Kenneth Mars was known as Otto Mannkusser on the television series Malcolm in the Middle.  From 2002 to 2004, he portrayed Francis’ German boss and sidekick.  As the person in change of The Grotto, he was perceived as gullible and a pushover.  On the other hand, he was responsible for firing Francis when he discovered that the ATM Francis was depositing funds into wasn’t really an ATM.  He last appeared on Malcolm in the Middle on the episode “Dewey's Special Class.”

Following 27 episodes of Malcolm in the Middle, Kenneth Mars served as the voice of King Triton in the video game Kingdom Hearts II.  The fantasy-adventure also featured the voices of Haley Joel Osment as Sora, David Gallagher as Riku, and Hayden Panettiere as Kairi.  Next, he provided the voice of Grandpa Longneck in The Land Before Time XII: The Great Day of the Flyers.  Most recently, he guest starred as the character Gunther on the teen drama Hannah Montana.

In 2008, Kenneth Mars will reprise his role as King Triton in the film The Little Mermaid 3.  The animated feature film, a follow-up to The Little Mermaid and The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, will be produced by Disney.  The plot explores the story of Athena, Ariel’s mother, through the narration of Ariel.  Although the film is the third installment of The Little Mermaid franchise, it is considered as a prequel that explains why Triton is against Ursula.  The movie also features the voices of Maurice LaMarche as Scuttle, Jodi Benson as Ariel, Edie McClurg as Carlotta the Maid, Pat Carroll as Ursula, Rob Paulsen as Prince Eric, Danny Cooksey as Urchin, Samuel E. Wright as Sebastian, Kari Wahlgren as Alana, and Parker Goris as Flounder.


-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist

(Image courtesy of TV Rage)