With a face like that, it's no surprise Grumpy Cat is an online superstar. After all, the Internet loves kitties, weird phenomenons, and, uh, more kitties. The Grumpy Cat meme has gained more than 6 million Facebook fans, has been on the cover of New York Magazine, became the "spokescat" for the Friskies brand and has even made guest appearances on Fox's American Idol and the MTV Movie Awards. Next, she'll make her TV movie debut in Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever , premiering Saturday night on Lifetime. And Grumpy Cat will be voiced by none other than actress Aubrey Plaza.
Plaza is best known for her role as deadpan April Ludgate on the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation and is the absolute perfect choice. Actually, Jane Lynch was rumored to be the first choice to be the iconic voice of Grumpy Cat, but reportedly turned down the opportunity. In a way, it all worked out, because Plaza could not be a better pick. The 30-year-old actress is a veteran of improv comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade, and has also had parts in the films Funny People, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and Safety Not Guaranteed.
But out of all of those roles, Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever is the best fit for Plaza and here's why.
She Plays the Live-Action Grumpy Cat on Parks and Rec
On Parks and Rec, April is a simple but hilarious character who mostly knows what she wants to do, which is basically all the things she doesn't want to do (got it?). She's not lazy, but she's also not the most enthusiastic person in the universe. However in the history of the show, there have been a few things she's wanted, like the love of boyfriend-turned-hubby Andy Dwyer (played by Chris Pratt).
Her Deadpan Comedy is Exactly How Grumpy Looks
Grumpy Cat doesn't exactly look like the most energetic cat. I don't think he'll be bursting into a bright colorful musical number at any point soon. The same goes for Plaza, who seems to have a style of comedy that is both deadpan and a dark-cloud-hanging-over-her-head style. Not many actresses can truly capture this kind of low energy and still be funny, but Plaza is an expert at it.
Her Frown Looks Like Grumpy Cat
While Grumpy Cat was born with her very distinct frown, Plaza has perfected hers over time — and I swear it looks just like her cat counterpart. Now, no one's saying their faces had to look alike in order for Plaza's voice to make Grumpy Cat come to life (what kind of logic would that be?). I'm just saying it's kind of a happy coincidence. I mean, look at this and compare:
You can see the resemblance, right? Maybe it's just my imagination then.
Images: Chris Helcermanas-Benge/Lifetime; Giphy (4)
