Archer is a show that has reimagined the spy genre with its quick wit and perpetually evolving lead character. Throughout the series, Archer has been a pirate king on the high seas, a captain in outer space, and a noir detective solving crimes. With each new adventure, the super-spy naturally encounters a diverse array of characters that are voiced by an equally distinct cast of guest stars who keep the show fresh and vital.
These stars are sometimes well-known personalities such SNL's Fred Armisen or comparatively obscure journeyman actors like Matt Berry. Regardless of who they are, they never fail to leave their mark on the show. Some are called back for numerous episodes, whereas others are able to make a lasting impression with only a few minutes of screen time.
Jeffrey Tambor as Len Trexler
In shows like Arrested Development and feature films like The Death of Stalin, Jeffrey Tambor has established himself as a master at comic timing. As intelligent agency chief Len Trexler, Tambor offers a uniquely funny performance that conveys a sleaziness that is both revolting and irresistibly hilarious.
This is evident in multiple episodes when Trexler romances the super spy's mother Mallory, who some believe to be one of the funniest characters on Archer. Their scenes together are the comedic highpoints of the series as Tambor creates a vivid portrait of a repulsive man who is every son's worst nightmare. Archer detests Trexler and is noticeably unnerved when he finds out the man could be his father. Tambor expertly portrays the slimy ODIN figurehead and is so identified with the part, he has appeared or been referred to multiple times throughout the show's long run.
Keegan Michael Key and JK Simmons as Detective Diedrich and Detective Harris
Detectives Harris and Diedrich had such an impact on the show that they even got their own catchphrase, "Rimshot!" Appearing throughout season 7, these useless detectives display a bumbling comedic style that blends well with the Archer's "anything goes" humor.
These characters come into their own in the "Deadly Velvet" episodes as both actors balance their serious nature as detectives and the more careless attributes of their characters. Key and Simmons' different acting styles allow them to expertly play off each other. For example, Key often plays the "bad cop" of the duo despite his higher pitch and less intimidating voice while Simmons, who is normally known for his tough-guy roles in movies like Whiplash, unexpectedly assumes the role of the "good cop" who is often exasperated by his overeager partner.
Thomas Lennon and Robert Ben Garant as Charles and Rudy
The best things come in pairs, and Charles and Rudy are perfect together. Portrayed by Thomas Lennon and Robert Ben Garant, Charles and Rudy were such a hit after their season 1 appearance that they were brought back in seasons 5 and 10 as different versions of their characters.
These characters stand out due to their affection for Woodhouse and disdain for Archer, who is considered one of the worst characters on the show. In one memorable appearance in the episode "Honeypot," the duo comically tries to assassinate Ramon while he is trying to sleep with Archer. What elevates these characters is Lennon and Garant's performances, which imbues the pair with madcap absurdism that fits perfectly with the style of the show's comedy. When Charles and Rudy appear, they always deliver funny non-sequiturs and witty comebacks that make them stand out from the rest of the characters.
Patrick Warburton as Rip Riley
Warburton has such a distinctive voice, and Rip Riley is ideally suited for the baritone-voiced actor. In the three-part episode entitled "The Heart of Archness," the self-assured plane captain is tasked with bringing Archer back from his self-imposed "sexile" following the death of his fiance, Katya. Riley is subsequently imprisoned by Pirate-King Archer and Warburton's chemistry with Benjamin leads to numerous hysterical situations.
The Seinfeld star's soothing and commanding voice makes him the perfect actor to portray the arrogant Riley. His expert comic timing is complemented by his ability to switch from a domineering captain to a fearful castaway after Archer eats all of their rations. "Heart of Archness" is one of the best episodes in the show's history partly because of Warburton's performance, which somehow matches and outdoes H. John Benjamin's smug and self-satisfied work as the titular hero.
Fred Armisen as President Gustavo Calderon
In his regular role on SNL and guest appearances in other shows such as Broad City, Fred Armisen never fails to steal the show. Archer is no exception as the gifted comedian portrays the delusional dictator of San Marcos. He falls in love with Cherlene and buys all of her albums despite his country being in the middle of a civil war.
In the "Palace Intrigue" episode, Armisen's exaggerated accent and loquacious personality create a portrait of a leader who inspires laughs rather than terror. Perhaps the least intimidating dictator that has ever existed, Armisen's Calderon is a dryly satirical parody of an arrogant despot who cares about their own personal desires rather than the welfare of their country. Armisen expertly pokes fun at this stereotype while also creating a memorable antagonist for Archer to fight against.
Matt Berry as Mr. Deadly
In a brief but memorable performance, experienced comedian Matt Berry shines as the deadpan Mr. Deadly. A destructive weapon with the capabilities of destroying a whole solar system, Mr. Deadly is one of the most feared characters in Archer's history.
In his only appearance on the show in "Mr. Deadly Goes to Town," Mr. Deadly's desire to self-detonate makes this episode hysterical as the gang tries to avoid his, and their own, demise. Berry's British style of comedy, and accent, offer something so different than the usual guest star that he is extremely memorable in this role. In particular, his brief "romance" with Cheryl Tunt is hilarious as the socially awkward Mr. Deadly successfully woos the sexually adventurous Cheryl, who is voiced by Judy Greer in one of her most memorable roles.
David Cross as Noah
Another Arrested Development alumni who guest-starred on Archer is David Cross, who plays the anthropologist Noah. While his co-star Jeffrey Tambor has an instantly recognizable voice, Cross is more famous for his physical comedy in films like Scary Movie 2. As Noah, however, Cross comes into his own as he expertly conveys the character's lack of confidence.
Another character to feature during the "Heart of Archness" storyline, the weak-willed Noah is the perfect foil to Archer's nonchalance and arrogance. While the character begins to grate on the viewer with his incessant whininess, Cross' comedic skill manages to make this usually negative quality funny and engaging. Noah is so memorable that he returns again in season 9, which is always a good omen for any guest star.
Kumail Nanjiani as Farooq Ashkani
Kumail Nanjiani has built a very good resume over the years and Archer is just one of a long list of impressive roles. Since this appearance, he has come into his own as a writer and star. His rise has been so meteoric that he has been recruited into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as one of the stars in the movie Eternals.
Like a few other guest stars, his appearance in Archer was only for one episode. He plays a Pakistani intelligence agent/actor who Lana hires to see if Archer is ready to look after their daughter. The resulting comedy of errors in this episode, and the calm delivery of his lines, only adds to the brilliance of Nanjiani's performance. His disdain for Archer's parenting, despite threatening a child, also adds a sense of irony to the character that mirrors the actor's trademark deadpan humor.