IN CONVERSATION WITH REAGAN TO

interview by JANA LETONJA

Actress Reagan To is the English Dub voice of the Red Light Green Light Doll on Netflix’s record breaking ‘Squid Game’, which recently premiered its second season, and received nominations at this year’s Golden Globe and Critics Choice Awards. Reagan can also be heard in the hit and critically-acclaimed Pixar film ‘Elemental’. Outside of acting, Reagan is an award-winning Latin ballroom dancer who holds the titles of International Ballroom Champion, U.S. National Ballroom Champion, and U.S. National Latin Champion just to name a few. 

You voice the English dub of the ‘Squid Game’ doll, a character that has become a viral sensation. Did you anticipate such a huge response when you first took on the role?

I didn’t. When I started recording for ‘Squid Game’, I didn’t really know what the show was about. They had me say so many different versions of “Red Light, Green Light”, and that was pretty much all I knew about the show. I had so much fun working with the director, and they gave me a lot of guidance. We had many different takes until we found the right one.

I’m so happy that so many people around the world love ‘Squid Game’, and I’m truly thrilled to have been a part of it. I’m still not allowed to watch the show, but I always hear my voice in trending Squid Game TikTok videos, which surprises me every time.

‘Squid Game’ has broken so many records. How has being part of this phenomenon impacted your career and personal life?

Voicing the “Red Light, Green Light” doll has been a cool experience. ‘Squid Game’ has been such a hit around the world, and I’m so grateful to have worked with the English voice cast and the director on this project.

I just returned from participating in the New York Dance Festival, so life is always keeping me on my toes. The past couple weeks have been very busy for me. I have been going between school and attending red carpet events. But I’m so incredibly grateful to be presenting at award ceremonies in Hollywood this year. I’m always excited to find out what project comes next.

Your character was even referenced on ‘SNL’ and ‘The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon’. What was your reaction when you saw those moments?

I couldn’t believe I was hearing my own voice on the show that so many of my celebrity role models have been on. It felt like a dream, but I had to snap back into reality and remind myself that this is all actually happening. I love watching ‘The Tonight Show’ and the skits on ‘SNL’, so it feels crazy that I got to hear my voice on those shows.

You also voiced Big Kid Ember in ‘Elemental’, another massive hit. What was it like working on a Pixar film?

This was one of my favourite projects. I was very happy when I was recognized by all the fans at the premiere. Leah Lewis, who voiced the other Ember, and I greeted the fans who came out to watch ‘Elemental’ on the red carpet. I think voicing Big Kid Ember was a perfect fit for me. Ember’s character is very hardworking, and she respects her family for the sacrifices they have made for her. We have that in common.
 

How does voice acting compare to live-action acting for you? Do you have a preference?

Both are very fun for me, and I enjoy the differences of both. Live acting is enjoyable for me because I get to interact with other actors and directors on set. Voice acting allows me to spend more energy to tune into my character because the setting of the recording studio is more intimate. All I need to think about when I’m in the recording studio is my voice and when I’m on camera, I need to be aware of my body language and facial expressions.
 

What’s the most fun or challenging part of bringing an animated character to life using just your voice?

The most challenging part of voice acting for an animated character is not being able to interact with the other actors in real time. Usually on set, acting with other actors helps me stay engaged. It’s kind of like texting your friend versus meeting up with them in person. The energy is totally different.
 

Are there any dream animated projects or franchises you’d love to be a part of?

Playing a character in an action film would be very exciting. With my dancing, I think I can do well in action scenes. I was recently at the red carpet premiere for ‘Captain America: Brave New World’, and I was so starstruck by all the actors there. I think there are many characters and storylines, and I would absolutely love to play them onscreen.

You’re an award-winning Latin ballroom dancer and have trained with legends like Shirley and Mark Ballas. How do you balance your passion for dance with your acting career?

Staying on top of schedule is hard, but my mom supports me in balancing my dance rehearsal and performances along with auditions and being on set. I’ve been learning under Ms. Shirley Ballas for about five years now. I’m so thankful for her because she helps me stay focused on the dance floor. 

I’ve also worked with Mr. Mark Ballas, and he helped us choreograph a piece for the US Dance Competition Championships. This was a fun piece to perform because he made it Squid Game themed. I was so excited to be doing a piece that connected my acting career to my ballroom dancing. 

Going between dance and acting is challenging, but it works out for me because I honestly really enjoy all the practice with my coaches. I love them both so much.

What’s coming up next for you? Any exciting upcoming projects you can share?

I’m always busy, either in the recording studio or at ballroom championships. I have something coming up that I can’t share just yet, and I just recently finished a short film. For now, I’m learning a new ballroom routine to get ready for my next competition for the world championship. 

You’ve worked in so many different creative fields, acting, voiceover, dance, modelling. What inspires you to keep pushing boundaries in your career? 

My coach has been a huge role model for me because she inspires me to work hard and go for the World Championship in Ballroom dancing. I use everything I learn in dance and apply it to my acting career as well. I remember I started out on ‘Jane the Virgin’, and I was recently on ‘Young Sheldon’. This reminds me that I am capable of excelling at two things at once, and I am proud of what I have accomplished.

TEAM CREDITS:

photography BEN COPE
hair JESSICA ROBERTSON
makeup NICOLE MAGUIRE