Marcel the Shell Reads From His New Book

Studio 360

The actress Jenny Slate has played strange, memorable characters all over TV — on shows like Parks and Recreation, Kroll Show, and Married — and starred in an indie film, Obvious Child. But her most famous creation is probably Marcel the Shell, the tiny character who debutedin a YouTube video in 2011. That video, animated by Slate’s husband, Dean Fleischer-Camp, has racked up more than 23 million views.

Now Marcel has returned in a new children’s book, Marcel the Shell: The Most Surprised I’ve Ever Been. In an interview with Kurt Andersen, Jenny read from the book as Marcel (listen to the audio above). She also explained the origin of his tiny voice — and the ground rules in her house about when she can use it. Fleischer-Camp “doesn’t like it when I do it to get out of doing stuff, like taking out the trash or walking the dogs,” she says. “I’m also obviously not allowed to do it during romantic times.”

Listen to more of Kurt and Jenny Slate’s conversation.

Invest in independent global news

The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!