Inspired by Disney’s upcoming centennial, Wish began development in 2018 with an art style combining the looks of Disney’s traditional watercolor animation and computer animation. Although it was originally supposed to be traditionally animated, the choice to blend traditional animation with CGI was decided because the 2D method had too many limitations in terms of camera movements and characterization. Originally, Queen Amaya was supposed to be a villain alongside her husband King Magnifico. While star was originally “a human character, part magical, part glowing, inspired a bit by Peter Pan.” Several concepts and scenes were either ultimately cut or altered in the finished film. One scene having Asha and her family hiding away in a village where people write their wishes on trees and Sabino dies shortly after inspiring Asha to fight Magnifico. Another was a chase scene through the forest where Star transformed into several creatures to escape Queen Amaya and her guards. There was also an alternate ending where King Magnifico ate wishes to become all-powerful and Asha, intending to stall him, tries to pass Valentino as Star. Upon its 2023 release, Wish received mixed reviews with a 48% Rotten Tomatoes rating and grossed $255 million at the box office against a budget of $175-200 million. In this post, we’ll meet the voices behind Sakina, Dahlia, Gabo, Safi, Dario, Mountain Climber, Flying Woman, and a couple of characters from Inside Out 2.

581. Natasha Rothwell

Dates: 1980-present

Early Life and Career: Born in Wichita, Kansas. Due to her father’s career in the US Air Force, her family frequently moved when she was young including to New Mexico, Illinois, New Jersey, Maryland, and Turkey. Attended 2 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 2 high schools. Graduated from Westlake High School in Waldorf, Maryland. Attended Ithaca College as a journalism major before transferring to the University of Maryland as a theatre major on a full scholarship. Credits Langston Hughes’ poem “Harlem” which begins the question: “What happens to a dream deferred?” as the inspiration that pushed her to change majors and pursue her dream to become an actress. After graduating, she moved to Japan to teach English and performed at The Tokyo Comedy Store. Returned to the United States in 2009 and moved to New York City where she worked as a high school drama teacher for 4 years while performing comedy with the Upright Citizens Brigade improve group. Eventually landed a job as writer for Saturday Night Live for the 2014-2015 season. After 8 years in New York, Rothwell moved to Los Angeles. Made her big break in 2016.

Movies and Cartoons: Wish (2023) as well as the series Duck Tales.

Characters: Sakina

Also Known For: Actress, writer, and producer best known as Kelli Prenny in Insecure and Belinda in The White Lotus. Film appearances include A Year and Change, Love, Simon, Wyrm, Like a Boss, Sonic the Hedgehog, Wonder Woman 1984, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Wonka, and Sonic the Hedgehog 3. TV appearances include Wild ‘n Out, Royal Pains, Search Party, Netflix Presents: The Characters, BoJack Horseman, Future-Worm!, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Star vs. The Forces of Evil, A Black Lady Sketch Show, Baby Shark’s Big Show!, American Dad!, Tuca & Bertie, The Ghost and Molly McGee, Bubble Guppies, Sausage Party:  Foodtopia, and How to Die Alone.

Personal Life: Has ADHD and describes herself as a “neuro-spicy” Type-A personality and nerd. Has 2 goldendoodles.

Later Life: Is an advocate for women’s rights, LGBTQIA+ equality, and civil rights. Is a vocal critic of Donald Trump’s administrations and had marched against anti-immigration policies and police brutality. Lives in Los Angeles.

Trivia: Has been nominated for an Emmy.

582. Jennifer Kumiyama

Dates: 1980-present

Early Life and Career: Born in Riverside, California. Has Arthrogyposis and uses a wheelchair all the time. Family moved to Long Beach, California in 1985 and to Fontana in 1990 where she graduated from A. B. Miller High School in 1998. Studied voice training at Long Beach City College and California State University, Long Beach. Began an entertainment career in 2000 with an appearance on Popstars 2. Joined the cast of Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular at the Disney California Adventure Theme Park for 13 years.

Movies and Cartoons: Wish (2023)

Characters: Dahlia

Also Known For: Actress, singer, and disability rights activist best known as Carmen in The Sessions.

Personal Life: Can’t find anything about her personal life.

Later Life: Founded the Long Beach Disability Pride organization in 2002. From 2014-2016, she served as a commissioner for the Long Beach Citizens’ Advisory Commission on Disability. This 9-member commission was appointed by the city’s mayor and confirmed by the city council, compiles information, reviews studies and data, and advises city government on issues concerning the disabled community. Currently works as the Citywide Coordinator for Long Beach, California.

Trivia: First Disney actor to perform onstage in a wheelchair. Won the Ms. Wheelchair California title in 2010 and was first runner up to Ms. Wheelchair America the following year.

583. Harvey Guillen

Dates: 1990-present

Early Life and Career: Born Javier Guillen in Orange County, California. Parents were Mexican immigrants. Adopted the name Harvey when his school teachers couldn’t pronounce his first name. Attended Citrus College, where he completed the 3-year Citrus Singers program in 2005. Used to recycle trash to pay for improv classes. Made screen debut in 2006.

Movies and Cartoons: Wish (2023) as well as a few series.

Characters: Gabo

Also Known For: Actor best known as Guillermo de la Cruz in What We Do in the Shadows. Film appearances include General Education, The Internship, Truth or Dare, Status Update, F.R.E.D.I., Werewolves Within, I’m Totally Fine, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, Blue Beetle, Strays, The Thundermans Return, The Garfield Movie, The Life of Chuck, and Companion. TV appearances include Huge, Dog with a Blog, Raising Hope, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Haters Back Off, Documentary Now!, The Real O’Neals, iZombie, The Magicians, The Good Place, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, Archer, The Casagrandes, Reacher, Human Resources, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Shape Island, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Lopez vs. Lopez, We Baby Bears, Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight, Impractical Jokers, Angry Birds Mystery Island, and Helluva Boss.

Personal Life: Identifies as queer. Speaks Spanish, English, and Japanese. Father died of lung cancer in 2017.

Later Life: Still actively working as of 2025.

Trivia: None.

584. Ramy Youssef

Dates: 1991-present

Early Life and Career: Born in Queens, New York City to Egyptian parents. Raised in Rutherford, New Jersey. Father was manager of the Plaza Hotel. Grandfather was a French and Arabic interpreter for the United Nations. Attended Rutherford High School where he and his friend Steve Way appeared on their high school television program. Studied political science and economics at Rutgers University but left before graduating to enroll at the William Esper Studio to focus on acting. Made his debut in See Dad Run.

Movies and Cartoons: Wish (2023)

Characters: Safi

Also Known For: Stand-up comedian, actor, screenwriter, producer, and director best known as Ramy Hassan in Ramy. Film appearances include Why Him? Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot, and Poor Things. TV appearances include See Dad Run, Mr. Robot, Saturday Night Live, #1 Happy Family USA, The Studio, and Mountainhead.

Personal Life: Has been married to a visual artist from Saudi Arabia since 2022. Is private about his personal life and has chosen not to disclose his wife’s personal details publicly.

Later Life: Signed an open letter to President Joe Biden in 2023 by 55 prominent artists and advocates in the entertainment industry calling for a ceasefire and release of hostages in Gaza during the Israeli invasion. Wore an “Artists for Ceasefire” pin at the 2024 Academy  Awards. Also prayed to God to “Please free the people of Palestine. And please free the hostages” during his Saturday Night Live monologue later that year.

Trivia: Has won a Golden Globe and a Peabody Award. Has been nominated for 2 Emmys.

585. John Rudnitsky

Dates: 1989-present

Early Life and Career: Born in Harrington, New Jersey. Mother’s a social worker. Father’s a businessman in the hospitality industry. Attended Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan. Studied acting at the University of Southern California. Performed with the Groundlings. Joined Saturday Night Live as a cast member for its 41^st season from 2015-2016.

Movies and Cartoons: Wish (2023) as well as Big Hero 6: The Series.

Characters: Dario

Also Known For: Actor best known as McWatt in Catch-22. Film appearances include Two-Bit Waltz, Home Again, Set It Up, Nobody’s Fool, All My Life, The Young Wife, Under the Boardwalk, I Love You Forever, Stealing Pulp Fiction, Red One, and Our Little Secret. TV appearances include Criminal Minds, Saturday Night Live, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Champions, The Big Leap, and Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous.

Personal Life: Nephew of former Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Oren.

Later Life: Still actively working as of 2025.

Trivia: None.

586. Keone Young

Dates: 1947-present

Early Life and Career: Born in Honolulu, Hawaii to second-generation Chinese and Japanese parents. Acting mentor was Mako.

Movies and Cartoons: Wish (2023) as well as the direct-to-video Mulan II, the TV film The Even Stevens Movie, and several series.

Characters: Mountain Climber, Tall Man Tourist, and Guard #1

Also Known For: Actor best known as Dr. Michael Kwan in Kay O’Brien, Mr. Wu in Deadwood, Judge Rober Chong and Mr. Wan in The Young and the Restless, Storm Shadow in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, Kaz in Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi, Super Ninja in Karate Commandos, and Luong Lao Shi in American Dragon: Jake Long. Film appearances include Private Benjamin, Frances, Alien Nation, Lost Angels, Black Rain, Fear, Honeymoon in Vegas, Golden Gate, My Girl 2, The Brady Bunch Movie, North, Striptease, Jack, Bad Day on the Block, Dude, Where’s My Car?, Dr. Dolittle 2, Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, & Blonde, Crank, Men in Black 3, Stand Up Guys, Night in Paradise, Bright: Samurai Soul, Inu-Oh, and Ultraman: Rising. TV appearances include The Bill Cosby Show, The Streets of San Francisco, Kojak, Hart to Hart, Diff’rent Strokes, The Fall Guy, Taxi, The Jeffersons, Cheers, Hill Street Blues, Remington Steele, Challenge of the GoBots, Webster, St. Elsewhere, Magnum P. I., Scarecrow and Mrs. King, The New Adventures of Jonny Quest, The Centurions, Chuck Norris: Karate Kommandos, 21 Jump Street, Dear John, The Further Adventures of Super Ted, MacGyver, The Golden Girls, Generations, Dynasty: The Reunion, Family Matters, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Mad About You, Captain Planet and the Planeteers, Murphy Brown, Boy Meets World, The Simpsons, Nash Bridges, Baywatch, Static Shock, NYPD Blue, Batman Beyond, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Alias, Justice League, King of the Hill, Judging Amy, Star Trek: Enterprise, Jackie Chan Adventures, The Grim Adventures of Bill & Mandy, JAG, Samurai Jack, Will & Grace, The Powderpuff Girls, Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go!, The Batman, Teen Titans, House, Avatar: The Last Airbender, NCIS, Ben 10, Cold Case, The Mighty B!, American Dad!, Crash, The Unit, Numb3rs, Wolverine and the X-Men, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Mike & Molly, Transformers: Prime, Young Justice, Hemingway & Gelhorn, Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness, Sons of Anarchy, True Blood, The Legend of Korra, Kaijudo: Rise of the Duel Masters, NCIS: Los Angeles, Franklin & Bash, The Man in High Castle, Star vs. the Forces of Evil, Star Wars Rebels, Ultimate Spider-Man, Kevin Can Wait, Madam Secretary, Queen of the South, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Designated Survivor, Archer, Teen Titans Go!, Mom, Tom and Jerry Special Shorts, Godzilla Singular Point, Record of Ragnarok, Squid Game, Star Wars: Visions, Grace and Frankie, Blue Eye Samurai, All Rise, Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai, and Bob Hearts Abishola. Video game appearances include Law & Order: Dead on the Money, The Mark of Kri, Indiana Jones and the Emperor’s Tomb, Gladius, True Crime: Streets of LA, Doom 3, Men of Valor, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines, Project Snowbird, Red Ninja: End of Honor, SWAT 4, Rainbow Six: Lockdown, X-Men: The Official Game, Real Steel, Spider-Man 3, Ninja Gaiden II, Fracture, Alpha Protocol, Rage, World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria, Dead Island: Riptide, Heroes of the Storm, Fallout 4: Far Harbor, Batman: The Enemy Within, Ghost of Tsushima, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.

Personal Life: Can’t find anything about his personal life.

Later Life: Still actively working as of 2025.

Trivia: None.

587. Heather Matarazzo

Dates: 1982-present

Early Life and Career: Born to an Irish father and an Irish American mother. Adopted by an Italian-American family and raised in Oyster Bay, New York. Began acting at 6, commandeering the microphone at an AIDS benefit where a talent manager gave their card and with whom she remained for 10 years. Made her film debut at 12 in Welcome to the Dollhouse, which earned her an Independent Spirit Award.

Movies and Cartoons: Wish (2023)

Characters: Flying Woman

Also Known For: Actress best known as Lilly Moscovitz in The Princess Diaries, Martha Meeks in the Scream franchise, Dawn Wiener in Welcome to the Dollhouse, and Heather Wiseman in Now and Again. Film appearances include The Devil’s Advocate, All I Wanna Do, 54, Sorority Boys, Saved!, Sisters, Hurricane Streets, The Deli, The Hairy Bird, Company Man, Freshman Orientation, Believe in Me, Mangus!, Girl Flu, Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot, The Mattachine Family, and Booger. TV appearances include Roseanne, Exes & Ohs, The L Word, The Adventures of Pete and Pete, Townies, ER, Law & Order, Our Guys, Strangers with Candy, Life on Mars, Grey’s Anatomy, Equal, and Queer for Fear: The History of Queer Horror.

Personal Life: Came out as a lesbian at 21 in an article in the New York Daily News and was later profiled by The Advocate in 2004. Was in a relationship with musician Caroline Murphy from 2004-2012. Has been married to comedian Heather Turman since 2018.

Later Life: Was scheduled to attend a meeting on the 15^th floor of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 but overslept (which likely saved her life). Is said to appear on the show Wednesday later in 2025.

Trivia: Has won an Independent Spirit Award.

588. Nasim Pedrad

Dates: 1981-present

Early Life and Career: Born in Tehran, Iran where her family left shortly after she was born. Father was able to immigrate to the United States immediately. But she and her mother had to stay in Germany before the family reunited when she was 3. Graduated from the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television in 2003 and was a member of the UCLA Spring Sing Company. Performed with the Sunday Company of The Groundlings. Frequently performed her one-woman show Me, Myself & Iran at the Los Angeles divisions of ImprovOlympic and the Upright Citizens Brigade theatre. Show was selected for the 2007 HBO Comedy Festival and she received an LA Weekly Best Comedic Performance of the Year Award as the lead in the comic spoof After School Special. Made her screen debut in 2006. Joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in 2009.

Movies and Cartoons: Wish (2023) as well as the live-action Aladdin.

Characters: Sania

Also Known For: Actress and comedian best known as a cast member of Saturday Night Live from 2009 to 2014. Film appearances include The Lorax, Despicable Me 2, Cooties, Desperados, No Strings Attached, The Dictator, Corporate Animals, and Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. TV appearances include Mulaney, New Girl, Scream Queens, People of Earth, Chad, Gilmore Girls, ER, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Allen Gregory, The Awesomes, TripTank, The Mindy Project, Big Mouth, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures, Angry Birds Mystery Island, and High Potential.

Personal Life: Can’t find anything on her personal life.

Later Life: Still actively working as of 2025.

Trivia: None.

589. Yvette Nicole Brown

Dates: 1971-present

Early Life and Career: Born in East Cleveland, Ohio. Graduated from Warrensville Heights High School in 1989. Studied communications studies at the University of Akron and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in communications in 1994. Was also a member of Omnicron Delta Kapa, the National Leadership Honor Society as well as Akron’s chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. After graduating, she took acting classes in Hollywood, Los Angeles. Initially appeared as “Yvette” in the music video “1-4-All-4-1” by the East Coast Family for Biv10 Records. Also first appeared in commercials such as for Hamburger Helper, Big Lots, Pine-Sol, Comcast, Aquapod, Shout, Fiber One, Yoplait Yogurt, DiGiorno Pizza, Dairy Queen, and Time Warner.

Movies and Cartoons: Wish (2023) and Inside Out 2 (2024) as well as a few series and the live action version of Lady and the Tramp and Disenchanted.

Characters: Porcupine and Coach Roberts

Also Known For: Actress best known as Shirley Bennett in Community, Dani in The Odd Couple, Dina Rose in The Mayor, Helen Dubois in Drake & Josh, Harper in Minecraft: Story Mode, Cookie in Pound Puppies, Luna in Elena of Avalor, and Principal Amanda Waller in DC Super Hero Girls. Has also hosted and guested on Cosplay Melee, The Talking Dead, The Talk, The View, and Real. Film appearances include (500) Days of Summer, Tropic Thunder, Repo Men, Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, Avengers: Endgame, Little Black Book, The Island, The Kid & I, Dreamgirls, Meet Dave, Hotel for Dogs, The Ugly Truth, Yellowbirds, Smartass, Always a Bridesmaid, and DC League of Super-Pets. TV appearances include That ‘70s Show, The Office, Boston Legal, Chuck, The Soul Man, Mom, Big Shot, Girlfriends, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Big House, Two and a Half Men, 7^th Heaven, Fat Actress, Malcolm in the Middle, House, Half & Half, Sleeper Cell, ‘Til Death, Entourage, Rules of Engagement, iCarly, Family Guy, Pyramid, Match Game, The Jeff Probst Show, Once Upon a Time, Hollywood Game Night, Psych, Melissa & Joey, BoJack Horseman, Celebrity Name Game, Hot in Cleveland, Last Man Standing, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Cupcake Wars, Rizzoli & Isles, Star vs. the Forces of Evil, Celebrity Family Feud, Regular Show, Dr. Ken, The Tom and Jerry Show, Lego DC Super Hero Girls, Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero, SuperMansion, To Tell the Truth, Unsolved, Lego Star Wars: All-Stars, New Looney Tunes, RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, Dear White People, The Loud House, The Masked Singer, A Black Lady Sketch Show, The Big Fib, Will & Grace, Spider-Man, It’s Pony, Crossing Swords, I Can See Your Voice, Earth to Ned, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, The Real Housewives of the Potomac, American Dad!, Central Park, The Ghost and Molly McGee, Password, Home Economics, The Walking Dead, Firebuds, Alice’s Wonderland Bakery, General Hospital, Rugrats, Frog and Toad, My Dad the Bounty Hunter, Krapopolis, Shape Island, Good Times: Back Again, Frasier, Celebrity Jeopardy!, and Suits LA. Video game appearances include Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse and Lego DC Super-Villains.

Personal Life: Has been married to actor Anthony Davis since 2024.

Later Life: Served on the SAG-AFTRA National Board from 2019-2021. During the 2020 election, Brown and several of her Community cast mates made a campaign video in support of Joe Biden called “Human Beings for Biden.” In 2022, she worked with VoteRiders on a campaign to help educate people about local voter ID requirements so that eligible voters wouldn’t be turned away at the polls.

Trivia: Inducted into the Warrensdale Heights High School’s hall of fame in 2009. Has been nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. Hosted the Art Directors Guild Awards in 2022.

590. Maya Hawke

Dates: 1998-present

Early Life and Career: Born in New York City. Daughter of actor Ethan Hawke and actress Uma Thurman. Granddaughter of Buddhist scholar Robert Thurman and model Nena von Schlebrugge. Has dyslexia, which resulted in her frequently changing schools during her childhood before being enrolled in St. Ann’s School in Brooklyn, a private school the emphasizes creativity and doesn’t grade work. This artistic environment led her to acting. Also took part in summer studies at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York. Studied toward a BFA in acting at the Julliard School before dropping out after accepting her role in Little Women (2017). Also modeled for Vogue at the beginning of her career as well as became of the face of the British AllSaints 2016/2017 collection. In addition, she starred as one of several faces in a 2017 video campaign for Calvin Klein’s underwear range.

Movies and Cartoons: Inside Out 2 (2024)

Characters: Anxiety

Also Known For: Actress and singer-songwriter best known as Jo March in Little Women (2017) and Robin Buckley in Stranger Things. Film appearances include One Upon a Time in Hollywood, Fear Street Part One: 1994, Do Revenge, Asteroid City, Maestro, Wildcat, Lady World, Human Capital, Mainstream, Italian Studies, and The Kill Room. Albums include Blush, Moss, and Chaos Angel. TV appearances include The Good Lord Bird, The Last Movie Stars, and Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur.

Personal Life: Older sister of actor Levon Hawke.

Later Life: Is to star as Wiress in the upcoming Hunger Games movie.

Trivia: Has won a Screen Actors Guild Award. Distant cousin of playwright Tennessee Williams.