Tara Strong (born Tara Lyn Charendoff on February 12, 1973) is a Canadian-born voice actress and performer who has worked extensively in animation, video games and dubbing. Over several decades she has become notable for a wide vocal range and the ability to inhabit young boy characters, high-energy girls, and darker, mysterious figures. Her career spans television series, feature animation, audio work and interactive media.
Overview and career path
Strong began performing as a child and moved into professional voice work in the 1990s. She has worked in both Canadian and American productions and is frequently cast for roles that demand strong comedic timing or expressive, character-driven voices. Her work includes original English-language animation, English dubs of foreign cartoons, and voices for many video games. She is also active in fan conventions and often discusses the craft of voice acting in interviews and panels.
Notable characters and examples
- Timmy Turner in The Fairly OddParents
- Bubbles in The Powerpuff Girls
- Raven in Teen Titans and related series
- Twilight Sparkle in My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic
- Various roles in contemporary reboots and game franchises, including newer versions of classic shows
These examples illustrate Strong's range: she moves comfortably between upbeat, childlike voices and low-register, serious characters. In addition to television animation, she has voiced characters for film, commercials, and many licensed video games.
Style, influence and recognition
Critics and fans often note Strong's versatility and quick character switching as hallmarks of her style. She has helped shape the sound of several 1990s and 2000s cartoons and remains a frequent guest at animation and comic conventions. While specific awards and credits are numerous, her influence is most visible in the recurring popularity of the characters she originated or helped popularize.