Krillin’s English Voice Actor: Sonny Strait and Others Who Brought Him to Life

Krillin’s English Voice Actor: Sonny Strait and Others Who Brought Him to Life

Krillin, one of the most beloved characters in Dragon Ball, owes much of his popularity to the talents of the voice actors who portray him. While Japanese voice actress Mayumi Tanaka brought Krillin to life for original audiences, Sonny Strait and other English voice actors have made the character equally iconic for English-speaking fans.

This article explores the history, impact, and contributions of Krillin’s English voice actors, focusing on Sonny Strait’s definitive portrayal while acknowledging the work of earlier and alternative dub actors.

1. Sonny Strait: The Definitive English Voice of Krillin

1.1 Introduction to Sonny Strait

• Background: Sonny Strait is a seasoned voice actor, ADR director, and writer. He is best known for his work in Dragon Ball but has also contributed to other anime and video game projects.
• Other Iconic Roles:
  • Usopp (One Piece): His portrayal of Usopp mirrors his performance as Krillin, blending humor with emotional depth.
  • Maes Hughes (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood): A heartfelt and dramatic role showcasing his versatility.

1.2 Portrayal of Krillin

• Voice Characteristics: Strait’s version of Krillin captures his mix of humor, courage, and vulnerability. His slightly nasal and high-pitched delivery fits Krillin’s personality perfectly.
• Balancing Comedy and Drama: Strait excels at transitioning between Krillin’s comedic moments and his serious, heartfelt scenes, making the character relatable and multi-dimensional.
• Longevity in the Role: Since taking on the role in FUNimation’s dub of Dragon Ball Z, Strait has been the consistent voice of Krillin across series, movies, and video games.

1.3 Fan Reception

• Fans often credit Sonny Strait’s performance as one of the highlights of the FUNimation dub, praising his ability to make Krillin lovable and memorable.

2. Other English Voice Actors for Krillin

2.1 Terry Klassen (Ocean Group Dub)

• Role in the Franchise: Terry Klassen was Krillin’s first English voice actor in the Ocean Group dub of Dragon Ball Z.
• Performance Style: Klassen’s portrayal focused more on Krillin’s comedic aspects, with a lighter and more playful tone.
• Fan Reactions: While some fans appreciate Klassen’s nostalgic take on Krillin, others feel it lacked the depth brought by later performances.

2.2 Additional English Voice Actors

• Over the years, various actors have voiced Krillin in alternative dubs and early Dragon Ball adaptations. These include performances for Harmony Gold’s version and lesser-known regional dubs.
• While these actors laid the groundwork for Krillin’s English portrayal, they didn’t leave as lasting an impression as Sonny Strait.

3. What Makes Sonny Strait’s Krillin Stand Out?

3.1 Consistency Across Media

• Strait has voiced Krillin in Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball Super, and numerous movies and video games, providing a sense of continuity for English-speaking fans.

3.2 Humor and Heart

• Strait’s performance captures the essence of Krillin’s character, blending his comedic moments with scenes of bravery and emotional resonance.

3.3 Adaptation to Cultural Nuances

• Strait’s portrayal adapts Krillin’s humor and personality for Western audiences while staying true to the spirit of the original Japanese performance.

4. Challenges of Voicing Krillin

4.1 Balancing Dual Roles

• Krillin often serves as both comic relief and a serious fighter in Dragon Ball. Voice actors must navigate this duality to make the character believable.

4.2 Longevity

• With Dragon Ball spanning decades, maintaining consistency while evolving the character’s voice to match his growth is a unique challenge.

4.3 Meeting Fan Expectations

• Fans of the original Japanese version have high expectations for English dubs, making the role of Krillin’s voice actor critical in maintaining the series’ appeal.

5. Fan Reactions to English Voice Acting

5.1 Sonny Strait’s Popularity

• Strait’s portrayal of Krillin is widely regarded as one of the best aspects of FUNimation’s Dragon Ball Z dub.
• Fans praise his ability to make Krillin both funny and heroic, emphasizing the character’s relatability.

5.2 Comparison with Japanese Version

• While some purists prefer Mayumi Tanaka’s original performance, many English-speaking fans feel Sonny Strait’s portrayal captures the essence of Krillin for Western audiences.

5.3 Impact on the Franchise

• Strait’s voice acting has helped establish Krillin as one of the most beloved characters in Dragon Ball, contributing to the series’ global success.

6. Legacy of Krillin’s English Voice Actors

6.1 A Key Part of Dragon Ball’s Success

• The work of English voice actors like Sonny Strait has played a crucial role in making Dragon Ball accessible and enjoyable for international audiences.

6.2 Fan Engagement

• Strait frequently interacts with fans through conventions, interviews, and social media, sharing insights into voicing Krillin and his experiences with the Dragon Ball franchise.

6.3 Inspiring Future Generations

• Strait’s performance sets a high standard for English voice acting in anime, inspiring aspiring voice actors to bring authenticity and depth to their roles.

7. Conclusion

The English voice actors for Krillin, especially Sonny Strait, have brought humor, heart, and heroism to one of Dragon Ball’s most enduring characters. From Terry Klassen’s early interpretations to Strait’s definitive portrayal, each actor has contributed to Krillin’s legacy as a relatable and beloved figure in the series.

For fans, these performances highlight the importance of voice acting in bringing anime characters to life, ensuring that Krillin’s story resonates with audiences across the globe. Whether through his comedic moments or acts of bravery, Krillin remains a testament to the power of character and the talent of the voice actors who portray him.

ライト

鳥山明さんの大ファン

鳥山明さんの作品をこよなく愛するドラゴンボールが好きな漫画オタクです。世の中のアニメ全般が好きで、クリエイターの皆様を応援しています。