Alex Hirsch Biography
Alex Hirsch is an American animator, storyboard artist, television writer, producer, and voice actor who was born in Piedmont, California, and brought up in Fairfield, Connecticut, United States of America. He is widely known for creating the Disney Channel animated series Gravity Falls (2012–2016), for which he also provided the voices of Grunkle Stan, Soos Ramirez, and Bill Cipher. The show earned him BAFTA and Annie Awards.
In 2012, Hirsch’s pitch for Gravity Falls was greenlit by Disney Channel. The show premiered on June 15, 2012, and quickly became a critical and commercial success. It ran for two seasons and 42 episodes, concluding on February 13, 2016.
Since the end of Gravity Falls, Hirsch has worked on a variety of projects, including co-authoring the graphic novel Gravity Falls: Journal 3 (2016), which debuted as a No. 1 New York Times Best Seller and remained on the list for forty-seven weeks. He also wrote Gravity Falls: Lost Legends (2018), which also appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list.
In 2020, Hirsch began voicing several characters in the animated series The Owl House, created by his longtime girlfriend Dana Terrace. In 2021, he started serving as an executive producer for the science fiction comedy series Inside Job (2021–present).
10 Quick Facts About Alex Hirsch
- Name: Alex Hirsch
- Age: 39 years old
- Birthday: June 18
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini
- Height: 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m)
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Animator, Storyboard Artist, Television Writer, Producer, and Voice Actor
- Marital Status: Single
- Salary: Under Review
- Net Worth: $2 Million
Alex Hirsch Age
Hirsch is 39 years old. He was born on June 18, 1985, in Piedmont, California, United States. He celebrates his birthday on June 18 every year and his birth sign is Gemini.
Alex Hirsch Height
Hirsch stands at a height of 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m).
Alex Hirsch Weight
Hirsch Weighs 68 kg (150 lbs).
Early Life and Education
Hirsch was born in Piedmont, California on June 18, 1985, Alex Hirsch’s formative years were spent in the picturesque town of Fairfield, Connecticut. He joined Piedmont High School and won the school’s annual Bird Calling Contest in 2002. He graduated from the California Institute of the Arts in 2007 with a BFA in Character Animation.
His first job after graduation was as a writer and storyboard artist for The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack on Cartoon Network. He later worked as a writer, storyboard artist, and creative consultant for Pecezuelos on Nickelodeon.
Rise to Fame
Flapjack to Pez Land:
Fresh out of CalArts, Alex landed his first job as a writer and storyboard artist on Cartoon Network’s “The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack.” Working alongside future Rick and Morty co-creator Justin Roiland, he honed his comedic timing and knack for crafting bizarre yet endearing characters.
Next, he jumped ship to Nickelodeon, becoming a writer, storyboard artist, and creative consultant for “Pecezuelos.” This experience allowed him to experiment with different animation styles and storytelling techniques, further expanding his creative toolkit.
Gravity Falls: From Pitch to Phenomenon:
In 2009, with a backpack full of ideas and a twinkle in his eye, Alex pitched his brainchild to Disney Channel – Gravity Falls. The show, inspired by his childhood summers in the woods, centered on twins Dipper and Mabel Pines and their wacky Grunkle Stan, grappling with the mysteries of the quirky town of Gravity Falls, Oregon.
Alex Hirsch Family, Parents
Hirsch was born and raised by his parents in California. Our efforts to find out more about his family came to no avail as no such information is publicly available. Thus, the identity of Alex’s parents is still unclear. We will update this section once this information is available.
Alex Hirsch Sister
Hirsch spent his childhood with his twin sibling sister named Ariel Hirsch.
Alex Hirsch and Dana Terrace
Hirsch is currently in a relationship with his girlfriend Dana Terrace. Dana Terrace is an animator, cartoonist, writer, director, voice actress, and the The Owl House creator. The couple have been in a relationship since 2015.
Alex Hirsch Net Worth
Hirsch has an estimated net worth of $2 million dollars as of 2024. This includes his assets, money and income. His primary source of income is his career as an animator, storyboard artist, television writer, producer, and voice actor. Through his various sources of income, Alex has been able to accumulate a good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Alex Hirsch Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Alex.
Alex Hirsch Wiki
- Full Names: Alexander Robert Hirsch
- Popular As: Alex
- Gender: Male
- Occupation / Profession: Animator, Storyboard Artist, Television Writer, Producer, and Voice Actor
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: White
- Religion: Christianity
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Alex Hirsch Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 39 years old
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini
- Date of Birth: June 18, 1985
- Place of Birth: Piedmont, California, USA
- Birthday: June 18
Alex Hirsch Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: Not Available
- Height / How Tall?: 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m)
- Weight: 68 kg (150 lbs)
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Brown
- Shoe Size: Not Available
Alex Hirsch Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Not Known
- Mother: Not Known
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Ariel Hirsch
- Marital Status: Dating
- Wife/Spouse: Not Applicable
- Dating / Girlfriend: Engaged to Dana Terrace
- Children: Sons (None) Daughter(s) (None)
Alex Hirsch Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $2 Million
- Salary: Under Review
- Source of Income: Animator, Storyboard Artist, Television Writer, Producer, and Voice Actor
Alex Hirsch Rick And Morty
Rick and Morty in Gravity Falls
In the real-life published version of Journal 3, which is canonically identical to the journal featured in the Gravity Falls series, there’s a silhouetted Plumbus, and Zigerionon on one page (What Does It Mean?!), and in another page there’s a copy of Ford’s WANTED poster, with an encoded message (in made-up series cipher) on the corner reading “RICK WAS HERE”.
On the secondary page (My Travels), Ford mentions fistfighting with a talking chair, a reference to the Furniture Universe. In the published – and canonical book Gravity Falls: Lost Legends, the first story, Face It contains a memory capsule labeled “Rick S.” on it, a reference to Rick Sanchez.
Later in the same story, Mr. What’s His Face is shown to be in the possession of the severed faces of “Evil” Rick and an unnamed Morty, whilst in the third story, Don’t Dimension It, Mortabel is visible in the background of Dimension MAB-3L as Mabel Pines is encountering other realities’ versions of herself.
Alex Hirsch Gravity Falls
He is the creator and was the executive producer of the American animated television series, Gravity Falls. Gravity Falls is an American animated television series created by Alex Hirsch and produced by Disney Television Animation for Disney Channel and Disney XD.
The first episode aired as a sneak preview on June 15.2012 and the series officially started on June 29.2012. Later, on March 12.2013, the show was renewed for a second season at the annual Disney upfront.
The series was officially renewed for a second season on July 29.2013, just four days before the season 1 finale, “Gideon Rises,” premiered. The series premiered new episodes on Disney XD as of spring 2014, along with Wander Over Yonder.
However, begging on season 2, new episodes aired on Disney Channel as part of the channel’s “Disney XD on Disney Channel” block. Despite this, “Scary-oke” and “Little Gift Shop of Horrors” premiered originally on Disney Channel.
Alex Hirsch Voices | Alex Hirsch Art
His’s first job after graduating from CalArts was as a writer and storyboard artist for The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack on Cartoon Network where he worked alongside fellow CalArts alumni, J. G. Quintel, Pendleton Ward, and Patrick McHale.
He would go on to develop the pilot for the Disney Channel series, Fish Hooks along with Maxwell Atoms and future Rick and Morty creator Justin Roiland.
The show, set in the fictional town of Gravity Falls, Oregon, premiered in June 2012 with a voice cast in Jason Ritter, Kristen Schaal, and Hirsch himself. Over the course of the series, he provided the voices of Grunkle Stan, Soos, Old Man McGucket, Bill Cipher, and many other minor characters. The show was moved to Disney XD in 2014.
It would go on to win a BAFTA Children’s Award and an Annie Award in 2015 and was nominated for several other awards such as Peabody Award in 2016. He ended Gravity Falls in February 2016 to pursue other projects.
In July 2016, he threw a global treasure hunt for Gravity Falls fans with clues hidden throughout the world like in the United States, Japan, and Russia.
The goal of the hunt was to find a piece of the Gravity Falls character, Bill Cipher. The hunt coincided with the release of Hirsch’s tie-in book, Gravity Falls: Journal which eventually appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list for nearly a year. A Gravity Falls graphic novel written by Hirsch was officially announced in July 2017.
Outside of Gravity Falls, he has done voice work for a number of projects involving Phineas and Ferb, Rick and Morty, and as the announcer for the Chelsea Peretti special, One of the Greats.
In August 2016, it was announced that Alex Hirsch was co-writing the new live-action Pokémon movie, Detective Pikachu, alongside Guardians of the Galaxy and Captain Marvel writer Nicole Perlman. In February 2017, he was added as a story contributor to Sony’s animated Spider-Man film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Alex Hirsch And Justin Roiland
He has landed an overall multi-year deal at Netflix. To exclusively develop new series and feature films for the streaming platform.
Meanwhile, together with Morty creator and executive producer Justin Roiland is taking a new series called “Solar Opposites over” to Hulu, and he is bringing one of the writer’s assistants from Rick and Morty with him.
Alex Hirsch Movies and TV Shows
Movies
- 2018 – Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
- 2019 – The Angry Birds Movie 2
- 2021 – The Mitchells vs. the Machines
- 2023 – The Super Mario Bros Movie
- 2023 – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
- TBA – I, Chihuahua
TV Shows
- 2002 – Late Show with David Letterman
- 2008–2009 – The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack
- 2010–2014 – Fish Hooks
- 2012–2016 – Gravity Falls
- 2013 – Phineas and Ferb
- 2015 – Rick and Morty
- 2016 – Wander Over Yonder
- 2018 – Star vs. the Forces of Evil
- 2018 – We Bare Bears
- 2019 – Big City Greens
- 2020–2023 – The Owl House
- 2020 – Amphibia
- 2021 – Kid Cosmic
- 2021 – The Simpsons
- 2021–2022 Inside Job
- TBA – Untitled Alex Hirsch Project
Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences
Early Adventures:
- Piedmont Pines and Fairfield Forests: His idyllic childhood summers spent exploring the woods near his grandmother’s cabin in Gravity Falls, Oregon, laid the groundwork for the show’s setting and sense of wonder.
- California Dreamin’: Attending the prestigious California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) allowed him to hone his animation skills and collaborate with like-minded creatives, shaping his artistic path.
Globetrotting for Inspiration:
- International Mystery Tour: A backpacking trip across Europe during his college years exposed him to diverse cultures and folklore, later reflected in Gravity Falls’ fantastical elements.
- Japan’s Quirky Charm: A visit to Japan sparked his fascination with manga and anime, influencing his animation style and narrative pacing in Gravity Falls.
Events and Experiences that Ignited the Spark:
- Bird Calling Champion: Winning the bird-calling contest at his high school not only showcased his quirky talents but also instilled a sense of confidence and performance in him.
- Late Show Debut: Appearing on the Late Show with David Letterman for his bird-calling skills gave him a taste of the spotlight and prepared him for the public eye.
- Comic-Con Craze: Engaging with passionate fans at Comic-Con events allowed him to gauge the show’s impact and fostered a strong connection with his audience.
Future Aspirations and Goals
Storytelling Ventures:
- New Animated Shows: Hirsch seems eager to explore new animation projects, possibly venturing into different genres or age groups while still retaining his signature blend of humor, mystery, and heart. He has mentioned potential interest in creating shows for adults or even stop-motion animation.
- Live-Action and Beyond: While animation remains his forte, Hirsch hasn’t ruled out branching into other mediums like live-action films or even video games, potentially drawing inspiration from the rich world of Gravity Falls.
- Expanding the Gravity Falls Universe: The loyal fanbase and endless mysteries within Gravity Falls might entice him to revisit the show in some form, whether through comics, spin-off series, or even a long-awaited movie.
Creative Pursuits:
- Writing: Hirsch has expressed interest in writing beyond scripts, potentially exploring novels, graphic novels, or even children’s books, all infused with his trademark wit and fantastical elements.
- Voice Acting: His talent for bringing characters to life through voice acting is sure to see further exploration, whether in future animation projects or even video games.
- Mentorship and Collaboration: Sharing his knowledge and experience with aspiring creators seems to be a passion of his, potentially through workshops, masterclasses, or collaborations with young artists and animators.
Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable and Community Involvement
Advocating for Equality and Acceptance:
- LGBTQ+ Rights: Hirsch is a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community. He openly spoke about his own bisexuality in 2016, inspiring countless fans and using his platform to advocate for inclusivity and acceptance. He regularly attends and speaks at LGBTQ+ events, raising awareness and promoting understanding.
- Mental Health Awareness: Hirsch has been open about his struggles with anxiety and depression, using his story to encourage others to seek help and break down stigmas surrounding mental health. He regularly participates in mental health awareness campaigns and encourages open conversations about these important issues.
Supporting Causes he Cares About:
- The Trevor Project: Hirsch is a vocal supporter of The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention organization focused on LGBTQ+ youth. He has participated in fundraising campaigns and used his platform to promote their vital work.
- Charity Auctions and Fan Events: Hirsch frequently participates in charity auctions and fan events, donating his art, time, and talents to raise funds for various causes, from environmental protection to children’s hospitals.
Empowering the Next Generation:
- Encouraging Creativity: Hirsch actively inspires young artists and creators. He participates in workshops, panels, and events, sharing his knowledge, experiences, and creative process to ignite the spark of imagination in others.
- Mentorship and Collaboration: Hirsch believes in giving back to the creative community. He mentors aspiring artists and writers, offering guidance and support as they embark on their own creative journeys.
Community Engagement:
- Connecting with Fans: Hirsch actively interacts with his fans on social media, building a strong and supportive community. He attends conventions, participates in Q&A sessions, and engages in playful banter, fostering a sense of belonging and shared passion for Gravity Falls.
- Supporting Local Communities: Hirsch actively participates in events and initiatives within his local community, showcasing his dedication to making a positive impact beyond the realm of animation.
Alex Hirsch Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
Awards:
- 2015 BAFTA Children’s Awards – Best International Series: This prestigious award recognized Gravity Falls’ global appeal and its ability to captivate audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
- 2016 Annie Awards:
- Best Animated TV/Broadcast Production for Children’s Audience: This award cemented Gravity Falls’ status as a standout production within the realm of children’s animation.
- Best Writing in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production: This recognition highlighted Alex’s exceptional storytelling skills and the show’s clever and intricate narrative.
- 2016 Peabody Awards – Excellence in Children’s/Youth Programming: The Peabody Awards are known for their rigorous selection process, making this win a true testament to the show’s depth and significance.
Accomplishments:
- Creating Gravity Falls: It all began with a pitch – a quirky, mysterious series inspired by childhood summers spent exploring the woods. Gravity Falls, under Alex’s creative helm, became a global phenomenon, garnering a devoted fanbase and leaving an indelible mark on the animation landscape.
- Voicing Iconic Characters: From the gruff yet lovable Grunkle Stan to the chillingly enigmatic Bill Cipher, Alex’s vocal talents breathed life into the show’s unforgettable characters, adding another layer of depth and personality to their already captivating presence.
- New York Times Bestselling Author: Alex wasn’t content with just the show. He co-authored the “Gravity Falls: Journal 3” graphic novel, which became a runaway success, topping the New York Times Bestseller list for a staggering 47 weeks.
Achievements:
- Inspiring Creativity: Alex’s dedication to crafting original, heartfelt stories has ignited a spark of creativity in countless fans. His work serves as a testament to the power of imagination and the importance of staying true to your unique voice.
- Championing Social Causes: Beyond animation, Alex uses his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness. He encourages open dialogue and acceptance, making a positive impact on the world both through his storytelling and his activism.
- Building a Legacy: Gravity Falls may have ended, but its legacy lives on. Alex’s work continues to inspire new generations of artists, writers, and dreamers, ensuring that the spirit of mystery and mischief will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.
Legacy
Animation Icon:
- Redefining Children’s TV: Gravity Falls challenged the conventions of children’s animation, injecting complex narratives, intricate ciphers, and relatable characters into a visually stunning package. The show’s success paved the way for more daring and imaginative storytelling in the genre.
- Master of Storytelling: Hirsch’s ability to weave humor, mystery, and emotional depth into cohesive narratives is unparalleled. He effortlessly creates relatable characters, from the awkward charm of Dipper Pines to the gruff yet lovable Grunkle Stan, drawing audiences into their world.
- Animation Advocate: Hirsch is a vocal champion for animation as a serious art form, inspiring aspiring creators and pushing the boundaries of the medium with his unconventional approach.
Pop Culture Phenomenon:
- Global Fandom: Gravity Falls transcended cultural barriers, amassing a devoted fanbase of all ages around the world. Its catchy theme song, cryptic ciphers, and quirky characters became ubiquitous in pop culture, spawning countless fan theories, artwork, and even tattoos.
- Viral Sensation: The show’s clever use of social media and interactive elements, like hidden ciphers and online puzzles, created a sense of community and engagement, further solidifying its place as a pop culture phenomenon.
- Enduring Relevance: Even after concluding in 2016, Gravity Falls’ legacy continues to grow. The show’s themes of family, friendship, and grappling with the unknown resonate with audiences across generations, ensuring its enduring relevance.
Social Impact:
- Inclusivity Advocate: Hirsch’s open support for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness has inspired countless fans and challenged discriminatory norms. He uses his platform to promote inclusivity and acceptance, making a positive impact beyond the realm of entertainment.
- Empowering Creator: Hirsch actively encourages creativity and artistic expression, inspiring young artists and writers to pursue their passions. His openness about his own struggles and creative process resonates with aspiring creators, motivating them to embrace their unique voices.
- Philanthropic Spirit: Hirsch actively supports various causes close to his heart, from LGBTQ+ organizations to mental health initiatives. He participates in charity events, auctions, and fundraising campaigns, setting an inspiring example of using one’s influence for good.
Hobbies and Interests
Music Magic:
- Avid Musician: Music plays a vital role in Alex’s life. He’s a skilled guitarist and keyboardist, often incorporating his musical talents into his work, as seen in Gravity Falls’ catchy theme song and quirky background tunes.
- Composing Creativity: He takes his musical passion further by composing original music for shows and projects. His musicality adds another layer of depth and whimsy to his creative endeavors.
Exploration and Adventure:
- Travel Bug: When not busy crafting fictional worlds, Alex enjoys exploring the real world. He’s known for his love of backpacking, immersing himself in diverse cultures and natural landscapes. These journeys often provide inspiration for his creative works.
- Comic-Con Craze: He’s a regular at comic conventions, reveling in the vibrant energy and connecting with fans. These events allow him to celebrate the impact of his work and engage with the passionate community he has helped create.
Hidden Depths:
- Bibliophile Extraordinaire: Books are Alex’s constant companions. He devours fiction and non-fiction alike, from sci-fi classics to quirky humor, constantly feeding his imagination and finding inspiration in the written word.
- Game On!: He’s a dedicated gamer, enjoying board games, video games, and even the occasional competitive game of bird-calling (a skill that earned him Late Show fame in his youth!). Games provide him with entertainment, relaxation, and opportunities for friendly competition.
Creative Outlet:
- Sketching and Doodling: Beyond animation, Alex enjoys the simple act of drawing and sketching. He captures his ideas, characters, and random doodles in notebooks, letting his imagination flow freely on paper.
- Storytelling Beyond the Screen: He explores various forms of storytelling beyond animation. He enjoys writing short stories, scripts, and even song lyrics, showcasing his diverse creative talents.
Personal Beliefs
Inclusivity and Acceptance:
- Hirsch is a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has openly spoken about his own bisexuality, using his platform to promote inclusivity and challenge discrimination.
- He actively criticizes prejudice and bigotry, encouraging acceptance and understanding for all.
Mental Health Awareness:
- Hirsch has openly discussed his own struggles with anxiety and depression, aiming to break down stigmas surrounding mental health.
- He encourages open conversations about these issues and supports initiatives that provide resources and assistance.
Creativity and Imagination:
- Hirsch believes in the power of creativity and imagination, inspiring young artists and writers to pursue their passions.
- He encourages individuality and celebrates the beauty of unconventional thinking.
Social Responsibility:
- Hirsch uses his platform to advocate for various causes he cares about, from environmental protection to children’s welfare.
- He participates in charity events and supports organizations working towards positive change.
Openness and Authenticity:
- Hirsch doesn’t shy away from expressing his opinions and vulnerabilities, even on sensitive topics.
- He encourages open dialogue and believes in staying true to oneself.
Quotes
Alex Hirsch Contacts
Creative Legacy: Alex Hirsch has left an indelible mark on the animation landscape. Gravity Falls redefined children’s television, but his influence extends far beyond that. He inspires young artists and writers, champions inclusivity and acceptance, and uses his platform to make a positive impact on the world.
Final Thoughts
- X (Twitter)
- Youtube
- Tiktok
- Website
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