By Paul Salfen, Christine Thompson for AMFM Magazine
In a candid, wide-ranging conversation with AMFM Magazine’s Paul Salfen, voice actor Jonah Scott opens up about his journey from childhood theater in Kentucky to becoming one of the most recognizable English voices in anime and video games today. Best known as the voice of the complex wolf Legoshi in Netflix’s Beastars, Scott reflects on luck, persistence, community, and the pure joy of creating art that resonates with fans worldwide.
The interview, recorded on a sunny day with Scott calling in from Burbank, California, and Salfen in Texas, captures the actor’s easygoing charm and deep appreciation for the craft. Scott, who pivoted from live theater to voiceover after years of stage work, credits his big break to a “perfect storm” of preparation, timing, and relationships.
The Beastars Breakthrough and the Power of Instinct
Beastars, based on Paru Itagaki’s acclaimed manga, follows a world of civilized animals where predator and prey tensions simmer beneath the surface. Scott voices Legoshi, the timid yet powerful gray wolf grappling with his predatory instincts after a classmate’s murder. The series has earned critical praise, with Scott receiving a nomination for Best Voice Artist Performance at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
“It’s the first lead that I’ve played on the screen,” Scott shared. “Obviously I’ve done theater for upwards of 20 years, but when I pivoted to voice acting, this was the first big thing that I booked.” He noted that Beastars opened doors quickly, leading to lead roles in other Netflix anime projects shortly after.
The final season’s second part premiered on Netflix on March 7, 2026, bringing Legoshi and Haru’s story to its emotional conclusion. Scott described the experience as surreal, especially as fans continue to connect with the character’s internal struggles.
A Diverse and Expanding Career
Scott’s versatility shines across multiple franchises. He voices fan-favorite Oliver Aiku in the high-stakes soccer anime Blue Lock (streaming on Hulu, Disney+, and Crunchyroll, with a new season airing this summer). In the Dying Light franchise, he portrays Aiden Caldwell, the infected survivor searching for his lost sister in a zombie-ravaged world—a role that began with scratch vocals in a closet studio and culminated in a major lead after years of persistence.
Other standout credits include:
- Kokushibo in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle, the blockbuster film that shattered anime box office records with a $70 million opening weekend and earned multiple award nominations.
- Katakuri in the long-running One Piece, available on multiple platforms.
- Roles in SK8 the Infinity, Super Crooks, Kaiju No. 8, Campfire Cooking in Another World, and more.
His video game resume is equally impressive, featuring Fire Emblem: Engage, Pokémon Masters, and the quirky dating sim Date Everything!, where he voices both Eddie (the put-upon stagehand) and Volt (the electrifying, Bowie-esque personality) in the breaker box duo that fans love to hear him switch between on the spot.
Scott also streams as the VTuber Alpha Aniki, with a cyberpunk-inspired graphic novel in pre-production exploring themes of AI, media ownership, grief, and long-term loss—drawing from personal experiences, including the death of his mother.
Roots in Theater, Community, and “Finding the Fun”
Scott’s path began early. Encouraged by supportive parents and talented teachers in Kentucky, he absorbed acting techniques through play and performance from age eight. Radio work in college and competitive gaming (including League of Legends) highlighted his distinctive voice, leading him to audio plays and eventually professional voiceover.
He emphasized the value of theater: “Go try the boards, man. Get on stage.” The collaborative nature of live performance taught him respect for every role in a production—sets, costumes, front of house—lessons he carries into voice work. “Nobody does this by themselves,” he stressed, crediting assistants, teams, and the “scaffolding” that supports every project.
When auditioning, Scott advises finding the story first, then “finding the fun.” He keeps moving forward, stays kind to directors, producers, and crew, and focuses on being a good community member. “Being a good person is 90% of the job.”
His “Hail Mary” moment? Recording scratch vocals for what turned out to be Dying Light 2, persistently advocating for the role through a friend, and ultimately booking the lead without a final audition after years of radio silence—proof that preparation and relationships pay off.
Fan Connection and Life Beyond the Booth
Scott has built a dedicated following through social media and conventions. His platforms include TikTok (@jonahscottva) with over 3.7 million likes and 237K+ followers, YouTube with 225K+ subscribers, X with 99K–100K+ followers, and Instagram with 68K+ followers. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, he values authentic connections with fans.
During the holidays, he once signed autographs for fans lining up at a family home on a military base. “If writing my name on a piece of paper or a prop makes somebody happy, I’m going to do that until I die,” he said with a laugh.
He’s scheduled for numerous conventions across the U.S. and internationally this year, including appearances where fans can meet the voices behind their favorite characters.
Advice for Aspiring Voice Actors
For those dreaming of following in his footsteps, Scott points to Bradley Baker’s resource I Want To Be A Voice Actor (iwanttobeavoiceactor.com) as an essential starting point. He encourages building community, gaining stage experience, and understanding that every path has unique detours.
“Keep moving forward,” he added. “There’s always something else coming down the pipe.”
What’s Next?
Scott is currently voicing the demon Revolt in season two of Free Run: Beyond Journey’s End and juggling multiple unannounced Triple-A game projects. His VTuber streams are ramping back up, and the Alpha Aniki graphic novel is slated for release next year.
From a cracked-closet studio in Sherman Oaks to red carpets and global box office records, Jonah Scott’s story is one of passion, resilience, and genuine love for the craft. As he put it: “I just want to make cool stuff with cool people.”
Catch Legoshi’s final chapter in Beastars Final Season Part 2 on Netflix (now streaming), and keep an eye on Jonah Scott’s ever-growing body of work across anime, games, and beyond. Fans can follow him on socials or catch him at a convention near you—autograph ready.
Interview conducted by Paul Salfen for AMFM Magazine. Additional details on Jonah Scott’s credits and upcoming projects drawn from public sources.
