Written by: Carlos Hernandez

Maile Flanagan: The Voice Behind Naruto and Beyond

From Anime to Live-Action: Maile Flanagan's Diverse Career

Maile Flanagan is an American actress and comedian best known for her iconic voice role as Naruto Uzumaki in the English dub of the popular anime franchise, Naruto. With a career spanning over two decades, Flanagan has made a significant impact in both the animation and live-action industries.

Award-Winning Voice Actress

Flanagan's impressive voice acting credentials include her Annie Award-nominated performance as Piggley Winks in Jakers: The Adventures of Piggley Winks. She won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program in 2006 for the same role.

Live-Action Film and Television Credits

In addition to her animation work, Flanagan has appeared in various live-action films, including Phone Booth (2002), The Number 23 (2007), Evan Almighty (2007), 500 Days of Summer (2009), and Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011). Her television credits include guest appearances in popular shows such as ER, Shameless, Bad Teacher, The Office, and Grey's Anatomy.

Theater Background and Early Life

Maile Flanagan was born on May 19, 1965, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her father worked for the U.S. military intelligence, which led to her family being stationed in Bangkok, Thailand, and later in Germany. Flanagan graduated from Munich America High School in 1983 and went on to earn a degree in political science from Boston College in 1987.

Career Highlights and Milestones

• In 1996, Flanagan moved to Los Angeles with the stage production of The Bad Seed, which won an LA Weekly Theater Award for Best Comedy Ensemble.
• She has worked with writer-director Justin Tanner in several plays, including Oklahomo, Wife Swappers, Pot Mom, and Zombie Attack.
• Flanagan's theater credits also include appearances in the comedy troupe Every Mother's Nightmare with Wayne Wilderson, Tom McCarthy, and Nancy Walls.

Personal Life and Recent Work

In recent years, Flanagan has appeared in the ABC sitcom Not Dead Yet in a recurring capacity. She continues to work in both animation and live-action, solidifying her position as a talented and versatile actress in the entertainment industry.

Awards and Honors

• Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program (2006)
• Annie Award nomination for Voice Acting in a Television Production (2005)
• LA Weekly Theater Award for Best Comedy Ensemble (1996)

Legacy and Impact

Maile Flanagan's remarkable career has left an indelible mark on both the animation and live-action industries. Her iconic voice work as Naruto has inspired countless fans worldwide, and her dedication to her craft has paved the way for future generations of voice actresses.