Chris Hackney to Attend Anime Central 2026 as Guest of Honor

Acclaimed voice actor known for roles in The Legend of Zelda, Fire Emblem, and more to appear at major anime convention

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Anime Central has announced that acclaimed voice actor Chris Hackney will be a Guest of Honor at their 2026 convention. Hackney, known for his work in anime, video games, and animation, will be attending the event in Rosemont, Illinois from May 15-17, 2026, providing fans opportunities to meet him, attend panels, and celebrate his diverse career.

Why it matters

The inclusion of Chris Hackney as a Guest of Honor at Anime Central 2026 highlights the growing prominence and recognition of voice acting talent within the anime and gaming industries. Fans are increasingly interested in the actors who bring their favorite characters to life, leading to greater demand for voice actor appearances at conventions.

The details

Hackney, based in Los Angeles, is known for voicing characters such as Rauru in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Dimitri in Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Kamisato Ayato in Genshin Impact, and Urogi in Demon Slayer. He has worked with various animation and voice acting studios, including VSI Los Angeles, Bang Zoom! Entertainment, FUNimation Entertainment/Crunchyroll, Studiopolis, Studio Nano, and NYAV Post.

  • Anime Central 2026 will be held from May 15th to May 17th in Rosemont, Illinois.
  • The announcement of Hackney's attendance as a Guest of Honor was made on February 9, 2026.

The players

Chris Hackney

A highly acclaimed voice actor known for his versatile work across anime, video games, and animation.

Anime Central

A major anime convention in North America that attracts a large number of anime enthusiasts and offers a space for showcasing products and services related to the anime industry.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Anime Central 2026 will feature opportunities for fans to meet Chris Hackney, attend panels, and celebrate his career.

The takeaway

The inclusion of Chris Hackney as a Guest of Honor at Anime Central 2026 underscores the growing prominence of voice actors within the anime and gaming industries, as fans increasingly seek to engage with the talented individuals who bring their favorite characters to life.