The smoothie guy, known as T-Bo, is a recurring character on the Nickelodeon TV show iCarly. He is the owner of a popular smoothie shop in the show called The Groovy Smoothie. T-Bo is known for always trying to get the main characters to buy random foods on a stick that he sells along with his smoothies. So who is the actor that brought T-Bo to life?
T-Bo is played by actor Bohdi Elfman
The eccentric smoothie shop owner T-Bo is played by the actor Bohdi Elfman. Elfman is likely best known for his roles in films such as Patch Adams, Looney Tunes: Back in Action, and Fifty Shades Darker. On iCarly, Elfman appeared in 17 episodes as T-Bo from 2007-2012.
Bohdi Elfman’s Early Life and Career
Bohdi Elfman was born as Bohdi Chand Elfman on August 1, 1949 in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in a show business family – his father Kamaran was a violinist and his mother Clarabelle was a film producer and screenwriter. Elfman got his start in entertainment by performing with the musical theater group The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo, founded by his older brother Danny Elfman.
In 1976, Bohdi Elfman transitioned to acting and landed roles in films like Forbidden Zone, Soapdish, and Shrunken Heads. His television credits include recurring roles on shows such as Chicago Hope, Dharma & Greg, and Two and a Half Men. However, it was his eccentric character T-Bo on iCarly that introduced Elfman to a whole new generation of viewers.
T-Bo on iCarly
T-Bo made his first appearance on iCarly in the 2007 episode “iNevel.” He is introduced as the owner of The Groovy Smoothie, a popular hangout spot for Carly, Sam, and Freddie. Elfman appeared in over a dozen more episodes until 2012, with T-Bo often trying to push strange foods on sticks to the iCarly gang.
Some of T-Bo’s most memorable food creations include:
- Strawberries on a stick
- Avocados on a stick
- Potatoes on a stick
- Cookies on a stick
- Burritos on a stick
In the 2011 episode “iStill Psycho,” T-Bo explains his food on sticks creations when he says: “If you can’t eat it with your hands while walking, it’s not really a snack, it’s a meal.” While often silly, T-Bo’s outgoing personality and loyalty to his customers made him a fun recurring figure on the show.
Behind the Scenes with Bohdi Elfman
In behind the scenes interviews, Bohdi Elfman revealed that he immensely enjoyed his time working on iCarly. He said he was able to really embrace the humor and silliness of the character. Elfman particularly enjoyed interacting with the show’s young stars Miranda Cosgrove, Jennette McCurdy, and Nathan Kress.
When discussing where T-Bo’s eccentric personality came from, Elfman said he imagined what a guy who sells food on sticks might be like in real life. He viewed T-Bo as an entrepreneurial, outside-the-box thinker who was constantly coming up with wild new food creations. To play up that creative spirit, Elfman gave T-Bo an energetic, fast-talking persona.
Off screen, Bohdi Elfman is much more soft spoken and thoughtful. But he perfectly embodied the over-the-top, smoothie-slinging character for iCarly.
T-Bo’s Impact on iCarly
While not one of the main stars, T-Bo is considered one of the most beloved recurring characters from iCarly. He appeared in over a quarter of the show’s episodes from 2007 to 2012. T-Bo served as a fun, energetic counterpart to the main group. His delivering of crazy food pitches provided humor and laughs for viewers.
A Memorable Supporting Character
As a secondary character, T-Bo helped round out the iCarly world. His Smoothy Shop set an important hangout space for the lead characters. T-Bo also formed memorable bonds with Carly, Sam, Freddie, and Spencer over his five seasons on the show. His loyalty as a friend often came through, despite his far-out personality.
T-Bo also got embroiled in the kids’ adventures, schemes, and hijinks. Unforgettable episodes involving T-Bo include:
- “iTake on Dingo” – T-Bo helps the kids set up a hotel in the school to thwart the plans of a movie producer.
- “iDate a Bad Boy” – T-Bo tries to help Spencer build an epic mini-golf course.
- “iWon’t Cancel the Show” – T-Bo appears on an iCarly webisode segment devoted to his Smoothie Shop.
So while a side character, T-Bo left his mark through his close connections to the iCarly gang and by bringing his own unique charm.
T-Bo’s Legacy
During his time on iCarly, T-Bo entered the cultural zeitgeist for younger viewers. His Smoothie Shop became a place fans wanted to visit. And his food on sticks inventions appealed to the childhood fantasy of eating strange new creations.
Even today, T-Bo remains a fan-favorite character from the show. He is still widely remembered and discussed by audiences. Actor Bohdi Elfman brought such energy and comedic timing that T-Bo leapt off the screen. The character remains a truly iconic part of the iCarly universe.
Bohdi Elfman’s Other Notable Roles
While best known as T-Bo to younger viewers, Bohdi Elfman has had a long career in film and television. Some of his other major roles include:
Movies
- Patch Adams (1998) – Played Bob, friend of title character
- Multiplicity (1996) – Played Bob Kinney
- My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997) – Played Ratbert
- A Civil Action (1998) – Played James Gordon
- Looney Tunes: Back in Action (2003) – Played Hollywood Director
Television
- Chicago Hope (1995-2000) – Played Dr. Aaron Shutt
- Two and a Half Men (2006-2015) – Played Frank, Charlie’s group leader
- Dharma & Greg (1997-2002) – Played Peter Cavanaugh
- Parenthood (2011) – Played Ray Johnson
- Murder in the First (2016) – Played Warren Daniels
In addition to these roles, Elfman has made guest appearances on shows like Beverly Hills, 90210, Judging Amy, CSI: Miami, and The Middle. He continues to act in both comedic and dramatic roles.
Where is Bohdi Elfman Now?
Since his days as energetic T-Bo on iCarly, Bohdi Elfman has continued acting while also spending time focusing on his music. Some highlights:
Recent Acting Work
On the acting front, some of Elfman’s recent roles include:
- Fifty Shades Darker (2017) – Played Doctor Greene
- Son of Zorn (2016) – Played Steve
- Hollywood Darlings (2017) – Appeared as himself
- American Horror Story (2018) – Played Chef Bertie
- DC Titans (2019) – Played Commissioner Barnes
He remains consistently busy acting in both TV shows and films after several decades in the business.
Music Career
Elfman is also passionate about music and performing with his band Bohdi Elfman & Brothers. The group plays a mix of jazz, funk, and rock. Elfman writes original music as well as covers.
Elfman has said music gives him a different type of creative outlet from acting. But both allow him to connect with audiences. The band frequently plays live shows in the Los Angeles area and has also performed in places like France, Mexico, and Jamaica.
Personal Life
In his personal life, Bohdi Elfman has been married to actress Una Damon since 1995. The couple has two daughters named Maiya Violet and Indigo August. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family in California.
Though no longer dishing up smoothies as T-Bo, Elfman continues to have a thriving career. He remains a beloved sitcom figure for iCarly fans, young and old alike.
Conclusion
For seven seasons on iCarly, Bohdi Elfman gave life to the lovable and eccentric character T-Bo. As owner of The Groovy Smoothie, T-Bo provided laughs, reoccurring gags, and warmth to the show. While a supporting character, fans embraced T-Bo’s delightful personality and his bonds with the main iCarly ensemble.
Actor Bohdi Elfman was able to perfectly capture T-Bo’s energetic spirit and outgoing nature. His comedic timing and commitment to the role made T-Bo truly standout. The character remains one of the most iconic parts of the iCarly universe.
Beyond iCarly, Bohdi Elfman has had a prolific career in TV and film. He continues to act while also pursuing his passion for music. Though Elfman has played many roles, for a generation of Nickelodeon viewers, he will always fondly be remembered as T-Bo – resident smoothie artist and food on a stick visionary.
