Fruits Basket 2019: Meet The English Voice Cast!

by Jhon Lennon 49 views

Hey anime fans! If you're anything like me, you're probably still reeling from the emotional rollercoaster that is Fruits Basket! And, of course, a huge part of what makes this anime so special is the incredible voice acting. Today, we're diving deep into the English dub of the 2019 reboot to celebrate the talented folks who brought our beloved characters to life. Get ready to learn about the amazing voice actors who lent their skills to this heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking story. Let's get to know the English voice cast of Fruits Basket (2019)!

The Sohma Family: The Voices Behind the Cursed

Tohru Honda: The Heart of the Story

Let's kick things off with the unforgettable Tohru Honda. She's the glue that holds everything together. She's the sweet, kind, and unbelievably resilient girl who finds herself entangled with the Sohma family. Bringing Tohru to life in the English dub is the talented Laura Bailey. Laura Bailey is a legend in the anime and video game voice acting world. Her ability to convey Tohru's unwavering optimism and empathy is truly remarkable. Her gentle voice and genuine portrayal capture Tohru's pure heart perfectly. You might recognize her from her roles in Dragon Ball Z (as Trunks), Fullmetal Alchemist (as Lust), and Critical Role (as Vex'ahlia). Laura Bailey's performance as Tohru is a cornerstone of the English dub, setting the tone for the entire series. She embodies the spirit of Tohru with such care and understanding, making it easy to fall in love with the character all over again. Her voice acting captures the subtle nuances of Tohru's emotions, from her moments of joy to her quiet struggles. Bailey's portrayal allows the audience to fully connect with Tohru's character, creating a deep emotional connection that enriches the viewing experience.

The Zodiac: Voice Actors Behind the Cursed Sohma's

Now, let's move on to the cursed members of the Sohma family, the heart of the Fruits Basket story. Each of them has a unique curse that transforms them into one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac when hugged by someone of the opposite sex or when under stress. The voice actors behind the Sohma family are just amazing! The actors needed to capture complex emotions and the unique quirks of each character. It's a challenging task, but the English cast does an incredible job. They successfully capture the different personalities and vulnerabilities of the Sohmas, making each character feel authentic and engaging. Let's meet some of them:

  • Kyo Sohma - Kyo, the hot-tempered cat of the zodiac, is voiced by Eric Vale. Eric brings the perfect amount of angst and hidden vulnerability to Kyo. He navigates Kyo's explosive anger and hidden insecurities with expert precision. He's also known for his work in One Piece (as Sanji) and Dragon Ball Z. Eric Vale's portrayal of Kyo is powerful and dynamic, capturing the character's internal struggles and his journey toward finding acceptance and love.
  • Yuki Sohma - The calm and popular Yuki, the rat of the zodiac, is voiced by Jerry Jewell. Jerry's performance is a perfect counterpoint to Kyo's fiery nature. He brings a quiet strength and thoughtfulness to Yuki that makes him a fan favorite. You may also recognize his voice from Attack on Titan (as Bertolt Hoover) and My Hero Academia (as Mezo Shoji). Jerry Jewell's Yuki is the perfect blend of stoicism and sensitivity, showcasing his quiet strength and capacity for empathy.
  • Shigure Sohma - The mischievous and often cryptic Shigure, the dog of the zodiac, is voiced by John Swasey. John brings a playful and unpredictable energy to Shigure. He always seems to be up to something, and his voice perfectly conveys that. He's a veteran voice actor with roles in Attack on Titan (as the Beast Titan) and Fullmetal Alchemist. John Swasey's performance as Shigure is a masterclass in comedic timing and subtle characterization.
  • Hatori Sohma - Hatori Sohma is voiced by Kent Williams. Kent Williams brings a sense of calm and collected to Hatori, a man who is often tasked with keeping secrets. Known for roles in Attack on Titan (as Commander Pixis) and Fullmetal Alchemist (as Father Cornello). Kent Williams' voice acting is filled with wisdom, empathy, and a dash of melancholy, making Hatori a complex and engaging character.
  • Ayame Sohma - Ayame is brought to life by Vic Mignogna. Vic brings a lot of personality to Ayame, who is the snake of the zodiac. Vic also worked in Fullmetal Alchemist (as Edward Elric), and in Dragon Ball Z (as Broly). The way Vic conveys Ayame's eccentric personality is just top-notch.
  • Kagura Sohma - The passionate and intense Kagura, the boar of the zodiac, is voiced by Tia Ballard. Tia adds energy and intensity to Kagura's personality. Known for roles in My Hero Academia (as Tsuyu Asui) and Assassination Classroom (as Nagisa Shiota). Tia Ballard's acting breathes life into the complex emotions that Kagura has, and the audience gets to experience a whirlwind of emotions.

Other Important Characters

  • Momiji Sohma - The cute and adorable Momiji, the rabbit of the zodiac, is voiced by Caitlin Glass. Caitlin's voice is perfectly suited to Momiji's playful nature. She has great comedic timing. Known for roles in Ouran High School Host Club (as Haruhi Fujioka). She captures the character's infectious joy while hinting at the underlying sadness. Caitlin's performance is very good!
  • Hana and Uotani: The voice actresses for Tohru's best friends are Jad Saxton as Hana and Mikaela Krantz as Uotani. They portray the steadfast and fun-loving friends with excellent voices. Both Jad and Mikaela's voice acting is really good and makes the audience feel a part of the group of friends.

The Supporting Cast: Adding Depth to the World

Aside from the main characters, the supporting cast plays a crucial role in enriching the Fruits Basket universe. They add layers of depth and complexity to the story. Let's not forget the incredible voice actors who bring these characters to life, making the world of Fruits Basket vibrant and alive. They do an excellent job in contributing to the emotional impact of the series.

Akito Sohma

The enigmatic and often cruel Akito Sohma, the head of the Sohma family, is brought to life by Lydia Mackay. Lydia's portrayal of Akito is chilling and captivating. She captures Akito's intensity, vulnerability, and the layers of pain that drive the character's actions. Lydia's performance is incredibly impactful, making Akito a memorable and complex antagonist. It truly shows how excellent voice acting can elevate a character's impact.

Hatsuharu Sohma

The stoic yet passionate Hatsuharu is voiced by Aaron Roberts. Aaron brings a quiet intensity to Hatsuharu, showcasing his loyalty and underlying affection. His performance perfectly captures Hatsuharu's complex nature. Hatsuharu's character is one of those that may be misunderstood by others, but Aaron is able to show his character's true depth.

Hiro Sohma

Hiro, the confident and sometimes brash monkey of the zodiac, is voiced by Josh Grelle. Josh brings a youthful energy and comedic timing to Hiro. He captures Hiro's mischievous side while also showcasing his capacity for kindness. This makes Hiro a memorable and entertaining character, and Josh's performance is simply perfect.

Why the English Dub Matters

The English dub of Fruits Basket (2019) is a testament to the skill and dedication of the voice acting community. These talented individuals brought their hearts and souls to their roles, creating a truly memorable viewing experience. The English dub allows a broader audience to enjoy this beautiful story. It allows viewers who prefer watching in their native language to connect with the characters and fully appreciate the emotional depth of the series. The voice actors' performances are key to creating a rich viewing experience. They help to make Fruits Basket accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

The emotional impact of the story is amplified by the brilliant voice acting. The English dub has helped Fruits Basket gain new fans and deepen the appreciation of existing ones. The cast's talent is evident in every episode. They brought the characters to life, ensuring that the essence of the original story was preserved. It's truly a must-watch for anime enthusiasts.

Conclusion: Celebrate the Voices!

The English voice cast of Fruits Basket (2019) has created something truly special. Each actor has contributed to a memorable and touching experience. These voice actors brought their expertise and passion to the project. Their hard work has brought the story to life for audiences around the world. So, the next time you watch Fruits Basket, take a moment to appreciate the incredible talent behind the voices. Their performances have helped make this anime a modern classic. They truly deserve our admiration and respect!