Diana Zermeño is the voice of Dora in the new TV animated series Dora, which premiered on Paramount+ in April and Nickelodeon in September, with the original Dora from the Dora the Explorer series – Kathleen Herles – voicing Dora’s mother. As well as the already-released Series 1 and 2, Diana voiced the character in a short film, Dora and the Fantastical Creatures, in 2023, and the show has two albums released on Spotify. This year saw Diana be a guest at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, where she announced on screen as Dora that the Favourite Family TV Show Award was awarded to Young Sheldon. Alongside voiceover, Diana has on-screen experience, having played Grace in short film Drawn. We recently found out from Diana about voicing Dora in the animated TV series Dora, working with the original Dora the Explorer voice actor Kathleen Herles as her mother and being a guest at the 2024 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.

What does a typical day in the recording studio look like for you voicing the starring role of Dora in the new TV animated series Dora?

I usually drink some water and slightly warm up my voice. Afterwards, I log onto Zoom and my director tells me a bit about what we will do that day. Whether it’s an original episode, pick ups, music, or any of the podcasts. I am usually in the studio for about three hours and I get two 5-10 minute breaks.

What is Dora like to voice and how did you prepare for the role?

Dora is an extremely fun character to voice since she is adventurous and kind. There’s never a time I am in the recording studio that I am not having fun.

Preparing for the role, when I initially heard I had booked it, was stressful since I had never done anything like this. But after some practice and telling myself that I would do great, it was almost easy to voice her, and now, it’s a character that I can easily step into at any given time.

How was it seeing the completed animations for the first time and how did you feel when the series premiered on Paramount+ in April, and Nickelodeon in September?

When I first saw the completed animations, I was in awe of how great the animation is and of how on-point all of the facial expressions are as well. I absolutely love hearing my voice on this iconic character, and I am so grateful to be a part of this. When the seasons came out, I was thrilled to finally be able to watch the episodes I had worked on with my whole family. It was such a great experience and I am so happy that kids worldwide can now watch it.

Dora’s mother is voiced by Kathleen Herles – the original voice of Dora in Dora the Explorer, how was it meeting her and having her involved with the new series?

I absolutely love Kathleen Herles. She is such a kind person and meeting her was so fun. We went out to lunch, and we recorded a video about how we both had voiced Dora, which was posted on both mine and Kathleen’s Instagrams and on both our TikToks as well. Finding out that she was going to be involved in the show was so exciting. Working on this show with the person who originally brought Dora to life is truly the greatest honour. She was the perfect Dora, and now she is the perfect Mami.

What has it been like seeing the fan response to Series 1 and 2 of Dora?

Seeing the fan response of both seasons of Dora has been phenomenal. I have seen countless videos of kids who love the new show and its songs. And, in case you didn’t know, there are two whole albums on Spotify featuring songs from the new show. I am so extremely happy that people love Dora as she is such a wonderful character and a kind friend.

Have you had any favourite highlights from recording the show so far that you can share?

I honestly love every single part of recording for Dora, but one of my favourite parts of it is when I get to go record at Nickelodeon Studios in LA since it is such a fun and interesting place. Every part of the building has either paintings of green slime, or statues of iconic Nickelodeon characters. I absolutely love that place.

You were first heard voicing Dora in the 2023 short film Dora and the Fantastical Creatures, how was this?

Recording for Dora and the Fantastical Creatures was so exciting since I knew it was the first time that anyone would hear me voice Dora. The short film turned out amazing and I had such a great time watching it. Prior to that, I had already been working on the show for about a year.

Do you remember how you felt finding out you’d booked Dora and that you’d be joining the reboot of Dora the Explorer?

I remember when I first found out I had booked the role, I was in pure shock. I honestly couldn’t believe it, but once I finally realised that it was true, I couldn’t stop jumping with excitement. I remember I was outside when I got the call and I actually ran inside and jumped up and down on my couch. It was such a wonderful moment, and I am so happy that the show has been a success.

How did you find the experience being a guest at the 2024 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards?

The 2024 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards were so much fun. From the moment I arrived, I was beaming with joy. I got to walk the orange carpet along with a couple of interviews. Every single moment of that day was so exciting. I also got to announce the Favourite Family TV Show Award, which went to Young Sheldon, as Dora. Hearing my voice coming from that big screen at the awards was so much fun. I also got to attend the after-party, which was really fun.

As an on-screen actor, you played Grace in the short film Drawn, can you tell us about this?

As much as I adore voicing Dora, I also like being on screen. In December of 2022, I was a part of Drawn, a short film that played in multiple festivals. I played Grace, a little girl with a strange power that whatever she draws becomes reality. She is so innocent, yet so powerful. And sometimes, even without meaning to, she can cause so much harm. It was so fun playing this character, and hopefully, I can be on set again soon.

Where does your love of acting and voiceover come from and how did you get started?

I have honestly always had a passion for acting. Whether it’s on screen or voice. The thought of being able to play someone else and step into their world has intrigued me since I was very young. I started acting when I was five years old and booked my first commercial that same year. Another reason why I love acting is that both of my parents are in the industry. My dad is a voice actor, and my mom is a casting director. Because of this, I was introduced to acting at a very young age.

What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch?

Some of my favourite films are Just Go With It, White Bird, The Phantom of the Opera, and Wicked. I also love TV shows, and some of my favourites are Friends, Modern Family, Gilmore Girls, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I like spending my free time hanging out with friends or playing Just Dance with my sister. I also enjoy laying on my bed and rewatching some of my comfort shows like Friends or Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

What are you hoping 2025 brings for you, and do you have any projects coming up that you can say about?

I am really excited about the new year, and I hope that it keeps bringing me more work since I really enjoy what I do!

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