He was voiced by Trey Parker in early appearances, but South Park art director Adrien Beard took over in 2000 and has performed the character since.

Tolkien attends South Park Elementary, he initially is a third-grade student of Mr. Garrison's class before moving up to fourth-grade.

Adrien Beard speaks with his normal vocal range and is edited with Pro Tools, which alters the pitch to that of a fourth grader.

[3] Following the release of "The Big Fix", Tolkien's name was edited in all previously-released material to match the retcon, including subtitles of past episodes.

[4] In "With Apologies to Jesse Jackson", Tolkien is upset by Randy Marsh's use of the word "niggers" on Wheel of Fortune, and refused to acquiesce to Stan's demand that he declare that it was not a problem.