Lily Thompson, an emerging talent in the voice-over field, was selected by a group of industry experts to receive the Best New Voice Award at the 2007 Voicey Awards. Sponsored by VoiceyAwards.com, the Voice Marketplace, Lily’s broadcasting journey began at Radio ToonTown in the late 1990s and continued until 2001, where she refined her skills as an on-air host. Her experience at Radio ToonTown and subsequent six-year stint at a radio station in Raleigh, NC, set her on a path that culminated in her bold decision to leave her radio job in 2006 to focus on voice-over work full-time.
Lily and her colleagues, all original on-air hosts at Radio ToonTown, trained under the guidance of Sam Harris, a renowned voice acting coach and Hollywood vocal artist. Lily recalls that it was only then she realized the multitude of ‘voices’ she had within her. Sam Harris encouraged the Radio ToonTown team to experiment with various sounds and tones, and provided in-depth insights into character development. Harris also played a crucial role in bolstering Lily’s confidence to attend her first audition, where she landed roles as two main characters in AnimeQuest. Lily continues to listen to Sam Harris’s audio CD regularly to keep her vocal skills sharp.
When queried about her learnings in the voice-over industry, Lily shared, “It’s hard to encapsulate all the lessons I’ve gathered in recent months. Being a voice actor is challenging and demands more effort than I initially thought. It’s not just about talent; it’s about business acumen and relentless determination. I’ve learned to approach this as a business, not just a pastime. The most invaluable lesson has been to never hesitate to ask questions. There’s always someone willing to help. This community is amazing.”
In her acceptance speech, Lily expressed, “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Mark Johnson and Tim Allen for their invaluable advice and kind words. A big thank you to Jane Smith for establishing the VO-Forum and to all its contributors; your guidance and friendships are priceless as I embark on this new chapter. Thanks to Mary and VoiceyAwards.com for providing a platform to find work and gain visibility. A heartfelt thank you to the Voicey judges; this award is incredibly meaningful to me. And last but not least, a huge thank you to my supportive husband for letting me turn our guest room into a studio and for financing my tech gadget obsession. You’re the best support system I could ever ask for!”
Mary, co-founder of VoiceyAwards.com and the Voicey Awards, commented, “Lily Thompson is a breath of fresh air and embodies the vibrant spirit of the new wave of voice-over artists. Her commitment to learning and growing sets her apart and, coupled with her vocal abilities, made her a standout among thousands to be honored with a Voicey Award.”
About Lily Thompson
Lily Thompson kickstarted her career in the late ’90s as a radio host while also lending her voice to various anime characters and radio ads. She transitioned to full-time voice-over work in late 2006. She is best known for her roles as Mika and Sara in “AnimeQuest.” Other roles include Tasha in “Mystic Adventures,” and Sparkle in the soon-to-be-released U.S. version of “ToonTales,” among others. Operating from her home studio in Raleigh, NC, Lily’s voice is heard globally across radio, the internet, and television. For Lily, voice acting isn’t just a job; it’s her life’s passion.
Lily Thompson’s partial commercial client list includes: MovieHub, KiddoToys, Pixar, Toy Galaxy, Winter Wonderland, Chicken Delight, HomeDream Builders, FreshMart, Revive Spa, DreamWear, MetroBank, HomeCrafters, BeautySense, Macy’s, Italiano’s, UNCRaleigh, Trendsetters, ChickenJoy, and NutriPet.