Voice Actor Robbie Daymond: Roles, Awards, and Biography

Okay, here’s a comprehensive article on voice actor Robbie Daymond, covering his roles, awards, and biography, aiming for approximately 5000 words:

Robbie Daymond: A Voice Acting Titan – Roles, Awards, and a Life Dedicated to Performance

Robbie Daymond, born Robert Daymond Howard, is a name that resonates deeply within the voice acting community and amongst fans of anime, video games, and animation. He’s not just a voice; he’s a chameleon, a master of transformation capable of inhabiting a vast range of characters, from the brooding and complex to the lighthearted and comedic. His dedication to his craft, his impressive vocal range, and his genuine connection with his fanbase have cemented his place as one of the most sought-after and respected voice actors working today. This article delves into the multifaceted career of Robbie Daymond, exploring his iconic roles, his accolades, and the journey that led him to become a voice acting titan.

I. Early Life and the Path to Performance:

Robbie Daymond’s journey to voice acting wasn’t a straight line, but it was certainly paved with a passion for performance from a young age. Born on March 11, 1982, in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised primarily in Warrenton, Missouri, Daymond was exposed to the arts early on. His mother, Laura Daymond, was a significant influence, fostering his creative spirit. He was involved in theater throughout his childhood and adolescence, developing a love for inhabiting different characters and bringing stories to life.

He attended Webster University in St. Louis, initially pursuing a degree in theater. However, his ambition and drive led him to seek out bigger opportunities. He made the pivotal decision to move to Las Vegas, Nevada, a city known for its entertainment industry, though not necessarily for voice acting at the time. In Las Vegas, he continued his education, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Performance from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). His time at UNLV was crucial in honing his acting skills, providing him with a solid foundation in stage presence, vocal projection, and character development.

While in Las Vegas, Daymond continued to pursue on-stage acting, appearing in various theatrical productions. He also began to explore other avenues of performance, including on-camera work. This period was about building his resume, gaining experience, and refining his craft. He understood that the entertainment industry was competitive and that versatility was key to success.

The pivotal shift towards voice acting came gradually. Daymond recognized the growing demand for voice talent in various media, including animation, video games, and commercials. He began to explore this field, taking workshops, practicing different vocal styles, and creating a demo reel to showcase his abilities. His background in theater proved to be invaluable, as it gave him a strong understanding of vocal technique and character interpretation.

The move to Los Angeles, the heart of the entertainment industry, was the next logical step. Los Angeles provided a much larger pool of opportunities for voice actors, with numerous studios, production companies, and casting directors. This move marked the beginning of Daymond’s dedicated pursuit of a full-time voice acting career.

II. Breakthrough Roles and Establishing a Presence:

Daymond’s early years in Los Angeles were characterized by hard work, perseverance, and a steady stream of smaller roles. He built his reputation by taking on a variety of projects, demonstrating his versatility and reliability. He understood that every role, no matter how small, was an opportunity to learn, network, and improve his skills.

One of his early significant roles that helped put him on the map was in the anime series Sailor Moon Crystal, where he voiced the iconic character of Mamoru Chiba/Tuxedo Mask. This role was a significant stepping stone for several reasons:

• Iconic Character: Tuxedo Mask is a beloved and well-established character in the Sailor Moon franchise, with a large and dedicated fanbase. Taking on such a role came with inherent pressure, but Daymond handled it with grace and skill, delivering a performance that resonated with both longtime fans and newcomers to the series.
• Exposure to the Anime Community: Sailor Moon Crystal introduced Daymond to a wider audience within the anime community. His performance was praised for its depth, capturing the character’s romantic and heroic qualities. This exposure led to more opportunities in the anime world.
• Working with a Renowned Studio: Sailor Moon Crystal was a high-profile project, produced by a respected studio. This association helped to elevate Daymond’s profile and establish him as a reliable and talented voice actor.

Following Sailor Moon Crystal, Daymond’s career began to gain significant momentum. He landed roles in several other popular anime series, including:

• The Seven Deadly Sins (Gilthunder): This role showcased Daymond’s ability to portray a character with a strong sense of duty and internal conflict. Gilthunder is a Holy Knight, bound by his loyalty to the kingdom, but also grappling with personal doubts and moral dilemmas.
• JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable (Fungami Yuya): JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is known for its eccentric characters and over-the-top action. Daymond’s portrayal of Fungami Yuya, a Stand user with a unique and flamboyant personality, demonstrated his ability to embrace the series’ distinctive style.
• Magi: The Kingdom of Magic (Hakuryuu Ren): This role allowed Daymond to explore a character with a complex and tragic backstory. Hakuryuu is driven by a desire for revenge, and Daymond effectively conveyed the character’s inner turmoil and emotional depth.
• Bungo Stray Dogs (Osamu Dazai (Young)): Portraying the younger version of the enigmatic and suicidal Dazai required a nuanced performance, capturing the character’s intelligence and underlying darkness.
• One Punch Man (Mumen Rider): A beloved side character, the earnest and determined, if underpowered, Mumen Rider quickly became one of Daymond’s most recognizable and popular roles.

These roles, along with numerous others in various anime series, established Daymond as a prominent figure in the anime voice acting community. He became known for his versatility, his ability to bring depth and nuance to his characters, and his strong work ethic.

III. Expanding Horizons: Video Games and Western Animation:

While Daymond found considerable success in the anime world, he didn’t limit himself to one genre. He actively pursued opportunities in video games and Western animation, further expanding his range and reaching new audiences.

Video Games:

Daymond’s voice acting talents have graced a wide array of video games, ranging from major AAA titles to smaller indie projects. Some of his most notable video game roles include:

• Persona 5 (Goro Akechi): This role is arguably one of Daymond’s most acclaimed and complex. Goro Akechi is a charismatic and intelligent detective, but he harbors a dark secret and a hidden agenda. Daymond’s performance captured the character’s duality perfectly, portraying both his charming public persona and his manipulative, ruthless inner self. The role required a significant emotional range, and Daymond delivered a performance that was both captivating and unsettling. The popularity of Persona 5 and the complexity of Akechi cemented this as one of his defining roles.
• Final Fantasy XV (Prompto Argentum): Prompto is one of the four main protagonists in Final Fantasy XV, and Daymond’s portrayal of the cheerful, gun-toting companion was widely praised. He brought a sense of levity and camaraderie to the group, while also exploring Prompto’s vulnerabilities and insecurities. The role required a balance of humor, emotional depth, and action-oriented delivery, and Daymond excelled in all aspects.
• Fire Emblem: Three Houses (Hubert von Vestra): Hubert is a loyal retainer to Edelgard, one of the main characters in Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Daymond’s performance captured Hubert’s unwavering devotion, his sharp intellect, and his ruthless efficiency. The role required a commanding and authoritative voice, and Daymond delivered a performance that was both intimidating and compelling.
• Spider-Man (Peter Parker/Spider-Man in various projects): Daymond has voiced Spider-Man in several animated series and video games, including Marvel’s Spider-Man (animated series) and Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order. This is a highly coveted role, and Daymond’s portrayal has been well-received, capturing the character’s youthful energy, quick wit, and sense of responsibility. He brings a fresh, yet familiar, take on the iconic hero.
• God Eater 3 (Protagonist): This role allowed Daymond to portray a customizable player character, requiring him to deliver a range of emotions and reactions to various in-game events.
• Star Wars: The Old Republic (Various Roles): Daymond has contributed to the expansive Star Wars universe, voicing multiple characters in this popular MMORPG.
• Judgment/Lost Judgment (Kaito Masaharu): As the steadfast and powerful companion to protagonist Takayuki Yagami, Kaito became another breakout role for Daymond, allowing him to flex his comedic and dramatic muscles, often within the same scene.

Western Animation:

Daymond’s talents have also been featured in numerous Western animated series, showcasing his versatility and adaptability to different animation styles. Some notable roles include:

• Transformers: Rescue Bots Academy (Hoist): This role allowed Daymond to voice a character in a long-running and beloved franchise. Hoist is a kind and supportive member of the Rescue Bots team, and Daymond’s performance brought warmth and humor to the character.
• OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes (Raymond): This role showcased Daymond’s ability to portray a more flamboyant and comedic character. Raymond is a narcissistic and stylish robot, and Daymond’s performance captured his over-the-top personality.
• The Loud House (Various Roles): Daymond has voiced several characters in this popular Nickelodeon series, demonstrating his ability to adapt to different vocal styles and character types.
• Craig of the Creek (Wildernessa): This is notable for being a rare example of Daymond voicing a female character, further highlighting his vocal range and adaptability.

IV. Awards and Recognition:

Robbie Daymond’s talent and dedication have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous nominations and awards for his voice acting work, recognizing his contributions to the industry. These accolades include:

• Behind the Voice Actors Awards (BTVA Awards): These awards are particularly significant within the voice acting community, as they are voted on by fans and industry professionals. Daymond has won multiple BTVA Awards, including:

  • Best Male Lead Vocal Performance in an Anime Television Series/OVA (for various roles)
  • Best Male Vocal Performance in a Video Game (for various roles, including Goro Akechi in Persona 5)
  • Best Male Supporting Vocal Performance in an Anime Television Series/OVA (for various roles)
  • Voice Actor of the Year (multiple nominations and wins)

• Crunchyroll Anime Awards: These awards are presented by Crunchyroll, a major anime streaming platform, and recognize excellence in anime. Daymond has been nominated for and won Crunchyroll Anime Awards, including:

  • Best VA Performance (EN)

These awards and nominations highlight Daymond’s consistent excellence and the high regard in which he is held by both fans and his peers. They are a testament to his hard work, his talent, and his dedication to his craft.

V. Beyond the Booth: Fan Engagement and Other Ventures:

Robbie Daymond is known not only for his voice acting talent but also for his genuine connection with his fanbase. He is active on social media, interacting with fans, sharing behind-the-scenes insights, and expressing his gratitude for their support. He frequently attends conventions, participating in panels, signing autographs, and meeting fans in person. This accessibility and willingness to engage with his audience have fostered a strong and loyal following.

Beyond his voice acting work and fan engagement, Daymond has also explored other ventures:

• Loud, Annoying, and Very Annoying (LAVA): Along with fellow voice actors Max Mittelman and Ray Chase, Daymond is a co-founder of LAVA, a comedic improv and sketch group. LAVA performs live shows, creates online content, and offers workshops, showcasing the trio’s comedic talents and their strong chemistry. This venture demonstrates Daymond’s versatility and his willingness to explore different creative avenues.
• Voice Acting Workshops and Coaching: Daymond shares his expertise and experience by offering voice acting workshops and coaching sessions. He mentors aspiring voice actors, providing guidance on technique, character development, and navigating the industry. This demonstrates his commitment to giving back to the community and helping the next generation of voice actors.
• Merchandise and Branding: Like many successful voice actors, Daymond has developed a personal brand, offering merchandise featuring his likeness and catchphrases. This allows fans to further connect with him and support his work.

VI. Analyzing Daymond’s Success: Key Factors:

Several factors have contributed to Robbie Daymond’s remarkable success in the voice acting industry:

• Exceptional Vocal Range and Control: Daymond possesses a remarkable vocal range, allowing him to portray a wide variety of characters, from deep-voiced villains to high-pitched comedic roles. He has excellent control over his voice, enabling him to modulate his tone, pitch, and accent to suit the specific needs of each character.
• Strong Acting Skills: Daymond’s background in theater and his commitment to acting training have provided him with a solid foundation in character development and performance. He doesn’t just read lines; he embodies the characters, bringing them to life with depth and nuance.
• Versatility and Adaptability: Daymond’s willingness to take on a variety of roles, across different genres and media, has been crucial to his success. He is not typecast, and he consistently demonstrates his ability to adapt to different animation styles, video game requirements, and directorial visions.
• Professionalism and Work Ethic: Daymond is known for his professionalism, his reliability, and his strong work ethic. He is dedicated to his craft, and he consistently delivers high-quality performances. This has earned him the respect of directors, producers, and fellow voice actors.
• Genuine Connection with Fans: Daymond’s engagement with his fanbase has been a significant factor in his popularity. He is approachable, appreciative, and genuinely cares about his audience. This has fostered a strong and loyal following that supports his work.
• Strategic Career Choices: Daymond has made strategic choices throughout his career, seeking out opportunities that would challenge him, expand his range, and elevate his profile. He has balanced high-profile roles with smaller projects, building a diverse and impressive resume.
• Continuous Learning and Improvement: Daymond is committed to continuous learning and improvement. He takes workshops, seeks feedback, and constantly refines his skills. This dedication to his craft ensures that he remains at the top of his game.
• Collaboration and Networking: Daymond understands the importance of collaboration and networking within the industry. He has built strong relationships with fellow voice actors, directors, and producers, creating a supportive and collaborative environment.

VII. The Future of Robbie Daymond:

Robbie Daymond’s career shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to be in high demand, landing roles in major anime series, video games, and animation projects. His established reputation, his proven talent, and his dedicated fanbase ensure that he will remain a prominent figure in the voice acting industry for years to come.

He is likely to continue expanding his horizons, exploring new genres and media. He may also take on more directorial or production roles, leveraging his experience and expertise to shape future projects. His involvement in LAVA and his voice acting workshops demonstrate his interest in diversifying his creative endeavors.

The future is bright for Robbie Daymond. He is a true voice acting titan, a master of his craft, and a beloved figure within the entertainment community. His journey is an inspiration to aspiring voice actors, demonstrating the power of talent, hard work, and dedication. He is a testament to the transformative power of voice, and his contributions to the world of animation, video games, and anime will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of Robbie Daymond’s career, highlighting his key roles, his awards, his biography, and the factors that have contributed to his success. It is a tribute to a talented and dedicated voice actor who has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.