Voice Actor Robbie Daymond: Bridging Worlds Through Anime and Video Games

Robbie Daymond, a native of Warrenton, has become a household name in the world of animation and video games. With nearly 1,000 unique character portrayals to his credit, Daymond's voice can be heard in iconic roles such as Marvel’s Spider-Man, Eighth Brother from "Star Wars Rebels," Tuxedo Mask from "Sailor Moon," and Megumi Fushiguro from "Jujutsu Kaisen." His journey began at the tender age of ten when he was cast in his first professional stage play. After honing his skills at Lindenwood University and graduating from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Daymond moved to Los Angeles, where he spent seven years working on commercials and cartoons. It was at Anime Expo in 2013 that Daymond realized the potential for English dubs in anime and decided to pursue this path. Since then, he has played a pivotal role in improving the quality of English dubs and promoting their acceptance among fans.

The Journey of a Voice Acting Pioneer

In the vibrant autumn of 2013, Robbie Daymond attended Anime Expo, a massive convention in Los Angeles that attracted 50,000 attendees at the time. Struck by the event's scale and the potential for mainstream appeal, Daymond saw an opportunity to bring Japanese anime to Western audiences through high-quality English dubs. His breakthrough came with the reboot of "Sailor Moon," where he voiced Tuxedo Mask. Within a year, he found himself on the main stage at Anime Expo, introduced as Tuxedo Mask to a rapturous audience. Over the years, Daymond has been instrumental in elevating the standards of English dubbing, addressing the challenges of translating Japanese idioms and humor while maintaining the original tone. He believes that the improvement in dub quality is due to the growing passion and dedication of actors who are also anime enthusiasts.

Daymond's commitment extends beyond voice acting. Traveling across the country to meet fans at conventions has enriched his understanding of the medium and enhanced his skills as a producer and writer. This experience culminated in the creation of "Date Everything," a video game featuring 100 distinct characters voiced by various actors. The game's development involved hiring 30 writers to ensure that each character felt authentic and unique. According to Daymond, playing a person rather than a type leads to more compelling performances that resonate with both the audience and the actor.

Looking ahead, Daymond aims to bridge the gap between fans of subtitled anime and those who prefer English dubs. He envisions a future where online discussions are filled with positive exchanges, showcasing the value and artistry of English dubs. By fostering greater appreciation and understanding, Daymond hopes to create a more inclusive and vibrant community for all anime lovers.

From a journalist's perspective, Robbie Daymond's story is not just about voice acting; it's about passion, innovation, and the power of bridging cultural divides. His dedication to improving English dubs and engaging with fans demonstrates the transformative impact one individual can have on an entire industry. Daymond's journey serves as a reminder that with creativity, perseverance, and a deep love for what you do, even the most niche fields can achieve mainstream success.