Laura Bailey has one of those voices you’ve probably heard everywhere, but you may not have realized it. Whether it’s in your favorite anime, a top-tier video game, or even animated TV shows, Bailey has a vocal range that can take her from a high-pitched, bubbly character to a dark, sinister antagonist in no time. With an incredible career spanning over two decades, she’s established herself as one of the most versatile and beloved voice actors in the industry.
The Early Days: Anime, A Gateway
Bailey’s journey into voice acting began with anime, as it so often does for some of the most notable names in the business. Her breakout role came in the form of Kid Trunks from the English dub of the iconic anime series Dragon Ball Z. This was her first major role, and she managed to pull off a perfect young Saiyan voice, instantly making her a favorite among fans of the show. Who knew her power level was already over 9000?
But that was just the beginning. Bailey continued to build her anime cred by landing roles in major series such as Fruits Basket, where she voiced the sweet and lovable Tohru Honda. Her portrayal of Tohru was heartwarming, making viewers reach for tissues episode after episode. It was a perfect fit, as Bailey’s ability to bring vulnerability and strength to her characters is unparalleled. From that moment on, she was an anime staple.
Into the World of Video Games
While anime may have been the gateway, video games were where Bailey truly found her groove. Her first significant role in gaming was Rayne in BloodRayne, a half-vampire action hero that was as badass as they come. Her ability to sound both sultry and deadly was the perfect match for the character. As gamers battled Nazis and supernatural beings, Bailey’s voice guided them through the blood-soaked action.
Bailey’s video game career continued to skyrocket with roles in some of the biggest franchises in the world. She lent her voice to Jaina Proudmoore in World of Warcraft, adding depth and gravitas to the iconic character, and then took on Catherine in the cult hit Catherine, where she expertly balanced the flirtatious and ominous aspects of her character. Every game she touched seemed to turn to gold.
The Last of Us, Critical Role, and Beyond
Laura Bailey’s crowning achievement in video games came in 2020 with her role as Abby in The Last of Us Part II. Abby was a complex, divisive character, and Bailey brought her to life with raw emotion and physicality. Her portrayal earned her both praise and controversy, but she ultimately won the BAFTA Award for Best Performer in a Leading Role at The Game Awards 2020. She showed the world that voice actors aren’t just voices — they’re performers in every sense of the word.
But gaming wasn’t the only realm Bailey dominated. She became a prominent cast member of the Critical Role phenomenon, playing Vex’ahlia in Critical Role: Vox Machina and eventually bringing that character to life in the animated series The Legend of Vox Machina. Bailey’s quick wit and ability to make her character both fierce and hilarious made her a fan favorite. Plus, she got to hang out with a bunch of her voice acting friends while rolling dice — not a bad gig!
Her Other Major Roles
While anime and video games may have been her main stages, Bailey also shined in the realm of animated TV shows and films. She voiced Black Widow in various Marvel productions, including the hit show Avengers Assemble, proving that her superhero prowess wasn’t limited to video games. She also voiced Mary Jane Watson in The Spectacular Spider-Man and played several roles in Family Guy and American Dad!.
In addition to her on-screen roles, Bailey has worked extensively in the world of ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) for major films, adding another impressive layer to her already vast resume.
A Multifaceted Career with No Signs of Slowing Down
Laura Bailey is one of the rare talents who seamlessly transitions between anime, video games, and animated TV shows. She’s done it all — from the anime sweethearts like Tohru Honda to the gritty, conflicted Abby from The Last of Us Part II, Bailey proves she can bring any character to life. And let’s not forget her performances on Critical Role, where she has given fans a weekly dose of laughs, tears, and unforgettable moments.
And did we mention that she’s also a mom? That’s right! In between recording blockbuster video games, playing beloved Dungeons & Dragons characters, and showing up in Marvel animated series, Bailey balances it all with motherhood. It’s safe to say, she’s a superhero in more ways than one.
The Future of Laura Bailey
With such a stellar career behind her, it’s hard to imagine Laura Bailey slowing down anytime soon. Whether you’re a fan of anime, video games, or animated shows, there’s a good chance you’ve heard her voice before — and you’ll be hearing it again. What’s next for this prolific voice actor? Who knows, but one thing is certain: Laura Bailey is a voice acting legend, and her legacy is only growing.
Whether she’s slaying vampires or sneaking in a witty one-liner, Bailey’s performances have solidified her as one of the greatest in the industry. And we can’t wait to see (or rather hear) what she does next.
