From Ninja To Principal Perry: Maile Flanagan's 5 Most Surprising Career Moves (Latest Updates 2025)
Few actors possess the versatility to be the voice of one of the most iconic anime characters of all time while simultaneously playing one of the most memorably unhinged principals in Disney Channel history. As of , Maile Flanagan remains a powerhouse in both live-action comedy and animation, a dual-threat career that continues to surprise fans. Her unforgettable tenure as Principal Terry Perry on *Lab Rats* is just one chapter in a fascinating journey that spans from award-winning voice work to her current recurring role on a major network sitcom.
The enduring popularity of her character, Principal Perry, a role she reprised across the *Lab Rats* universe, is a testament to Flanagan’s comedic genius and her ability to steal every scene she's in. This deep dive explores her complete profile, the secrets behind the *Lab Rats* character, and her latest projects that prove she's nowhere near done.
Maile Flanagan: Complete Biography and Career Profile
Maile Flanagan’s career is a masterclass in comedic timing and vocal range, making her one of the most recognizable, yet often unseen, talents in the industry.
- Full Name: Maile Flanagan
- Date of Birth: May 19, 1965
- Place of Birth: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
- Spouse: Lesa Hammett (m. 2008)
- Career Start: Late 1990s, beginning with improv and stand-up comedy in Minneapolis.
- Breakthrough Voice Role: Naruto Uzumaki in the English dub of the *Naruto* franchise (starting in the early 2000s).
- Iconic Live-Action Role: Principal Terry Perry in Disney XD’s *Lab Rats* (2012–2016) and its spin-offs.
- Major Award: Daytime Emmy Award winner (2006) for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program for her role as Piggley Winks in *Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks*.
- Current Projects (2025/2026): Recurring role as Tina on the ABC sitcom *Not Dead Yet*; Voice role as Matt on the Adult Swim animated series *Royal Crackers*; Continued voice work on the *Boruto* franchise.
The Unhinged Genius of Principal Perry in Lab Rats
For a generation of Disney XD viewers, Maile Flanagan is synonymous with Principal Terry Perry, the hilariously paranoid, occasionally terrifying, and endlessly entertaining principal of Mission Creek High School. The character’s over-the-top personality and absurd backstories made her a fan favorite and a perfect foil for the Bionic students.
Perry’s role in *Lab Rats* was crucial. She was the one constant, chaotic human element in a show about super-powered teenagers. Her character was designed to be abrasive and suspicious, often stumbling into the bionic teens' secret world without ever quite figuring out the truth. Flanagan’s commitment to the character’s outlandish quirks—from her unusual hobbies to her questionable fashion sense—cemented her as a comedic icon on the network.
The Secrets Behind Principal Perry's Popularity
Flanagan has often discussed the joy of playing such an uninhibited character in interviews and convention appearances. The role allowed her to tap into her stand-up and sketch comedy background, pushing the boundaries of physical and verbal comedy.
The character of Principal Perry was so popular that Flanagan was brought back for the spin-off series, *Lab Rats: Elite Force*, further integrating her unique brand of comedy into the Disney XD universe. This longevity is rare for a supporting character in a teen-focused show, proving the character’s massive appeal. Perry wasn't just a principal; she was a force of nature, often mistaken for a man due to her gruff demeanor and distinctive ginger hair, a running gag that Flanagan played to perfection.
The Dual Life: Naruto, Emmy Wins, and Live-Action Resurgence
What many fans of *Lab Rats* don't immediately realize is that the same actress who played the bombastic Principal Perry is also the voice of one of the most beloved anime protagonists in history: Naruto Uzumaki. This dual career path is one of the most fascinating aspects of Maile Flanagan’s professional life, showcasing her incredible range.
The Voice of a Generation: Naruto Uzumaki
Flanagan’s voice work as Naruto Uzumaki, beginning in the early 2000s, is her most globally recognized role. She has voiced the character through *Naruto*, *Naruto: Shippuden*, and the ongoing sequel series *Boruto: Naruto Next Generations*. Her ability to capture the youthful energy, determination, and signature catchphrases of the titular ninja has earned her a massive, dedicated fanbase in the anime community.
Interestingly, Flanagan has admitted she knew very little about anime when she first auditioned for the role, a detail that makes her success even more remarkable. She managed to inject her own comedic timing and emotional depth into the character, creating a performance that transcends cultural barriers.
Beyond the Bionics: Other Key Roles and the Emmy Win
The true measure of Flanagan’s talent lies in her diverse body of work across various mediums. Her career is decorated with significant roles that anchor her position as a true industry veteran.
Her work as Piggley Winks in *Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks* earned her a prestigious Daytime Emmy Award in 2006. This early recognition for her voice talent solidified her status as an elite voice actress long before *Lab Rats* premiered.
Flanagan is also a familiar face in adult television comedies and dramas, often appearing in memorable guest and recurring roles. These live-action credits include appearances on hit shows like *Grey's Anatomy*, *The Office*, *Mike and Molly*, *Desperate Housewives*, and a notable recurring role as Connie on the critically acclaimed series *Shameless*.
Maile Flanagan's Latest Projects: 2025 and Beyond
Far from resting on her laurels, Maile Flanagan continues to take on fresh, high-profile projects, proving her enduring relevance in Hollywood. Her work in late 2025 shows a continued balance between her live-action and voice acting careers.
Most notably, she has a recurring role as Tina on the popular ABC sitcom, *Not Dead Yet*. The show, which stars Gina Rodriguez, features Flanagan as a colleague of the main character, bringing her signature, quirky comedic energy to a primetime network audience. This role is a significant addition to her live-action resume, showcasing her ability to transition seamlessly from Disney XD to a more adult-oriented comedy format.
Simultaneously, she continues her prolific voice career. In addition to her ongoing work in the *Boruto* franchise, she is currently voicing the character Matt on the Adult Swim animated series *Royal Crackers*. This role in a new, edgy animated comedy demonstrates her willingness to take on diverse and contemporary voice roles, ensuring she remains a fixture in the modern animation landscape.
From the halls of Mission Creek High as the unforgettable Principal Perry to the Hidden Leaf Village as the determined Naruto Uzumaki, Maile Flanagan’s career is a vibrant tapestry of comedy, drama, and iconic voice acting. Her latest work on *Not Dead Yet* ensures that her unique talent will continue to entertain audiences for years to come, solidifying her legacy as one of the hardest-working and most versatile actors in the industry today.
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