He’s the Actor Behind Zuko, Rufio and So Many More
Dante Basco has been entertaining us since we were kids. Honestly, it feels like his face and voice were everywhere growing up. Basco first caught our attention playing Rufio, the triple-mohawked leader of the Lost Boys in the 1991 film “Hook.” He also made his mark as the nerd who famously yelled out “Yo, Stacey, talk to me, talk to me, talk to me, baby” in 1995’s animated “The Goofy Movie.” In more recent years, he has voiced epic animated characters like Zuko from “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” Jai Kell from “Star Wars Rebels” and Jake Long from “American Dragon: Jake Long.” As adults, it’s a real treat to catch up with Basco in Los Angeles. The busy actor tells us he got started in show business and reminisces about working with director Steven Spielberg and the late Robin Williams on “Hook” and “Star Wars” legend Mark Hamill on “Avatar: The Last Airbender.”
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He sounds like he needs to capture the avatar to restore his honor.
I MUST REGAIN MY HONOR
@@dev_sev_ace5329 I really must.
Hello, Zuko here!
He captured the show to restore his honor
@@fishy9465 holy shit
To the thousands of actors who auditioned and didn't get the part, I bet Dante told them "That's rough buddy!"
Zahir Sookoor ooof 😂😂
LMAO
Get tf out!
nah he’s not an asshole
Haha
zukos voice is his natural voice, every time i hear him speak he remember me zuko lol
He must have been a young adult when he voiced Zuko but his voice sounds so young ish. It's still a great voice ^^ He really voiced Zuko well. I just wish more anime had better English dubs as many of the voicing and emotions just aren't there unlike the Japanese versions.
@@sunnyv7745 agree
@@sunnyv7745 well here it also helps that English is the official language
His voice is so recognizable, when I was watching Carmen Sandiego I actually noticed that Spinkick sounded familiar and immediately realized that it’s him too
@@izthistle6196 He’s in Carmen Sandiego? I haven’t watched it yet but keep seeing it when I scroll through Netflix
Why is nobody talking about the Zuko plushies on the side of the couch lol
I need them
I WANT THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yep, that's cute though
@@heybella2867 same there so cool
I’m pretty sure those are gifts from fans over the years
Bro this man is like 40 years old and I would still marry his voice
OMFG yesss😭😂
Same
who doesn’t 😂
Make a deal with him and steal his voice
Lol yessss
He should've started this video: "hello, Dante here"
Just rewatched the series, and that episode keeps popping up in my mind 😂 can't get over how square he sounded. Very endearing
"That's rough, buddy"
HAHA that would be perfect
LMAOOO fr
OMG YAAAAS HELLO ZUKO HERE BUT DANTE
His voice is like the human embodiment of the crackle of the crust on a fresh loaf of bread
Ooo yesss
W t f
@@xum0007 😂😂
this comment is so weird i love it
I’m hard
Zuko used to be a break dancer until his father banished him for dancing in a meeting
Eren yeager
Then he did the dragon dance lol
Well, the dragons did teach him some dance moves.
That's rough buddy
Best comment ever
I can't believe Dante walks the streets sounding like Zuko. That should be illegal.
I would actually love to see that
I’d so fan girl if I saw him in real life
rzum81 same lol
XD
Noor lmao
It feels like Zuko is voicing him lol
You would be right.
that’s rough buddy
The dudes pushing his mid 40's and look better than me in my mid 20s...
@@hermioneabcedegerida292 sure is.
I feel like ive heard that before
Funny parallel: Dante's Filipino, and the name Zuko sounds similar to the Bisayan word 'suko' which means 'angry' ** I am Bisaya, can confirm**
this is literally awesome, i love how they picked up southeast asian culture esp from the maritime islands his voice actor is from
Coincidence? I THINK NOT
@@zandermakesvideos9147 beat me to it
LOL
Then in Tagalog it means "give up"
All the other kids who tried auditioning for the part as zuko and didn’t get it Zuko: That’s rough buddy
It’s crazy this guy still sounds like a teenager even though he’s like 44
Wait he's over 40?! I thought he was 20ish
@LORDBADASS Basically, Dante Bosco is the American counterpart to Tohru Fuuya, the seiyuu of Pegasus Seiya of Saint Seiya & Amuro Ray of Mobile Suit Gundam Universal Century timeline. Tohru Fuuya still able voice Shonen characters in his 60s.
Ikr. Alot of East/Southeast Asians have a trait to look waay younger than their age. Awesome really
@@warjdani My guy, it says in the video he played Rufio when he was 15 in 1991 lol
HE'S FORTY🤯🤯🤯🤯
This feels like Zuko talking the entire time-
Ikr
Close your eyes and listen
WHAT
@The deepest puddle thank you
It feels so freaking weird looking at Dante.
Did he also voice General Iroh from the legend of Korra? Because I’m quite convinced that general Iroh (Zuko’s grandson) sounds exactly like the teenage Zuko.
YEAH IKR,,, he did
Yup.
Yea he did
He voiced 2 hot characters in Avatar universe
yes he did
I'm wondering why the Filipino media is not claiming this amazing man when he has more Filipino blood than those with only 10% auditioning for singing contests in America
We did. We support him. It's just that he isn't really that active nowadays
He's one of the VA now in a Netflix animated series adapted from a Filipino comics, Trese.
@@cadtexequiel732 I got here too because of that hehe
this is the first day I knew that he is Filipino, LOL
I'm gald they don't. Being Filipino didn't help him achieve anything he has. The claiming of celebrities with Filipino blood as Filipino is just toxic. It's invalidating their hard work. It's like saying they're talented because they're Filipino. Like no?!? They're talented because they worked hard.
his voice is so so hot i don’t think he understands the power he has.
His voice is not hot u just think it is cuz u have a crush on zuko and when u hear his voice u imagine him talking not Dante lol
@@aalejajaja fuck. Don't have to attack us like that😔
I would be shocked if he doesn't have any kids😂
he could shoot me with lightning and I would literally thank him
And then there's me over here liking sokka-
Bread crumbs and platypus spit
But like not even in a bad way too, you know🤔
Looks like it too.
Ikrrr
Usually thats an insult lol
True yes lol
He's 2 years older than me and he still sounds like a teenager.
Yes I was thinking the same thing. Guess his voice didn't deepen so much as he got older.
45 and still looks 25 too, there's something magical about Filipino blood I swear.
Zuko: so today I play this character called "Dante Basco..."
i will literally NEVER get over how perfect his voice is for zuko. i don’t even know if i can find the right words for it, but with other characters it’s just like “oh yeah, that’s what they sound like, okay.” but with zuko, he really makes that character come to LIFE, it literally looks like his voice comes out of that character. and i think the fact that he looks so different from zuko in real life just brings the point home that much more
they found the PERFECT voice for Zuko. they couldn't pick anyone else who could do it as well as him
Totally agree
Also Azula’s voice tho🥵🔥 it’s so perfect
I really feel this and I know it’s gonna feel off when the actor for Zuko in the live action remake doesn’t have Dante’s voice
@@daniellelbdv I mean it was bad trying to watch Dev Patel be Zuko
That’s so crazy how Zuko voices Dante
I want to whooosh somebody
No, Dante does the voice acting for Zuko. There's a lot of characters he voices, you only know him from zuko tho.
John Doe r/wooosh
April the month sorry April
John Doe r/wooosh
I've had a crush on almost character he's voiced, clearly I just love his voice😍
Same
Me too
Me too lol
Samee
Same his voice sounds so cool😍
This dude like in his 40's and has the voice of a 13 year old how adorable 🥺♥️
i can do that too as well lol
@@kanserholicgaming4068 wait rlly xD?
A middle-aged man with a voice of an angsty teen. Great guy.
He certainly doesn't LOOK middle aged.
He looks like he’s in his 30s
@@nikkinorman4254 He's in his 40s.
Dante: * talks * My ear: honor honor honor honor...
SAME
You should watch The Battle of Dante Bosco (Swear Warning) He literally says honor 109372883 times in the video
LMAOSOSODK
😂😂
Ha
His voice is so lovable. It's just so good. And you could hear the pain and emotion whenever Zuko talked.
I LITERALLY CANNOT GET "YO STACY, TALK TO ME TALK TO ME BABY" OUT OF MY HEAD AND NOW I'M LEARNING THAT ITS ZUKO'S VOICe I'M SHATTERED
i owe this man for giving life to zuko through his voice
...
Zuko I’m so sorry Zuko
Zuko you shouldn’t have heard that
Make that We. WE owe this man
@@albertalways4059 I know... *YOU WATER TRIBE PEASANT*
Starbucks worker: are you prince Zuko? Dante: *no, I'm Jake long*
haha
I hate this comment bc weekkkkklkwlekl
lol so funny eh
😂😂😂Love this!
*Firelord Zuko
His voice sounds like someone who would chase even Roronoa Zoro just to regain his Honor
"You stole my honor, prepare to die"
"Thats rough buddy" -Zuko
This guy's voice is really hot ngl And this is coming from a straight man
yep yep
I agree and this is coming from a lesbian
Are you sure your straight
You’re definitely gay
X - doubt
He still sounds the same as he did as a teenager!
@@shrekwithawillsmithface465 Damn😭😭
OMG HI KEVIN
It's so cool to see you here! Btw I really liked you Blackpink Lisa transformation from your last video ^^
xXSoldier08YangXx Doing awesome!! 💜💜
Shrek with a will smith face I know you’re not calling someone disgusting 😂😂😂😂 Honey take several seats.
Plot twist: Zuko auditioned to play Dante Basco... Legends say he got the role.
I love that he is so proud of his roles. You’d think he’d get tired of it but no.This kind man is A KING!!!!
Am I the only one who finds his voice attractive. I mean he's cute too but his voice
Ur fruity
you're definitely not the only one
Ur kinda sus
He’s super cute
Clearly you are not the only one.
Guys, he has so many Zuko dolls on the couch with him, and that alone gives me life
I was squealing at that.
What got me was one of them was crocheted and handmade, which means it was something he either bought from a fan creator or that a fan creator gave him.
lol, same
Voice actors are so underappreciated and underrated
Another Fun Fact: Dante Basco actually appeared in a movie along with the voice actor for Uncle Iroh, Mako. That movie is one of the best martial arts films ever, The Perfect Weapon.
lets be real we all had a crush on this guys voice, he literally made every character a baddie in our minds
I'm the first reply
he really did 😭
Yeah his voice is shmexy but it's mostly Zuko for me😂
he’s the reason i’m in love with jake and zuko ughhhhh he made them sound soooo bad and cool😳😳
Tbh!
That man is basically our childhood right there.
Oh hi justin
hol up is this the real justin y?
@@jooncy636 yep
The real Justin Y
He is real I’m subbed and it’s him
Homeboi is like 44 and I'm still crushing on him that's crazy
Life would be perfect if he named kis kids "Zuko" and "Azula"
YES
It would be kinda strange to be named Zuko or Azula
*his kids 😂
Lmaooo
I'd feel sorry for those kids lol, not a good idea
Long is chinese for dragon Jake is an American name he's literally the American dragon
Yeah that’s the point
The name of the show implies that
Not true. The name Jake is derived from Hebrew. It’s not an American name. It was seen during Medieval times as an alternate of Jack.
@@Jupiter2261996Bro what. I'm Jake from Jakob. Jack is a diminutive of John
Jake Andersen Yes. In today’s day it is a diminutive of Jacob. HOWEVER, historically speaking, it first existed during Middle English as a variant of Jack. Look it up, it will literally take you 2 seconds.
You should do this voice of Azula she has voiced like a billion characters her voice is iconic
What’s her name?
animetwilight75 her name is Grey DeLisle
Look up her video doing all her voices
She will always be my Daphne from scooby-doo
Her name is Grey DeLisle, she also voiced Padme Amidala in the 2003-2005 mini-serires "Star Wars: Clone Wars." Yet one more connection to the Star Wars universe for Zuko.
I really wanted to see him say "That's rough buddy"
His voice makes me feel safe😭, gives me memories of being kid watching tv. I can always recognize it soon as I hear it💖
What do Zuko and Jake Long have in common? Let's see: - Asian - wears red - fire powers - mentor/master is a relative - younger sister who's always perfect - voiced by Dante (also Rose and Katara share the same voice actor)
Coincidence? I think NOT
FuriousPhoenix you saw the opportunity and you took it. 👍🏼
Zuko isn’t Asian, because Asia doesn’t exist in the Avatar universe.
@@derpythetroll16video8 but still, fire nation is based on japanese/chinese culture
@@derpythetroll16video8 true
His age is same as my father but his voice is the same age as my classmate.
Same😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
My dad's 26 years old
@@Satan.Himself how old was he when he had you?
@@kerstinnorberg8323 15 or something like that
@@Satan.Himself wtf
I’ve seen/heard him in so many TV shows and one movie. He’s so talented. I can’t imagine anyone else voicing Zuko. He was born for that role.
I was watching Carmen Sandiego recently and as soon as Spinkick started talking, I knew it was Dante Bosco 😂 His voice is just iconic.
Fun fact: He's also a fan of Homestuck which coincidentally, features a character who's based on Rufioh.
looking for this comment (:
if this video was made in 2014, comments like this would've filled the whole section AHAHA so glad u mentioned this though, brought a smile to my face
And recently he voiced rufioh in let's read homestuck. Didn't mention that role haha. Joking aside I'm european so the first time I've heard of him was because of homestuck. It's so cool that he engaged and now I can chant "one of us" when I see him in things. Recently decided to rewatch atla with the original audio and I got used to him as Zuko (our zuko was much different) I feel I'm getting to know him backwards.
Yess fellow homestucks!
its still pretty wild how they got him to do rufiohs lines in the lets play!
Just hearing zuko say "I was a break dancer" makes my day 😂 Edit. OMG 1.4K LIKES HOLY HECK BEANS. I never check my notifs lollllllll
Thts rough buddy☹️
Zuko did show some skill in The Warriors of Kyoshi episode.
*we literally saw him dance with the dragons*
I was at MomoCon one year and for a music video we got to see him break dance, it was so epic♡
just look at how he knocks down azula in the last agni kai, he legit breakdances her ass off her feet
Thank you for all the voice actors who made my childhood awesome.
Voice forever young 🤗🤗
FILIPINO-AMERICAN LEGEND IM PROUD OF HIM
Master race
@@jqa16 calm down supremacist.
Lmao
the swagapinos
Stfu
“and he’s just like hello” me: zuko here
lmaoooooooooooooooo
That’s rough buddy
SAME!
I have always loved his voice. It's so unique.
His voice is like honey and gravel 🍯🪨. I love it so much! Such an attractive voice 💗
Does Dante know his voice is a staple in the 21st century
he seriously brought so many characters to life
Dante Basco is a legend. His voice is a gift to the screen. I hope he starts doing films again. And more voice acting Definitely. Maybe even an episode of Walking Dead. He just so versatile
Thank you, Dante! I love your voice as Zuko. It suits him well. It's cool to know you voiced Jake Long too.
“I got turned down at the audition for Zuko” “That’s rough buddy”
fun fact: some of Zuko's firebending moves are based on breakdancing, probably because that's how Dante Basco got his start! sidenote: Zuko might just be my favorite character of all time, Iroh as a very, very close second.
Aang did one of his street dance moves during the episode where he held the secret dance party!
interesting thought but no. He actually learned from Aang on their journey together
I love Hook, I watched over and over with my siblings. I can still recall his scenes. I was thrilled to know he was Zuko. When I hear him now I still envision Zuko. He did an amazing job with that character.
Superb and just the perfect voice actor for Prince Zuko, an adolescent finding his way, anguished and confused as he is estranged from his family, while having moments of great ferocity. Zuko embodied Dante completely.
“Most redeeming arcs in Animation history” eh hem television history
Indeed. Not just animation. ALTA has one of the best-written stories that stand alongside shows like Breaking Bad and The Wire.
It was held back by being a nickalodeon kids targeting tv shows. In my opinion if it went my way zuko should have died when he saved katarra from Azula’s lighting bolt in their Agni Kai duel. This would have been the perfect way to complete his arch
@@MoistGranny55 having a character for after completing their story arc is a shit way to "complete" a story. It's a waste We never see what they will become after their final transformation, and it destroys any possibility of it.
Bravo Rock it’s pretty clear to see what zuko had became even if he died. He died protecting the very people he sought to capture for his personal gain.
Television.
Lol I wasn't aware of the fact that m Mark Hamill voiced Zukos father till now
And Fire Lord Sozin (the one who started the 100 year war) was voiced by Ron Perlman.
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!
BRUH
He also voiced the villain in laputa ghibli... hamill gets around lol
I only realised on the 2 last episodes when he forced Aang into that earth ball and did a Joker like laugh
It’s hard for me to realize that this was a real person
Love that fact that I’ve been apart of this journey with you to the greatness that you’ve become bless ⬆️ 💪
I absolutely love his voice for Zuko. It's one of the best most unique character I've ever heard. I've loved Avatar since it came out as a kid I would go around school telling everyone to watch it lol I had just looked it up on my TV like I would every blue moon but it never was on anything then it suddenly appeared on Netflix 4 days later! I'm glad it's got a resurge in popularity since appearing it's been trending since
Hopi g the comics can get animated (especially the first one which is in desperate need of a rewriting of character design (the aspect of character not the physical).
I agree with this so much im also happy he played as general Iroh for legend of korra
This man a voice legend
You're so fast lmao
Finger
And you’re a finger legend
he is epic
Plot twist: were the ones who are fast and we don’t know it.
Great work 🥳🥳🥳 Thank you 💜💜💜
I am just so attracted to his voice.
Him: “And I’m just fangirling inside.” Me: Now you feel what we do when you speak
yeah pretty much
W
Person: What is your age? Dante: *yes'nt*
Sometimes 18 sometimes 15
zuko is such a magical amazing person dante basco thank you ur amazing my bro for real
Aww this is awesome!!! He is the voice of my childhood!!! 😍
Dante’s comment about his Luke and Vader scene is so interesting, because Zuko and Azula are a bit like how Luke and Leia would have turned out if they had been raised by Vader.
Uhhh I doubt that but I see your point
not at all. Both would have been treated with love, royalty, and would have ruled the empire alongside them. You're completely forgetting how much vader was obsessed with finding luke and not killing him. Ozai played favoritism and was a sadist from start to finish. Vader was cruel and heartless but still had love within him, and didn't completely kill his anakin skywalker persona. Ozai and vader were nothing alike. Ozai wanted to rule the world and make every nation bow down to the fire nation. Vader wanted to rule the galaxy to maintain order and because he believed that he was doing good for the better of the galaxy
"I grew up as a star wars fan like everybody out there" Me: *nervous laughter* yea sure everybody......
ii fell yuo
so you have chosen death
I’m sorry I just really don’t like Star Wars.
@@taqtikal1941 me too:-(
He fricking said that when I was reading this-
This was really well made
Catch hold of his voice it's precious and not to be wasted
"I was the only kid that scared him." That is amazing.
you know what else that shocked me avatar and star wars are quite similar like they are the same and because i'm like 😱😱😱 holy shit i knew it they are the same
I remember Danto saying at a con panel: "One time a fan told me, that they wanted to have a baby with my voice", and the entire audience just lost it.
@@ethancattell7237 that made zero sense lol
1:29 can't unhear Zuko, it sounds like Zuko trying to speak like Jake Long.
YES
Always has been zuko 🔫😔
RIGHT
Dante Basco was such a big part of my childhood. It was so important for me as a young Filipino kid to see another Filipino in movies and on tv. Needless to say, me and my brother were OBSESSED with Hook.
I’m just with him a minute ago, havin breakfast here in Cebu, Philippines (10am PH Time). Such an inspiring guy and very very humble person
let’s not forget when he was the homosexual varsity wrestler in “but i’m a cheerleader”
Iconic
from where? please tell me
Actually let's do forget
alphahunterd lol this lesbian movie called “but i’m a cheerleader. it’s amazing and i literally choked when i saw dante basco in it
The Phenom I- why
I had lunch with Donte but he never flexed he was the voice of Zuko. He only told me he was Rufio
Humble AF
How did you have lunch with Dante?! Jealous! 😄
@@Jasmine-gk4re leaving a comment
me too!
I mean. You being known for talking shit against Robin William and get away with it. That's pretty good achievement in itself. (Like, even having a photo with Robin William is basically a pretty good achievement by most people)
u made my childhood great bro.. u look young like a teanager after all this years
Breakdancer, poet, actor, voice actor, this guy has it all
His story about being at Starbucks is great "I ordered a caramel lattee (or whatever) and the barista goes.... Are... A.. Are you prince zuko??????? And I kinda put my hands up like 🤷♂️ yes... Yes I am all proud and stuff."
"Can I get a grande white chocolate mocha?" ".....Are you Prince Zuko???" "....yyyyes, I am." 👌
Dante “Basco”. Basco is also the earth king’s pet bear’s name
Bosco actually but it's close
fluffy._. It’s pronounced the same
EASTER EGGS EVERY WHERE
Pretty sure Bosco got eaten😳
@@vay5540 wUT-
So sad to see this channel shutting down 😞. Gonna miss these kind of videos
One of my favorites!!! 🤩 Great guy!
His voice brings back so many childhood memories from all his movies he has a very iconic voice, I think he also has a very distinctive voice
I'm more shocked that tee "Mark Hamil" is FireLord Ozai!
As a young kid I loved the movie Hooked. My family owned the movie, which left me to Watch the movie every few days. It was my favorite back then. So when I discovered Avatar, And I heard Basco's voice I knew exactly who he was. He was my childhood. Thanks Dante Basco!
I met him recently at Comic Con in London, such a chill dude and gave great voice acting advice!
We were going through my mom’s keepsakes recently and she had a pamphlet from the premier of Hook and it was signed by Dante and she told me that she got to go to the premiere of Hook because she got to be an extra in the beginning of the movie (I already knew this but didn’t know she had met Dante) and she said she got to dance with him at the premiere and that he’s a really cool person and he signed her pamphlet for her
Omg that’s soooo cool
Please tell me you got it framed and have photographs of it.
Audrey M 😂I wish, I don’t think my mom has any photographs but I’ll tell her she should frame the autograph