Ashly Burch
A defining voice of a gaming generation, she brought emotional depth to AI warriors and punk teenagers while championing writers' rights.
Born 1990 (age 36)·American actress and television writer·Birthday: June 19·Millennials
Biography
Ashly Burch didn't follow a traditional path to stardom; she and her brother built a cult-favorite web series from their living room, showcasing her sharp comedic timing. That DIY ethos carried into a voice acting career that quickly made her one of the most sought-after performers in gaming. She doesn't just voice characters; she builds them from the inside out, whether it's the witty rebellion of Chloe Price in 'Life Is Strange,' the unhinged glee of Tiny Tina in 'Borderlands,' or the determined curiosity of Aloy in the 'Horizon' series. Her performance as Aloy, in particular, is a landmark—a nuanced portrayal of strength and vulnerability that helped define a blockbuster franchise. Beyond the microphone, Burch is a respected writer who has worked on the narratives of the games she acts in and became a vocal figure in the 2016-17 SAG-AFTRA strike, fighting for better conditions for performance artists.
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.
Ashly was born in 1990, 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 Ashly Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Ashly's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Voiced Aloy, the lead character in the critically acclaimed video game series 'Horizon' (Zero Dawn and Forbidden West).
- Won a BAFTA Games Award for Best Performer in 2016 for her role as Chloe Price in 'Life Is Strange.'
- Co-created, wrote, and starred in the long-running comedy web series 'Hey Ash, Whatcha Playin'?' with her brother Anthony.
- Served as a staff writer on the first season of the Apple TV+ series 'Mythic Quest.'
Did You Know?
She initially provided the voice of Tiny Tina in 'Borderlands 2' as a temporary replacement and was so popular she became the permanent voice.
Burch has a background in improv comedy and studied at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre.
She wrote the episode 'A Dark Quiet Death' for 'Mythic Quest,' which was released as a standalone short film.
She is an advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken openly about her experiences with anxiety.
“I think the most interesting characters are the ones that are flawed and messy and complicated.”
