If you’re a fan of anime, you probably adore characters like Nezuko from “Demon Slayer” and Momo from “Dandadan.” Imagine getting the inside scoop directly from the voice behind these beloved characters! I had the exciting opportunity to chat with Abby Trott, a talented voice actress who has brought these characters to life in English. Her journey in the world of voice acting is as charming as the roles she plays.
Abby Trott’s career is a testament to versatility and commitment. From puppeteering in Tokyo to becoming a voice actress in the U.S., her story is inspiring. During our conversation, she opened up about the unique challenges she faces while voicing fan favorites Nezuko and Momo.
From Puppets to Voice Acting
Abby’s unconventional path began with puppetry in Tokyo. She definitely has an interesting tale to share. “I got a chance to perform with puppets in some shows,” she said, detailing her experience with roles like a cute rabbit in “Fun with Zap.” However, Abby humbly admits, “I wouldn’t call myself a puppeteer because when I think of that, I think of Jim Henson-level puppeteers.”
What led Abby to pursue voice acting, you might wonder? “I grew up passionate about performing, acting, and music, but didn’t know what I wanted to focus on until I ended up in Japan,” she explains. Participating in the JET program focused her on breaking out of her comfort zone, leading her to teaching in Akita before returning to Tokyo to pursue acting and music strictly. “That’s where I got a taste of voiceover work,” she adds.
How Did Abby Get Her First Voice Acting Job?
After moving back to the United States, Abby found an online contest called “Perfect Idol,” hosted by Bang Zoom, the studio behind many anime dubbings, including “Demon Slayer.” “I entered, and it was terrifying,” she recalled. “I didn’t know if I was good enough.” But she made it to the finals and won the competition, landing her first voice role in the anime “Miss Monochrome,” which solidified her place in the voice acting world.
Abby’s Favorite Roles: Nezuko and Momo
Excitement fills the air as Abby talks about her work in “Infinity Castle.” “I can’t pick a favorite role,” she laughs, “but I’m really enjoying voicing Momo right now.” Naturally, I ask her about Nezuko, a character marked by little dialogue yet immense emotional depth. “It’s both challenging and fulfilling,” she notes. “The fight scenes are vocally demanding, and sometimes I break down during emotional moments.”
Curious about how Abby connects with Nezuko’s minimalistic yet impactful dialogue, I ask, “How do you capture her essence?” She explains, “The recording sessions can vary. Some days are easy, while others are really intense and require vocal rest afterward!”
What Are Abby’s Most Memorable Nezuko Moments?
“One of my favorite moments is when Nezuko first becomes a demon and struggles with her humanity,” Abby shares, visibly moved by the scene. “It’s powerful because she remembers who she is, unlike many demons.” Furthermore, she mentions the breathtaking scene where Nezuko overcomes her fear of the sun, showcasing her gradual evolution throughout the show.
As the conversation shifts back to her ticket to stardom, Abby expresses her excitement for “Infinity Castle.” “The fight sequences are breathtaking! The animations are so fluid; Ufotable really nails it.”
Are There Other Anime Abby Would Like to Work On?
Given her background, I ask Abby, “Are there other anime series or characters close to your heart?” Without hesitation, she responds, “I grew up on Pokémon and Dragon Ball; they shaped my love for anime. But I absolutely adore ‘Princess Mononoke.’ Its themes are timeless and resonant.”
What does Abby think about voice acting in today’s world? “With simulcasting, the process is faster. You get a week or two to prep the lines, which gives you the chance to immerse yourself in the role.”
What Is Abby’s Dream Role?
“I’d love to be in Pokémon. I’d be ecstatic voicing any character, even a small role!” Her enthusiasm is infectious, and it’s easy to see why fans appreciate her work.
In conclusion, Abby Trott’s journey from Tokyo puppeteer to celebrated voice actress is one that both inspires and captivates. If you haven’t yet checked out “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle,” do yourself a favor and experience Abby and her colleagues’ remarkable work. There’s so much more to explore in the world of anime, so keep tuning in to discover what’s next! For all things anime, don’t forget to visit Moyens I/O.