Meet Spike Spencer
Charles Forrest “Spike” Spencer (born December 21, 1968, in Houston, Texas) is an award-winning American voice actor, coach, public speaker, author, and self-proclaimed foodie. With a career spanning over three decades and more than 300 voice credits, he’s the gentle yet anxious everyman you love—and a goofy oddball when needed.
Humble Beginnings & The Houston Scene
Spike attended the University of Houston, graduating with a background in communications. He cut his teeth in indie live-action projects before ADV Films casting director Amanda Winn-Lee steered him toward anime. His first anime role was Prime Minister Mikoshiba in Super Atragon, followed by Takateru in Suikoden Demon Century, and then the role that made his name: Shinji Ikari in Neon Genesis Evangelion (1996).
The Reluctant Hero: Shinji Ikari
Shinji packed a punch of emotional vulnerability wrapped in teenage angst—and Spike gave life to a twitchy, guilt-ridden kid grappling with apocalyptic stakes. He voiced Shinji for the ADV Films dub and returned when Funimation re-released the Rebuild films. That performance made Shinji one of anime’s most iconic—and Spike’s signature role.
Anime Alchemist: Eclectic Casting
Spike’s voice often lands him in two camps: shy intellectuals or eccentrically comedic types. Here’s a blast of some of his memorable anime roles:
- Martian Successor Nadesico – Akito Tenkawa, astronaut wannabe with a crisis of confidence.
- Excel Saga – Gojo Shioji, the over-caffeinated police detective.
- Bleach – Hanataro Yamada (the crybaby medic), plus Di Roy Linker and Jinnai Doko.
- MÄR: Märchen Awakens Romance – Ginta Toramizu, everyday kid thrust into a magical what-the-heck world.
- Code Geass R2 – Rolo Lamperouge, the creepy-but-charming younger brother with telekinetic murder issues.
- Buso Renkin – Papillon, the flashy shapeshifter with a show-off streak.
- Vampire Knight – Takuma Ichijo, elite vampire teacher with a calm exterior and stabbing intent.
- Other highlights: Blue Seed, Bubblegum Crisis: Tokyo 2040, Bungo Stray Dogs, Boruto, Dragon Ball Super, Durarara!!, Orphen, Pretear—Spike’s voice pops up everywhere.
Beyond Anime: Animation, Film & Commercials
Spike’s not just a one-trick anime pony—he’s a chameleon across media. You’ll hear him in:
- Peter Rabbit – Shrew.
- Get Blake! – Mitch de la Cuz.
- The Grossery Gang – multiple roles including Rocky and Meathead.
- Ernest & Celestine – supporting characters in the Oscar-nominated feature.
- The Playmobil Movie, Nickelodeon’s Peter Rabbit, Fifi the Cat Therapist, Violetta, Pokemon—Spike even covers corporate voices in McDonald’s, Ford, KFC, Infiniti, Subway and more.
Video Games & RPG Greatness
If you’re into games, Spike’s voice is everywhere:
- World of Warcraft – attuned to multiple characters: Attumen, Romulo, Mekgineer Steamrigger, Captain Arnath, and more.
- League of Legends – double trouble as Kled and Wukong.
- Bravely Default – Ringabel, charming rogue with a heart of gold.
- Nier Gestalt/Replicant – Tyrann (and uncredited Gideon in the facelift of the original).
- Bleach: Shattered Blade, Akiba’s Trip, Dynasty Warriors, Shenmue III, Xeno X/Xillia, Persona 5 (the Psychiatrist), Puyo Puyo series, Trauma Center, Yggdra Union—you name it, he’s in it.
Live-Action, Coaching & Speaking
Spike has spent time in front of the camera too, with live-action roles in The Big Easy and various indie films. But his off-screen game is strong—he’s a dating coach (“Don’t Kill Your Date”), public speaker, NLP coach, author, and success mentor. His dating advice has shown up in USA Today and Men’s Health, leaning heavily on his one-of-a-kind “food game.”
Family, Martial Arts & Food
Spike’s personal life is equally colorful. He once married fellow voice actor Kendra Benham (Maya Ibuki in Evangelion), then in October 2014 tied the knot with Kim MacKenzie, entrepreneur and former pageant winner. They have two sons: Declan (born July 29, 2017) and Colton Christopher (born February 4, 2021, in Australia). He holds a brown belt in aikido and second-degree black belt in tae kwon do and is renowned as a Monty Python-quoting foodie—and sailor.
Awards & Recognition
Spike’s career is a slow burn of recognition. He’s earned title of ‘award-winning’ voice actor, been featured in the docuseries Being Dad, and his portrayal of Shinji Ikari cemented him among anime fans as the voice who brought fragile heroism to life.
Why Spike Spencer Matters
In the world of dubbing, Spike Spencer is both rare and reliable—able to make you feel Shinji’s paralyzing guilt, laugh through Papillon’s absurdity, or root for Akito’s redemption. He bridges the gap between introspective bishounen heroes and loose cartoon fun, while spreading practical advice about food and dating in real life.
What’s He Up To Now?
As of 2025, Spike is still voicing beloved characters: shinji in the Rebuild films, Hanataro in Bleach: Thousand‑Year Blood War, roles in Bungo Stray Dogs, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Stand by Me Doraemon films, NiNoKuni, Playmobil: The Movie, and more. He maintains panels, coaches, podcasts (like Mindscrambler), and culinary adventures—popularizing the art of “food game” around the globe.
Final Bite
Spike Spencer didn’t just voice the teen who saves the world; he’s the guy teaching you how to salsa do it in real life—dating, cooking, public speaking, using your voice to connect. From couch-locked otaku crying over ships to comic con crowds roaring for “Shinji!”, Spike’s journey is charming, earnest, and unexpectedly delicious—like a well-cooked soufflé: delicate, uplifting, and best shared with others.
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