Sean Schemmel, the English voice actor for Goku, shares insights into the profound influence that portraying the iconic Dragon Ball character had on his life.
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Sean Schemmel, renowned for his portrayal of Goku in the English version of Dragon Ball spanning over 25 years, hosted a special live stream in honor of the late manga luminary Akira Toriyama. During this event, he shared a deeply personal revelation about how his involvement with the franchise went beyond professional success, actually saving his life in a profound manner.
Akira Toriyama, the revered creator behind iconic works such as Dragon Ball, Sand Land, and Dr. Slump, passed away on March 1, 2024, due to an acute subdural hematoma. Since Toriyama’s untimely demise, Sean Schemmel has been among those within the anime
community mourning the loss of this beloved figure. In a recent live stream, a segment of which was posted on X (formerly Twitter) by a user identified as @LilTravi2, Schemmel revealed how his portrayal of Goku in English served as a catalyst for significant personal growth.
“When I initially joined the show, I made a decision to invest the earnings into therapy and self-improvement,” Schemmel recounted. Before assuming the role of Goku, he described himself as feeling adrift, searching for a purpose that resonated deeply. “I spent numerous years in therapy, engaging in introspective work, contemplating the interconnectedness of existence… I engaged in meditation and put forth a heartfelt plea to the universe for something to wholeheartedly commit to,” Schemmel shared.
“Shortly thereafter, I auditioned for Dragon Ball and secured the lead role, a development both astonishing and perhaps undeserved… I resolved to dedicate myself fully, a characteristic of mine when I am genuinely passionate about something. It’s either give it my all or not at all,” he emphasized.
The Passing of Akira Toriyama Spurs Reflection from Goku’s Voice Actor on the Iconic Character
In the wake of Toriyama’s passing, Schemmel has found himself reconsidering the character of Goku from a fresh perspective. Reflecting on a past conversation with Masako Nozawa, Goku’s Japanese voice actor, he recalled her assertion that “Goku is everybody’s friend!” Initially perplexed by this statement, Schemmel interpreted it differently.
“I thought, ‘no, he’s not! If he comes to mess with your planet, he could kill you!’ But that’s not what she meant,” he explained. Schemmel now sees her point as highlighting how Goku’s persona possesses the ability to unite people, mirroring the overarching theme of unity within the Dragon Ball franchise. “It’s a series centered around combat that fosters a sense of unity among its audience,” he remarked.
The voice actor behind Goku in Dragon Ball urges fans to prioritize showing respect for Japan’s loss.
Throughout his livestream, Schemmel emphasized the importance of acknowledging the significance of Toriyama’s passing not only on a global scale but also within his family and across the nation of Japan. “We all hold immense admiration for him, and we hold Japan dear to our hearts,” Schemmel expressed. “However, it’s crucial to recognize that Japan has lost a national treasure, a loss deeply felt both locally and internationally.” This sentiment is underscored by the heartfelt farewell messages from prominent manga artists such as Tite Kubo (Bleach) and Eiichiro Oda (One Piece), among others, who have publicly expressed their emotional tributes to Toriyama.
VIZ Media offers English translations of Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball manga collection, while Toei Animation’s widely acclaimed series adaptations can be streamed on platforms like Hulu and Crunchyroll.
