10 Exact Performances We Found Out a Voice Actor Could Do Live-Action
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VOICE OVER: Kirsten Ria Squibb
WRITTEN BY: Cameron Johnson
From the recording booth to the spotlight! Join us as we celebrate talented voice actors who proved they could command the screen just as well as the microphone. These performers showed that their abilities extend far beyond animated characters, bringing their signature charm to live-action roles. From Tom Kenny's comedic prowess in "The Edge" to Hank Azaria's scene-stealing performances, and Tara Strong's magical appearance in Sabrina's world, these artists demonstrated their versatility across multiple mediums. Which transition from voice to screen surprised you the most?
Top 10 Moments We Found Out a Voice Actor Could Do Live Action
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for film and TV roles that best-displayed popular voice actors’ on-camera chops.
Though he may now be best-known for his live-action work, that just confirmed Andrew Rannells as a Renaissance man. He came up as a prolific voice actor, most notably in anime English dubs and as the lead on “Archie’s Weird Mysteries.” It was his Tony-nominated work on Broadway that proved he was camera-ready. That big break came with the role of Elijah Krantz[b] on the acclaimed HBO dramedy “Girls.” Rannells quickly became a fan-favorite guest star who rose to the main cast on his sharp humor and disciplined emotion. This was just the beginning of him stealing the spotlight on the screen, while being as active as ever in the theatre and the recording booth.
Even after her breakout on the radio, June Foray became a movie and TV star sight unseen. She voiced a variety of characters on “Rocky and Bullwinkle,” “The Flintstones,” and so much more. She even hid behind extensive makeup and costuming when she finally went on-camera for “Sabaka.” Foray stars as Marku Ponjoy, high priestess of a hostile Indian cult targeted by a British general. Besides the obviously problematic premise, it’s just a terrible B-movie. Foray was nevertheless singled out for her menacing presence behind the commanding voice. Despite her natural screen presence, though, she continued to do live-action almost exclusively off-screen. She too hated “Sabaka,” though its cult status is partly based on her performance.
From Susie Carmichael on “Rugrats” to Elmyra Duff, Cree Summer has been a memorable voice in many people's childhoods. But she wasn't all that well-known when she won over families on the NBC sitcom “A Different World.” Freddie Brooks was introduced in Season 2 as a socially conscious college student with a crush on Dwayne Wayne. She wound up being a core cast member for the remaining five seasons, popularized by Summer’s lively comedic chops and gradual growth. The “Care Bears” and “Ewoks” star was bound to become a recognizable face. Summer instead became a superstar in animation and video games, but has been seen on the likes of “Better Things,” “Queen Sugar” and “Abbott Elementary.”
The day after she turned 16, Auli’i Cravalho became an instant sensation as the star of “Moana.” The first-time actress’ singing talents and line delivery convinced Disney that she was a natural headliner. This was cemented by her screen debut on the NBC musical drama “Rise.” Cravalho highlights the ensemble cast as Lilette Suarez[f], a high school introvert juggling problems at home and the lead in a struggling drama club. This complicated role won the actress high praise, while the show itself was canceled after one season over mixed reviews and dwindling ratings. Meanwhile, Cravalho headed up a range of projects on stage, screen and voice recording. Disney clearly has more than just an ear for rising talent.
Tara Strong is one of the most recognizable names in voice acting. Her unmarried years as Tara Charendoff[g] are a lot more obscure. She still enjoyed bigger roles in animation than in live-action, until she worked her magic in the first ABC movie spun off from “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.” The Canadian-American Charendoff put on a British accent as Gwen, an accident-prone witch who rooms with Sabrina Spellman during a Roman holiday. It's an admittedly cheesy performance, made totally endearing by lively line delivery and physical comedy. Charendoff returned as Gwen in 1999’s “Sabrina Down Under,” permanently putting a face to the many voices in Millennial nostalgia. Not really the name, though.
Since the mid-2000s, Yuki Kaji has been one of the most respected voices actors in anime. He could teach a class on this stuff, and did just that in his live-action debut. “Kami Voice” adapted the popular manga with Kaji in the role of voice acting lecturer Siraike Yū[h]. The low-budget picture was so conscious of this industry that the iconic Wataru Hatano also returned to the screen. But to have less experience in this format, Kaji carries the movie with boisterous charm. He has since made other live-action appearances, including as the lead in the 2020 series “Piple.[i]” Kaji is still much more prolific in inspiring voice actors by example.
“Family Guy” and “American Dad!” made Seth MacFarlane a major figure in adult animation. Of course, the comic crooner’s recognizable face has appeared in a variety of small live-action roles. He finally took the lead by writing and directing himself in “A Million Ways to Die in the West.” Granted, the movie divided viewers with its awkward translation of MacFarlane’s crude humor to a live-action format. He himself was considered miscast as a cynical sheepherder who becomes a hero… of sorts. But his reliable comedic delivery and expressiveness helped earn the Western yarn a cult following. The sci-fi dramedy “The Orville” and a prestige turn on “The Loudest Voice” have since settled MacFarlane as a versatile showman even on-camera.
The hilarious Nancy Cartwright was a TV animation mainstay long before Bart Simpson made her an icon. But her versatility as a lead was first heard in live-action. Loosely based on a true story, “Marian Rose White[j]” follows a socially awkward woman who spends years campaigning for her release from a psychiatric institution. The CBS movie was well-received at the time, especially for Cartwright’s natural balance of heartfelt tragedy and dignity. From this dramatic breakout, she mostly just scored bigger voice roles and a handful of live-action appearances. “Marian Rose White” may have also fallen into some obscurity, but it's worth watching to recognize the extent of Cartwright’s acting talent across genres and formats.
There were some small live-action appearances before Hank Azaria’s many roles on “The Simpsons” launched a versatile vocalist with numerous accolades to show for his stellar career. But “Herman's Head” proved he's a show-stealer entirely. As the lady's man Jay Nichols, Azaria led the Fox sitcom’s supporting cast with self-aware charm and flexible comedic chops. Though “Herman’s Head” has faded into obscurity since its three-season run, Azaria soon scored unforgettable live-action spots on hit shows and in a variety of movies. He's been honored for “The Birdcage,” a dramatic tenure on “Ray Donovan,” and the tragicomedy “Brockmire.” “Herman's Head” may not immediately spring in fans’ heads, but it was the humble beginning of Azaria’s stardom on-camera as well as off.
Several generations now have grown up with Tom Kenny’s flexible voice. He was in fact an edgier comedian before he led such beloved kid’s cartoons as “SpongeBob SquarePants.” Indeed, the Fox sketch comedy show “The Edge” confirmed his versatility. Kenny appeared in front of the camera in a variety of hilarious roles. It was about this time that he broke into family-friendly animation as Heffer Wolfe on “Rocko's Modern Life.” One might say he found his voice in another format after “The Edge” was canceled after one season. Still, Kenny has had his share of memorable live-action turns since a breakout stint on HBO’s “Mr. Show.” This truly speaks to our favorite voice actors’ range even in the flesh.
What are your favorite roles that took your favorite voice actors out of the recording booth? Lend your voice in the comments.
[c](JOON foh-RAY)
[d](suh-BAH-kuh)
[e](ow-LEE-ee kruh-VAH-lyoh
[f]lee-LET SWAH-rez)
[g](TAH-ruh SHAR-en-doff)
[h]SHEE-rye-kay YOO,
[i](PIE-puhl)
[j](MAIR-ee-uhn ROHZ WYTE)
[k](HANK uh-ZAIR-ee-uh)
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for film and TV roles that best-displayed popular voice actors’ on-camera chops.
#10: Andrew Rannells[a]
“Girls” (2012-17)Though he may now be best-known for his live-action work, that just confirmed Andrew Rannells as a Renaissance man. He came up as a prolific voice actor, most notably in anime English dubs and as the lead on “Archie’s Weird Mysteries.” It was his Tony-nominated work on Broadway that proved he was camera-ready. That big break came with the role of Elijah Krantz[b] on the acclaimed HBO dramedy “Girls.” Rannells quickly became a fan-favorite guest star who rose to the main cast on his sharp humor and disciplined emotion. This was just the beginning of him stealing the spotlight on the screen, while being as active as ever in the theatre and the recording booth.
#9: June Foray[c]
“Sabaka[d]” (1955)Even after her breakout on the radio, June Foray became a movie and TV star sight unseen. She voiced a variety of characters on “Rocky and Bullwinkle,” “The Flintstones,” and so much more. She even hid behind extensive makeup and costuming when she finally went on-camera for “Sabaka.” Foray stars as Marku Ponjoy, high priestess of a hostile Indian cult targeted by a British general. Besides the obviously problematic premise, it’s just a terrible B-movie. Foray was nevertheless singled out for her menacing presence behind the commanding voice. Despite her natural screen presence, though, she continued to do live-action almost exclusively off-screen. She too hated “Sabaka,” though its cult status is partly based on her performance.
#8: Cree Summer
“A Different World” (1987-93)From Susie Carmichael on “Rugrats” to Elmyra Duff, Cree Summer has been a memorable voice in many people's childhoods. But she wasn't all that well-known when she won over families on the NBC sitcom “A Different World.” Freddie Brooks was introduced in Season 2 as a socially conscious college student with a crush on Dwayne Wayne. She wound up being a core cast member for the remaining five seasons, popularized by Summer’s lively comedic chops and gradual growth. The “Care Bears” and “Ewoks” star was bound to become a recognizable face. Summer instead became a superstar in animation and video games, but has been seen on the likes of “Better Things,” “Queen Sugar” and “Abbott Elementary.”
#7: Auliʻi Cravalho[e]
“Rise” (2018)The day after she turned 16, Auli’i Cravalho became an instant sensation as the star of “Moana.” The first-time actress’ singing talents and line delivery convinced Disney that she was a natural headliner. This was cemented by her screen debut on the NBC musical drama “Rise.” Cravalho highlights the ensemble cast as Lilette Suarez[f], a high school introvert juggling problems at home and the lead in a struggling drama club. This complicated role won the actress high praise, while the show itself was canceled after one season over mixed reviews and dwindling ratings. Meanwhile, Cravalho headed up a range of projects on stage, screen and voice recording. Disney clearly has more than just an ear for rising talent.
#6: Tara Strong
“Sabrina Goes to Rome” (1998)Tara Strong is one of the most recognizable names in voice acting. Her unmarried years as Tara Charendoff[g] are a lot more obscure. She still enjoyed bigger roles in animation than in live-action, until she worked her magic in the first ABC movie spun off from “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.” The Canadian-American Charendoff put on a British accent as Gwen, an accident-prone witch who rooms with Sabrina Spellman during a Roman holiday. It's an admittedly cheesy performance, made totally endearing by lively line delivery and physical comedy. Charendoff returned as Gwen in 1999’s “Sabrina Down Under,” permanently putting a face to the many voices in Millennial nostalgia. Not really the name, though.
#5: Yuki Kaji
“Kami Voice: The Voice Makes a Miracle” (2011)Since the mid-2000s, Yuki Kaji has been one of the most respected voices actors in anime. He could teach a class on this stuff, and did just that in his live-action debut. “Kami Voice” adapted the popular manga with Kaji in the role of voice acting lecturer Siraike Yū[h]. The low-budget picture was so conscious of this industry that the iconic Wataru Hatano also returned to the screen. But to have less experience in this format, Kaji carries the movie with boisterous charm. He has since made other live-action appearances, including as the lead in the 2020 series “Piple.[i]” Kaji is still much more prolific in inspiring voice actors by example.
#4: Seth MacFarlane
“A Million Ways to Die in the West” (2014)“Family Guy” and “American Dad!” made Seth MacFarlane a major figure in adult animation. Of course, the comic crooner’s recognizable face has appeared in a variety of small live-action roles. He finally took the lead by writing and directing himself in “A Million Ways to Die in the West.” Granted, the movie divided viewers with its awkward translation of MacFarlane’s crude humor to a live-action format. He himself was considered miscast as a cynical sheepherder who becomes a hero… of sorts. But his reliable comedic delivery and expressiveness helped earn the Western yarn a cult following. The sci-fi dramedy “The Orville” and a prestige turn on “The Loudest Voice” have since settled MacFarlane as a versatile showman even on-camera.
#3: Nancy Cartwright
“Marian Rose White” (1982)The hilarious Nancy Cartwright was a TV animation mainstay long before Bart Simpson made her an icon. But her versatility as a lead was first heard in live-action. Loosely based on a true story, “Marian Rose White[j]” follows a socially awkward woman who spends years campaigning for her release from a psychiatric institution. The CBS movie was well-received at the time, especially for Cartwright’s natural balance of heartfelt tragedy and dignity. From this dramatic breakout, she mostly just scored bigger voice roles and a handful of live-action appearances. “Marian Rose White” may have also fallen into some obscurity, but it's worth watching to recognize the extent of Cartwright’s acting talent across genres and formats.
#2: Hank Azaria[k]
“Herman’s Head” (1991-94)There were some small live-action appearances before Hank Azaria’s many roles on “The Simpsons” launched a versatile vocalist with numerous accolades to show for his stellar career. But “Herman's Head” proved he's a show-stealer entirely. As the lady's man Jay Nichols, Azaria led the Fox sitcom’s supporting cast with self-aware charm and flexible comedic chops. Though “Herman’s Head” has faded into obscurity since its three-season run, Azaria soon scored unforgettable live-action spots on hit shows and in a variety of movies. He's been honored for “The Birdcage,” a dramatic tenure on “Ray Donovan,” and the tragicomedy “Brockmire.” “Herman's Head” may not immediately spring in fans’ heads, but it was the humble beginning of Azaria’s stardom on-camera as well as off.
#1: Tom Kenny
“The Edge” (1992-93)Several generations now have grown up with Tom Kenny’s flexible voice. He was in fact an edgier comedian before he led such beloved kid’s cartoons as “SpongeBob SquarePants.” Indeed, the Fox sketch comedy show “The Edge” confirmed his versatility. Kenny appeared in front of the camera in a variety of hilarious roles. It was about this time that he broke into family-friendly animation as Heffer Wolfe on “Rocko's Modern Life.” One might say he found his voice in another format after “The Edge” was canceled after one season. Still, Kenny has had his share of memorable live-action turns since a breakout stint on HBO’s “Mr. Show.” This truly speaks to our favorite voice actors’ range even in the flesh.
What are your favorite roles that took your favorite voice actors out of the recording booth? Lend your voice in the comments.
[a](AN-droo RAN-uhls)
[b]ih-LYE-juh KRANTS)[c](JOON foh-RAY)
[d](suh-BAH-kuh)
[e](ow-LEE-ee kruh-VAH-lyoh
[f]lee-LET SWAH-rez)
[g](TAH-ruh SHAR-en-doff)
[h]SHEE-rye-kay YOO,
[i](PIE-puhl)
[j](MAIR-ee-uhn ROHZ WYTE)
[k](HANK uh-ZAIR-ee-uh)
