Bill Butts to Appear at Anime Central 2026 as Voice of Owlbert and More

The acclaimed voice actor will be a guest of honor at the major North American anime convention.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Anime Central, a leading North American anime convention, has announced that acclaimed voice actor Bill Butts will be a guest of honor at its 2026 event. Butts is known for voicing a diverse range of popular anime and video game characters, including Owlbert in Honkai: Star Rail, Jack the Drought in One Piece, and Cioccolata in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.

Why it matters

The inclusion of Bill Butts at Anime Central 2026 highlights the growing recognition and celebration of voice actors within the broader pop culture landscape. As anime, video games, and animation continue to gain mainstream popularity, voice acting has become an increasingly visible and sought-after profession.

The details

Butts' voice acting career began in his hometown of Kansas City, where he developed a passion for performing arts. His background in journalism and theater has allowed him to take on a diverse range of roles, showcasing his versatility as a voice actor. In addition to his anime work, Butts has also lent his voice to characters in video games, animated series, and even political satire.

  • Anime Central 2026 will be held from May 15th to May 17th in Rosemont, Illinois.

The players

Bill Butts

An acclaimed voice actor known for voicing characters in popular anime, video games, and animated series.

Anime Central

A major North American anime convention that will host Bill Butts as a guest of honor in 2026.

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What’s next

Anime Central 2026 will feature Bill Butts alongside other guests, cosplay performances, concerts, and various other activities.

The takeaway

The inclusion of Bill Butts at Anime Central 2026 reflects the growing recognition and celebration of voice actors within the broader pop culture landscape, as the demand for skilled voice talent continues to rise alongside the popularity of anime, video games, and animation.