Veteran voice actress Kikuko Inoue has officially joined the cast of the Spy×Family anime, taking on the role of Melinda Desmond. The character, who is the wife of Donovan Desmond and mother of Damian Desmond, is set to make her debut in the anime’s 42nd episode, scheduled to air on November 1.
Voice Acting Veteran Brings Melinda Desmond to Life
The announcement, which was revealed on Saturday, October 25, confirms Inoue’s involvement in the highly popular anime adaptation of Tatsuya Endō’s manga. Her portrayal of Melinda Desmond is eagerly anticipated by fans, especially given the character’s significant role within the narrative as the matriarch of the enigmatic Desmond family.
Understanding Melinda Desmond’s Character
Melinda Desmond is a pivotal figure in the Spy×Family universe, primarily known as the wife of the elusive target, Donovan Desmond, and the mother of Anya Forger’s classmate, Damian Desmond. Her character has been noted for possessing a “split personality persona,” exhibiting both a friendly, composed demeanor and moments revealing underlying complexity and regret concerning her son, Damian. Yor Forger, Anya’s adoptive mother, notably forms an unexpected friendship with Melinda, a development that proves indirectly beneficial to Loid Forger’s ongoing “Operation Strix.”
Kikuko Inoue’s Illustrious Career
Kikuko Inoue is a highly respected and prolific voice actress in the anime industry, celebrated for her ability to portray a wide range of characters. Her roles often include dignified, reserved, kind, regal, or motherly figures. Some of her most iconic performances include Belldandy in Ah! My Goddess, Kasumi Tendo in Ranma ½, Sanae Furukawa in Clannad, and Mizuho Kazami in Please Teacher! She has also taken on more antagonistic or sultry roles, such as Lust in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Her extensive experience and versatile vocal range make her a fitting choice to embody the nuanced personality of Melinda Desmond.
The Desmond Family’s Central Role in Spy×Family
The Spy×Family anime follows the adventures of Twilight, a master spy who creates a fake family—Loid, Yor, and Anya Forger—as part of “Operation Strix” to prevent a war. His primary mission involves getting close to Donovan Desmond, the leader of the National Unity Party of Ostania. The plan involves Anya enrolling in Eden Academy and befriending Damian, Donovan’s second son. The introduction of Melinda Desmond adds another crucial layer to the intricate web of relationships and political intrigue that defines the series, further entangling the Forger family’s fabricated lives with their targets.
