Yang Xiao Long from RWBY: The Golden-Haired Powerhouse and the Voice Behind Her

Who is Yang Xiao Long in RWBY?

Yang Xiao Long is one of the four main protagonists in RWBY, the anime-style series created by Monty Oum and produced by Rooster Teeth. A member of Team RWBY and the older half-sister of Ruby Rose, Yang is known for her explosive fighting style, unshakable confidence, and unwavering loyalty to her team.

Yang stands out with her golden hair, bright violet eyes, and fiery personality — often cracking jokes even in the heat of battle. Her motto? "I'm a thrill seeker. I want to live life to the fullest."

Yang Xiao Long’s Background in RWBY

Raised on the island of Patch, Yang grew up taking care of her younger sister Ruby. Her cheerful, adventurous nature makes her instantly likable, but beneath that is a strong will forged by abandonment, loss, and trauma. Over the course of the series, Yang undergoes one of the most compelling emotional arcs, evolving from carefree brawler to mature fighter.

Yang's Signature Weapon: Ember Celica

Yang’s weapon, Ember Celica, is as bold as she is. These dual shotgun gauntlets allow her to punch with explosive force. Every hit packs a blast, and her Semblance — the ability to absorb damage and return it with greater power — makes her a true force of nature in combat.

Her fights are some of RWBY’s most iconic, blending kinetic animation with real emotional weight.

Yang’s Personality and Growth

Yang is often the comic relief early in the series, but RWBY doesn’t shy away from showing her vulnerabilities:

• After losing her arm in Volume 3, she battles with PTSD, self-doubt, and grief.

• In later volumes, Yang reclaims her identity, emerging stronger both physically and emotionally.

• Her deep friendship — and heavily implied romantic connection — with Blake Belladonna (aka Bumbleby) is one of the most beloved pairings in the RWBY fandom.

Who Voices Yang Xiao Long in RWBY?

Barbara Dunkelman – Voice Actor for Yang Xiao Long

Barbara Dunkelman is the powerhouse behind Yang’s voice. A longtime face at Rooster Teeth, Barbara has been a vital part of RWBY’s success from the very beginning.

Barbara Dunkelman Bio:

• Full Name: Barbara Julie Dunkelman

• Born: July 2, 1989, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada

• Nationality: Canadian

• Occupation: Voice Actor, Creative Director, Producer, Content Creator

• Known For:

  • Yang Xiao Long in RWBY

  • Appearances in Red vs. Blue, Always Open, and Camp Camp

• Education: Degree in Marketing from Concordia University

• Career Highlights: Former Creative Director of Rooster Teeth, content host, and community ambassador

Barbara is beloved for her humor, relatability, and direct connection to fans. She was part of Rooster Teeth’s community before becoming a major figure at the company — proof of her authentic passion for the work.

As Yang, Barbara brings intensity, warmth, and vulnerability to the role. Her voice performance captures every layer of Yang’s evolution — from badass brawler to emotional survivor.

Outside of RWBY, Barbara is known for hosting podcasts, live streams, and attending conventions around the world, where she’s a fan-favorite guest.

Why Fans Love Yang Xiao Long

Yang resonates with fans for her:

• Bold and fearless nature

• Empowering journey through trauma and recovery

• Unbreakable bond with her team, especially Blake

• Unapologetic femininity and strength

Whether she’s launching into battle or cracking a sarcastic one-liner, Yang Xiao Long is the definition of strength with heart.

Where to Watch RWBY

You can watch Yang and Team RWBY in action on platforms like:

• Rooster Teeth’s official website

• Crunchyroll

• YouTube

• Amazon Prime Video

Final Thoughts

Yang Xiao Long is more than just the muscle of Team RWBY — she’s the soul with fire. Her resilience, charisma, and growth make her one of the most dynamic characters in modern animation. Paired with Barbara Dunkelman’s stellar voice work, Yang continues to inspire fans as a symbol of power, healing, and fearlessness.