If you’ve spent any time watching dubbed anime over the last twenty years, you’ve heard him. That distinct, raspy, high-energy voice. It’s unmistakable. Greg Ayres isn't just a name in the scrolling credits of a DVD; he’s basically the sonic wallpaper of the 2000s and 2010s anime boom.
Honestly, it’s hard to find a major franchise he hasn't touched. Whether he’s playing a sensitive high schooler, a literal demon, or a homicidal teddy bear, Greg brings this weirdly specific vulnerability to his roles. It’s why fans gravitate toward him. He doesn't just read lines; he sort of inhabits the "outcast" energy that so many of us felt while watching these shows in our bedrooms.
The Roles That Put Him on the Map
Most people first clocked his talent in the mid-2000s. Think back to the Ouran High School Host Club days. He played Kaoru Hitachiin. Playing one half of a twin duo is tricky business, but Greg managed to make Kaoru feel like his own person—mischievous but deeply protective. It’s probably one of his most "shipped" roles, if we’re being real.
But he isn't just about the pretty-boy roles.
Take Deadman Wonderland, for example. He voiced Ganta Igarashi. That show is brutal. It’s messy. Ganta is a kid who gets framed for the mass murder of his entire class and sent to a private prison where people fight to the death for entertainment. Greg’s performance there is harrowing. You can actually hear the desperation and the sheer terror in his voice. It’s a far cry from the bubbly energy of Free! - Iwatobi Swim Club, where he played Nagisa Hazuki.
Nagisa is basically a human sunbeam. He’s the heart of the swim team, always pushing his friends to do better and be happier. The fact that Greg can jump from a death-row inmate to a cheerful high school swimmer is a testament to his range.
A Journey Through the Filmography
Looking at the sheer volume of Greg Ayres movies and tv shows is a bit dizzying. He started out as a fan—a literal "fanboy" as he’s called himself—who worked his way into the booth at ADV Films. Since then, his resume has exploded.
- Chrono Crusade: He played Chrono. This was a massive role early on. Chrono is a demon who made a contract with a nun, and the emotional ending of that series still ruins people to this day. Greg’s chemistry with Hilary Haag (who played Rosette) was lightning in a bottle.
- Negima!: He voiced the lead, Negi Springfield. A ten-year-old wizard teacher? It sounds ridiculous, but Greg made it work. He captured that "trying-to-be-an-adult-but-still-a-kid" vibe perfectly.
- Clannad: Youhei Sunohara. If you want to laugh, you watch Sunohara. If you want to cry... well, it’s Clannad, so you’re going to cry anyway. Sunohara is the comic relief, but Greg gave him layers during the more dramatic arcs of After Story.
- Ghost Stories: This one is legendary for all the wrong (and right) reasons. The English dub is basically a professionally produced abridged series. Greg played Leo Kakinoki, and the sheer chaos of that recording booth shines through in every line.
Beyond the Mainstream: The Darker Side
Then there’s Danganronpa. Greg took over the role of Monokuma for the anime adaptation. Now, Monokuma is a tough character. He’s a mascot, but he’s also a sadistic mastermind. He has to be cute and terrifying at the same time.
Greg’s take on Monokuma is iconic. He uses this sing-songy, high-pitched tone that makes the character’s threats feel even more deranged. It’s one of those performances where you can tell the actor is having the time of his life.
He’s also popped up in massive long-running hits. In Dragon Ball Z Kai, he voiced Guldo of the Ginyu Force. It’s a small role in the grand scheme of Dragon Ball, but he made Guldo memorable. He also voiced Frost in Dragon Ball Super, giving us a "heroic" version of Frieza that turned out to be just as slimy as the original.
Why Greg Ayres Still Matters in 2026
The anime industry has changed a lot. We have simuldubs now. We have AI concerns. We have a massive influx of new talent every year. Yet, Greg Ayres remains a staple. Why?
Nuance.
He’s an expert at playing the "little brother" or the "sensitive guy" without making them feel like tropes. When he voices someone like Koji Koda in My Hero Academia, he brings a quietness that feels earned. He knows when to go big and when to pull back.
He’s also incredibly active in the convention circuit. If you’ve ever been to an anime con, chances are you’ve seen Greg. He’s known for being incredibly kind to fans and deeply involved in the community. That "one of us" energy hasn't faded, even after decades in the business.
Greg Ayres Movies and TV Shows: A Quick Reference
If you’re looking to do a deep dive into his work, you should check out these specific titles. They show off his versatility better than any list could.
- For the Drama: Another (Kouichi Sakakibara) or From the New World (Satoru Asahina). Both are psychological and dark.
- For the Laughs: Baka and Test (Kouta Tsuchiya) or Nerima Daikon Brothers (Hideki).
- For the Action: Sengoku Basara (Uesugi Kenshin) or One Piece (Sentomaru).
- For the Tears: Air (Yukito Kunisaki) or Angel Beats! (Ayato Naoi).
It’s easy to pigeonhole him into "high-pitched" roles, but that’s a mistake. If you listen to his work in Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad as Koyuki, you hear a much more grounded, musical performance. He actually sang for that role, which is a whole other layer of talent.
What to Watch Next
If you’ve already seen the big hits like Ouran and Free!, I’d suggest looking into some of his more recent work or the cult classics.
Check out The Eminence in Shadow where he plays Po Tato. It’s a hilarious, self-aware show that lets him lean into his comedic timing. Or, if you want something more atmospheric, go back to Xenosaga: The Animation where he played Jr. (rubedo).
The best way to appreciate what he brings to the table is to watch his range back-to-back. Watch an episode of Deadman Wonderland and then immediately follow it with Heaven’s Lost Property. The shift from Ganta’s trauma to Tomoki’s... well, Tomoki’s "eccentricities"... will show you exactly why Greg Ayres has stayed relevant for so long.
To get the most out of your Greg Ayres marathon, start with his early 2000s ADV Films work to see the foundation of his career. Then, move into his Funimation and Sentai Filmworks era to witness how his voice matured and adapted to the changing styles of modern anime dubbing. This progression offers a masterclass in how a voice actor evolves alongside the medium they love.