Disney Junior Canada introduces a fresh heroine to the screen as Sofia the First makes its animated debut. The series follows Princess Sofia, voiced by Ariel Winter, as she learns to navigate royal life without losing her curiosity or kindness. At her side is Clover, a clever rabbit voiced by Wayne Brady, who brings bold humor and a big personality to every moment. The show pairs warmth with wit, inviting preschool audiences to see how Sofia handles new duties, friendships, and the everyday surprises that come with wearing a crown. In conversations about the project, Brady shares his thoughts on the character, the craft of voice acting, and the joys of improv that help the world feel real even when it exists only in animation.
How would you describe Clover? Brady answers with a vivid portrait. Clover is cute beyond words, with large eyes and a shiny nose that catches the light and invites a smile. He looks like the friendly animal next door, yet his voice crackles with attitude, as if a New York City cabbie had wandered into a fairy tale. The character may be small, but he carries tenacity and appetite in every scene. He talks a confident game, is brash, and is always hungry, but as the adventures unfold he grows to love Sofia, becoming a loyal constant by her side.
The actor explains that voice acting keeps calling him back. It is an art that tests a performer in new ways. On camera a laugh can come from a look, but in the booth it comes from timing, tone, and nuance. The challenge is to merge character and emotion using only sound, and that is what makes voice work so engaging.
Improv scenes became a regular part of Clover’s dialogue. Much of the bunny’s banter grew from improvisation while the pages gave the structure. The writers trusted Brady to shape Clover’s attitude, letting him improvise lines and bring his own take to the role. The process felt collaborative and organic, with ample space for ad libbing and playing off the other characters. The result sits somewhere in the middle of scripted precision and spontaneous humor.
Brady has long admired Disney and explains why this work still draws him. For many fans growing up near Orlando, the studio feels like a home team. His favourite Disney movie remains a classic, One Hundred and One Dalmatians, a film that left an impression and helped shape this career path.
Advice for aspiring actors comes straight from experience. The core message is fearlessness. The stage offers a safe space to explore ideas, so performers should step forward boldly and leave ego at the door. Preparation matters, and being unafraid of looking silly can unlock opportunities and foster growth.
Brady also shares future ambitions beyond voice work. He previously graced Broadway in Chicago as Billy Flynn and still dreams of returning to the stage to originate a new role and win a Tony. With four Emmy nominations and a Grammy nod, the performer remains hungry for a flagship TV project of his own and for more chances to blend music, comedy, and drama on screen.
Viewers should note Sofia the First premieres in Canada on a Saturday evening at 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Disney Junior, with subsequent episodes airing on weekend mornings at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The show invites families to join Sofia as she learns to lead with kindness, courage, and curiosity, all while Clover provides comic relief and heartfelt support.