Respect for Sarah Natochenny

I've made a post on the one and only Japanese voice actor for Ash (and the companion) as well as the former English voice actor, but I haven't made one for the current and longest-serving English voice actor yet - and the post is long overdue in some ways. That voice actor would be none other than Sarah Natochenny, who has now filled the role for five generations and more, since 2006. That fact alone deserves much respect, but the respect is also deserved in other ways.

Thanks to different means, I've had the chance to listen to her voice characterization for Ash, particularly the more recent ones. From that, what I would say is that the voice work can be described as a "happy medium" between that of Rica and Veronica. She is, of course, neither of the two, but her (relatively more) recent work makes it seem like Veronica never left, while at the same time being (at least a little) closer to the Japanese work of Rica. I'd say that is quite impressive even after many years of service.

Like her predecessor, she also fills in the role of Delia Ketchum and even a couple (among a number) of Pokémon, being Staraptor and Misdreavus. In fact, she mentions this and goes into the dubbing process - as it happened for the very first Sun & Moon episode - in a special feature by Vanity Fair, which is available for viewing on YouTube. It's an insightful look into the process for anyone who is interested in voice acting and dubbing, but more than that, it's also personal in different ways - just watch to the end.

She's also active on social media, specifically Instagram; through her Instagram handle (@sarah_natochenny), it becomes possible to glimpse into the other goings-on of her life. Quite a bit of it is directed to interaction with fans, certainly at conventions and beyond, as well as other happenings, both in and out of her connections to Pokémon. Through it, it's possible to see where she is and has been, as well as where one could catch her next. It's an absolute dream, even for me.

Much has gone on since Sarah stepped into the role of Ash and other characters on the English dub of the Pokémon anime, and after over one and a half decades of maintaining that, immense respect is commanded. Evidently, she is true to her craft and even truer as a real person, and that has to be a dream for any fan of what she does. Indeed, for Pokémon fans, what she does best is to bring to life its primary protagonist, a true position of respect as with anyone else in the same position.

One year ago: Pokémon SM KFC CKM Toy: Rockruff & Premier Ball

Two years ago: Celebi @ Everywhere

Three years ago: At the Same Time

Four years ago: Shiny Lugia Obsessions

Five years ago: A Passion for Red