
Laura Bailey
Also known as: Laura Elizabeth Bailey, LEB
Birthday
May 28, 1981
Birth Sign
Sagittarius
Birthplace
Biloxi, Mississippi
Age
45 years old
Height
5 ft 4 in (163 cm)
About
Laura Bailey is an American voice actress and video game performer based in Los Angeles. She has established herself as one of the most prolific and recognizable voices in the industry through decades of work in anime dubs, animated series, and major video game franchises. Her career spans from early dubbing roles to defining performances in blockbuster titles that have shaped modern gaming culture.
Known for her versatility, Bailey brings depth to a wide spectrum of characters, ranging from heroic warriors to complex anti-heroes. She currently stars in HBO's The Last of Us television series, reprising her role as Abby Anderson in the upcoming third season. Her ability to convey raw emotion and nuance has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated following among fans of interactive storytelling.
Early Life & Background
Born in Biloxi, Mississippi, Laura Elizabeth Bailey spent her formative years in Austin, Texas, where she discovered a passion for performance during school plays and local theater productions. While attending the University of Texas at Austin, she found her calling in acting but eventually left before graduating to pursue professional opportunities in the entertainment industry. Moving to Los Angeles in the early 2000s, she faced the typical challenges of a new arrival, taking on various customer service and administrative jobs while auditioning relentlessly for voice-over parts.
Her big break arrived in 2003 when she was cast as Kid Trunks in the Funimation dub of Dragon Ball Z. This role served as her gateway into the anime community, launching a trajectory that would see her become a staple in the dubbing world. The success of this early project provided the momentum needed to secure steady work in animation and gaming, setting the stage for a career defined by longevity and adaptability.
Career Growth
Bailey's rise continued rapidly throughout the mid-2000s with high-profile roles such as Lust in Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Maka Albarn in Soul Eater, and Tohru Honda in Fruits Basket. These performances solidified her reputation as a top-tier talent capable of handling diverse emotional ranges. Simultaneously, she expanded her footprint into the video game industry, voicing iconic characters like Rayne in the BloodRayne franchise and Serah Farron in Final Fantasy XIII.
A pivotal moment occurred in 2016 when she joined the cast of Critical Role, a live-streamed Dungeons & Dragons web series. As Vex'ahlia "Vex" Vessar, Jester Lavorre, Imogen Temult, and Thimble, she became a central figure in the actual play movement, gaining a massive new fanbase. Her career reached a zenith in 2020 with her portrayal of Abby Anderson in The Last of Us Part II. This performance earned her the BAFTA Award for Best Performer in a Leading Role and the Game Award for Best Performance. In September 2026, she returned to the franchise for the third season of the HBO adaptation, joining John Goodman and Ian Alexander.
Career Timeline
Public Image & Style
Laura Bailey is portrayed in the media as a versatile, dedicated, and approachable voice actress. She is known for her professionalism, her passion for the craft, and her willingness to engage with fans. Her public persona is positive and supportive, often advocating for diversity and inclusion in the voice acting industry. She maintains an active social media presence, sharing updates on her projects and behind-the-scenes content with millions of followers across platforms like Instagram and X.
Fame & Fandom
iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. Bailey's influence extends far beyond standard metrics, deeply intertwined with the Critical Role community. Fans call themselves "Critters" and are highly organized, organizing charity drives, streaming events, and fan art campaigns. Notable fan projects include the "Vex Day" celebration, where fans create art and tributes to her character Vex'ahlia. The fandom is known for its creativity and dedication, often funding charitable causes in Bailey's name. Her work on The Last of Us Part II further cemented her status as a leading figure in the industry, earning her a place in cultural conversations around gaming and storytelling.
Interesting Facts and Legends
Laura Bailey is a self-proclaimed cat lover who owns several cats at home. Before her voice acting career took off, she worked as a bartender in Austin, a job she credits with helping her understand human interaction and character dynamics. One of the most legendary moments in her recent career was her performance as Abby Anderson in The Last of Us Part II, which sparked intense debate and discussion across gaming communities. Many fans consider her portrayal of the morally complex character one of the greatest in video game history. Another iconic moment occurred at PAX East 2019, where she led a panel on voice acting that drew thousands of attendees and went viral online.
Notable Quotes
“Voice acting is about finding the truth in the character, even if the character isn't real.”
“Critical Role changed my life. It showed me that you can build a community around something you love.”
“Abby is one of the most challenging roles I've ever played. She's not good or bad; she's just human.”
Family & Personal Life
Laura Bailey is married to fellow voice actor Travis Willingham. The couple met in the early 2000s while working on voice-over projects in Austin, Texas, and married in 2007. They are known for their active presence in the voice acting community and frequently appear together at conventions and panels. Their relationship is considered stable and long-standing, with both partners supporting each other's careers. While they maintain a low profile regarding their private lives, there are no public reports of divorce or separation as of 2026. Specific details about whether they have children have not been publicly disclosed.
Notable Connections
Relationships & Dating History
Laura Bailey's only publicly confirmed romantic relationship is her marriage to fellow voice actor Travis Willingham. They began dating in the early 2000s, likely around 2004–2005, shortly after meeting in Austin while working on voice-over projects. They married in 2007 and have remained together since, often collaborating professionally. There are no credible reports of prior relationships, flings, or engagements before their marriage. The couple has maintained a low profile regarding their private lives, focusing primarily on their professional achievements. As of 2026, they remain married and co-parent any children if they have them, though specific details about offspring have not been publicly disclosed.
- MarriedTravis Willingham2005 - presentCurrentMet in Austin, Texas; married in 2007; frequent professional collaborators.
Salary, Net Worth In 2026
$4 Million
iFANN Editorial Team estimate
As of 2026, research by the iFANN Editorial Team puts Laura Bailey's fortune at around $4 million. Her wealth stems from a diverse portfolio including salaries from major video game titles like The Last of Us Part II and Uncharted 4, voice acting contracts for anime and animation, and live performances at conventions. Revenue also flows from her involvement in Critical Role's successful multimedia expansions, including the animated series The Legend of Vox Machina. Industry analysts project her earnings to be in the $3–5 million range due to her extensive voice acting portfolio and merchandise sales related to her popular characters.
Awards Won (2)
Laura Bailey has won several prestigious awards for her voice acting performances. Most notably, she received the BAFTA Award for Best Performer in a Leading Role and the Game Award for Best Performance for her role as Abby Anderson in The Last of Us Part II. She has also been honored with Voice Arts Awards for her work in animation and video games. Her contributions to Critical Role have been celebrated with fan-voted awards and recognition from gaming and streaming platforms.
2021 · Best Performer in a Leading Role
The Last of Us Part II
2020 · Best Performance
The Last of Us Part II
Known For
The Last of Us Part II
2020 · Abby Anderson
Critical Role
2016 · Vex'ahlia / Jester Lavorre
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
2009 · Lust
The Last of Us
2026 · Abby Anderson
Keywords
Sources
Quick Facts
- Profession
- Voice Actor
- Born
- May 28, 1981
- Birthplace
- Biloxi, Mississippi
- Gender
- Female
- Spouse
- Travis Willingham
- Birth Sign
- Sagittarius
Personal Details
- Full Name
- Laura Elizabeth Bailey
- Height
- 5 ft 4 in (163 cm)
- Spouse
- Travis Willingham
- Children
- Education
- University of Texas at Austin
Filmography
150
Total
20
Film
130
TV
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