The enigmatic and quiet Rei Ayanami is voiced by Megumi Hayashibara in the original Japanese version, while the English dub features Amanda Winn-Lee (ADV Films) and Ryan Bartley in the Netflix redub. All three actresses bring distinct interpretations to Rei’s reserved and mysterious personality.
Megumi Hayashibara — Japanese Voice of Rei Ayanami
Date of Birth
March 30, 1967
About Megumi
Megumi Hayashibara is one of the most iconic and influential voice actresses in anime history. Known for her versatility and emotional control, she brings a haunting stillness to Rei Ayanami. Her restrained delivery, subtle tonal shifts, and quiet intensity helped define Rei as one of anime’s most memorable and mysterious characters.
Hometown
Tokyo, Japan
Career Highlights
- Neon Genesis Evangelion – Rei Ayanami (TV series, films, Rebuild series)
- Pokémon – Jessie (Musashi)
- Slayers – Lina Inverse
- Ranma ½ – Female Ranma Saotome
- Detective Conan – Ai Haibara
Hayashibara is widely credited with shaping the modern voice acting industry in Japan and has voiced numerous legendary characters across decades.
Full Current Filmography
Below is a structured list of major, verifiable roles (based on documented sources; may not be exhaustive):
Television Anime
- 1995–1996 – Neon Genesis Evangelion — Rei Ayanami
- Pokémon — Jessie (Musashi)
- Slayers — Lina Inverse
- Ranma ½ — Ranma Saotome (female form)
- Detective Conan — Ai Haibara
Films & Rebuild Series
- The End of Evangelion — Rei Ayanami
- Evangelion: Death and Rebirth — Rei Ayanami
- Rebuild of Evangelion film series — Rei Ayanami
Note: This list reflects documented major credits from reputable sources and may not include every minor or guest role.
Critical Reception
Megumi Hayashibara’s portrayal of Rei Ayanami is often described as groundbreaking. Her minimalist, almost emotionless delivery creates a powerful sense of mystery, while subtle inflections reveal deeper layers beneath the surface. Critics frequently cite her performance as a defining element of Rei’s enduring appeal.
Our Sources
- Neon Genesis Evangelion cast list (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neon_Genesis_Evangelion)
- Megumi Hayashibara profile (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megumi_Hayashibara)
- Rei Ayanami voice listings (https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Neon-Genesis-Evangelion/Rei-Ayanami/)
Social Media
- Official website: https://www.starchild.co.jp/artist/hayashi/
Amanda Winn-Lee — English Voice of Rei Ayanami (ADV Films Dub)
Date of Birth
March 31, 1972
About Amanda
Amanda Winn-Lee is an American voice actress, director, and producer best known for her role as Rei Ayanami in the original ADV Films English dub of Neon Genesis Evangelion. Her performance is noted for its soft, subdued delivery, closely mirroring the quiet, detached nature of Rei’s character. Winn-Lee’s interpretation helped introduce Rei’s unique personality to Western audiences and remains highly influential.
Hometown
Maryland, USA
Career Highlights
- Neon Genesis Evangelion – Rei Ayanami (ADV dub, films including The End of Evangelion)
- Serial Experiments Lain – Lain Iwakura
- Excel Saga – Hyatt
- Voice direction and production work across multiple anime releases
Winn-Lee has also played a significant role behind the scenes in anime localization, contributing as a producer and ADR director.
Full Current Filmography
Below is a structured list of major, verifiable roles (based on documented credits; may not be exhaustive):
Anime (English Dub)
- 1995–1996 (dub released later) – Neon Genesis Evangelion — Rei Ayanami
- The End of Evangelion — Rei Ayanami
- Evangelion: Death and Rebirth — Rei Ayanami
- 1998 – Serial Experiments Lain — Lain Iwakura
- 1999 – Excel Saga — Hyatt
Other Voice & Production Work
- ADR direction and production for various anime titles
Note: This list reflects documented major credits from reputable sources and may not include every minor or guest appearance.
Critical Reception
Amanda Winn-Lee’s portrayal of Rei is often praised for its faithful, minimalist approach. Fans frequently note how her calm, almost monotone delivery enhances Rei’s mysterious and introspective presence.
Ryan Bartley — English Voice of Rei Ayanami (Netflix Dub)
Date of Birth
Not publicly documented
About Ryan
Ryan Bartley is an American voice actress who voices Rei Ayanami in the 2019 Netflix redub of Neon Genesis Evangelion. Her performance presents a slightly more naturalistic and humanized take on Rei while maintaining the character’s signature restraint and emotional subtlety.
Hometown
United States (specific location not publicly documented)
Career Highlights
- Neon Genesis Evangelion (Netflix Dub) – Rei Ayanami
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Makomo
- Sword Art Online – Yuna (Ordinal Scale)
Full Current Filmography
Anime (English Dub)
- 2019 – Neon Genesis Evangelion (Netflix) — Rei Ayanami
- 2019 – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba — Makomo
- 2017 – Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale — Yuna
Note: Publicly available sources document selected credits; this may not be exhaustive.
Critical Reception
Ryan Bartley’s portrayal received generally positive feedback for offering a slightly more expressive interpretation of Rei while staying true to the character’s reserved nature. Some viewers appreciated the added emotional nuance, especially in quieter scenes.
Our Sources
- Neon Genesis Evangelion cast list (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neon_Genesis_Evangelion)
- Amanda Winn-Lee profile (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amanda_Winn-Lee)
- Ryan Bartley credits (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4315484/)
- Rei Ayanami voice listings (https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Neon-Genesis-Evangelion/Rei-Ayanami/)
Social Media
- Twitter/X (Ryan Bartley): https://twitter.com/ryanbartley
