Celeste Notley-Smith (born December 20, 1987) is an Australian creative force—renowned as a voice actress, singer, performer, director, and educator. Though details about her early years remain private, her multifaceted identity and dynamic career path showcase remarkable versatility.
Celeste’s defining role came in 2018 when she began voicing Tari, a shy but powerful Meta Runner, first introduced in the SMG4 web series and later as the main protagonist in the independent animated series Meta Runner. From 2018 through 2023 (some sources specify until early 2024), she brought Tari to life with emotional sincerity and nuance.
Behind the Scenes: Creation of Tari and Voice-Over Process
The character Tari originated from a sketch by the creators’ younger sister and was later redesigned into the cyborg gamer we know in Meta Runner. While there are no public interviews from Celeste about her voice-over process, her sustained portrayal over several seasons is a testament to her skill in embodying Tari’s growth—from timid to empowered.
The Controversy: Replacement Without Notification
In February 2024, Celeste was quietly replaced by Lottie Bourne as the voice of Tari—though her archived recordings were still used in the show. Shockingly, Celeste was not informed ahead of time and first learned of the change through colleague David J.G. Doyle’s inquiry. Jasmine Yang, then voice director for Glitch Productions, acknowledged the failure to notify Celeste, citing a communication lapse. This incited backlash from the community and led voice actor Robyn Barry-Cotter to resign in protest.
In the broader context, Glitch Productions, the studio behind SMG4 and Meta Runner, was already under scrutiny for alleged poor workplace practices, and this controversy amplified criticisms that management, including CEO Kevin Lerdwichagul, needed better communication and HR protocols.
Recent and Upcoming Projects
While there’s no official confirmation of Celeste’s new roles, her IMDb profile credits her with Meta Runner Season 1 (2020), SMG4 (2011), and PuzzleVision (2023). She maintains an active Instagram presence, describing herself as a “Voice Actor, Singer, Actor, Teacher. Voice of Tari from #metarunner #smg4”. On X (formerly Twitter), she adds “business owner, and mother of adorable twins” to her bio—hinting at possible entrepreneurial or creative ventures, though specifics are not publicly detailed.
Personal Life: Balancing Artistry and Family
Celeste leads a multifaceted life – an accomplished artist and educator, a business owner, and a mother of twin girls – all while managing the demands of voice acting and performance. Her unique ability to juggle these roles highlights her resilience and dedication, marking her as a truly inspirational figure.
