DISCPlus: How Melique Berger Brings Iconic Characters to Life and Changes Hollywood

In the world of animation, few voices are as recognizable and influential as Melique Berger’s. A Hollywood voiceover icon, Melique has spent over three decades shaping the industry, bringing some of the most beloved Black animated characters to life. As a Black, Jewish, and Queer woman, she has defied industry norms, paving the way for greater diversity and inclusion in voice acting.

A Star is Born

Melique was born and raised in West Hollywood, California, by her Jewish mother and Black father. She stepped into the entertainment world at the tender age of three, setting the stage for a lifelong career in the arts. However, despite her talent, she faced hurdles as an on-camera actress.

“I was an on-camera actor, and around the age of 19, people would tell me, ‘You’re really funny, but you’re exotic and curvy. You can’t be funny and all those things. You have to be really skinny or really fat.’ I couldn’t get any gigs at that time,” she recalls. It was her mentor, voiceover agent Jeff Howell, who introduced her to the world of voice acting. “One day, he asked me to do some partner reads, and I booked three national network jobs. I’ve been doing voice overs ever since. I never left the booth after that.”

A Legacy in Animation

Melique’s contributions to the voiceover industry are nothing short of extraordinary. She lent her voice to the Emmy Award-winning series Rick & Morty, playing the role of Mrs. Pancakes. She also became a familiar voice on The Boondocks as Vanessa, a role that expanded as the series progressed.

“It was one of the greatest experiences of my life,” she says. “I was there for four seasons. I started off with little parts, and as the seasons grew, I began being on there more and more.”

Directing and Collaborating with Rain Pryor

Beyond voice acting, Melique has also made waves as a director. She worked with her longtime best friend, Rain Pryor, on Fried Chicken & Latkes, a project that holds deep personal significance.

“Rain and I have been best friends since I was nine years old. We had a lot of similarities—we both came from mixed families and had Jewish grandparents,” Melique explains. Fried Chicken & Latkes was originally a one-woman show that Rain performed off-Broadway and toured nationwide. “One day, Rain said, ‘What if we animate it?’ and I said, ‘Now you’re speaking my language!’ We found animators, made a sizzle reel, shared our vision, and made it happen. Directing a room of brilliant actors was amazing. It was so beautiful, and the project has won so many awards.”

Breaking New Ground in Voice Acting

In 2024, Melique took on a role in Nickelodeon’s Fairly OddParents: A New Wish, which was nominated for Outstanding Show Open by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. She is also set to make history as the voice of Ryme, the first Black female Pokémon character, in Pokémon Horizons: The Series. The first 11 episodes dropped on Netflix on February 7, 2025, marking the first time an African American woman has voiced a Pokémon character in an animated series.

Her talent has earned her numerous accolades, including winning “Best Character Performance” at the One Voice Awards. Reflecting on the win, she says, “It was an amazing feat. It felt great just being nominated. To get that win—I know it was meant to be. It’s always an honor when your community recognizes you for your craft.”

A Champion for Diversity and Inclusion

Melique has long been a trailblazer for diversity in voice acting, challenging industry norms and opening doors for Black voice artists. “It’s the goal,” she says. “I came into this industry as a biracial woman, and I made it more comfortable because I wasn’t afraid to ask, ‘How do you want this character? How Black do you want the tone of this voice?’ It made it easier for other directors to work with Black artists when I broke the ice. There is freedom in self-expression. I’m so proud when I see people I’ve coached and mentored succeed. It’s like having babies spread all around. It’s different now—there’s a lot more diversity and inclusion.”

Life Beyond the Booth

Despite her incredible career, Melique’s greatest pride and joy is her family. “My greatest accomplishments are my two boys. They are more talented than I could ever be. I love them so much.”

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Voice Actors

For those looking to break into the voiceover industry, Melique offers some sage advice: “Find reputable coaches. If someone says they can make you a voiceover star in 15 days, run away—LOL. You also want to go where the people are, like conferences. It’s important to be around others like you and check in with real casting directors.”

A Lasting Legacy

When asked what she hopes people will remember about her, Melique’s answer is simple but powerful: “She gave her all.”

Melique Berger’s journey is an inspiration to aspiring voice actors and creatives everywhere. Her talent, resilience, and commitment to diversity have not only earned her a legendary status in the industry but have also opened doors for future generations of Black and diverse voice actors to thrive.

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