(Scholarship #1 – Voice Talent Online)

The first successful voice-over was in 1900 by Reginald Fessenden, a Canadian inventor (this voice-over was not intended for movie or TV use); despite many believing that it was in 1928 with Walt Disney’s Steamboat Willie. Disney was, however, the first to successfully synchronize animation and voice-over to create the character of Mickey Mouse. Originally, voice actors were uncredited, even in highly successful films like Snow White. This was to keep the “mystery” surrounding the characters. That began the golden age of animations, where they gained popularity and success. Fast forwarding to today, it’s a lot different. Voice actors are credited for their work and much more well-known. They have become an instrumental part of some of our favourite media.

Notable voices like Nancy Cartwright can create multiple characters for the same show. Cartwright’s first job was voicing Gloria Glad in the animated Richie Rich series, but most know her for her work on The Simpsons where she voices Bart Simpson. Originally Cartwright had intended to audition for Lisa Simpson but when she saw Bart’s character and description, she knew which one she was meant for. Casting allowed her to audition and then gave her the job on the spot. Along with Bart, she also voices Nelson Muntz, Ralph Wiggum, Todd Flanders, Karney Zzyzwicz, Maggie Simpson and Database for the show. Her range and talent is incredible, an instrumental piece to the success of The Simpsons. So although people might not recognize her face right off the bat, they recognize her voice. You can see that range on a YouTube video she posted, flowing through all the character seamlessly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxC1lYlmw1Q&ab_channel=NancyCartwright

Other influential voices might be easier to picture. With celebrities like Chris Pratt as Emmett in The LEGO Movie, Bradley Cooper as Rocket Raccoon in Guardians of the Galaxy, Billy Crystal as Mike Wazowski in Monsters Inc, Mike Myers as Shrek in Shrek, and Samuel L. Jackson as Lucius (aka Frozone) in The Incredibles. Many people don’t understand the physicality or the level of talent that is required in voice-over work, since it is not just speaking your lines but rather, bringing your characters to life. The work of these and many other actors are a part of our childhood, some of the first types of acting that we are exposed to, for example, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX2cXg0vLrw&ab_channel=Salty  demonstrates how many of these characters these actors portray. For me, it will always bring me a sense of nostalgia and comfort. I even have a tattoo of Bubbles from The Powerpuff Girls because the character meant that much to me. It is an often under-appreciated art.