LOS ANGELES — You may not recognize Silvia Villagran, but you have definitely heard her.
Villagran’s soft voice can be heard in hundreds of game shows, commercials, awards, promotions and live events. She is at the top of her profession and she truly is the American dream. She grew up in the Pico Union neighborhood of Los Angeles and is a first generation Mexican American.
“Representing Hispanics is a huge, huge thing,” Villagran told ABC7. “When I first started, there was no one. There were no Hispanics doing what I do. So it’s really a wonderful thing for me and also for my family.”
She is delighted to be the first Latin American announcer at the Academy Awards. When you hear these names on Sunday, she will be at the microphone.
“There’s something really beautiful about taking what’s been written and voice it,” Villagran said.
She said that when she was growing up, it was a male-dominated industry and there were very few Hispanics. She hopes to become a role model for young women.
“Moving forward now, after all these years, I am absolutely thrilled to be able to become that for young girls and they will see this is an opportunity for them,” Villagran said.
When she wraps up Sunday’s show, she’ll also be able to claim EGOT announcement status as she’s already voiced Emmy, Tony and Grammy awards – certainly a historic achievement.
“I’m the EGOT-in announcer,” Villagran said. “I didn’t win them, but yes, I announced them. What an honor, right? I pinch myself. Everything I’ve always dreamed of doing, all the hard work, has paid off.”
She says that her dream has come true to do what she loves, and on Sunday her voice will be heard all over the world.