02/03/2022
Meet the creator of Axel’s wizened and grizzled voice, René Alfonso (formerly known as Alfonso Freeman, but we just call him Fonz.) From the first take on the first line, Fonz made a fully-formed character you can’t wait to see as an action figure in that section at Target with the $80 Ghostbusters statues.
In 1993 opportunity first knocked for Alfonso when he won a small role in the classic film, The Shawshank Redemption. The memorable one-liner whet his appetite for even more, and more is what he got.
Since then he has worked in a number of films – three more of which were alongside his father, Morgan, including a touching hospital scene in The Bucket List. He had a starring role in the cult film, Ten ‘til Noon playing the vicious hitman, “Mr. Jay”, as well as prominent roles in a number of other successful independent features. Alfonso has also had guest starring roles in many hit television shows such as The Practice, The West Wing, ER, Providence, J.A.G, Southland and Dark Blue to name a few. His stage credits include The Boys Next Door, Zoo Story, Guys and Dolls, H.M.S. Pinafore, Man of La Mancha, Follies, and a powerful turn as the tortured Moor in St. Louis Shakespear’s Othello.
Alfonso, is a noted voiceover artist, having voiced a number of commercials, video games, and animated series. He is also an award-winning singer and musician, having been featured in many films and television shows. Alfonso continues to spend considerable time studying his craft. He is a sought after public speaker and mentor, helping aspiring actors with voice, diction, scene study, and voiceover. Alfonso, “Fonz” as he is known to friends, is a good-natured, accomplished, and consummate professional, whose credits continue to open doors in all aspects of the entertainment industry.
