Annie Potts The Voice Behind BO Beep In Toy Story 4

This post is in partnership with Walt Disney Studios, however all opinions are my own.

Get ready to learn about one of the strongest female characters in Toy Story 4, Bo Peep. She’s back and full of moxie – a true force to be reckoned with!

When you hear the name Annie Potts many of you actually may not recognize it or have it ring a bell…but for me growing up in the ’80s and ’90s, it was a household name. Curious about the name and who this actress is? Get ready…you’re about to fall in love with the wonderful Annie Potts.

Who Is Annie Potts?

Annie is known for playing Mary Jo Jackson Shively on the CBS sitcom Designing Women (1986–93). She went on to be nominated for a 1994 Primetime Emmy Award for playing Dana Palladino on the CBS sitcom Love & War (1993–95), and was nominated for Screen Actors Guild Awards in 1998 and 1999 for playing Mary Elizabeth Sims in the Lifetime drama series Any Day Now (1998–2002). Her other television credits include GCB (2012), The Fosters (2013–18), and Young Sheldon (2017–present).

Some of the movies she is the most known for are Ghostbusters (1984), Pretty in Pink (1986), Jumpin’ Jack Flash (1986), Who’s Harry Crumb? (1989), and Ghostbusters II (1989). (And if you have not seen original Ghostbusters, you are truly missing out on pop culture!)

Landing Bo-Peep In Toy Story

As you know,  I was recently at the press junket for Toy Story 4 where we were able to sit down with Annie Potts to discuss her character in the franchise. We learned all about her role and how she decided to voice Bo Peep. She joked at the fact that at the beginning when Pixar first approached her to play Bo Peep she was pregnant, and also had a teenage son. She was so busy she had forgotten that they had sent her over a disc to watch. (mom brain, right?!)

She didn’t pay much attention to it but after the discs started piling up, her son opened up one and popped in the disc.  After she saw the characters and watched a bit, she called Pixar back.

Bo Peeps Transition

We first meet Bo Peep in Toy Story as she was one of Andy’s toys.  From the start, she and Woody had chemistry about them. In Toy Story 2, Bo Peep is depicted as one of Molly’s toys, seemingly suggesting that Andy gifted her to his little sister. Though they’re now in different rooms, Bo Peep still makes an effort to go see Woody.

In Toy Story 3 both Andy and Molly are grown and Woody does mention they’ve lost a few special toys along the way — including Bo Peep — who have either been given away, sold in yard sales, or thrown out.

Toy Story 4 fans can see from the trailers that Bo is back but it’s a completely different Bo. She is full of empowerment and independence.

A question was asked to Annie Potts on how she felt about the new Bo, to which she replied “I have the privilege of presenting those qualities that are so admirable and inspiring. I mean, this girl drives a Skunk Mobile.  No one is going to screw with her. She’s figured out a way to make it happen. Bo is what a woman can be, and is. I’m just thrilled to voice those qualities.  It is such a privilege when you’re giving positive messages to especially children”.

Bo And Woody Back Together

Usually, when these characters are being voiced, they are in a sound room alone while one of the producers or directors is reading other lines to them. For Toy Story 4 Annie said the experience was much different than before. She and Tom Hanks were able to record much of their dialog together which made the storyline even better.

It has been nice to see this chemistry that Woody has with Bo! Do you think they will rekindle their love in Toy Story 4? I am not spilling the beans so you’ll have to go watch the movie yourself!

Annie On Josh Cooley Putting A Crown On Her Head

One of the things Annie was the most impressed with is how much of an impact Bo has been for children. During the junket, she mentioned “Over time, I became aware of how important the role was going to be. But not until three weeks ago when I saw the thing, I told Josh afterward, I said thank you so much for putting this crown on my head. I think she’s so lovely. My wish was to bring all the experience of my long colorful life to kick ass Bo”.

The new Bo is amazing, and my two boys love her, too.  I have taught them that the women in their life, whoever they choose, should always have a crown around their head.

Toy Story 4 is out in theaters today, June 21st!

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