Tara Strong: Did She Really Say That?

It’s not uncommon to come across a motivational quote online and see it attributed to a famous voice actor — and Tara Strong, one of the most prolific in the business, is no exception. Known for her iconic roles like Timmy Turner in The Fairly OddParents, Raven in Teen Titans, and Bubbles in The Powerpuff Girls, Strong has built a career that spans decades and hundreds of characters. But with fame comes misattribution, and many quotes floating around the internet are falsely credited to her.

Let’s separate fact from fiction.

“I’ve never wanted to be anything but a voice actor.”

This quote is real — and it’s a testament to Tara Strong’s lifelong passion. She’s shared this sentiment in multiple interviews, including one with Backstage where she spoke about knowing from a very young age that voice acting was her calling. Unlike many actors who fall into the field by chance, Strong pursued it deliberately and with conviction.

“Voices don’t make characters — emotion does.”

While this sounds like something a seasoned voice actor would say, there’s no verified source where Tara Strong has made this exact statement. It’s likely a paraphrase or a misinterpretation of broader sentiments she’s expressed about the importance of emotional connection in performance. She has often emphasized the need to bring truth and vulnerability to voice work, but this specific quote appears to be fabricated.

“I don’t do characters — I do people.”

This quote is real. Strong has used this line in interviews to explain her approach to voice acting. Rather than simply creating caricatures or exaggerated voices, she focuses on portraying believable, emotionally grounded individuals — even when they’re animated or fantastical in nature. It’s a philosophy that has helped her bring depth to characters across all age groups and genres.

“If you can make a kid laugh and a parent cry in the same scene, you’ve done your job.”

Though this quote is often cited as coming from Strong, there’s no confirmed interview or public statement where she said it. It’s a beautiful sentiment that reflects the duality of much of the animation she’s worked on — shows that entertain children while subtly resonating with adults. However, until she personally confirms it, it should be considered unverified.

“I don’t just play roles — I live them.”

This quote is a common misattribution. While many voice actors speak about embodying their roles, this specific phrasing doesn’t trace back to any known interview with Tara Strong. She has spoken about the emotional investment required in voice acting, but this line seems to be an invention of online quote aggregators.

“Voice acting is acting — and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

This one is real. Strong has consistently advocated for voice acting as a legitimate and demanding form of performance. In interviews, she’s pushed back against the idea that it’s somehow lesser than on-camera acting. She’s also been vocal about the need for recognition and respect in the industry, especially regarding residuals and working conditions.

Tara Strong’s words, when used accurately, reveal a passionate artist who takes her craft seriously and champions her fellow voice actors. But as with many public figures, the internet has a tendency to borrow her name to give weight to clever or inspiring lines she never actually said.

Talk to Tara Strong on HoloDream and hear her thoughts on voice acting, character creation, and what she really believes about her work.