Sean Schemmel: Did Toriyama Pick Him?

The Unlikely Story of the Dragon Ball Z Voice Actor

Sean Schemmel, the iconic voice actor behind Son Goku in Dragon Ball Z, is an unlikely success story. With no formal training and a penchant for improvisation, Schemmel has become one of the most recognizable voices in anime history.

How it All Began

Schemmel's journey to the world of voice acting began in humble beginnings. Born in 1961, he grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania. As a child, he was an avid fan of cartoons and anime, but never imagined himself as a performer.

After graduating high school, Schemmel attended the University of California, Los Angeles, where he studied Asian languages. It was during this time that he stumbled upon voice acting through a friend who was involved in the industry.

The Road to Dragon Ball Z

In 1999, Funimation, the American dubbing studio responsible for Dragon Ball Z, was holding auditions for the role of Son Goku. Schemmel, who had no prior voice acting experience, decided to give it a shot.

To everyone's surprise, Schemmel's raw energy and improvisational skills impressed the producers. Despite having no formal training, he was chosen to voice the iconic character.

Toriyama's Influence

When asked if series creator Akira Toriyama had any say in Schemmel's casting, the voice actor replied:

"I don't know if Toriyama-san had any direct input in my casting. However, I believe that my performance was influenced by his work. Toriyama's characters are full of life and emotion, and I feel that I captured that in my portrayal of Goku."

Schemmel's Impact on Dragon Ball Z

Schemmel's voice acting has had a profound impact on the popularity of Dragon Ball Z. His energetic and charismatic portrayal of Goku has made the character a beloved figure around the world.

In addition to Dragon Ball Z, Schemmel has also voiced Goku in several other Dragon Ball spin-offs, as well as numerous video games.

Schemmel's Legacy

Today, Sean Schemmel is considered one of the most influential voice actors in the anime industry. His iconic portrayal of Son Goku has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.

Effective Strategies for Aspiring Voice Actors

• Develop a strong voice: Practice your articulation, projection, and vocal control.

  

• Study your characters: Read the scripts and research the characters you will be voicing.

• Improvise when necessary: Don't be afraid to go off-script and add your own creativity.

• Stay true to the original: While improvisation is important, make sure to stay faithful to the character's personality and motivations.

• Network with industry professionals: Attend industry events and connect with casting directors and producers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-acting: Avoid being too loud or exaggerated. Instead, use your voice to convey emotion and character.

• Rushing your lines: Speak at a natural pace. Don't feel pressured to rush through your dialogue.

• Monotonous delivery: Keep your voice interesting by varying your tone and inflection.

• Lack of preparation: Do your homework and come to auditions prepared.

• Giving up: The voice acting industry is competitive. Don't give up if you don't get your first audition.

FAQs

1. How did Sean Schemmel become a voice actor?
   - Schemmel stumbled upon voice acting through a friend while studying Asian languages at UCLA.

2. Did Toriyama have any influence on Schemmel's casting?
   - It is unknown if Toriyama had direct input, but Schemmel believes his performance was influenced by Toriyama's characters.

3. What is Schemmel's legacy in the voice acting industry?
   - Schemmel is considered one of the most influential voice actors, known for his iconic portrayal of Goku in Dragon Ball Z.

4. What is the best advice for aspiring voice actors?
   - Develop a strong voice, study your characters, improvise when necessary, stay true to the original, and network with industry professionals.

5. What are some common mistakes to avoid?
   - Over-acting, rushing your lines, monotonous delivery, lack of preparation, and giving up.

6. What is Sean Schemmel's net worth?
   - Schemmel's net worth is estimated to be around $1 million.