Matt Lauer (inset) and his animated alter ego Hark Hanson
Lauer, 52, lends his voice to Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey, in which he plays the TV anchor Hark Hanson. Lauer has previously popped up in live-action films and sitcoms – including a bathroom scene on Will & Grace – but says he did this one for his kids: Jack, 9, Romy, 6, and Thijs, 3.
"I just think it's a kick," he says. "I mean, we talk so much on my show about entertainment and pop culture and negative influences on children, and here you have a chance to be part of something that's just good wholesome family fun that my kids already have a history with."
He adds: "Why not give them a little bit of a thrill to see their dad involved with something like that?"
The movie, due out on DVD on March 2, also features the voices of Tim Curry, Jamie Kennedy, Jerry Lewis and Clint Howard.
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