Veronica Taylor, famed for voicing the iconic Pokémon character Ash Ketchum, graced Comic Con Cape Town 2024 with her presence, alongside her daughter and podcast co-host, Rena.
Who is Veronica Taylor?
Veronica Taylor has been a familiar voice in the film industry since she was just five years old.
Her career took a significant turn in 1997 when she landed the role of Ash Ketchum in the globally beloved series Pokémon.
This opportunity came while she was pregnant with her daughter Rena, marking the beginning of her journey with a character that would become a cultural icon.
Over the years, Taylor’s voice has brought Ash Ketchum to life, accompanying many through their childhoods and beyond.
How did Veronica Taylor start her career?
Taylor’s foray into voice acting began with her role as Amelia Wil Tesla Seyruun in the anime Slayers, a Japanese light novel series about a sorceress and a swordsman who join forces to battle a demon lord.
Her unique ability to bring animated characters to life with her voice eventually led her to the role of Ash Ketchum.
Her audition in 1997 stood out among many, resonating with the directors and securing her a place in the hearts of Pokémon fans worldwide.
What is Veronica Taylor’s life like outside the recording booth?
Outside the recording studio, Veronica Taylor leads a life filled with travel and engagement with fans at conventions worldwide.
At Comic Con Cape Town, she revealed her affection for the Mother City, although she humorously missed the mark with her critique of KFC, a fast-food favourite in South Africa.
Her genuine personality and openness endear her further to fans, bridging the gap between the character of Ash and the person behind the voice.
What has influenced Veronica Taylor’s daughter, Rena?
Rena Taylor, now 26, grew up immersed in the world of anime and voice acting, influenced heavily by her mother’s career.
From a young age, she enjoyed unique experiences, such as visiting studios and attending global conventions, which shaped her own aspirations in the arts.
Rena reminisced about her unconventional childhood, highlighting how her mother used different voices during reading times, adding a unique twist to everyday activities with her expansive voice-acting range.
These experiences not only brought mother and daughter closer but also cultivated Rena’s passion for the creative industry.
What is ‘The Trainer’s Guide’?
The Trainer’s Guide is a podcast co-hosted by Veronica and Rena Taylor, where they delve into various topics related to their lives and careers.
More specifically, the podcast’s first season is a 52-episode series exploring the bigger picture behind the Pokémon 1997 debut.
This platform allows them to connect with listeners by sharing personal stories and insights into the voice-acting world, further expanding their influence beyond the screen and into real-life interactions.
Taylor and Rena will be the main fixture of Comic Con Cape Town 2024 as the first guests on the main stage.
