5 Takeaways from Legends Live with Richard Horvitz & Tara Strong

We laughed. We learned. We fanboyed (and girl-ed) hard. At our recent live Zoom call for Voicelings Legends Live with Richard Horvitz (a.k.a. Zim in Invader Zim, Alpha 5 in Power Rangers, Moxxie in Helluva Boss) hosted by Tara Strong (Timmy Turner in The Fairly OddParents, Raven in Teen Titans, and Bubbles in The Powerpuff Girls), we got a front-row seat into the world of professional voice acting – and it was unforgettable, insightful, and inspiring. Here are our top 5 takeaways from chatting with Richard Horvitz:

1. Voice Acting is Acting First

Richard nailed it when he said, “It’s not about the voice. It’s about the performance.” Great voice actors don’t just sound funny – they inhabit characters with full emotional depth, timing, and physicality (even when no one sees them). 

This means getting into it – immersing yourself in a role by drawing on personal experience to access real emotions, similar to what on-screen actors refer to as method acting or simply 'Method'. 

2. You Don’t Need Permission to Start

Tara emphasized that aspiring actors today have tools she never did. You can build a demo, create characters, and even book gigs – all before an agent ever knows your name. The barrier to entry has never been lower. 

Start by setting up a simple home studio, learning the basics of recording, and connecting with the right communities. The real key? Practice. Laying down audio regularly is what builds comfort, confidence, and the readiness to step into real VO work. Tara Strong teaches her students all of this and more inside the Voicelings voice acting course. 

3. You’ll Hear “No” More Than “Yes” – and That’s Normal

Both Richard and Tara shared stories of brutal rejections, even after they were famous. The key? Keep going. Every “no” is just a step toward your next “yes.”

Sometimes, producers already have someone specific in mind for the role, and that’s okay. Don’t take it personally. Instead, treat every audition as a chance to build relationships, welcome feedback, and grow from the experience. You never know when your paths might cross again, so always leave a positive impression. 

Pro tip: keep the improv in check – stick to the script unless you’re specifically invited to play. Directors want talent who are easy to work with, not someone they have to reel in. Every second in the booth counts (and costs), so staying on track shows professionalism and respect for the production.

4. Great Characters Are Built from Real Emotion (and a Little Weirdness)

Whether it’s Zim’s chaotic energy or Bubbles’ sugary edge, the best voices come from a mix of personality, vocal risk-taking, and being unafraid to sound “weird.” 

Your personality – and even your “weirdness” – is what sets you apart in the world of voice acting. It can become your signature. When directors and producers are casting, they often remember unique voices and distinct energy. Lean into what makes you different – it’s how you build a memorable voice acting brand. 

We cover branding and how to establish a personal brand in the Voicelings course.

5. It’s a Lifelong Craft – But a Learnable One

Talent helps, but training, feedback, and practice matter more. Richard still gets coached. Tara still learns. And they both encouraged students to keep recording, keep learning, and above all – keep playing. 

Voice acting is one of the most fun, creative, and rewarding careers out there. Never lose sight of what made you fall in love with it in the first place – and always stay a student. The tools, technology, and industry are constantly evolving, so stay curious, stay informed. Continually grow your network and seek mentors for support and feedback. 

Ready to dive deeper into voice acting? Join the Voicelings course and community – featuring self-paced lessons taught by Tara Strong, live events with industry legends like Richard Horvitz, Seth Green, and Eric Bauza, plus a network of 400+ voice actors and animators for feedback, contests, and creative collaborations.