax on the couch and let go of all the day's fears, worries, and chaos. Whether watching his character or jamming to his tunes, John is a source of laughter and comfort.
Feelings and vibes any loving mother could provide.