Nickelodeon Snagged Some Top-Tier Talent for ‘The Legend of Korra’ Voice Actors

The Legend of Korra — now available for streaming on Netflix — introduces Avatar Korra. While Avatar Aang was an Air Nomad — frequently choosing pacifism over combat and meditative ponderance over swift action, Korra is decisive and headstrong. Korra is willing to head into battle for a just cause, and she possesses a bit of a rebellious streak, making for a different type of show when compared to its predecessor. The Legend of Korra pays homage to The Last Airbender without mimicking its vibe. 

If several of the voice actors in The Legend of Korra sound familiar, it’s because Nickelodeon managed to snag some pretty big names to voice characters in the show. While the actor behind Korra — Janet Varney — starred in You’re the Worst and Stan Against Evil, some of her animated co-stars boast a little more name recognition. 

1. J.K. Simmons voices Tenzin in ‘The Legend of Korra’

Avatar Aang’s son, Tenzin is one of the last Airbenders in existence, and he makes it his mission to carry on his father’s legacy. He serves as a mentor to Korra, as well as her advocate; he guides her toward her destiny, albeit sometimes without success. 

Simmons voices the main character. Simmons is an Oscar-winning actor known for starring in Whiplash, Juno, the Tobey Maguire-led Spider-Man franchise, Robot Chicken, The Closer, The Words, and he recently played a criminal behind bars in Defending Jacob. 

2. John Michael Higgins is behind Varrick 

As for the big industrialist, technological wiz behind “movers,” John Michael Higgins stepped in to take on the funny man. Considering Higgins is a comedian known for his humorous cinematic turns, his role as Varrick in The Legend of Korra was a perfect fit. 

Higgins has since starred in the Pitch Perfect franchise, yet he is also known for his roles in Psych, The Suite Life on Deck, Bad Teacher, We Bought a Zoo, Big Miracle, and more. The actor remains a prominent face in Hollywood, as he is set to appear in the Saved by the Bell reboot currently in post-production. 

3. Mindy Sterling voices Police Chief Lin Beifong 

Though Mindy Sterling has appeared in many a comedic role, she plays the serious and somber Police Chief Lin Beifong in The Legend of Korra. Her character approaches every challenge with confidence and sternness; no threat should be underestimated and no challenge should be neglected. 

Sterling is known for her roles in iCarly, A.N.T. Farm, and Chowder. She also had a recurring role in the Austin Powers franchise as Frau Farbissina. 

4. Daniel Dae Kim is Hiroshi Sato 

Daniel Dae Kim voices the founder of Future Industries in The Legend of Korra. While he initially seems like a Bender advocate, his true colors reveal themselves as the show progresses. He is well known for designing the satomobile (a car). 

Daniel Day Kim has also starred in Hawaii Five-O, Lost, The Good Doctor, Hellboy, New Amsterdam, and more. When it came to surrounding the protagonist in The Legend of Korra with other accomplished actors, Nickelodeon picked a few stellar performers to take on the job.