Adam McArthur is an American actor and martial artist based in Los Angeles, California, United States. His best-known role is voicing Marco Diaz in Disney XD's Star vs. the Forces of Evil. He also voices characters on other animation shows, and on-screen on some nationally aired commercials. In martial arts, he specializes in kung fu, has been a champion at some tournaments, and has been the featured subject of several documentaries that have aired on PBS.
Biography
McArthur grew up in Pinole, California in the San Francisco Bay Area He graduated from Pepperdine University in 2005 with a degree in Acting and Television Production, and has worked with improv groups in the Los Angeles area. As a martial artist, he specializes in Wushu kung fu, and other forms such as judo. He started when he was 11. In 2003, he was an All Around Grand Champion in the Adult Male Traditional category at the UC Berkeley Chinese Martial Arts Tournament. In 2006, he was selected for the documentary Kung Fu: Journey to the East where he and fellow martial arts practitioner Kristi Jordan visited China to learn from martial arts experts and perform at a stage presentation at the Shaolin Temple. The show was broadcast on PBS. He would return in 2014 for another PBS-broadcast documentary called Shaolin Kung Fu Monks where he follows the group as they go on a worldwide tour with stops in Moscow, New York City, and Los Angeles. McArthur's first major role in animation voice-over was in Star vs. the Forces of Evil, which premiered as one of the top animated shows on the Disney XD channel, and which was ordered for a second season ahead of its regular broadcast of the first season. He voices Marco Diaz, a teenage boy whose family hosts the title character as an exchange student, and who becomes her partner in their adventures. Daron Nefcy said he brings something special to the character, making Marco's Charlie Brown-ness charming. He voiced in the series as Mon Cala Prince Lee-Char for a story arc in season 4. In an interview with TheForce.net, McArthur said he used his regular voice for his character. McArthur was involved in theater throughout high school and college, and has worked at ComedySportz in Los Angeles as part of their improv team. In 2015, he starred in an Audi commercial called "The Scripted Life" which aired during the 2015 Emmy Awards and was also nominated for several awards among film festivals and advertising critics.
Personal life
McArthur Is married to Kim. They have a small business involving photo booths that was advertised on The Knot.
Filmography
Live-action
Motocross Kids - Male reporter
Jack & Bobby - The Track Guy
Kung Fu: Journey to the East - Himself - Documentary, featured subject
El Dorado - Jack Thompson
Scooby-Doo! Spooky Camp Stories - Counselor Cooper
Shaolin Kung Fu Monks - Himself - Documentary, featured subject
"The Scripted Life" - Carl - Audi television commercial