Sherry Cola has never been shy about taking up space. And with her role as Hannah the aardwolf in the animated film GOAT, she’s got more reason than ever to be loud about it.
Cola voices Hannah, a warmhearted member of the film’s ensemble cast, in a project that brought together a jaw-dropping cast. Cola, who got her start in radio before Carson Daly gave her her first big break at 97.1 FM AMP Radio in LA, knows better than most how far a journey can take you.
But for Cola, what makes someone a true GOAT goes beyond the résumé. “When you step into a room and give that radiant energy, I think that as a baseline is what sets you up to be the GOAT,” she said. “Talent, hard work, all the things in between, but I think the foundation is just being good.”
GOAT is available on digital now.
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Tesia Kuh: The film features a diverse and inclusive cast. What does it mean to be part of a project that intentionally reflects that?
Sherry Cola: I am so grateful to be a part of this cast. I was looking at the group photo on the red carpet at the premiere, and I just couldn’t believe it. Next to me is Aaron Pierre. Next to Aaron is Jennifer Hudson. We have Stephen Curry, we have Aisha, we have Gabrielle Union. This is just so iconic.
TK: How did your career in radio and comedy influence your voice acting?
SC: I was at 97.1 FM AMP Radio here in LA, eventually got on air. Carson Daly gave me my first big break. Shout out to him. Blue eyes you could swim in. I love anything with a microphone. Something very symbolic for me just throughout my entire career is the microphone. And I think, of course, as a queer woman, as an Asian woman, as an immigrant, we want to be as loud as possible, so we’re out here, baby.
TK: What makes someone the GOAT?
SC: When youyou step into a room and give that radiant energy, I think that as a baseline is what sets you up to be the GOAT. Of course talent, of course hard work, all the things in between, but I think the foundation is being good. And I think that, that will go a long way.
TK: How do you prepare for a day of voice acting?
SC: I feel like I lose my voice every day. I’m always shouting. I’m at a Trader Joe’s at the top of my lungs. You know what I mean? I’ve kind of stopped going to birthday parties that are at bars because I know I’m not gonna have a heart-to-heart with the birthday person. I’m just gonna be screaming, “What side of town are you on?” to their cousin or roommate. It’s important to preserve your voice.
TK: Did you learn any interesting facts about your character?
SC: Aardwolves are monogamous. They mate for life, just like penguins. I also mate for life, so I feel very seen. I feel very much like Hannah was meant for me. Animals have always been something that we see ourselves in, and I think that’s why people really love this film.
Can’t wait for people to watch it at home on repeat now that it’s on digital.
Watch the full interview here.
