Across the western world, it’s difficult to find anime characters as recognized as Ash Ketchum, who stars in the Pokémon series that has spanned an impressive 25 seasons over a period of 26 years.
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Ash Ketchum, the hero of the long-running Pokémon series, is one of the most well-known anime characters in the west, having starred across 25 seasons for 26 years.
Or:
In the West, Ash Ketchum, our lead from the Pokémon series, has become a highly familiar face among anime fans thanks to his appearances in no less than 25 seasons over 26 years.
As a gamer from my generation, I can’t help but associate the voice of Ash Ketchum with just one individual – the accomplished voice actress, Veronica Taylor. This year at the London Card Show, I got to have an engaging conversation with her. What an experience!
For a character that essentially shaped Veronica’s voice-acting profession, it was nearly an unintended outcome for her.
In her interview, she reminisces and mentions that it seems like good fortune played a significant role, almost as if she happened to be in the ideal circumstances at just the right moment. If you prefer a visual format, the interview is available in video form too.
Back in the ’90s, as a passionate gamer and aspiring voice actor, I found myself being invited to lend my voice to an anime series named Slayers – quite the exciting opportunity! It turned out that the same crew casting this show was also working on Pokémon. So, there I was, going through various auditions and callbacks, before finally landing a role in the project. And that’s when the fun began as we started recording!
Although Veronica’s casual discussion about the role might seem unexpectedly nonchalant, it’s important to note that she wasn’t fully informed about the extent of ’90s Pokémon mania, or for that matter, the impact the show would eventually have.
“I didn’t know much about it at all. This was 1998, so I didn’t even own a computer,” she laughs.
She mentions that her initial knowledge of Pokémon likely came from the New York Times, and at that time, what she knew about it in America was just that some children had seizures while watching an episode, which famously led to a ban on one particular episode called Electric Soldier Porygon, a year before its airing in Japan.
Although she had practically no familiarity with Pokémon, whether as a game or an animated series, she was instantly captivated by it.
From the moment I laid eyes on it, I was captivated. The straightforward animation with its vibrant colors left me in awe. There was an enchanting quality to it that made me hope beyond hope I’d be chosen for the role.
Beyond finding the show intriguing, Veronica was equally captivated by Ash as a character; his influence was felt instantaneously as well.
His self-assuredness, or lack thereof, along with his resolve and bravery, truly resonated with me. I believe it was particularly in the first episode where he showed exceptional courage by risking himself to protect Pikachu, which provided a profound understanding of the kind of person this young character might be.
Initially, the show enjoyed success with its first season. However, it wasn’t until the release of The First Movie in 1998 that its popularity really skyrocketed, as evidenced by a massive billboard in Times Square, New York, which made the creators feel like they had truly struck it big.
It wasn’t until many years after the show had ended that Veronica truly understood its full influence, a realization that came once the initial fans of the show had grown up and moved on.
Throughout the globe, I’ve had the opportunity to attend comic cons. It’s fascinating to observe how deeply people connect with Pokémon, regardless of their entry point – the TV show, card games, or even Pokémon Go. There’s a unique resonance in it that truly touches them.
Additionally, I’ve been fortunate enough to cross paths with certain children when they were ten years old, only to reunite with them as parents. It’s at these moments that you truly comprehend the scope of Pokémon; it transcends individuals. What makes Pokémon so remarkable is its community, a group that is vibrant, kind-hearted, generous, and full of compassion. Such realizations underscore the fact that this cultural phenomenon is a reflection of the extraordinary people who embody it.
As the 10th anniversary of the show drew near, Veronica and her team, who had a strong affection for the program and its personalities, found themselves unexpectedly outshone. The control of the show was transferred to Pokémon USA, resulting in many cast members being abruptly replaced without proper farewells.
Veronica shared, “They told me they no longer required my services since they’ve found someone with a similar voice. That was it. None of us handled it gracefully, and there didn’t seem to be any specific explanation for being let go.
In life, sometimes you need to keep going, but it can be challenging when conversations frequently revolve around Pokémon and people continue to inquire about it. Everyone who worked on the show truly cherished it and, if given the opportunity, would have stayed committed until the very end.
In the wake of what happened, Veronica and her fellow cast members received an uplifting boost from their fans, as a petition demanding their reinstatement gained momentum. This displayed an incredible level of devotion and perseverance among the show’s audience, which left me feeling quite humbled.
It appears that the audience’s reaction indicated that although her character’s run as Ash in the series had concluded, her influence within the broader Pokémon community was set to grow even more.
I strive to embody the role model that Ash Ketchum represents, someone who was a part of your childhood memories. This role carries a significant weight for me.
I’d feel quite miserable if our global community, often referred to as ‘fans,’ wasn’t there to support us. Their presence has allowed us to connect with people from various countries, share experiences, and grow together. However, since our journey continues forward, I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep going and am deeply thankful.
Currently, Veronica and her daughter Rena, who joined the show at the conclusion of its initial season, co-host a podcast called “The Trainer’s Guide.” On this podcast, they engage in a nostalgic rewatch of the first season of Pokémon, sharing their personal experiences with the series as well as listener insights.
Absolutely, I’ve been thrilled to follow Veronica’s journey beyond Pokémon, as she’s made a name for herself in the world of voice acting. She’s lent her talent to iconic shows like Sailor Moon, One Piece, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and even video game franchises such as Tekken and Fire Emblem.
It’s surprising to note that she’s cited on several online platforms as the voice of Cynthia Graham in LA Noire. However, this claim is false, and she remains perplexed about its origin, having failed to correct it thus far.
She clarifies that she didn’t perform the action, but points out that she can’t modify her information on IMDb or Wikipedia. When she tries to make changes, it won’t let her, leading to incorrect listings.
Alright there, fellow gamers! Not to brag, but I must clarify that the amazing voice you heard isn’t mine – believe me, I wish it was! So, for any dedicated Wikipedia editors out there who happen upon this, feel free to dive in and, at last, polish up Veronica’s page. Cheers!
As a gamer, I can’t help but feel incredibly thankful for every chance I’ve been given, even though there was this one character I didn’t quite fit the bill for.
At the age of five, I made up my mind to become an actor, and I feel incredibly fortunate to still be chasing this dream. I hope the same opportunity presents itself for everyone. I truly believe that it’s crucial to stick with your aspirations, trust your instincts, and excel at what you excel in-what you are most passionate about.
Engaging with these communities can bring about a sense of happiness within you and aid others in pursuing their passions. I’m truly grateful to be a member of the Pokémon fanbase, the anime enthusiasts, and the Comic Con community.
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2025-08-16 17:12