So, picture this: it’s 2006, and you’re glued to MTV’s Laguna Beach. There’s Talan Torriero, the guy with the spiky hair and the ironic smirk, cracking jokes in the back of a convertible while Lauren and Stephen have yet another dramatic chat. You probably thought, “What does that guy actually do all day?” (Be honest—you were way more invested in the drama than you’d like to admit.) Fast-forward nearly two decades, and the answer is surprisingly more interesting than a reality-show plot twist.

Talan Torriero is a professional voice actor—and not in the way you might imagine for a former reality star. He’s the voice behind countless commercials, video games, and even audiobooks. Yeah, that guy who once made you cringe with his on-screen antics is now the smooth voice telling you to “try the new Double Down” from KFC. Wait, what? Exactly.

But here’s the kicker: he didn’t just stumble into a booth with a mic. After Laguna Beach ended, Talan took a hard look at his life. (You know, the one where you realize being famous for being on TV doesn’t pay the forever bills.) He trained, took classes, and built a legitimate career from scratch. No reality-show gimmicks, just sheer hustle.

From reality royalty to vocal royalty

That voice you heard on the show—the one that delivered sarcastic one-liners? It’s now a chameleon. He’s done voices for insurance ads, sports promos, and even characters in mobile games. (If you’ve ever screamed at your phone during a match, there’s a decent chance Talan was yelling back at you.) The man has range, and I’m not talking about the kind you find on a piano.

Here’s a fun side note: he’s also a voice-over coach. Yep, he teaches other people how to do what he does. Imagine paying for a class from the guy who once drove a pink Jeep on national television. Irony, meet reality.

Wait, is that all he does?

Not quite. Talan also dabbles in podcasting. He co-hosts a show called Big & Tall (get it?) where he chats about life, fatherhood, and the wild world of reality TV’s afterlife. It’s like a reunion for your ears, minus the scripted drama. He’s also a public speaker, which makes sense—the guy’s been performing since he was a teenager, just without the reality cameras watching his every nose-pick.

The Cast of 'Laguna Beach': Where Are They Now?The Cast of 'Laguna Beach': Where Are They Now?

But let’s not forget his side hustle: selling merchandise from his old show. Yes, you can still buy a Laguna Beach hoodie on his website. (Don’t judge—nostalgia is a powerful drug, and I’m pretty sure we’ve all Googled “early 2000s fashion” at 2 AM.) He’s turned his past into a brand, which is smarter than most people give him credit for.

The grind behind the glamour

Here’s the thing about Talan: he’s not just coasting on his 2006 fame. The dude works hard. He’s posted Instagram stories of himself in sound booths at 6 AM, rehearsing scripts until his voice cracks. (And he’s probably done it without a single “Players, love the hats” joke.) His daily routine? Audition, record, edit, repeat. It’s less glamorous than a Laguna sunset, but it pays for his kids’ soccer gear.

He’s also a family man. Married with two kids, he’s traded the hot tub for the minivan. (And honestly, doesn’t that make you root for him a little?) His wife, Danielle, is a former model, and they seem like a genuinely solid team. No scripted arguments, no producer-fueled fights—just two adults figuring out the mortgage.

Talan Torriero 2022Talan Torriero 2022

So, what’s the takeaway?

Talan Torriero is proof that reality TV isn’t always a death sentence. He took a weird, public start and built a sustainable career in a field that’s all about reputation. Voice acting isn’t about being famous; it’s about being reliable, versatile, and good at what you do. And he’s nailed it.

Next time you hear a commercial for, say, a fast-food burger, pay attention. If the voice sounds annoyingly familiar, it might be Talan—the guy who once said, “I’m not a player, I just crush a lot.” (He’s probably laughing about that line now. I am.) So, what does he do for a living? He uses his voice—to sell, to teach, to entertain, and to remind us that life after reality TV can be quiet, weird, and surprisingly fulfilling.

And honestly? That’s way cooler than being the host of a reunion special. But hey, that’s just my opinion.