Daisy in The Secret Life of Pets 2 is voiced by American comedian, actress, and writer Tiffany Haddish. Making her animated film debut in this 2019 sequel, Haddish brings her signature high-energy comedic timing and expressive vocal delivery to the character of a plucky, fearless Shih Tzu who recruits Max’s friend Snowball to help rescue a trapped tiger cub named Hu.
The Character of Daisy in The Secret Life of Pets 2
In The Secret Life of Pets 2, released by Illumination and Universal Pictures, the narrative expands far beyond the apartment complexes of New York City to explore multiple interconnected storylines. While Max deals with anxiety and his protective instincts over Liam, and Gato-obsessed Chloe experiences various feline eccentricities, the secondary plot focuses on a daring rescue mission spearheaded by a newcomer: Daisy.
Daisy is introduced as an optimistic, slightly hyperactive, but fiercely determined Shih Tzu. Despite her small stature and pampered appearance, she possesses the heart of an action hero. Her storyline kicks off when she witnesses a captive white tiger named Hu being abused and exploited by a cruel circus owner named Sergei. Recognizing that the authorities or standard animal control units might not act quickly enough, Daisy takes matters into her own paws.
Needing a seasoned hero to assist her, Daisy tracks down Snowball—the former villain turned delusional superhero bunny voiced by Kevin Hart. Snowball, who genuinely believes he possesses superpowers and fights crime under the moniker "Captain Snowball," is initially thrilled yet completely unprepared for a real-world rescue mission of this scale. The dynamic between Daisy's urgent, frantic bravery and Snowball's theatrical, ego-driven posturing forms the comedic and emotional backbone of this secondary narrative thread.
Tiffany Haddish: Background and Career Context
Understanding who plays Daisy requires examining the career trajectory of Tiffany Haddish, whose casting in The Secret Life of Pets 2 coincided with her rapid ascent to Hollywood stardom. Haddish broke into mainstream prominence following her breakout, critically acclaimed performance in the 2017 comedy film Girls Trip, directed by Malcolm D. Lee and co-starring Regina Hall, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Queen Latifah.
Following Girls Trip, Haddish became one of the most sought-after comedic actresses in the entertainment industry. She hosted Saturday Night Live in 2017—making history as the first black female stand-up comedian to host the show—and won a Primetime Emmy Award for her guest appearance. Her transition into voice acting for animated feature films was a natural evolution of her career, allowing her to leverage her distinct, raspy vocal timbre and improvisational style for family-friendly audiences.
Prior to her role as Daisy, Haddish had established herself primarily in live-action television and film, including roles in The Carmichael Show, Night School alongside Kevin Hart, and Keanu. Voicing an animated character presented a distinct technical challenge: projecting physical comedy, high-stakes panic, and emotional warmth entirely through vocal performance within the confines of a sound booth.
Voice Acting Dynamics and Production Insights
The recording process for animated films often occurs in isolation, with actors delivering their lines without scene partners present. Despite this, the comedic chemistry between Tiffany Haddish (Daisy) and Kevin Hart (Snowball) translates effortlessly on screen. Both performers share a background in stand-up comedy, which heavily influences their delivery through rapid-fire pacing, ad-libbed energy, and heightened emotional reactions.
Director Chris Renaud and writer Brian Lynch crafted Daisy’s dialogue to highlight Haddish's natural cadence and colloquial delivery style. In interviews surrounding the theatrical release of The Secret Life of Pets 2, Haddish frequently noted that she drew inspiration from her own love of animals and her energetic personality when shaping the character. She wanted Daisy to represent the idea that courage comes in all sizes, mirroring her own personal philosophy on overcoming obstacles in the entertainment industry.
| Character | Voice Actor | Species | Primary Role in the Sequel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daisy | Tiffany Haddish | Shih Tzu | Recruits Snowball to rescue Hu the tiger cub from a traveling circus. |
| Snowball | Kevin Hart | Rabbit | Former antagonist turned self-proclaimed superhero who assists Daisy. |
| Max | Patton Oswalt | Jack Russell Terrier | Navigates farm life and anxiety while protecting his owner's toddler. |
| Chloe | Lake Bell | Tabby Cat | Provides deadpan feline humor and teaches Gidget how to act like a cat. |
| Gidget | Jenny Slate | Pomeranian | Embarks on a covert mission to retrieve Max's favorite toy from a formidable cat apartment. |
Critical Reception and Cultural Impact of the Character
Upon the release of The Secret Life of Pets 2 in June 2019, critics and audiences frequently singled out Tiffany Haddish’s performance as Daisy as one of the standout highlights of the sequel. While some critics noted that the film suffered from a fractured narrative due to its three parallel storylines—Max on the farm, Gidget in the apartment, and Daisy with Snowball—the energy brought by the new characters injected fresh momentum into the franchise.
Haddish’s vocal performance was praised for giving Daisy genuine emotional depth beyond typical animated tropes. Instead of merely playing a sidekick or a damsel in distress, Daisy drives the plot forward with agency, humor, and unwavering moral resolve. The character resonated strongly with younger viewers, expanding the demographic appeal of the franchise alongside established favorites voiced by Patton Oswalt, Eric Stonestreet, and Kevin Hart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who voiced Daisy in the first Secret Life of Pets movie?
Daisy does not appear in the first Secret Life of Pets film released in 2016. The character was introduced specifically for the 2019 sequel, The Secret Life of Pets 2, making Tiffany Haddish the first and only actress to voice the role.
What kind of dog breed is Daisy?
In the film, Daisy is depicted as a fluffy white Shih Tzu. Her appearance features a pink bow and meticulous grooming, which contrasts humorously with her willingness to dive into dangerous, high-action situations to save a wild animal.
Did Tiffany Haddish and Kevin Hart record their lines together?
While standard animation practice often involves recording actors separately, Haddish and Hart share a close professional relationship and prior working history from live-action projects like Night School. Their established comedic rapport helped create the natural back-and-forth banter observed between Daisy and Snowball on screen.
Who directed The Secret Life of Pets 2?
The film was directed by Chris Renaud, who also directed the first installment, along with co-director Jonathan del Val. It was written by Brian Lynch and produced by Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy.
Conclusion and Next Actions
For viewers seeking to experience Tiffany Haddish’s performance as Daisy, The Secret Life of Pets 2 is widely available across major digital video-on-demand platforms, streaming services, and physical media formats (Blu-ray and DVD). To fully appreciate the character's arc, viewers can watch both the original 2016 film and its 2019 sequel back-to-back to observe how the franchise expands its ensemble cast and introduces high-energy new additions like Daisy.
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Vivian Cho
Executive IT and Emerging Technologies Reporter
