Benni Latham grew up in Compton, California, later attending high school in Buena Park. Surrounded by family storytellers – especially her grandmother – she found solace and inspiration in animated shows and comic books from a young age. A pivotal moment occurred when she realized
that Cree Summer, the voice of Penny on Inspector Gadget, was an adult—and that realization sparked her belief that someone like her could voice cartoons one day.
Rather than diving into acting immediately, Latham worked as a TSA agent at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) from 2006 to 2016. However, a tragic incident in 2013 served as a wake-up call that pushed her to pursue her passion full-time.
Training and First Breakthroughs
After leaving TSA, Latham took acting and voice-acting classes—particularly in Burbank with coach Melique Berger—who helped hone her craft. Her first major booking came through self-submitting to an open call for a Samsung commercial; despite not having an agent, she booked the role – and amusingly portrayed a TSA agent, bringing her career full circle.
Transformers: EarthSpark – Bringing Ranger Dot Malto to Life
Benni voices Dorothy “Dot” Malto—a human park ranger, veteran, and mother—in Transformers: EarthSpark. A longtime fan of Transformers, Latham revealed she cried when Optimus Prime died in the original film – highlighting her emotional connection to the franchise.
As Dot, she draws on her family’s military background to shape the character’s bond with Megatron, framing it as a “siblings-at-arms” camaraderie rooted in shared history and loyalty. Interviewers note Latham still feels some nerves despite the franchise’s prestige—but she centers herself by remembering her childhood joy in mimicking cartoon voices, reminding herself that it’s all “for the little kid inside me.”
Lackadaisy: Breathing Life into Serafine Savoy
Latham voices Serafine Savoy in Lackadaisy: The Animated Short, an adaptation of the beloved webcomic.
In the 1920s–era, bootlegging world of anthropomorphic cats, Serafine is portrayed as a Louisiana Creole voodoo priestess and hired gun.
- It brings fresh storytelling and cultural perspectives.
- It opens opportunities for actors of all backgrounds.
- It gives children reflective imagery that boosts self-esteem and empathy.
Looking ahead, Latham aspires to play iconic roles—such as Amanda Waller, a Disney villain, or even Jazz (styled with a New Orleans twist)—emphasizing her desire for dramatic, memorable characters.
