Thurop Van Orman

Thurop Van Orman (also credited as Mark Van Orman) is an American screen artist known for writing, animation, producing, directing, and voice work. Born April 26, 1976, in Norfolk, Virginia, he became a distinctive creative force in modern TV animation through his offbeat humor and character-driven storytelling.

Van Orman is best recognized for creating and producing Cartoon Network’s The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack (2008–2010), where he also voiced the title character. The series helped shape a generation of animated talent and showcased his knack for surreal comedy, expressive design, and heartfelt mischief.

Expanding beyond television, he made his feature directorial debut with The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019) and contributed voice performances as Duck and Seal. His on-screen and voice credits also include Gravity Falls (as Gideon Gleeful/Lil’ Gideon), Adventure Time (Tree Witch), and Battle Kitty (Memory Monster), underscoring his versatility across fan-favorite franchises.

Whether writing, directing, or stepping behind the mic, Van Orman’s work blends sharp comedy with imaginative world-building—earning him a lasting place in contemporary animation culture.