Rebecca Forstadt

Biography

Rebecca Forstadt, born Rebecca Lynn Olkowski on December 16, 1953, in Denver, Colorado, is a versatile American voice actor recognized for her ability to bring anime characters to life with her sweet and captivating voice. She is also known by her stage names Reba West and Becky Olkowski.

After honing her craft by studying theater at Orange Coast College in California, Forstadt embarked on her acting journey by performing in melodramas at Knott's Berry Farm's Bird Cage Theater. Her talent and dedication led her to Hollywood, where she worked as a wardrobe mistress on popular television shows like The White Shadow and Hill Street Blues, as well as on the film S.O.B. Additionally, she showcased her acting skills in live theater productions across Los Angeles, earning acclaim for her portrayal of Josette in the world premiere of Eugène Ionesco's Tales for People Under 3 Years of Age at the Stages Theatre Center in 1982.

Forstadt's career took a significant turn when she secured the role of Lynn Minmei in the English version of Robotech, a beloved anime series from the 1980s. This breakthrough marked the beginning of her extensive voice acting journey, where she went on to lend her voice to numerous anime characters and expand her repertoire to include non-anime cartoons, live-action shows like Masked Rider and Power Rangers: Time Force, commercials, radio work, and background voices for popular movies such as Antz, Dr. Doolittle, and The Santa Clause.

Beyond her voice acting accomplishments, Forstadt has also made appearances as a television actress in well-known shows like Hill Street Blues, St. Elsewhere, and L.A. Law. She has demonstrated her versatility by taking on various roles across different mediums, showcasing her talent and leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

With her distinctive voice and versatile acting skills, Rebecca Forstadt has solidified her place as a respected figure in the world of voice acting. Her ability to breathe life into characters and connect with audiences through her performances has made her a beloved talent in the realm of anime and beyond.