Mela Lee 访谈——配音表演、炼金术与游戏的艺术 #SupaNova

From the high-stakes, fast-paced arenas of Apex Legends as the iconic Lifeline, to fan-favorite characters like Jade in Mortal Kombat 11, Tikki in Miraculous Ladybug, Rin Tohsaka in Fate/stay night, and Catwoman in DC Dark Legion—Mela Lee’s voice has defined some of the most memorable figures across pop culture.

With over 300 credits across anime, gaming, and television—including titles like Demon Slayer, Fire Emblem, The Owl House, Starfield, Fortnite, and The Scoundrolls—Mela brings an extraordinary range, infectious energy, and grounded authenticity to every role she takes on.

Ahead of her appearance at Supanova, Impulse Gamer caught up with Mela to chat about crafting Lifeline’s rhythmic flair, protecting her voice during extreme recording sessions, and why meeting fans around the world feels like finding family.

Mela Lee Interview

Lifeline in Apex Legends is beloved for her distinct rhythm, attitude, and memorable lines. How did you collaborate with the development team to craft her vocal style during early recording sessions?

I received the audition due to synchronicity and a temp assistant at my agency (shout-out Andrew Jones ). Andrew saw the agents missed me for something and thought I’d be perfect for the role. I had maybe 20 seconds to look at the copy and do a one-take audition. It felt like home from the first line.

When I got the callback, many of the Respawn dev team were there. We explored and collaborated on how deep her voice could be, and how commanding or laid-back, and leaned into my mid-register. It was my most collaborative callback audition ever. We landed on her playful side and a line delivery that had a musicality to it—originally feeling that, like me, she always had music in her ears or in her head. It gives Lifeline that bounce to her line delivery.

You have voiced celebrated figures like Rin Tohsaka (Fate/stay night) and Tikki (Miraculous Ladybug). What is your process for balancing dramatic emotional weight with lighter, endearing character beats?

In my own life, I tend to live knee-deep in the ridiculous and the divine. Although I’m highly sensitive, empathetic, and passionate about causes, I was also often in the headmaster’s/principal’s office for witty asides, gallows humor, and cracking jokes that would disrupt class. Anyone who knows me knows I have a mischievous streak. I let the writing do most of the work and then lean into my instinct for the rest.

With an extensive resume spanning fighting games, massive RPGs, and long-running animated series, how do you protect your vocal health when recording high-strain combat sounds and screams?

Hydration, proper physicality and support, and vocal stretches are key. But I also lean into play. There’s a tension to “created” and a freedom in “being.” When I act and voice-act, I do the homework and prep and then leave it on the bench. Then I play the character.

When your body is at play in a free state, it has a lot of natural protection. Kids don’t come back from recess or play with sore throats after screaming and laughing—because vocalization and sound are part of our natural expression. When a character speaks out of authenticity and presence, the voice comes effortlessly and almost endlessly. It’s an alchemy of expression.

You play Ang’Harad alongside Jason Spisak in The Scoundrolls. What makes live tabletop performance so refreshing compared to isolated sessions in a traditional recording booth?

It’s thrilling—just like recess, it’s an ultimate form of play. And beside actors like Jason who are consummate at their craft, it’s pure joy. The banter, the mischief, and witnessing the improvised brilliance of your costars on stage is a treasure. Exploring worlds and expanding storylines with this motley crew of characters and audiences worldwide has been an unexpectedly brilliant turn. Love it!

Given the incredible range of audiences you reach across Mortal Kombat, Demon Slayer, and Miraculous Ladybug, which fandom interactions at conventions like Supanova catch you most by surprise?

I’m beyond touched when a family approaches me and each member has a favorite character or franchise of mine. I feel beyond blessed to have this incredible job. The directors, writers, and producers are all like family. What I wasn’t prepared for was the family waiting for me out in the world. Conventions like Supanova, with all the goodwill, joy, wonder, and community, remind me that no matter the headlines, we humans must be doing something right. I can’t wait to meet everyone. See you soon!!