Animation is an ever-evolving landscape that relies heavily on voice actors who breathe life into diverse characters, making them relatable and memorable. Over the past few years, several names have risen to the forefront, defining this generation's animation voiceover scene. Here's a spotlight on these contemporary icons. What is worth noting is how these prolific voice actors deliver these amazing characters. There is a great lesson to be learned from studying the animation maestros of today. A consideration is found in the timeline of their careers. One will discover that stardom is not something discovered on day one but a journey of many years venturing a vast variety of shows, roles, and characters.
DiMaggio's distinct deep voice and impeccable comedic timing have made him a staple in several animation franchises. Looking at his recent victory against Hulu on actors' pay rates we, of course, are drawn to the icon robot, Bender in "Futurama". His list of notable characters from top names continues with Jake the Dog in "Adventure Time", and Marcus Fenix in the "Gears of War" video game series. John's capacity to infuse his characters with both humor and depth makes him invaluable, particularly in shows that blur the line between comedy and drama. Further, his sheer grit to stand up for what is right solidifies him as a pillar of strength for all who work in the voiceover industry.
While Tom Kenny is perhaps best known for a certain yellow sponge, his contributions extend far beyond Bikini Bottom. Naturally, I am referring to SpongeBob in "SpongeBob SquarePants" but we also have the Ice King in "Adventure Time", and many roles in "Rick and Morty" too. The significance of Kenny’s unique voice and impeccable comedic delivery makes him a favorite among creators aiming to develop iconic characters. His adaptability has enabled him to voice characters in both children's animations and more mature content. This is fairly uncommon in animation but is a testament to his ability to work across multiple animation sub-genres. Not only does Kenny embrace the demands of a lead in one show, but in another he also succeeds tremendously well in delivering multiple roles.
Grey's vast vocal range and diverse character portfolio make her a force to reckon with in the animation voiceover industry. Looking at roles such as the iconic Daphne in "Scooby-Doo" series, Azula in "Avatar: The Last Airbender", and Catwoman in various DC animations we can see that Griffin has the ability to oscillate between innocent, sinister, comedic, and serious characters. This of course highlights her unparalleled versatility and sets a massive standard for aspiring voice actors. Iconic roles such as Sbooby-Doo's Daphne is something which is very difficult to achieve based on the character needing to stand the test of time. Griffin has done this time and time again.
Bauza is the fresh face who has recently taken up iconic roles, ensuring they remain relevant for the current generation. Looking at the new voice for Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and other Looney Tunes characters in recent renditions. Taking on legendary roles is no small feat. Bauza manages to pay homage to the classics while incorporating a modern twist, appealing to both nostalgic fans and newcomers. We of course note Mel Blanc for the majority of the voices birthed out of Looney Tunes. That said, Mel's characters have outlived him and continue to have a positive future ahead. These characters remain true to their origins by continuing to put smiles on the faces of millions thanks to talented voice actors like Eric Bauza.
As a creator and voice actor, Roiland’s unique voice and narrative style have defined a new era of adult animation. Both Rick and Morty in "Rick and Morty" are a testament to Roilands creativity. Roiland's distinctive style — characterized by improvisation, dark humor, and emotional depth, combined with his unique voice acting has made "Rick and Morty" a cultural phenomenon. It is unusual to look at one series as a case study especially one that is still considered fairly contemporary. But the massive surge of popularity globally makes Rick and Morty the exception to the rule. Roilands success is not to be ignored as a modern-day enigma but is instead a powerful medium to be looked at and learned from.
With a voice that can cover an impressive range, Kari Wahlgren is a name many modern animation enthusiasts will recognize. Of course, following on from the above, we have Jessica/Rick's spaceship from the modern-day phenomenon "Rick and Morty", Proxima Midnight in "The Guardians of the Galaxy" and Zatanna in "Justice League Action". Notably, Wahlgren has a knack for voicing strong female characters, contributing significantly to the ongoing movement of creating multi-dimensional female characters in animation. Her credits are extensive and we have only addressed a few. Kari sets the bar high for how much work anyone voice actor can deliver with the highest level of excellence.
The voiceover industry, while rooted in tradition, is constantly evolving, influenced by societal shifts, technological advancements, and changing audience preferences. These contemporary voice actors, with their unique talents and adaptability, are at the forefront of this evolution. By voicing characters that resonate with today's global audience, they ensure that animation remains a powerful medium of storytelling, entertainment, and reflection. As they continue to define the present era of animation, their impact sets the stage for the next generation of voiceover talent. In the same way, Mel Blanc's Looney Tunes have stood the test of time, you can bet your top buck that many of the voices of today's hits will do just the same in generations to come.
Animation Maestros by Alan Shires
Voice Actor