Todd Hanson is an American writer and voice actor, notable for his work as a writer and editor at the parody newspaper The Onion. He also voices the character Dan Halen on the Adult Swim program Squidbillies.
Career
As writer Todd Hanson briefly attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1986 and soon dropped out. He remained in Madison and began working a series of menial jobs. Eventually Hanson began drawing a semi-autobiographical cartoon entitled 'Badgers and Other Animals' which was published regularly in The Daily Cardinal, a university student newspaper. Hanson was working as a dishwasher when he first started as a writer and cartoonist at The Onion.Hoffmann, Leah (May 23, 2006). "First Job: Todd Hanson". Forbes. Retrieved August 23, 2012. He wrote an article in The Onion that was optioned as a movie by DreamWorksFierman, Daniel (October 10, 2000). "Web Masters The Site's Creators Tell EW that It's Just the Beginning of Mass Commodification". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved August 23, 2012. and co-wrote the comedy film The Onion Movie (2008), which he has since disowned.
As actor Todd was an ensemble member in the Ark Improvisational Theater in Madison, Wisconsin from 1987 to 1988. He voices the character Dan Halen on Squidbillies. He made three guest appearances in the episodes of Aqua Teen Hunger Force called Interfection, Hypno-Germ and Last Dance for Napkin Lad. He is also on the commentary for Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters in which he stated that he is a big fan of the show. The commentary also states that he came up with the Chicken Bittle character which was rejected to be an Aqua Teen for several years.
Personal life Hanson has lived in Wisconsin and New York City, New York. During a storytelling segment on Public Radio International's The Moth, Hanson credited his mother for him being "a douchebag".
Hanson spoke candidly about his long history of depression on the July 7, 2011 episode of WTF with Marc Maron. In the interview, Hanson discussed attempting suicide in 2009 and recognizing that his humor was a defense mechanism against seeking help.
Filmography Year Title Role Notes 2003 Space Ghost Coast to Coast Writer 1 episode 2002–2011 Aqua Teen Hunger Force Writer 3 episodes 2005 The Aristocrats Actor/Himself Staff of The Onion 2008 The Onion Movie Writer 2005–2021 Squidbillies Dan Halen 55 episodes 2009 Ape Trouble Video 2009 Something Extremely Important 2010 The People vs. George Lucas Actor/Himself
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