I Follow: Jay Harris

Kick Buttowski, left, and Brick Bristol (a k a Jay Harris). 

Editor’s note: “I Follow” is all about ESPN employees on Twitter: what they tweet, whom they follow and how you can interact socially with anyone and everyone.

Disney XD’s hit animated series, Kick Buttowski–Suburban Daredevil, premieres Saturday, June 25, at 8:30 a.m. ET.

And for SportsCenter anchor Jay Harris, he couldn’t be happier.

Harris voices Brick Bristol, a quick-witted host of TV’s unbeatable game show, Faceplant!

“I used to do lots of voice work when I worked in radio in [Norfolk] Virginia,” said Harris. “I love the process.”

Below, Harris reveals his thoughts on the process of creating the voice of an animated character, and his most memorable Twitter experiences.

Twitter handle: @JayHarrisESPN
ESPN Job: Sportscenter anchor
Followers: 36,121*
Following: 447* (as of 6/23/11)

FR: What made you decide to provide voice talent for an animated TV series?

Harris: I got an email asking if I was interested. I think it was the fastest reply I ever made. I thoroughly enjoyed the process.

FR: Was it challenging to create the voice of an animated character?

Harris: The producers had a vision for the character. During the recording, I just tried to bring that vision to life.

FR: Who is your favorite person to follow on Twitter?

Harris: That’s a tough one. There are so many people I enjoying following, and enjoy reading. I’d hate to single out one. I will tell you I have a wide variety of folks I follow, more than 450 right now. If you say something I think is interesting, I’ll check you out.

FR: Who is one person you follow on Twitter whom you would want to write a SportsCenter lead-in for you?

Harris: Oprah (@Oprah) or Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow). Oprah because I know it would be thorough. Ellen because I know it would be funny.

FR: Who is the most exciting person who follows you on Twitter?

Harris: That’s a good question, and depends on your definition of exciting. Maybe Larry Fitzgerald (@LarryFitzgerald) or Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward). I would have said Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson), but he doesn’t follow me anymore. I hope I didn’t make him mad.

FR: What’s been your strangest exchange on Twitter (with fan or celebrity)?

Harris: I got into a discussion about race with somebody, after a speech by President Obama. Normally I don’t engage people on certain topics, but something the guy said just rubbed me the wrong way, and I felt compelled to reply. After a few minutes, I realized that even in 2011, some people have views that are more fit for 1911, or 1811. I said thanks for the chat, and ended the conversation.

FR: What are your favorite topics to Tweet about?

Harris: My kids, hands down. I love bragging on them when they do well, and sharing the words that come out of their mouths. Especially, my five-year-old daughter. She’s hilarious.

FR: Of all the celebrities and athletes, who would you most like to co-host SportsCenter with?

Harris: Oprah, Ellen [DeGeneres], or Stuart Scott @1StuartScott. He [Scott] may be the only long-time ESPN anchor I’ve never hosted a show with.

FR: Why do you use Twitter?

Harris: I love being able to talk with people, whether they be fans, critics, or anyone else. And it’s such a great way to get instant feedback. Makes you wonder why it wasn’t created long ago. And makes me wonder why I didn’t think of it first.