Chillin’ with Kari Wahlgren

By Chilled Magazine

Kari Wahlgren’s incredible voice talents can currently be heard as Amanda in Bunsen Is a Beast, Starfire in Justice League vs. Teen Titans, Tigress in Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness, Chloe Carmichael in The Fairly OddParents, Jessica in Rick and Morty, Jedi Female Knight in Star Wars: The Old Republic and Ashe in Final Fantasy XII. Kari also stars as Dorothy (and Queen Ozma) in Dorothy and The Wizard of Oz, airing on Boomerang.

You can hear her voice as Aranea in the new Square Enix game Final Fantasy XV released on Xbox One and Play Station 4. Kari voices Aunt Cora in DreamWorks’ Spirit Riding Free, currently streaming on Netflix. She also will be returning to Rick and Morty for season three and voices Wasp in the new season of Disney XD’s Marvel’s Avengers: Secret Wars.

She produced and wrote a short film, Girl #2, which premiered at the 12th annual HollyShorts Film Festival in 2016. The film also won “Best Short” at the New Orleans Film Festival.

Kari is one of the top voice actresses in Los Angeles. Here, she voiced her opinion about a good Margarita and talked to Chilled about her love of wine tasting.

Chillin' with Kari Wahlgren t-shirt on blue
Photo by Michael Becker

Tell us a bit about the projects you’re working on.

It’s a pretty exciting time right now. I’m playing Dorothy and Ozma in the Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz cartoon streaming on Boomerang, and Niko and the Sword of Light on Amazon Prime (I’m doing the voice of Lyra). I’m also playing Starfire in the Injustice 2 video game, and I am in season three of Rick and Morty on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim.

With your busy schedule, what do you like to do with your downtime?

I love to read and go out and hear live music, and I love trying new restaurants.

When you go out to eat, where do you like to dine?

I have a couple of favorite places that I go to frequently, but nothing makes me happier than finding a great, new place to eat. Good ambiance is important to me in a restaurant. I like dining out to be a full-sensory experience. I usually get recommendations from friends or read magazines to find new places to try.

What types of dishes do you usually order?

I’ll try most anything … I love a good steak or pasta, and I love finding places that prepare excellent seafood, whether it’s sushi or cooked salmon.

Do you cook?

I wish I cooked more. I’m okay, I’m just intimidated by my kitchen! It’s my dream to take a basic, ongoing cooking class to get over my mental block of cooking for myself.

What types of drinks do you order when out?

I may order wine, or I adore a good Margarita. I’m picky about my Margaritas, though … I don’t like them to be too sweet. I really like to taste the tequila. Once in a great while, I’ll treat myself to a dry Belvedere Martini.

Chillin' with Kari Wahlgren t-shirt on blue, laughing
Photo by Michael Becker

Do you prepare drinks at home?

I stick to wine or sometimes beer at home.

Do you own a home bar?

I don’t own a full home bar, but I’ve acquired a decent selection of wine and liquor over the years.

What kind of wine and liquor?

I’ve done a fair amount of wine tasting, and I love bringing home bottles that I’ve tried on my trips. I really love Bordeaux, or earthy, full-bodied Cabernets, and dry whites. Santa Ynez, Los Olivos and Paso Robles are wonderful wine regions. I get out there when I have time. I also have some nice bourbon and rye whiskey at home, but I only have that a couple times a year. Mostly, it’s for guests.

What would your dream bar be like?

I’d love a walk-in wine cellar one day.

What is your favorite cocktail?

A strong Sauza Margarita or a great glass of wine.

Have you ever been a bartender?

No, but when you get a good one, it’s magical.

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