Is there a name for the vocal technique used for characters like Sméagol?
I notice a common pattern for voicing characters like Sméagol (Lord of the Rings), Stitch (Lilo & Stitch), Mogwai (Gremlins), and Jar Jar Binks (Star Wars Ep. 1) that involves falsetto and raising the back of the tongue to the roof of the mouth while talking. Is there a common name for that technique?
I don't know what it's called, but it's precious.
Isn't that a version of fry?
I'm not sure -- when I hear "vocal fry" I think of that open-throated low engagement of the vocal cords that makes a deeper sounding rapid popping noise. Were you referring to the same?
Pretty much, yeah, though it doesn't have to be low, iirc. It can come from higher in the throat, and thus sound higher pitched as well.
It comes kinda naturally once you've been almost choked to death.
Also Shaggy of It Wasn't Me fame.