Top 5 Influential Female Voice Over Artists Shaping the Industry

Voice over is a field rich with talent, diversity and influence. Among the myriad of voices that bring characters to life, narrate our favourite audiobooks and add flair to advertisements, female voice over artists hold a special place. 

Today we’re celebrating the International Women's Day and it's crucial to shine a light on the phenomenal women who have broken barriers and shaped the voice over industry. 

In this blog post, we're shining the spotlight on five such influential women. They enchanted us with their performances but have also paved the way for equality and representation in the industry. So, who are these remarkable women setting the standard in voice acting today? 

Let's find out.

1. June Foray - The First Lady of Animated Voicing

June Foray's contribution to the world of voice acting is nothing short of legendary. Known as the "First Lady of Animated Voicing", Foray's career spanned over eight decades, during which she gave life to some of the most iconic characters in animation history. 

She was born on September 18, 1917, in Springfield, Massachusetts, and started her career very early. By age 12, she was already mastering "old lady" voices, a skill nurtured by her mentor who led her into radio, where she created and voiced the children's show "Lady Makebelieve." 

Moving to Los Angeles, Foray's voice magic flourished in radio before making a monumental leap to animation. She voiced characters for Disney, Warner Brothers, and the memorable Rocky the Flying Squirrel and Natasha Fatale in "Rocky and His Friends." 

Despite the era's challenges, including uncredited work due to exclusivity contracts, Foray's versatile talent shone, contributing to holiday specials, live-action dubs, and puppetry.

Foray's ability to infuse her characters with warmth, wit, and a unique sense of personality set the standard for animation voice acting and paved the way for future generations.

2. Tara Strong - The Voice of Versatility

Tara Strong is a name synonymous with versatility in the voice over industry. Her range is astonishing, capable of portraying bubbly pre-teens, formidable superheroes, and everything in between.

She was born in Toronto on February 12 1973. She kickstarted her acting journey at 13, quickly accumulating a diverse portfolio in TV, film, and animated series, notably as "Hello Kitty."

After her move to Los Angeles, her acting and voice over career flourished. She was a star in numerous projects, including "Party of Five" and "Sabrina the Teenage Witch." Strong is most renowned for voicing characters like Bubbles in "The Powerpuff Girls," Timmy Turner in "The Fairly OddParents," and Raven in "Teen Titans," among others.

Her career highlights include being the voice of "Harley Quinn," earning an Emmy nomination, winning a Shorty Award, and voicing Twilight Sparkle in "My Little Pony."

Beyond her distinguished career, Strong is an active social media influencer and philanthropist, using her platform for anti-bullying and raising funds for children with cancer and animal rescue. 

3. Nancy Cartwright - The Iconic Voice Behind Bart Simpson

For over three decades, Nancy Cartwright has masterfully juggled the voice of Bart Simpson. This intriguing dissonance between character and actor underscores Cartwright's significant contribution to the entertainment world, allowing her to live a "double life" that combines a spotless real-world record with the repeated, animated offences of her on-screen persona.

She was born on October 25, 1957, in Dayton, Ohio. Her journey began in Kettering, Ohio, where a young Nancy refined her vocal talents, ultimately steering her toward a career that would see her voice not just Bart but a variety of characters in "The Simpsons," cementing her as a versatile and indispensable figure in television history.

Beyond Springfield, Cartwright's vocal influence extends to numerous other animated series, films, and even video games, showcasing her diverse range. Her career, sparked in high school and propelled by mentor Daws Butler, took her from Ohio to UCLA and directly into the heart of the animation industry.

From "Gloria" in the Richie Rich series to a host of other roles that showcased her range and talent, Cartwright's path was marked by influential encounters and pivotal roles, including the ground-breaking moment she was cast as Bart Simpson.

Her work has earned her Emmy and Annie awards and allowed her to impact the industry profoundly, from pioneering digital animated series to teaching voice acting through MasterClass. She was the first ever female voice actor to do so. 

Nancy Cartwright's legacy is a testament to her skill, adaptability, and the enduring appeal of her characters, making her a unique and celebrated figure in the world of animation.

4. Cree Summer - A Trailblazer in Animation and Video Games

Cree Summer was born on July 7 1969. She has a distinctive voice that has graced countless characters in animation and video games.

She's got various voice credits, and she’s most known for her roles as Susie Carmichael in "Rugrats," Elmyra Duff in "Tiny Toon Adventures," and Numbuh 5 in "Codename: Kids Next Door."

Summer's contributions go beyond her vocal talents; she's been a vocal advocate for diversity and representation in the voice over community, inspiring change and encouraging more inclusive casting practices. Her impact is continuously felt in the industry's evolving landscape.

5. Grey DeLisle - The Queen of Animated Voices

Grey DeLisle (also known as Grey Griffin) was born on August 24 1973. She has an impressive portfolio, boasting over 1,500 credits across animations, video games, and live-action.

Her roles include Vicky from "The Fairly OddParents," Azula in "Avatar: The Last Airbender," and Daphne Blake in the "Scooby-Doo" series. DeLisle's exceptional range and ability to adapt her voice to fit any character have made her one of the most sought-after and influential voice actors in the industry.

Her work exemplifies the art of voice acting and its capacity to bring diverse and dynamic characters to life.

Celebrating Talent and Achievements

The influence of June Foray, Tara Strong, Nancy Cartwright, Cree Summer and Grey DeLisle extends far beyond their impressive portfolios. They embody the spirit of International Women's Day through their ground-breaking work and dedication to their craft. 

By commemorating their contributions, we also celebrate the countless female voice artists who continue to inspire and innovate within the industry, including those represented by our agency.

As an online voice over agency, we are dedicated to discovering, nurturing, and promoting the talents of female voice artists from every corner of the world. Our roster includes award-winning professionals whose voices have graced everything from video games to impactful commercials.

By recognising the contributions of female voice over artists, we acknowledge their profound influence on storytelling and their ability to connect with audiences worldwide.

Other Articles You Might Like:

The Benefits of Using a Voice Over Platform

The History of Voice Over: From the Gramophone to Voice Acting Fame

What Are The Different Types of Voice Over?

March 8th at 12:00am