When the first trailer for Pixar’s massive sequel dropped, everyone had the same question. It wasn't just about the new orange ball of nerves named Anxiety. People were scanning the credits to see if the original gang was back together. Specifically, fans were desperate to know who plays Sadness in Inside Out 2, mostly because a few other major voices from the first film didn't make the cut this time around.
Honestly, the movie wouldn't feel the same without that specific, low-energy "good-grief" drawl.
The Voice Behind the Blue Sweater
The answer is Phyllis Smith.
Thankfully, Pixar managed to keep her on board. If you recognize that voice, it's likely because you spent nine seasons watching her as Phyllis Vance (née Lapin) on The Office. There is something incredibly distinct about Smith’s vocal texture. It’s soft, it’s hesitant, and it feels like a warm blanket that’s slightly damp from tears.
In Inside Out 2, she reprises the role of Sadness, Riley’s blue, glasses-wearing emotion who proved in the first film that being unhappy is actually a vital part of growing up.
Why her return was a big deal
You might have noticed that Fear and Disgust sound a little different in the sequel. That’s because Bill Hader and Mindy Kaling didn't return for the second installment. Reports, specifically from outlets like Puck News, suggested there were some pretty significant salary disputes. While Amy Poehler (Joy) reportedly took home a massive $5 million paycheck, the other supporting emotions were allegedly offered significantly less—around $100,000 without bonuses.
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Hader and Kaling walked. Phyllis Smith stayed.
She joined Lewis Black (Anger) as one of the few original "emotion" actors to stick with the project. Tony Hale stepped in for Fear, and Liza Lapira took over for Disgust. But Sadness? That’s still pure Phyllis.
How Phyllis Smith actually got the job
It’s a wild story. You’d think a Pixar casting director would have a shortlist of A-list stars. Nope.
Jonas Rivera, a producer at Pixar, was actually suffering from a bout of insomnia one night. He was flicking through channels and landed on the movie Bad Teacher, starring Cameron Diaz. Phyllis Smith plays a shy, awkward teacher in that film. Rivera heard her voice and immediately called director Pete Docter.
"I found our Sadness," he told him.
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Smith has talked about this in interviews, often sounding just as surprised as anyone else. She spent years working in casting—literally the person hiring the actors—before she was ever cast in The Office. She was actually reading lines with actors auditioning for the show when the producers realized she was the perfect fit for the character they ended up naming after her.
What Sadness does in Inside Out 2
Riley is thirteen now. Everything is a mess.
In the sequel, Sadness isn't just the "bummer" of the group. She’s developed. While Maya Hawke’s Anxiety is running around trying to micromanage Riley’s future, Sadness provides the necessary counter-balance.
The dynamic between Smith and Poehler remains the anchor. Joy is still trying to be the "boss," but there’s a newfound respect for what Sadness brings to the table. Smith plays this beautifully—there’s a specific scene where Sadness has to be "brave" in her own way, and the performance manages to be hilarious and heartbreaking at the same time.
It’s not just about crying. It's about empathy.
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Quick Facts: Phyllis Smith as Sadness
- Award Winner: She actually won an Annie Award for "Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting" for the first movie.
- Dance Background: Before she was an actress or a casting associate, Smith was a professional dancer and even a cheerleader for the St. Louis Cardinals football team.
- Vocal Range: She has mentioned in press tours that she doesn't have to "do" much to the voice; it’s mostly just her natural speaking voice tuned to a lower, more melancholic frequency.
The "New" Cast and How They Fit
While Phyllis Smith provides the continuity, the new kids on the block change the vibe.
- Maya Hawke as Anxiety: She is the engine of the movie.
- Ayo Edebiri as Envy: Small, but very vocal.
- Adèle Exarchopoulos as Ennui: She literally voices the character from a phone app while lying on a couch.
- Paul Walter Hauser as Embarrassment: He doesn't say much, but his sighs are legendary.
Having Smith there as a veteran presence helps ground the movie. When everything is chaotic and new emotions are literally throwing the old ones into a "vault," seeing that familiar blue face provides a sense of relief for the audience.
Why the voice matters for SEO and fans
When you search for "who plays Sadness in Inside Out 2," you’re usually looking for that "Aha!" moment. You know you know that voice. Connecting the dots between the Dunder Mifflin sales team and the emotional control center of a teenage girl is part of the fun of the franchise.
Smith’s performance is a masterclass in subtlety. In a world of "big" voice acting where everyone is screaming or doing "bits," she just exists. She mopes. She drags her feet. And in doing so, she makes Sadness the most relatable character in the entire Pixar library.
What to do next
If you haven't seen the sequel yet, pay close attention to the way Sadness interacts with the new emotion, Ennui. The contrast between "active sadness" and "total apathy" is one of the smartest writing choices in the film.
- Check out the credits: Look for the "additional voices" too—Pixar often sneaks in cameos from the original crew.
- Rewatch The Office: If you want to see where that "Sadness" energy started, go back and watch the "Phyllis' Wedding" episode. You can see the seeds of the character right there.
- Compare the cast: Listen to Tony Hale's Fear versus Bill Hader's. It's a fun exercise in how different actors interpret the same specific "vibe."
Smith's return ensures that even as Riley grows up and her mind gets more crowded, the core of what made us love the first movie—that essential, blue, mopey heart—remains exactly the same.