Elizabeth Daily, or EG Daily as most fans know her, is basically the soundtrack to your childhood. If you grew up in the 80s, 90s, or early 2000s, her gravelly, sweet, and incredibly versatile voice was everywhere. You probably remember her as the voice of Tommy Pickles on Rugrats, or maybe as Buttercup in The Powerpuff Girls. But she isn't just a voice actress. Honestly, her career is one of the weirdest and most impressive pivot stories in Hollywood, moving from a pop star to a cult movie icon and eventually becoming one of the most bankable voice talents in the industry.
Most people don't realize that before she was a cartoon baby, she was a legit recording artist. She had hits. She was in big-budget movies. She lived a whole "rock star" life before she ever stepped into a recording booth to voice a character in a diaper.
Why the Voice of EG Daily is Instantly Recognizable
It’s that rasp. That specific, sandy texture in her voice isn't something she puts on; it’s just her. In the world of voice acting, having a "signature" sound is a double-edged sword, but for Daily, it became her superpower. When you hear Tommy Pickles speak about "reptar" or "aventures," there’s a vulnerability there that most actors can’t mimic. It sounds like a real kid, not an adult doing a "kid voice."
Voice acting is a brutal business. It’s competitive. It’s exhausting. You spend hours in a small, padded room screaming or making grunting noises for video games. Daily has managed to stay relevant for over four decades because she understands the emotional core of her characters. She doesn't just "do" a voice; she becomes the character.
The Rugrats Era and the Shift in Animation
Before Rugrats premiered on Nickelodeon in 1991, cartoon voices were often very polished and "announcer-y." Think of the classic Hanna-Barbera era. Everything was big and theatrical. Rugrats changed the game by looking for voices that sounded more naturalistic—or at least, as naturalistic as a cartoon about talking babies could be.
Daily’s portrayal of Tommy Pickles was the heart of that show. She brought a sense of bravery to the character that defined a generation of kids. It’s funny because, at the time, nobody knew who she was. You’d see the name "E.G. Daily" in the credits and maybe wonder who that was, but the voice was so convincing that you just accepted Tommy as a real person.
The Music Career Nobody Talks About Anymore
Here is the thing: EG Daily was a MTV staple. In the mid-80s, she was signed to A&M Records. Her 1985 album Wild Child featured the hit "Say It, Say It," which actually topped the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. If you go back and watch the music video now, it’s a total time capsule. Big hair, neon lights, and that unmistakable raspy voice singing synth-pop.
She wasn't just a "one-hit wonder" either. Her songs appeared on some of the biggest soundtracks of the era. She performed "Shake It Up" in the movie Scarface. Yes, the Al Pacino movie. She was also in The Breakfast Club soundtrack.
🔗 Read more: How Old Is Paul Heyman? The Real Story of Wrestling’s Greatest Mind
- "Say It, Say It" reached number one on the dance charts.
- She worked with legendary producers like John "Jellybean" Benitez.
- Her style was often compared to Cyndi Lauper or Madonna, but with a rockier edge.
It’s a bit of a trip to think that the same woman singing high-energy dance tracks was also the one voicing the most famous baby in television history. But that’s the reality of a working artist in Los Angeles. You go where the work is, and for Daily, the work was everywhere.
From Pee-wee’s Big Adventure to Better Off Dead
If you're a fan of 80s cult cinema, you've seen her face. She played Dottie in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. You know the scene: she’s the one who is clearly in love with Pee-wee, working at the bike shop, and he tells her, "I'm a loner, Dottie. A rebel." Her performance in that movie is iconic because she plays the "straight man" to Paul Reubens’ absurdity so perfectly.
She also appeared in Better Off Dead alongside John Cusack. She played herself, performing at the high school dance. These weren't just bit parts; they were roles that cemented her as a fixture of 80s pop culture. She had this "cool girl" energy that was magnetic.
The Transition to Full-Time Voice Work
So, why did she move away from live-action and pop music? Part of it was the longevity. In Hollywood, the shelf life for a female pop star or a young actress can be brutally short. Voice acting, however, doesn't care what you look like. It doesn't care how old you are. You can play a five-year-old boy when you’re fifty.
Daily has been very open about the fact that voice work allowed her to be a present mother while still earning a substantial living. It’s a specialized skill. You have to be able to read lines, take direction, and maintain a consistent character voice for hours on end without blowing out your vocal cords.
The Powerpuff Girls and Beyond
In the late 90s, Daily landed the role of Buttercup in The Powerpuff Girls. Buttercup was the "tough one," the fighter. It was a perfect use of Daily’s natural rasp. The show became a massive cultural phenomenon, and suddenly she was part of another hit franchise.
She has also voiced characters in:
💡 You might also like: Howie Mandel Cupcake Picture: What Really Happened With That Viral Post
- Babe: Pig in the City
- ChalkZone
- The Land Before Time (as Rhett)
- Video games like Skylanders and Doom 3
The sheer volume of work is staggering. Most actors dream of having one "hit" character. She has at least three that are known worldwide.
Facing Reality: The Voice 2013
In a move that surprised a lot of people, EG Daily appeared as a contestant on The Voice in 2013. This was Season 5. She wasn't there as a voice actress; she was there as a singer.
It was a bold move. She was already successful, already a legend in her field, but she wanted to prove that she still had those musical chops. During her blind audition, she sang "Goodbye to You" by Scandal. Both Blake Shelton and CeeLo Green turned their chairs for her.
She eventually chose Blake’s team. Watching her on that stage was a reminder to the public that she wasn't just "the lady who does the baby voice." She was a powerhouse vocalist. Even though she didn't win the competition, it reignited interest in her musical background and showed a younger generation that she was a multi-faceted artist.
Common Misconceptions About EG Daily
People often think she’s retired or that she "only" does Tommy Pickles. That couldn't be further from the truth. She is constantly working. Whether it’s reprising roles for reboots or taking on new characters in indie games, her schedule is packed.
Another misconception is that voice acting is "easy" money. It’s actually physically demanding. Daily has talked about the "vocal rest" she has to take after intense sessions. If you’re voicing a character in an action-heavy video game, you might spend four hours just recording different types of screams, grunts, and death rattles. It can destroy your throat if you aren't careful.
The Rugrats Reboot
When Paramount+ announced the Rugrats reboot in 2021 using CG animation, there was a lot of skepticism. Fans are protective of their childhood memories. However, the one thing that grounded the new series was the return of the original voice cast, including Daily.
📖 Related: Austin & Ally Maddie Ziegler Episode: What Really Happened in Homework & Hidden Talents
Hearing her voice come out of a 3D-rendered Tommy Pickles was a bridge between generations. It proved that while the technology changes, the "soul" of the character is tied directly to the performer.
Actionable Takeaways for Aspiring Voice Actors
If you're looking at EG Daily's career and wondering how to replicate that kind of success, there are a few "industry secrets" you can pull from her journey. It’s not just about having a cool voice.
1. Protect Your Natural Sound
Daily never tried to sound like a "standard" voice actress. She leaned into her rasp. If you have a unique vocal quality, don't try to polish it away. That "flaw" is often what makes you hireable.
2. Diversity is Survival
She didn't just stick to one thing. She did music, she did movies, she did TV, and she did voiceovers. In the modern gig economy, you have to be able to pivot. If the music industry isn't biting, you move to animation. If animation is slow, you look at commercial work.
3. It’s About the Acting, Not the Voice
The biggest mistake beginners make is focusing on "funny voices." Daily’s characters work because they feel real. Study acting, not just impressions.
4. Longevity Requires Professionalism
You don't stay in this business for 40 years by being difficult to work with. Daily has a reputation for being a pro who can nail her lines quickly. Time is money in a recording studio.
5. Embrace Your History
Daily doesn't shy away from being "the voice of Tommy." She embraces it. She knows her fans love those characters, and she treats that legacy with respect while still pushing for new roles.
EG Daily’s career is a masterclass in how to navigate the entertainment industry without losing your mind—or your voice. She’s managed to stay relevant across multiple eras of pop culture by being incredibly good at a very specific set of skills. Whether you know her from Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, her 80s dance hits, or as the voice of a brave little toddler, there’s no denying she’s one of the most prolific performers in Hollywood history.
Next time you hear a slightly raspy, energetic voice in a commercial or a cartoon, pay attention. It’s probably her. She’s the invisible star who has been part of our lives for decades, and she isn't slowing down anytime soon.