Exploring the World of Voice Acting with Robbie Daymond
Voice acting is a unique and often enigmatic profession that captures the hearts of many, and for Robbie Daymond, it represents a natural progression of his lifelong passion for performing. At this year’s Anime Central, we had the pleasure of discussing Daymond’s extensive career in voice acting. He’s a recognizable voice in various mediums, including anime, video games, animated series, and audiobooks. Fans of Shonen anime may know him as Megumi Fushiguro from “Jujutsu Kaisen,” while gamers might recognize him as Goro Akechi from “Persona 5.” Additionally, his involvement in “Critical Role” has earned him a dedicated following among tabletop gaming enthusiasts. Our conversation covered numerous facets of his career, including his favorite genres, how he initially broke into the industry, and the diverse characters he has portrayed.
Early Beginnings in Acting
To kick off our conversation, I was eager to learn about Daymond’s journey in the acting world and how he transitioned into voice acting. His background is rich with experience, having graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theater performance and later obtaining a Master of Fine Arts. His passion for acting began even earlier, as he participated in theater from a young age. Daymond shared insights into his early experiences: “I was an actor for a long time. I went professional in theater when I was around 10. I continued through high school, balancing normal teenage activities like driving and sports along with my theater commitments. After high school, I pursued a college education in theater, eventually completing graduate school right around my 25th birthday.”
After finishing his education, Daymond discovered opportunities to delve into voice acting, particularly during a time when aspiring voice actors primarily gravitated toward major cities like New York or Los Angeles. “I ended up in LA and started doing on-camera work, while also engaging in more theater projects. I’ve always had a passion for geek culture, so I was eager to channel my acting skills into video games, cartoons, and anime. Once I started gaining traction in these areas, I took every opportunity to ride that wave.”
Diverse Genres and Performance Styles
With a wide array of genres under his belt, Daymond has showcased his versatility as both a voice actor and on-camera performer. I was curious about how he adapts his performances to fit the distinct personalities and energies of the various characters he embodies. “That’s the most exciting part! When working on stylized projects like anime, you can truly explore larger-than-life characters. For instance, I had an incredible experience voicing the lead in the film ‘A Silent Voice,’ which is one of my favorite projects. On the flip side, I’ve also voiced characters in high-energy series like ‘Demon Slayer,’ where I portray Mr. Haganezuka, a character who is always on the go and quite expressive. The variety keeps things interesting, and I genuinely love every moment of it. I’d even push my voice to the limit for the chance to engage in something fun and comedic, as comedy is my true passion.”
I followed up by asking Daymond if he has a preference for comedic roles or characters that allow for plenty of humorous interactions. “Absolutely! While I enjoy dramatic acting, my heart really lies with comedic roles. I frequently work in Western animation, so any opportunity to collaborate with networks like Nickelodeon, Disney, or Cartoon Network is a highlight for me. The comedic anime projects are also a blast because humor resonates well today. I thrive on physical comedy and over-the-top humor—it’s my favorite avenue.”
Given the vast array of characters in anime, I was curious about other genres or characteristics Daymond finds appealing. “I love comedy, as I mentioned, but I also have a fondness for subtle performances. The challenge of portraying nuanced emotions can be quite rewarding, even in a medium like anime that often features more exaggerated characters. I appreciate roles like Megumi from ‘Jujutsu Kaisen,’ who displays a limited range of expressions. Conveying deeper emotions with just my voice adds an intriguing layer to the performance.”
When discussing his personal viewing habits, Daymond revealed a taste that many anime enthusiasts would likely relate to. “When it comes to what I watch, I’m pretty straightforward. I love a good fight scene! I grew up with classics like ‘Dragon Ball Z,’ ‘Cowboy Bebop,’ and the original ‘Gundam’ series. My affinity for action-packed anime is part of why I enjoy ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ so much. I also played Mori Jin in ‘God of High School’ and wish we could have produced more seasons because the fight sequences were phenomenal. I’m also a manga reader and have a special place in my heart for ‘Berserk’—especially the Golden Age arc, which I think is incredibly iconic. While I appreciate the funny and lighthearted series, action anime is really my jam.”
Navigating Multiple Mediums
As previously mentioned, Daymond has made a name for himself across various mediums, including on-camera performances, video game voiceovers, animated series, and English dubs of anime. I wanted to know if he had any preferences regarding these different forms of media. “I truly love voiceover work, and I’ll continue to embrace it for as long as I can. However, I’ve reached a point where I’m a bit more selective about the projects I choose to pursue. These days, I prefer to engage in significant roles rather than smaller supporting parts in anime with lengthy titles. That said, if a project resonates with me, I’m open to that opportunity. I have an exciting announcement coming soon regarding an anime that perfectly aligns with my interests—it’s quirky and over the top, which I adore.”
Daymond’s aspirations extend to video games as well. “One of my goals before eventually stepping back from the industry is to have a lead role in a game like those produced by Naughty Dog. I’ve contributed to their games, but I’ve never been the main character. Achieving that would be a significant milestone for me. If I can wrap up my career with a role in ‘Dragon Ball Z’ or ‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure,’ I’d feel fulfilled.”
The Creative Journey with Critical Role
Toward the end of our conversation, I was intrigued to know how Daymond’s experiences as a voice actor compare to his involvement in projects like “Critical Role.” “As I age, I find myself transitioning into other creative roles. I co-own a video game company alongside Max Middleman and Ray Chase, and we’re set to release our first game, ‘Date Everything,’ which has been a six-year journey of planning and four years of development. I’ve enjoyed creating this game more than anything else I’ve ever done. Working with ‘Critical Role’ has also inspired me, especially seeing how they’ve turned their campaigns into an expansive universe and a flourishing community. Being part of that experience has fueled my passion for pursuing my own projects.”
“Date Everything” is poised to be available on multiple platforms, and Daymond expressed excitement about sharing it with the world. “I’ve been in this industry for 33 years, which is mind-boggling. I’ll continue performing as long as it remains enjoyable. My advice to anyone reading this is to pursue what you love; if it stops being fun, it’s time to reconsider your path. For now, my passion for voiceover remains strong, and I’ll always identify as a creative person.”
We extend our gratitude to Robbie Daymond for sharing his valuable insights during Anime Central and offering a glimpse into the multifaceted world of voice acting. His diverse experiences and genuine passion for the craft illuminate what it means to be a voice actor in today’s dynamic entertainment landscape.
