Top Voice Actors Today

If you’ve ever been blown away by a character’s voice in an animated show, AAA game, or movie, you’re probably appreciating the work of a top voice actor. In 2025, the voice acting world is more vibrant than ever, with talents lending their voices to all types of roles. Having kept up with these trends as both a fan and researcher, I want to point out the voice actors who are absolutely leaving their mark right now. Here’s what makes voice acting next-level cool, plus some pro tips if you’re thinking of jumping into this craft yourself.

Who Are the Top Voice Actors in 2025?

Voice actors are critical to the feel and success of modern shows, games, and even commercials. I keep tabs on this space, and a handful of talents really stand out for their skill, range, and how much the industry relies on them. Here are some of the top voice actors making big waves in 2025:

• Laura Bailey – Best known for characters like Abby in The Last of Us Part II and Black Widow in Marvel’s animated universe, Laura is known for her compelling emotional range. You’ll also find her in upcoming projects such as the next season of Critical Role’s The Legend of Vox Machina.
• Troy Baker – A veteran with iconic roles like Joel in The Last of Us and Booker DeWitt in Bioshock Infinite. In 2025, he’s voicing new AAA game leads and even dabbling in animated film work, showing off the versatility fans expect from him.
• Matthew Mercer – A favorite among Dungeons & Dragons fans and anime fans alike, Matt is the voice behind Cassidy in Overwatch, Levi in Attack on Titan, and countless Critical Role characters. He’s also directing and voicing lead roles in fantasy series dropping this year.
• Tara Strong – With thousands of characters under her belt (including Timmy Turner in The Fairly OddParents and Raven from Teen Titans), Tara keeps bringing beloved personalities to life. She’s regularly cast in reboots, superhero shows, and animated films, and her career doesn’t look like slowing down.
• Zendaya – Her live action fame is wide, but her voice roles, like Lola Bunny in Space Jam: A New Legacy and recurring voices in Disney’s animated world, show off her skill behind the mic as well. Recent reports point to more major roles in animation and video games for her in 2025.
• Rob Paulsen – Known for Pinky in Pinky and the Brain and Yakko Warner in Animaniacs, Rob is continuously booked for reboots and original series, keeping kids (and adults) entertained decade after decade.
• Ashley Johnson – Ellie in The Last of Us series and Terra in Teen Titans are career highlights you can’t ignore. Besides reprising past roles, she’s contributing to new narrative games and high-profile animated titles this year.
• SungWon Cho (ProZD) – Rising from YouTube fame to become a go-to anime and game voice, SungWon voices main characters in Lackadaisy and Borderlands, and has a spot in Netflix’s upcoming animation megahits.
• David Tennant – Known for both onscreen and voice work, David’s current voice projects include Scrooge McDuck in DuckTales and the main villain in several fantasy animations set to premiere late 2025.

These talents all bring something special, whether it’s raw emotional depth, comedic punch, or the kind of subtlety that makes even fantasy characters feel real. If you’re looking up their work, IMDb and their official social media feeds are super useful for staying current with their latest releases and updates.

Why Voice Acting Matters More Than Ever

Voice acting isn’t limited to radio plays or cartoons anymore. AAA video games, big budget animated movies, streaming originals, and even AI-generated characters all need human voices to make a connection. Studios are investing more in big name voices, and indie projects are proving that solid acting can make even a low budget production memorable.

The industry has expanded massively. Platforms like Behind The Voice Actors and IMDb show hundreds of new credits every month, covering everything from anime to narrative podcasts. More than ever, having a versatile, skilled voice can lead to a long and rewarding career. For aspiring talent, knowing the newest projects and productions helps stay in the loop about opportunities as well as the next-stage cool trends in characterization, sound design, and new technologies.

What Sets a Top Voice Actor Apart?

Beyond a great set of pipes, these actors have honed their skills through years of training and tons of auditions. Here are some qualities I usually see in the best of the best:

• Range: Going from gruff action hero to silly sidekick in one breath. This ability to shift around character types fast is what sets pros apart.
• Authenticity: Every character feels believable, even when it’s an alien or a talking hamster. Listeners get pulled in because the voice actor makes those emotions pop.
• Stamina: Working multiple sessions per day, which often means recording with a sore throat. Professionals push through and protect their instrument with good technique and care.
• Improv Skills: Voice directors love actors who can riff and create new moments on the fly. Many top pros keep their comedic timing sharp by practicing improv, and it shows up even in the smallest roles.
• Tech Fluency: In 2025, many work remotely or from home studios. Knowing how to use professional microphones, editing software, and virtual collaboration tools gives their career options a huge boost.

Many voice actors also work as directors, writers, or producers, putting their experience to work guiding new talent and helping ambitious projects sound their very best. It’s amazing how often a favorite character is shaped by someone behind the mic and the scenes, mixing together input from across the creative team.

How to Start Voice Acting in 2025

Breaking into voice acting feels intimidating, but the rise of remote dubbing and online casting has actually lowered some barriers. Here are key steps I recommend for beginners or anyone thinking of giving it a go:

1. Learn the Craft: Classes in acting, improv, and even speech therapy help develop a strong, flexible voice. Many top actors suggest starting with local theater or online courses like those on MasterClass. Finding coaches to point out strengths and help you spot opportunities for improvement makes all the difference!
2. Get Equipment: Basic setups need a quality USB microphone, decent headphones, and free editing software like Audacity or GarageBand. Steady, clear recordings are way more important than fancy gear at the start.
3. Build a Demo Reel: Demos are like resumes for voice actors. Record short, varied clips in different styles (commercial, character, narration, more). Watch how the best put together reels by checking out samples on professional actors’ sites and note how each example emphasizes character shifts, accents, and tones.
4. Audition Lots: Sites like Casting Call Club and Voices.com post new opportunities daily. The more you read scripts aloud and submit, the better you get at responding to different directions and requests, which builds confidence and real skill over time.
5. Stay Persistent: Voice acting is just as competitive as traditional acting. Regular practice helps improve both skills and recording quality over time. Remember that every professional was a beginner at first, and the more you put in the work, the sooner you’ll stumble upon opportunities.

For aspiring pros, networking in online groups (like Discord communities for voice talent) and having a simple portfolio website make you easier to find when work is available. Reaching out to other creatives, attending virtual workshops, or tagging favorite artists on social media can help you set your skill set free and connect with likeminded talent in the field.

Common Challenges and Tips for Success

Even the most talented voice actors face some challenges. Here’s what I’ve found tends to come up most and how the best usually deal with it:

• Vocal Strain: Recording for hours or doing tough character voices can wear out even the strongest voice. Top actors swear by warmups, staying hydrated, and knowing how to rest. Some stretch their vocal routines with easy exercises every morning to keep everything in good working order.
• Typecasting: Many actors get offered similar roles once they find success. It helps to regularly push for a mix of part types, accents, and ages in your demo work and to join workshops that encourage variety and skill improvement.
• Remote Work Barriers: Home studio tech can get tricky. Keeping gear simple at first and gradually learning audio editing one piece at a time helps you stay focused on your voice instead of getting lost in setup headaches.
• Keeping Up With Trends: Animation, games, and even AI voices keep changing. Following big industry news outlets like Deadline’s Voiceover News helps you keep an eye out for what’s trending, who’s getting booked, and what skills are in demand now.

Confidence and adaptability are super important. Even seasoned professionals have to keep learning and experimenting to stay competitive. Observing pros in action—many stream live readings or host Q&A sessions on Twitch and YouTube—can give new actors plenty of actionable insights and help you add to your own arsenal of tricks and tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious, you’re definitely not alone. Here are some questions people regularly have about voice acting and today’s top voice stars:

Question: Can anyone become a successful voice actor today?
Answer: With steady practice, persistence, and a willingness to start small, tons of people break in—even without a traditional acting background. More resources are available now than ever before and there are communities that support newcomers of all backgrounds.

Question: How do I find out who voices my favorite characters?
Answer: IMDb and Behind the Voice Actors are both great ways to track voice credits and stumble upon more projects by the same actors. You can also look at official credits at the end of the show or game, or check the project’s website.

Question: Are top voice actors always in Los Angeles or New York?
Answer: In 2025, remote work has made it possible for voice actors to be anywhere with a solid internet connection and a good home setup. From Tokyo to Toronto, some of today’s biggest voices might be working right from their living rooms!

Looking Ahead: Why Following Voice Actors Is Worth It

Voice actors shape how we feel about favorite characters, carry stories in ways we might not expect, and often surprise us with new roles each year. By learning more about their craft, following their adventures, or even jumping into it yourself, you’re opening up to a world of storytelling that goes way beyond the screen.

There’s a growing appreciation for the talent and artistry of these voices, and it’s really worth checking out current shows, games, and movies to catch these top performers at work. Whether you want to join their ranks or just track down more great performances, the world of voice acting has something fresh and eye-catching for everyone.