Meet the Inside Out Cast: The Voice Actors Behind the Emotions

Joy is voiced by American actor Amy Poehler, best-known for her on-screen role as Leslie in Parks and Recreation and Regina’s mom in Mean Girls. The Inside Out cast member also features in Saturday Night Live, Baby Mama, and Hoodwinked.

Joy is the main protagonist in the first Inside Out movie, embodying Riley’s emotion of happiness. The happy emotion is the leader of the rest of the emotions, dedicated to her overall well-being and happiness.

However, Joy’s single-minded focus on keeping Riley happy can lead to conflict with the other emotions – particularly sadness. Despite this, Joy learns the importance of the other emotions and recognises that a balance of feelings is healthy.

Sadness is voiced by The Office star Phyllis Smith, who is also known for her roles in Bad Teacher, Arrested Development, and Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked.

Sadness represents the emotion of sorrow in Riley’s head. She is known for her slow movements and melancholic demeanour. Despite this, sadness is deeply empathetic and caring, often feeling overwhelmed by her sense of helplessness.

She is often unsure of her role within Riley’s head but comes to realise she is essential to help Riley process difficult experiences and connect with other people on a deeper level.

Disgust is voiced by NY born actor Liza Lapira, best-known for her roles in The Equalizer and Fast & Furious. The Inside Out cast member can also be found in The Good Doctor and Crazy, Stupid, Love.

Disgust represents Riley’s reaction to things she finds repulsive, often expressing herself through sarcastic comments or dramatic eyerolls. The green-coloured emotion exudes confidence, dictating what Riley should avoid – from horrible foods to embarrassing social situations.

Though she can appear rude and dismissive, Disgust’s intentions are always in the best interest of Riley.

Anger is voiced by actor and producer Lewis Black, recognisable from his roles in The Penguins of Madagascar and The Big Bang Theory. The Inside Out cast member can also be found in Man of the Year and East Broadway.

Anger embodies Riley’s intense reactions to injustice and frustration. He is often quick to blow up, expressing his unhappiness through loud outbursts and tantrums. Despite this, he plays a key role in helping Riley to stand up for herself and assert her needs.

While he may be impulsive, Anger’s passionate drive is crucial for teaching Riley to stand up for herself.

Fear is voiced by actor Tony Hale, who many will recognise as the voice of Forky in Toy Story 4. You’ll also find the Inside Out cast member in Arrested Development, American Ultra, and Clifford the Big Red Dog.

Fear represents Riley’s cautious and anxious side. The tall and thin emotion has a habit of overreacting and being on high alert at all times. He looks out for Riley’s safety, keeping her out of harm’s way.

Despite his frequent worrying, Fear is crucial for Riley’s survival and helping her to navigate life’s uncertainties.

Anxiety is voiced by Stranger Things star Maya Hawke, daughter of Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman. The Inside Out cast member can also be found in Netflix’s Fear Street and Do Revenge.

Anxiety is introduced in the second instalment of Inside Out, alongside three other emotions. She is a constantly tense figure that represents Riley’s unease and nervousness that come with growing up.

Despite being a source of stress for Riley, Anxiety is a key part of helping Riley prepare for risks and navigate her ever-complex world.

Envy is voiced by comedian, writer, and producer Ayo Edebiri, best-known for her role in hit tv show The Bear. The Inside Out cast member can also be found in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated movie as April O’Neil.

Newbie emotion Envy is a sly and observant figure, often comparing Riley’s life and achievements to others. She is the embodiment of jealousy and desire for what Riley’s peers have.

However, Envy also serves as a motivator for Riley, helping her to strive for personal improvement and to set goals for herself.

Embarrassment is voiced by American actor Paul Walter Hauser, best-known for his role in Blackbird. The Inside Out cast member can also be found in I, Tonya, BlacKkKlansman, and Cruella.

Embarrassment is another new emotion for Riley, embodying her bashful and self-conscious side. This emotion is excellent at reflecting the teenage fear of judgement and desire to fit in, showing the challenges Riley goes through.

The new emotion teaches Riley valuable lessons about self-resilience and self-acceptance, helping her to understand that everyone has awkward moments in their life.

Ennui is voiced by French actor Adèle Exarchopoulos, recognisable for her performance in Blue is the Warmest Colour as Adèle. The Inside Out cast member has also featured in several other French titles.

French for boredom, Ennui represents Riley’s feelings of disinterest – often found lounging on the couch absorbed by her phone. Unlike Envy who engages with the plot, Ennui appears disinterested unless she sees a need for her involvement.

This emotion helps to prompt Riley to evaluate her passions, seek new experiences, and confront the things she dislikes in her life.