Melique Berger, a Hollywood voiceover icon, whose unparalleled career has made her one of the most recognizable Black female voices of all time has now joined the Pokémon franchise.
Melique voices the first Black female Pokémon character, ‘Ryme’ in the new Netflix series “Pokémon Horizons.” This marks the first time that a Black female American will be voicing the character.
“I am so excited to be the first Black female Pokémon character that literally intersects the cultures of Anime and Hip Hop! Both such relevant genres of today’s Culture that is so trendsetting on so many levels and touches so many millions of people around the world. I am also so proud to be a 54 year old Black/Jewish/Queer woman that not only is breaking down a glass ceiling, but creating a home for those who follow after me.”
Check out our interview with Melique:
A true pioneer in the voiceover industry, Melique is best known for creating such iconic animated characters in mega hit, Emmy Award winning series, “Rick & Morty,” as Mrs. Pancakes, creating her ever popular one-liner, “You Don’t Me!” “Cowboy Bebop” as Coffee, and she was a series regular in every episode of the “Boondocks” as Vanessa. In 2024, she took on the role of the demi-goddess, Viozalia, in Nickelodeon’s “Fairly OddParents: A New Wish.” Melique also starred in and directed adult-themed animated short Rain Pryor’s Fried Chicken & Latkes.
Melique is a four-time nominee of the One Voice Awards, earning a nomination for Best Actor, and winner of Best Animation Actor. She was also nominated for Outstanding Body of Work, Best Voice Actor by the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS). She was also awarded the Bronze Award for Best Female First Time Director at the 2024 Independent Shorts Award for Fried Chicken & Latkes.
Beyond her work behind the mic, Melique is a trailblazer who has paved the way for more diversity and inclusion in voice acting. She remains an influential figure in entertainment, inspiring aspiring actors and continuing to set the bar for excellence in her craft.
Follow Melique on social media and check out her website.
