When you watch your favorite animated television show or film, you probably find yourself attached to the characters. You might feel a sense of connection to their personality, their quirks, or their voice. Indeed, the voice of an animated character is one of the things that gives life to the character. The voice makes the character more relatable, more human. Behind every beloved animated character, there is a voice actor who has breathed life into it by bestowing it a voice.
Voice acting is no less challenging than on-screen acting. In fact, some would argue that it’s even more difficult as there are no costumes, props, or physical presence to aid in the portrayal of the character. The success of the character, to a great extent, depends on the actor’s ability to convey emotion, humour, and depth solely using their voice.
Renowned voice actress Tara Strong once said that voice over is the ultimate form of acting because “you can be anything!” From being a superhero to an alien, from a tiny fairy to a gigantic dinosaur, voice actors get to portray a vast range of diverse characters. The entire range of emotions, from anger, sadness, excitement, and happiness, needs to be conveyed solely through their voice. Regardless of their physical appearance, voice actors must accurately represent the characters they voice.
There are many skilled voice actors who have made significant contributions to the world of animation. Billy West, for example, is one of the most versatile voices in the field. He has given voice to Philip J. Fry, Professor Farnsworth, and Zapp Brannigan in the cult favorite show ‘Futurama,’ in addition to many other iconic characters on other shows. His ability to modulate and alter his voice according to the character’s personality and requirements is truly remarkable.
Similarly, Tom Kenny, best known as the voice behind the iconic character Spongebob Squarepants, has shaped our childhoods with his unique voice. Kenny’s infectious laughter and dramatic crying as Spongebob have brought so much life to the character that it’s impossible to imagine Spongebob with any other voice. Moreover, it’s not just Spongebob; Kenny has voiced over 1500 roles, breathing life into various characters of different animations over the years.
The interesting part, however, is that the voice actors often develop a deep bond with their characters. They have the liberty to interpret the character and add their individual touch to make it more realistic and appealing. Nancy Cartwright, the voice behind the mischievous Bart Simpson, once shared that she loves voicing the character because it feels very natural to her.
In recent years, there has been a shift towards casting movie stars as voices in animated features. Stars like Kristen Bell in ‘Frozen,’ Robin Williams in ‘Aladdin,’ and Eddie Murphy in ‘Shrek‘ have all added a unique touch to their respective characters. While these actors have made commendable contributions to animation, there is no denying the irreplaceable charm of professional voice actors who have defined this industry with their talent.
Voice acting is not merely about lending one’s voice to a character; it’s about understanding the nuances of the character, adding a personal touch, and effectively conveying this to the audience. Despite remaining unseen, voice actors play a significant role in the success of animated characters. They bring alive characters, adding depth and dimension to them, making them relatable and memorable.
The world of voice acting is full of talent and diversity, with a hidden artist behind every character, expressing and transforming themselves through their voices alone. The voice actors are truly the unsung heroes who animate the realm of animation, bestowing upon these characters their emotions, personality and, most importantly, their very essence. As we express our love for our favorite animated characters, we must also applaud and appreciate the talented voice actors behind them.
