Who Ash’s Three Different English Voice Actors Are

Ash Ketchum and his friend Pikachu have been the notable heroes of the Pokémon animated series since its release in 1997. Ash has traveled across every region currently available on his mission to become a Pokémon Master, and while his age may not seem to increase as decades go by, he has had a few voice changes. Ash has been voiced by three separate actors during the course of the Pokémon animated series, and players may be surprised to know who these actors are, and when the switches took place in the series.

Ash was first voiced by Kathleen Charlotte McInerney, also known as Veronica Taylor, for the first 8 seasons of the Pokémon Anime. However, Veronica didn’t voice just Ash, she also helped build the character voices for Ash’s mother Delia Ketchum, as well as May, during the course of her time as an actor for the series. Veronica also handled many minor roles as well, including a few Pokémon like Diglett and Sentret. While she didn’t continue to voice Ash in later seasons of the anime, the signature husky tone she used for Ash was picked up and carried on by her predecessors.

The other notable voice that has colored Ash’s personality from 2006 to the present episodes and movies is Sarah Natochenny. Sarah also took over the role of Ash’s mother, alongside many other major and minor character roles throughout her time with the Pokémon series. She has voiced a number of different Pokémon throughout the series as well, specifically Pokémon belonging to Gym leaders and other notable characters that Ash encounters on his travels.

Ash Was Voiced By One Different Actor For A Single Episode

Ash also had a third voice actor that only appeared for a single special episode, before Sarah Natochenny took over the role. Kayzie Rogers, also known as Jamie Peacock, voiced Ash during the episode “The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon,” though it would later be re-dubbed by Sarah Natochenny. While Kayzie’s role as Ash was brief, she has a long history of voice acting for the Pokémon series. Besides being one of the original cast members for the series, she was also the voice of Max during Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, as well as the notable voice of Jessie’s Wobbuffet until she retired from the series in 2017.

Ash’s character has changed slightly since the start of the Pokémon series, and certain elements of his personality can be traced to the actors that have voiced him throughout the years. Despite Ash accomplishing his goal of winning a Pokémon League Championship in Sun and Moon, it appears his journey is far from over for fans of the perky Pokémon protagonist, and they will continue to enjoy his presence in future episodes and movies to come as Ash works towards becoming a Pokémon Master.

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