E.G. Daily never anticipated that her inaugural voice acting role would evolve into a defining character of 1990s animation, yet that is precisely what occurred when she voiced Tommy Pickles in the beloved series “Rugrats.” In an interview with PEOPLE, the actress, who is now 64, recounted the serendipitous journey that led her to audition for the iconic role, initially recorded by another actress for the show’s first season.
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Daily’s journey into voice acting began while she was busy working in a musical theatre production in Los Angeles. This was a significant moment for her, as she had previously been in a band, which she missed dearly. “I was doing the musical because I just missed having a band,” she explained, referring to her role in “Teaneck Tanzi: The Venus Flytrap,” which had transitioned from Broadway to LA. Daily’s performance in this production ultimately landed her a record deal and an agent who encouraged her to explore voice work.
Having little experience in animation, Daily was eager yet apprehensive as she ventured into this new territory. She had primarily worked in film and TV, and her knowledge of cartoon production was limited. “I didn’t know the whole framework of cartoons,” she candidly admitted. Daily recalls her first audition where she found herself as the earliest arrival in the casting room. The casting director revealed that they needed to replace an existing voice for the series and were seeking something different.
During the audition, Daily encountered the claymation model of Tommy Pickles. She was immediately struck by a familiar impulse, thinking, “I think I could do that voice.” Reflecting on her childhood, she remembered playing with friends and mimicking various voices, which served as inspiration during her audition. “I had no idea what I was getting myself into,” she remarked, but her agent soon called with encouraging news: she had been booked for the role.
The challenge loomed large, however, as Daily was required to re-record the lines of the character for an entire season. “I had to actually re-loop all of her lines in,” she explained. Despite this daunting task, she embraced it with the ease of a musician. “Because I’m a singer,” she noted, “I would just say, ‘Oh, okay. No problem. Send me the tracks of her dialogue,’” which allowed her to incorporate the flow of the original performance into her own.
Looking back, Daily describes the experience as “miraculous,” leading to an unexpectedly fruitful voice acting career. Following Tommy Pickles, she went on to lend her voice to characters in other notable projects, including “Curious George,” “Powerpuff Girls,” and “The New Woody Woodpecker Show.” The promising venture began simply with her willingness to undertake a musical project when the opportunity arose.
“Rugrats” aired from 1991 to 2004 but has managed to maintain its relevance over the years. Daily reflected on the show’s triumphs, noting, “None of us expected it… We kind of went in just very blind.” As the show progressed, accolades began to flow in, crowning the production with an Emmy and solidifying it as a beloved piece of animated history. This gradual accumulation of success created a sense of joyful surprise rather than overwhelming pressure.
The camaraderie among the cast also contributed to the experience’s richness. Daily shared, “We had all been working together for years. We’re like a family. We still are.” This lasting bond, nurtured during a busy period of personal milestones like marriage and childbirth among cast members, added another layer of enjoyment to their collaborative work on “Rugrats.”
In summation, E.G. Daily’s unexpected entry into the world of voice acting not only positioned her at the helm of a cult-favourite character but also paved the way for a thriving career. Her story serves as a reminder of the unforeseen opportunities that arise in the arts, encouraging others to pursue their passions with enthusiasm and an open heart.