Births on February 12

Tara Strong, Canadian voice actress and singer

Tara Strong: The Prolific Voice Behind Iconic Animated Characters and Video Game Heroes

Tara Lyn Strong, born Charendoff on February 12, 1973, is an exceptionally gifted and highly acclaimed Canadian-American actress whose indelible contributions to the world of voice acting have made her a household name among fans of animation and video games. Her remarkable versatility allows her to bring an astonishing array of characters to life, from plucky child protagonists and mischievous villains to wise mentors and powerful superheroes, defining the childhoods of multiple generations. Strong's ability to imbue each role with distinct personality and emotional depth has solidified her status as one of the most prolific and recognizable voices in the entertainment industry.

A Voice Across Generations: Iconic Animated Roles

Strong's career in animation is nothing short of legendary, characterized by an incredible range that allows her to seamlessly transition between vastly different roles, often within the same series or universe. Her dynamic performances have graced some of the most beloved animated productions, leaving an enduring legacy. Her work showcases a unique talent for character development through voice alone, making each of her roles instantly recognizable and deeply cherished.

• DC Animated Universe (DCAU): In The New Batman Adventures, she took on the role of Batgirl/Barbara Gordon, a fan-favorite crime fighter. Later, she became a prominent voice for Harley Quinn in numerous DC projects, including Batman: Arkham games and DC Super Hero Girls, continuing the legacy of the character after its original voice actress.
• Teen Titans and Teen Titans Go!: Strong perfectly captures the brooding, sarcastic, yet deeply caring nature of Raven, a powerful empath and half-demon, making her one of the series' most complex and beloved characters.
• Rugrats: She lent her voice to Dil Pickles, the adorable younger brother of Tommy Pickles, bringing a distinct charm to the infant character.
• The Powerpuff Girls: As the sweet, bubbly, and occasionally fierce Bubbles, Strong helped create one of the most iconic animated heroines known for her compassionate heart and powerful sonic scream.
• The Fairly OddParents: Strong masterfully voiced Timmy Turner, the imaginative and often mischievous 10-year-old boy whose wishes frequently lead to chaotic but hilarious situations, as well as his magical baby brother, Poof.
• Xiaolin Showdown: She provided the voice for Omi, the young, disciplined, and sometimes overly confident Xiaolin Dragon-in-training, as well as his successor, Ping Pong.
• Ben 10: Strong famously originated the voice of the titular protagonist, Ben Tennyson, in the original series, portraying the adventurous boy who can transform into various aliens.
• Chowder: She voiced Truffles, the tiny yet feisty mushroom character who often takes on a managerial role.
• Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!: As the titular character Wubbzy, Strong brought cheerfulness and innocence to the preschool favorite.
• My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic: Her portrayal of Twilight Sparkle, the studious and eventually regal unicorn who becomes a princess, resonated deeply with a dedicated global fanbase.
• Unikitty!: Strong voiced the exuberant and endlessly optimistic Princess Unikitty, a character known for her boundless positivity and occasional bursts of anger.

Beyond the Screen: Dominating Video Game Voice Acting

Tara Strong's vocal prowess extends significantly into the realm of video games, where her ability to deliver impactful performances for complex narratives and interactive characters is highly valued. Her contributions have enriched some of the gaming industry's most successful franchises, showcasing her adaptability to different genres and character demands, from intense combatants to endearing companions.

• Mortal Kombat X: Strong provided the voices for multiple characters, including the unsettling duo Ferra/Torr, as well as Li Mei and Sareena, demonstrating her capacity for darker, more intense roles.
• Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3: She voiced fan-favorite characters such as X-23, the clawed mutant, and the playful cat-demon Felicia, bringing distinct personalities to the fighting game arena.
• Jak and Daxter series: Strong embodied Keira Hagai, the brilliant mechanic and inventor, providing a key supporting role across the critically acclaimed action-adventure games.
• Final Fantasy X and X-2: Her iconic portrayal of Rikku, the energetic and optimistic Al Bhed machina user, earned her widespread critical acclaim and remains one of her most beloved video game roles.
• Blue Dragon: She voiced the spirited and loyal Marumaro, a key companion in the epic role-playing game.
• Batman: Arkham series: Beyond her animated contributions, Strong solidified her role as Harley Quinn in the highly successful video game franchise, including Batman: Arkham City and Batman: Arkham Knight, and also voiced Batgirl in the Arkham Knight DLC.

Acclaim and Recognition: Awards and Nominations

Tara Strong's exceptional talent and significant impact on the voice acting industry have not gone unnoticed. Her dedicated performances and versatile range have garnered her numerous prestigious nominations and a notable award, solidifying her standing among the elite in her field.

• Annie Award Nominations: Strong has received multiple nominations for the Annie Awards, celebrating excellence in animation. These nominations recognize her outstanding achievement in voice acting for various roles, including her work as Timmy Turner in The Fairly OddParents and Raven in Teen Titans Go!.
• Daytime Emmy Award Nominations: Her compelling vocal performances have also earned her nominations for the Daytime Emmy Awards, particularly highlighting her contributions to children's animated programming, such as her role in The Fairly OddParents.
• Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences Award: In a testament to her profound impact on the gaming world, Strong won an award from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS). Specifically, she received the "Outstanding Achievement in Character Performance – Female" award at the 10th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards for her memorable portrayal of Rikku in Final Fantasy X-2, an accolade that underscores her ability to create deeply engaging characters within interactive narratives.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tara Strong

What are some of Tara Strong's most famous characters?

Tara Strong is renowned for voicing an impressive array of iconic characters, including Raven in Teen Titans and Teen Titans Go!, Bubbles in The Powerpuff Girls, Timmy Turner in The Fairly OddParents, Twilight Sparkle in My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, Dil Pickles in Rugrats, and Batgirl/Harley Quinn across various DC animated and video game projects. In video games, her portrayal of Rikku in Final Fantasy X-2 is particularly celebrated.

Is Tara Strong Canadian or American?

Tara Strong holds dual nationality; she is a Canadian-American actress. Born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, she later became a naturalized U.S. citizen, allowing her to contribute to entertainment industries in both countries.

Has Tara Strong won any awards for her voice acting?

Yes, Tara Strong has received significant recognition for her work. She has earned multiple nominations for both Annie Awards and Daytime Emmy Awards. Notably, she won an award from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) for "Outstanding Achievement in Character Performance – Female" for her role as Rikku in Final Fantasy X-2.