Jessica DiCicco

With so many incredible projects in the works, Jessica DiCicco is dominating the voice-over animation world. We talked to her to get the inside scoop on what’s coming up, her dream role and more!

words by VANESSA SALLES photos by STORM SANTOS

Take us back to the beginning! What inspired your love for voiceover? I was a kid actor and would go on tons of auditions, which I absolutely loved. I think I realized the awesomeness of voice acting on one of my first auditions for an animated character, I didn’t have to focus on what I looked like, I could just act freely and wildly. It felt like the true essence of why I loved acting!

Having gained a cult following for your role in Adventure Time, how would you describe your time as the feisty Flame Princess? To be honest, it changed my life! I’ve had so many incredible experiences because of being on Adventure Time; I feel so lucky that I got to play Flame Princess. She truly became part of my identity. I started going to conventions and traveled to so many cities and even countries to meet AT fans worldwide. It was the first massive hit show I’ve been on and successful shows on that level don’t come around that often. To be a part of one is a gift.

When you’re recording, how do you get into the zone and make sure you’re bringing the character to life? You have to know what’s happening in the story, and be very well acquainted with your character…and just BRING it! You have to give 110% every time you’re in the recording booth. Sometimes before I record, I’ll watch a clip of the show to get into the zone, and I always say the same line in character that immediately puts me into the right headspace.

Tell us about your work on Ballmastrz: 9009! What’s that experience been like for you? This is my first Adult Swim show and it’s been so much fun to work on. There’s so much freedom with this network; it’s not geared towards kids so there aren’t as many rules. My character, Ace, is basically a parody of Ash from Pokemon, so it’s been fun to poke fun of that. I especially love adding all the over-the-top effort sounds and grunts, we really just go nuts with it. I also play DeeDee on the show, who goes from the sweet, stereotypical anime female character and switches to a psycho in mere seconds.

With so many incredible projects, is there one that stands out the most for you? They’re each so different! But Loud House on Nickelodeon first started with an animated short, and now we’re recording our 5th season! It’s the longest running show I’ve been on, and working with everyone for so long has been great because it’s become a family. Another one that stands out is Muppet Babies on Disney Junior - it’s been a dream come true to play the new Muppet, Summer Penguin, and it’s been so surreal watching my toddler get so excited to watch the show. He belly laughs when he’s watching and it reminds me of why we make preschool shows in the first place.

What’s something about voiceover that people would be surprised to know? Voice actors do not come to work in their pajamas, despite popular belief.

When you think of your ultimate dream project, what comes to mind? Ultimate dream is to be in a Pixar film! Another dream is to play an incredible character in an anime.