Meeting Taylor Gray, the voice of Ezra Bridger in Star Wars Rebels, was an incredible experience we were lucky enough to have not once, but twice—first at Star Wars Celebration 2015 in Anaheim and later at BayouCon 2016 in Sulphur, Louisiana.
Here at Nola Nerd Couple Headquarters, Star Wars has always been a major part of our lives. From trips to both coasts for Star Wars events to collecting everything from figurines to calendars, we’re passionate about the galaxy far, far away.
Taylor Gray and Ezra Bridger: A Perfect Match
Star Wars Rebels, which takes place about five years before the events of A New Hope, was a show I initially didn’t plan on watching. Cristina started watching it as soon as it premiered, and I often found myself doing other things while it played in the background. But I couldn’t ignore it for long—the great storytelling and incredible voice cast quickly grabbed my attention. One character stood out: Ezra Bridger, voiced by Taylor Gray.
Ezra’s journey as a force-sensitive teenager navigating the early days of the Rebellion is the heart of Rebels. His internal conflict—whether to succumb to the dark side or follow the teachings of his master, Kanan Jarrus—added depth to the show. Taylor Gray’s performance brought Ezra to life, balancing heroism, sulkiness, and curiosity in a way that never felt forced. His portrayal made Ezra relatable and compelling, proof of Gray’s talent as a voice actor.
Meeting Taylor Gray: From Star Wars Celebration to BayouCon
We first met Taylor Gray at Star Wars Celebration 2015 in Anaheim. During our conversation, I mentioned it was my first time in Los Angeles and that I had never seen the Pacific Ocean. Taylor recommended we visit Newport Beach, calling it a beautiful and accessible spot. We followed his suggestion, enjoying a fantastic meal at Il Farro and finally seeing the Pacific Ocean for the first time. It was an unforgettable experience, and Taylor’s kindness in sharing that recommendation stuck with us.
Fast forward to BayouCon 2016, and we had the chance to meet Taylor again. When I shared the story of visiting Newport Beach, he smiled and said he remembered our conversation. He took the time to chat with us about his experiences at conventions, noting how much he enjoyed the hospitality of BayouCon and the local cuisine. Compared to larger conventions like San Diego Comic-Con or Star Wars Weekends at Disney, BayouCon’s smaller size allowed for more relaxed and personal interactions with fans.
Taylor signed two pieces we had purchased at Star Wars Celebration, adding, “May the Force be with you,” which he excitedly mentioned he’d finally get to say in Season 3 of Rebels.
Insights Into Voice Acting and Star Wars Rebels
During our conversation, I asked Taylor about his craft, and his insights into voice acting were fascinating. He explained how voice acting differs from live-action acting, where body language and facial expressions naturally convey emotion. In voice acting, everything must come through the voice, which requires a different kind of focus and skill. He also shared a unique challenge: during group recordings for Star Wars Rebels, he sometimes got so caught up in interacting with other actors that he forgot to speak directly into the microphone, requiring retakes.
Taylor also spoke about his lack of familiarity with the Star Wars universe before joining Rebels. He admitted he hadn’t seen most of the movies or The Clone Wars, which has direct ties to Rebels. Showrunner Dave Filoni encouraged his ignorance, telling him not to do any homework. This allowed Taylor to approach Ezra’s character with the same fresh perspective Ezra himself would have as a newcomer to the Rebellion.
Taylor Gray’s Panel at BayouCon
Taylor’s panel at BayouCon 2016 offered even more insights into his career and experiences on Rebels. He discussed recording scenes with James Earl Jones (Darth Vader’s iconic voice), sometimes having to Skype in lines from New York while James Earl Jones did the same from another location. He also shared his excitement about Season 3, teasing Ezra’s growing connection to the Force, Kanan’s struggles with blindness, and the increasing importance of the Mandalorians to the storyline.
One of the most interesting moments of the panel was when a young girl, around 10 years old, asked him a few questions. It was clear she was a huge fan, and Taylor’s friendly, engaging answers only endeared him to her more. His ability to connect with fans of all ages was one of the highlights of his panel.
A Personal and Memorable Experience
The smaller size of BayouCon allowed Taylor to take his time with each guest, making the experience feel personal and meaningful. He even asked us questions, including whether I had a Cajun accent. His curiosity about Louisiana and its culture was genuine, and he was impressed when I slipped into a Cajun accent for him.
One thing that stood out to us was his humility. Despite his growing fame, Taylor seemed genuinely excited to interact with fans, hear their stories, and share his own experiences. He even joked about wanting to cosplay as Ezra Bridger at San Diego Comic-Con alongside the rest of the Rebels cast.
Looking Back on BayouCon
BayouCon 2016 was a perfect example of how smaller conventions allow for deeper connections between fans and guests. The intimate setting gave attendees the chance to interact with Taylor Gray in a way that larger cons often can’t. His stories about Rebels, his insights into acting, and his genuine warmth made meeting him one of our favorite convention experiences.
CYPHACON: Continuing the Legacy of Fandom in Southwest Louisiana
While BayouCon is no longer held, the convention scene in Southwest Louisiana is alive and well thanks to CYPHACON, the region’s largest pop culture convention. Held annually at the Lake Charles Civic Center, CYPHACON brings fans together to celebrate their favorite fandoms with celebrity guests, cosplay contests, gaming, and more. Though we haven’t attended CYPHACON yet, it’s clear that it carries on the tradition of building a strong, inclusive fandom community in the area.
Final Thoughts
Meeting Taylor Gray at BayouCon 2016 was an unforgettable experience that highlighted what makes smaller conventions so special. From his thoughtful answers during his panel to his friendly interactions with fans, he left a lasting impression on us. Whether it’s through his portrayal of Ezra Bridger or his genuine connection with fans, Taylor Gray has made his mark on the Star Wars universe and the fandom community.
Though BayouCon is no longer around, its spirit lives on in the memories of those who attended and in the thriving convention scene in Southwest Louisiana. If you ever have the chance to meet Taylor at a future event, don’t miss it—he’s as engaging and kind as the characters he brings to life.
Why We Love Taylor Gray and BayouCon
- Taylor Gray’s heartfelt portrayal of Ezra Bridger in Star Wars Rebels.
- The personal connections made possible by BayouCon’s intimate setting.
- Insights into voice acting and behind-the-scenes stories from Rebels.
- The warmth and hospitality of smaller conventions like BayouCon.
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