Kristen Schaal
The voice of Diane Nguyen, a ghostwriter and third-wave feminist from Boston.
Kristen Schaal provides the voice of Diane Nguyen in BoJack Horseman. The series is an American adult animated tragicomedy created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg. Diane is a Vietnamese-American third-wave feminist from Boston who is hired as a ghostwriter for BoJack's memoir. Schaal's performance brings to life a character who develops a strong friendship with BoJack, which becomes awkward and strained after he develops romantic feelings for her, especially as she was dating Mr. Peanutbutter at the time.
- Character Voiced
- Diane Nguyen
- First Appearance
- Season 1, Episode 1 ('The BoJack Horseman Show')
- Status
- Active throughout the series run
- Notable Work
- Bojack Horseman (2014–2020)
Lore & Background
Kristen Schaal voices Diane Nguyen, a character who is a graduate of Boston University. Throughout the series, Diane has several jobs involving writing. She eventually marries Mr. Peanutbutter, but they divorce at the beginning of season 5. Diane eventually realizes she has depression, and gains weight as her mental health improves due to antidepressants; news media celebrated the series' realistic portrayal of her changing body shape as a sign of improved health. During the sixth season, Diane develops a relationship with a bison named Guy (whom she goes on to wed) and comes to terms with her neglectful upbringing.
In Their Own Story
Diane Nguyen is introduced as a ghostwriter hired for BoJack Horseman's tell-all autobiography. She is a Vietnamese-American third-wave feminist from Boston and a graduate of Boston University. Her relationship with BoJack develops into a strong friendship that becomes strained after he develops romantic feelings for her, particularly as she was dating Mr. Peanutbutter at the time. She eventually marries Mr. Peanutbutter, but they divorce at the beginning of season 5. Later, Diane realizes she has depression, and her mental health improves with antidepressants, leading to weight gain that news media celebrated as a realistic portrayal of improved health. In season 6, she begins a relationship with a bison named Guy, whom she goes on to wed, and comes to terms with her neglectful upbringing.
Reader's Guide
BoJack Horseman premiered on Netflix on August 22, 2014, and ended on January 31, 2020, with a total of 77 episodes. The series is set in an alternate world where humans and anthropomorphic animals live side by side, taking place mostly in Hollywood (renamed to 'Hollywoo' early in the first season). The show received mixed reviews upon release, but critics were significantly more positive towards the second half of the first season, and subsequent seasons received widespread critical acclaim. The series received numerous accolades, including four Critics' Choice Television Awards for Best Animated Series, three Annie Awards, and two Writers Guild of America Awards. It also received three Primetime Emmy Award nominations, including Outstanding Animated Program twice and Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance for Kristen Schaal.
Did You Know?
- Kristen Schaal received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance for her role as Diane Nguyen.
- Diane Nguyen is a Vietnamese-American third-wave feminist from Boston and a graduate of Boston University.
- Diane's weight gain due to antidepressants was celebrated by news media as a realistic portrayal of improved mental health.
- Diane marries a bison named Guy during the sixth season.
- Diane was originally hired as a ghostwriter for BoJack Horseman's autobiography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does Kristen Schaal play in BoJack Horseman?
Kristen Schaal provides the distinctive alto voice for Diane Nguyen, the show's human protagonist and moral compass. Her performance anchors the series by blending sharp wit with deep vulnerability amidst Hollywood chaos.
When did Kristen Schaal first appear as Diane Nguyen?
She debuted in the very first episode of Season 1, titled 'The BoJack Horseman Show,' establishing her character immediately as a central figure. Schaal voiced Diane continuously throughout the entire series run from 2014 to 2020.
What is Kristen Schaal's role within the show's production?
As the voice of Diane, she serves as the grounded human perspective that contrasts with the anthropomorphic celebrity world. Her comedic timing and emotional resonance make her character essential to the narrative structure.
Why is Kristen Schaal considered important to BoJack Horseman?
Her portrayal brings necessary humanity and heart to a story filled with surreal and chaotic elements. Critics and fans alike credit her unique delivery for making Diane one of the most beloved figures in modern adult animation.
How does Diane Nguyen's story conclude in relation to Kristen Schaal's performance?
Diane remains an active character throughout all six seasons, with Schaal voicing her journey from a struggling writer to a more self-assured individual. The series ends without removing her presence, cementing her status as a core pillar of the show.
More in Production & Legacy
Elsewhere in the Bojack Horseman universe
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