Comedian Billy Eichner on following in his idol's footsteps in The Lion King

Originally published on July 18, 2019

It's one thing to star in one of the biggest movies of the summer, a remake of a classic, but imagine that the person who pioneered your role in the original film is also your lifelong idol. 

In Disney's live-action remake of The Lion King, comedian Billy Eichner voices the famed and notable meerkat, Timon, originally voiced by Broadway actor Nathan Lane. Eichner has been a fan of Lane for a long time, even before he laid ears on the original animated movie. 

He joined host Tom Power in the q studio to talk about his admiration for Lane, how he feels about taking on the character of Timon and what other projects he currently has in the works.

You can hear the dulcet tones of Eichner's speaking and singing voice in The Lion King, which opens in theatres everywhere today.

— Produced by ​Emma Godmere and Tamica Marcano