Behind the Mic: Grey DeLisle's Journey as Azula in Avatar: The Last Airbender
Grey DeLisle, the iconic voice actor, shares her experience of bringing the Fire Nation princess, Azula, to life in the beloved series Avatar: The Last Airbender. Azula quickly established herself as a cold and ruthless villain in Season 2, portrayed brilliantly by Grey DeLisle. Her performance in Azula's emotional breakdown during the final Agni Kai remains a standout moment in television history.
Grey reflects on her audition for the role of Azula, where she decided to portray the character with a calm and creepy demeanor, standing out from the typical yelling auditions. She found a connection with Azula's character during the final Agni Kai scene, leading to a cathartic experience as an actor.
Working alongside fellow voice actors like Dante Basco and Mark Hamill, Grey appreciated the camaraderie in the recording booth. Voice director Andrea Romano's guidance and the talented cast made the experience memorable for Grey, especially her friendship with Michaela Murphy, who played Toph.
Grey admires Azula's quotable nature and enjoys playing villains like Azula and Vicky from The Fairly OddParents. She finds villains more fun to portray and appreciates Azula's complexity as a character. Grey's children introduced her to Avatar after almost 20 years, and she found the show to be amazing, with "The Beach" episode being her favorite.
Grey's autographs for Azula are in high demand, alongside her role as Daphne in Scooby-Doo, helping support her children's education. She combines Daphne and Azula in merchandise, showcasing her versatility as a voice actor. Grey's portrayal of Azula continues to resonate with fans, making her a beloved character in the Avatar universe.