Who voices Gru's assistant Dr. Nefario in Despicable Me?

Who voices Gru's assistant Dr. Nefario in Despicable Me? Russell Brand voices Dr. Nefario.

Dr. Nefario is Gru's elderly laboratory assistant and chief inventor. He helps design and operate the machinery behind Gru's criminal schemes, including the technology needed for the Moon heist. His role is more than that of a technician: he is one of the few people who understands Gru's habits, ambitions, and changing priorities.

Brand's performance gives Nefario a raspy, eccentric voice that fits the character's mad-scientist appearance and comic timing. Nefario initially supports Gru's villainous work, but he becomes concerned when Gru grows attached to Margo, Edith, and Agnes. Believing the girls are distracting Gru from his career, Nefario contacts Miss Hattie and has them returned to the orphanage, a decision that helps trigger the film's emotional climax.

Russell Brand returned as Nefario in Despicable Me 2 and Despicable Me 3. The character is easy to confuse with Gru because Steve Carell voices Gru, while Jason Segel voices Vector and Will Arnett voices Mr. Perkins. Nefario is the inventor and assistant, not the principal villain or the protagonist.