Christopher Sabat looks back on 40 years of Dragon Ball – how did he land his first role?
Polygon
by Isaac RouseFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Christopher Sabat, the iconic voice of Vegeta from *Dragon Ball Z*, reflects on his 40-year journey with the franchise and how he landed his first role. Sabat’s involvement began through an unexpected audition at a bank building in Fort Worth, where he was hired to help dub the series into English. Initially working on *Dragon Ball* before shifting focus to *Dragon Ball Z*, Sabat recalls how he wasn’t even a fan of the series when he started and didn’t watch much TV at the time. His early roles included voicing Yamcha in a direct-to-VHS movie, which tested whether dubbing could be done in America rather than Canada.
Sabat’s career evolved from merely recording backups to becoming a key voice director, helping shape the English adaptation of Akira Toriyama’s work for Western audiences. This unique dub approach diverged from the Japanese original, contributing to its cultural impact in the U.S. and sparking the anime boom. Sabat’s early days involved pressing buttons on a mixer and assisting with casting, which eventually led to his full-time role in shaping the franchise’s audio identity.
Sabat’s story highlights how opportunity and passion can transform a career path. His contributions to *Dragon Ball Z*’s English dub helped make it a global phenomenon, inspiring future generations of anime fans and voice actors. For gaming and entertainment enthusiasts, Sabat’s journey underscores the importance of adaptability and creativity in bringing beloved franchises to new audiences.
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Originally published on Polygon on 2/22/2026