Bad news as Rie Takahashi, voice actor of KonoSuba's Megumin tests positive for COVID-19. The news comes after she was suspected of coming into contact with an infected person on Tuesday, July 19; however, she initially tested negative that same day.
A few days later, on Thursday, July 21, Takahashi reported feeling slightly feverish, with that test confirming a COVID-19 infection. Voice actor agency, 81 Produce, relayed an announcement about Takahashi's condition, stating that she was recovering from the illness at home while identifying those with whom she may have come into contact.
The agency sent out a message to Takahashi's fans and concerned parties, apologizing for the inconvenience the incident has caused, and expressing their desire to ensure her swift recovery and adherence to medical advice and healthcare guidelines. They also stated that they will ensure the prevention of the further spread of the infection to their actors and staff. COVID-19 outbreaks in studios have caused several delays and problems in the recent past, with various shows in Spring having had their production schedules heavily altered due to the strain caused by the pandemic.
​​​​​​The voice actor is famous for various roles, including Megumin from KonoSuba, Emilia from Re:Zero, Sumi from Rent-A-Girlfriend!, and Lilith from the currently-airing The Maid I Hired Recently is Mysterious. She has been active as a voice actor since 2013, signing with 81 Produce after attending an audition hosted by the agency in high school, and later attending 81 Produce's training school, 81 Actor Studio. She developed an interest in voice acting when she noticed that various male anime characters are voiced by female voice actors. Her first lead role came in the form of Futaba Ichinose in the anime about voice acting, Seiyu's Life!, where she became a part of the musical group Earphones with her co-stars from the show.
In the current Summer season, Takahashi is a cast member on the second season of the aforementioned Rent-A-Girlfriend and The Maid I Hired Recently is Mysterious, the second season of Classroom of the Elite, Orient part 2, and she is due to voice the lead character of the upcoming anime series I'm the Villainess, So I'm Taming The Final Boss, as well as a character on the upcoming Renai Flops. Despite the worrying news, fans and those concerned are assured that everything is being done to ensure Takahashi's swift recovery.
Source: Crunchyroll