Vegeta's Voice Actor Finally Felt Accepted by Japan

As Dragon Ball celebrates its 40th anniversary, veteran voice actor Christopher Sabat, known for his English portrayal of Vegeta, shared his journey of character acceptance. Sabat, who began voicing the Prince of Saiyans in 1999 after Funimation took over the dub, admitted he didn't feel he truly embodied the role until acknowledged by the Japanese production staff.

This professional validation occurred at the premiere of Dragon Ball Z: Battle Of The Gods. Sabat noted that while fan appreciation was significant over the years, official recognition from Toei and Shueisha held special weight, especially considering he wasn't the voice for their domestic audience. He emphasized a lack of mistreatment from the Japanese Dragon Ball team but highlighted the unique feeling of being officially recognized as 'Vegeta'.

Vegeta remains a central figure in the franchise, second only to Goku in popularity. Sabat's continued work, including his role in the upcoming Dragon Ball Super, ensures his voice will be associated with the character for years to come. The franchise is seeing a resurgence with new content, and fans eagerly anticipate potential trailers for Dragon Ball Super's return.