Ashleigh Ball
A Canadian voice artist whose cheerful tones brought beloved cartoon ponies to life, unexpectedly captivating a global adult fanbase.
Born 1983 (age 43)·Canadian voice actress·Birthday: March 31·Millennials
Biography
Ashleigh Ball's voice is a familiar, energetic presence in the soundtrack of contemporary childhood. The Vancouver-based performer channeled a lifelong passion for music and acting into a versatile voiceover career, landing roles in series like 'Johnny Test' and the 'Barbie' film franchise. Her trajectory, however, was forever altered by a single casting call. In 2010, she became the optimistic, adventurous Applejack and the sky-soaring Rainbow Dash in 'My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic.' Her performances, full of warmth and distinct character, helped fuel the show's unprecedented success. To her surprise, she found herself at the center of the 'brony' phenomenon—a massive, dedicated fanbase of mostly adult men. A documentary, 'A Brony Tale,' captured her initial bewilderment and subsequent embrace of this unique community, following her to fan conventions. Beyond the recording booth, Ball is also a musician, singing and playing flute and bass for the indie pop-rock band Hey Ocean!. Her career embodies the unexpected ways art can connect, turning a job voicing cartoon horses into a cultural touchstone.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ashleigh was born in 1983, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ashleigh Was Born
The biggest hits of 1983
#1 Movie
Return of the Jedi
Best Picture
Terms of Endearment
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Ashleigh's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1983Born
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1988Started school
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1996Became a teenager
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Could drive
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2001Could vote
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Turned 21
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2013Turned 30
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2023Turned 40
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 43 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Voiced the lead characters Applejack and Rainbow Dash in the globally successful series 'My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic'.
- Was the subject of the 2014 documentary 'A Brony Tale', which explored the unexpected adult fandom surrounding her work.
- Has been a longtime member and vocalist for the Canadian indie pop-rock band Hey Ocean!, contributing to multiple albums and tours.
Did You Know?
She is an accomplished musician who plays the flute, bass guitar, and sings, integrating these skills into both her voice work and her band.
She initially auditioned for only one role (Applejack) on 'My Little Pony' but was asked to voice Rainbow Dash as well after her callback.
Her band, Hey Ocean!, performed the theme song for the Canadian teen drama series 'Heartland'.
“I love finding the character's voice, that specific rhythm and energy in the booth.”
