I Am Amber Nash, voice of Pam Poovey on FX’s Archer. Ask me anything!

Hi Amber! First, you do an amazing job playing Pam. Holy crap you are hilarious. My question is, do you ever catch yourself saying Pam phrases in real life? For instance, do you often say "holy shitsnacks", or maybe casually tell people to shut their dick holster?

Ah shucks, thanks. I actually don't usually use Pam phrases in real life but I do think people should generally start shutting their dick holsters.

Will we ever see Poovey Farms or meet some of Pam's family?

That is one of my biggest dreams. I really want to see Poovey Farms, I also told Adam that I want to voice all of Pam's family Nutty Professor style.

your line "my panties are so wet I could drown a toddler," is one of the funniest/grossest things I've ever heard.

no questions. Thanks!

Agreed.

Miss Nash, how often do you try to hook up with Aisha Tyler?

As of as I can. You mean in a sexy way, right?

What was the most fun scene to record?

The scene where Pam is humping the gyro. Executive Producer Matt Thompson was at that session and he was outside of the booth making all the humping motions and I was just doing what it would sound like, it was so much fun and so hilarious. I was like "that is my boss doing that"!

Do you think Pam's coke problem has been harmful or helpful in demonstrating her as a character in Archer Vice? How has she evolved since season one? Thanks for the wonderful voice acting and a lot of laughs!

I don't think anything can harm Pam that is what is so great about her. I mean she certainly is by no means a role model. In season 1, Pam was just kind of a punching bag and now she don't take shit from nobody and has evolved in to this real badass.

If you weren't in the entertainment industry, what would you do for a career?

Honestly, I'd love to run an antique shop or a bed and breakfast. Before I was an actor I was a counselor for troubled teenagers. So, I would also go back in to Psychology.

We've seen Pam and Archer's relationship change a lot over the run of the series. I thought it was very touching earlier this season when (in a very twisted, Archer sort of way) Archer expressed concern over Pam's cocaine addiction and how she thought everyone hated her before. What are your thoughts on their friendship and where it might be going from here?

I know, I loved that moment too, it was so sweet. I think that at the end of the day all the characters love each other in a very twisted way and will look out for each other. I hope they start boning again or wouldn't be hilarious is the series ended with a wedding. Pam and Archer.

Who's your favourite cast mate to work with?

Oh man, I really love Chris Parnell he is a super duper cool guy, like really one of the nicest guys I've ever met, Judy is great too. Really everyone is awesome. I do wish that we all got to actually work together more often. Doing voice work the way we do is a pretty solitary practice.

I love them all, Aisha is one of the smartest most hard working people I have ever met, she is amazing to be around.

Who came up with HOLY SHIT SNACKS!!!!?

Adam Reed says that I improvised it in the booth but I don't believe that. I'm pretty sure it was written into a script.

Amber: How many times have you been proposed to since Archer's premier? I know you are married, but are you a fanatic about it? Many of us are not polygamists, but are willing to learn.

p.s. Will you marry me?

I would say, it's at about 15. My husband would probably be cool with, I'm a lot to deal with.

How would Pam celebrate St. Patrick's Day?

Paint herself green and streak. Then drink a shit ton of green beer.

Fuck, Marry, Kill. Aisha Tyler, H. Jon Benjamin, Chris Parnell.

Aisha, Chris, Jon Sorry Jon

Have any of Pam's traits accidentally taken form in your own life? If you were to voluntarily take on one of these traits which one would it be? On a scale of Holy Shit Snacks to Sploosh, how good looking is Kevin Bacon in person?

Yeah, I already had a dirty mouth but I think it's gotten a little looser, Pam is always inside of me, sploosh. I would love to be a drift car racer in real life and a graffiti artist. I'd say Kevin Bacon is on the sploosh end.

I'm not sure if you're aware of the fixation this website has with your show, but there are tons of people who write hilarious fan fiction about Archer online. Have you ever read any of it?

I haven't and I must! I've definitely seen some sweet 34's.

Hey Amber.

Do you have any awkward situations where someone quotes your characters lines when they see you in public? If so, what was the best/worst time?

Not really, most people don't know what I look like so I don't get a ton of that and if someone ever does they are always super cool and I'm so excited that they know who I am and then we usually hug about it.

What must someone do to be labeled a "triflin' ass bitch?"

One must make friends with an established triflin ass bitch, gain her trust then bone her boyfriend.

You are easily my favorite Archer character! Thanks for being amazing!

Question: Do you ever look at anything in the script and think "What the fuck?" but then break down laughing.

(Example: "You could drown a toddler in my panties right now")

For sure, the masturbate til my fingers bleed line was a great example of that and then I'm like "I get to say this on TV"!

Can Pam help raise Lana's baby? That'd be hilarious... especially with Pam's obvious crush on Lana. Breast feeding time would be a treat!

I'll suggest this as a spin off to Adam Reed!

Who do you think is better, fat Pam or cocaine Pam?

I love them both the same but fat Pam is where it's at even cocaine Pam has fat Pam inside her.

If you got arrested what would it most likely be for?

Check fraud. Shh please don't tell anyone that.

Which character from Archer (not including yours) would you most want to hang out/get drunk with if they existed in real life?

Ray Gillette for sure! I think he and I would be bffs.

Do you find yourself worried about getting ants in your real life?

Always, there are lots of bugs in the South and my kitchen is fully of sticky shit that ants love.

If you were to put together a dream team of voice actors to work with on one project who would they be and why??

This is gonna sound cheesy but I've gotta say I think it's already there and it's our cast. But we'd work on an Archer movie and all get to be in the studio together.

Any idea why Pam got deported from Jamaica?

I don't think anyone knows.

Pam is such a sexual woman; did you get to have a say in that, or was it all Adam?

It was all Adam and I like it.

Who designed the "Pam" graffiti tag that pops up all over the Archer universe? It's one of my favorite running jokes and I can only hope that there's a least one somewhere in the sound studio where you record.

There isn't one in the studio, what are we thinking! I'm not sure which one of the animators created the tag. I just bought a bunch of stickers of the tag because I'm going to Europe on tour for a month and I'm gonna put them everywhere.

Hi, what would you say is your favorite book and why?

Thanks

Ohh good question, I've gotta say I think it is Middlesex. It spans so much time and is so beautifully written.

As you voiced both, are you more like Frisky Dingo's Valerie or Archer's Pam?

Probably hmmm, Pam, because Val was a little too into murdering.

Are you currently in the Dangerzone?

I am always in the Dangerzone, this one is that I need to pee but I'm sitting on an area rug so if worst comes to worst I could get it cleaned.

Amber, I’m a desirable, full-bodied man, but nobody will have sex with me. What should I do?

Just be yourself, the right one will come along and if not try being very promiscuous it works for Pam.

How many marshmallows can you fit in your mouth?

I'm guessing 7.

Or pool balls.

Barely one :(

Thanks for doing this AMA Amber. You're one of my favorite voice actresses. What's the hardest part about voice acting? Also could you tell my friend /u/TheWritingWriterIV to shut his dick holster. Thanks.

Thanks! The hardest part about voice acting, is not having to memorize the scripts and just reading them into a microphone, not brushing my hair or teeth before a session and it only taking about 30 minutes once every 2 weeks. So basically it's the best.

Is H. Jon Benjamin a nice guy? Have you ever really interacted much?

He is a super nice guy, he is a real smart ass but so much fun to hang out with, it's like having a big brother giving you shit all the time. I see him when we do events and Archer Live and stuff like that. I think he is great.

Do you think Pam's being a fan favorite has accelerated her personal growth as a fighter/badass instead of a gossipy HR clerk?

I do think so, I don't know for sure but it makes sense. I'm so lucky that people love Pam as much as I do and we get to see her spread her wings.

You can only listen to one album for the rest of your life. Which one do you choose?

Probably Radiohead's The Bends

I'm old

Do the voice actors working on Archer have anything in common with their characters that you’ve noticed?

Sure, for one Jon Benjamin is a total smart ass and Lucky is creepy.

Which Archer episode has been your favorite?

I loved the pope episode.

Hi Amber! Pam is my absolute favorite character on the show. I actually got the chance to meet you and Lucky at GMX: you played "Celebrity D&D" at one of the panels with my partner (you totally won by the way).

Do you have any advice for aspiring voice actors/actresses who do not live in L.A.?

Yes, my advice is you don't need to live in L.A. live where you want and a place that makes you happy and is cheap. The great thing about voice work is you can do it anywhere and just send auditions through email and there are studios everywhere to record in. Do stuff for free until you get a lot under your belt.

Archer Live is such a treat for us fans, what's it like for the cast when you all get together? Don't you typically record alone/separately?

It's a huge treat for us as well. Getting to do so many last year we really got close, we genuinely enjoy hanging out with each other and have so much fun. We always have a big nice dinner after the show and get hammered.

You have worked with improv, and I am wondering, how much of Archer is improv, if any?

Very little, we just don't need to because the scripts are so funny. But I do think Adam likes working with improvisers, Lucky Yates is one too. We have fun and sometimes come up with stuff with Adam while we are recording.

So, how much cocaine do you use in real life?

None anymore because apparently it's bad for you and makes you talk about yourself too much, so...

Thanks for taking time to do an AMA! Who were your influences going into acting? What advice would you give creative people?

Carol Burnette, Lily Tomlin, Tim Curry, Gilda Radner, Gene Wilder. Just keep doing what you do best and sharing your gift, you will find your audience.

Okay, here's an actual question this time. Do you call people 'dicknuts' outside of the workplace?

I don' t but I should. Let's try it out...Hey bimjob stop being a dicknuts. FUN!

HOLY SHIT SNACKS! Hey Amber I love how Pam has developed from the HR person at ISIS to a coked out drug dealer. Do you have any say in how your character is developed?

I did mention to Adam that because Pam is addicted to coke she should probably get skinny and he went for it.

Hi Amber, I love Pam and your work so much, thanks for doing this AMA! What do you think about Thin Pam?

I think it makes her boobs look amazing. I am personally a small boobed lady so it's fun to have a giant boobed character to play.

What is your go-to dance move when attending weddings?

I like the art of tiny dancing, it's a special skill and also shoulder dancing. I'm also not afraid to motor booty and drop it like it's hot.

Also, a real question. How much taller are you then Jon Benjamin.

Umm, like 2 feet I think.

Amber!!! I'm am insanely jealous of your job!!! When did you start voice acting? What is your favourite thing about in contrast to regular ole acting?

Voice acting is a lot less stressful and time consuming but I really love acting with all my parts. I love theatre and playing characters and making people laugh. I'd love to do more on camera work. That is my next frontier! To the moon!

Hi Amber! I've really enjoyed Archer and Pam makes me laugh every time! What level of involvement do you have in Pam's character?

Not a lot when it comes to scripts, but I do write all the tweets for Pam @pamsgossiptrain so I get some stuff in there. Like she is in a jug band, has a cat named Mr. Meepers and is a bouncer at a strip club called Crammers.

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Veggie samosas, they are my favorite food!

Hi Amber, I have a question about the production side of Archer. Do you guys record your voices before or after the animation is done? I've heard that it can be done either way, just wondering how you guys do it for Archer :P

Great question, we record our audio tracks before and they animate around that.

Which of Pam's phrases is your favorite?

I do love Holy Shitsnacks or as Jessica Walter once said to me in person Holy Shitcakes.

Holy shitsnacks! Pam is doing an AMA! I've always loved Archer and I'm looking forward to the new episode tonight. What is your favorite part about your character?

I like that she is such a smartass and one of my favorite things to do is laugh through shitty lines that she is delivering to someone.

What book would you like to see adapted into a movie, and are there any specific actors you'd like to see in it (yourself included)?

I don't understand why Wicked isn't a movie yet, the book not the stage version. I'd love to be in that!

How much cocaine will your character eat on the show?

Also do you personally like the new direction archer is going in? Or do you prefer the Isis days?

She will eat all of the cocaine! And yes, I love it.

My boyfriend and I have not stopped saying "Shut your dick holster!" since we watched Season 4. Do you contribute any of your own lines? Is there any improv on the show?

There is some improv but not a lot. Adam writes such funny scripts we just don't need to.

Thank you for kicking ass and creating such a funny and bad ass character!

How did you get started in voice acting? How did the role/opportunity for Pam come up?

How much of Pam is all your creation as opposed to the writers? Thanks again!

I got started through doing improv and looking for work as an actor anywhere. I got a job doing voice work for a radio station and then got some commercials then I did Frisky Dingo with Matt and Adam and when Archer came along I didn't even audition, they just asked me if I wanted to do it! Pam is all Adam but I'd like to think that he saw my potential with the character and was like alright let's blow this character out.

Do you like how Pam (as a character) has progressed from the beginnings of the series to now? If not, what would you change?

I do I love it, I wouldn't change a think. I think that I am so lucky that she is who she is today. I really get to say some of the funniest lines in the show.

Thanks for doing this you are amazing on that show. Questions: Do you ever use Pam sayings in real life/what? What is the funniest thing Pam has ever said?

My favorite, is when addressing Cheryl she simply said..."Hey there bird bones"

Thanks so much for doing the AMA! A few questions! 1. Are there any funny stories involving the cast that aren't work related? 2. How often do people come up to you and quote the show? 3. Favorite scene from the series so far?

When we were in Austin for Archer live, we were at a restaurant and the waitress said to Judy, "you look familiar" and Judy said "well that is because I'm a famous Hollywood actress" It was so hilarious and so Judy. People don't quote the show to me too often maybe once a month if that. My favorite episode this season at least Southbound and down.

I have the seasons on DVD, but have not started watching them. They stare at me daily.

Why I should start Archer before The League, House of Cards, etc.

I can't tell you to watch it before House of Cards because I think that show is one of the best things ever made, so after that you'll need a little break and some comedy and Archer will make you laugh that is for sure.

i actually just started Archer on Netflix and I like it a lot. i don't really have a question, but that i really love Pam so far

Actually I thought of a question. who would you say your dream animated movie cast would be. (like who would you want to work with in a movie. Ex: /u/TheRealTaraStrong )

Pam loves you so far too.

Will there be a record album with Pam next season? Would love to hear Pam's takes on classic songs. Maybe an Archer album?

That would be a disaster unless we find someone to sing for me because I have a horrifying singing voice.

Amber! You're excellent in Archer, loved it all since the first season!

Anyway, how much can you relate to Pam? What's the biggest feature you'd say you share with her?

Keep up the amazing work! :D sploosh!

We definitely share a love of obscure and awesome curse words and insults. I always wish I was a little more like Pam.

Hi Amber! I just wanted to say that Archer is one of the funniest things I've watched and makes me laugh every time and Pam is just brilliant! What do you think of the direction Season 5 is taking seeing as it's really quite different from the rest of the seasons?

I love it. I really do think that it's fun and super funny. I wasn't sure when I first heard about it but then I started getting the scripts and I could tell that Adam was having a blast writing them. I know some people don't like it but I feel like if a show is going to be good, you have to take risks, especially if it's been around a while and if you take risks not everyone is gonna love all of it.

How would you handle some of the scenarios in archer? would you do it like Pam or someone else?

I wish that I'd do it like Pam but I don't think I could physically pull it off, I'm not nearly as awesome and deadly. So I'd probably do it more like Cyril.

Hi Amber! I've heard you all record your lines separately. But I'm curious, why is that?

We do and that is because we all live in different places and technology makes that possible. Lucky, Adam and I live in Atlanta where the show is made and we record here, Jon and Jessica are in NY and everyone else is in LA.

You're wonderful. What's your favorite band?

Oh, you know it's an older one but it's probably Built to Spill. But I also love Radiohead, Band of Horses and Modest Mouse just to name a few.