Rie Shibata is a Japanese actress, voice actress, and comedian. She was born on January 14, 1959, in Toyama Prefecture, Japan. Her career in entertainment began in the early 1980s, and she is affiliated with the agency WAHAHA-HOMPO. While she is a well-known figure in Japanese television and film, her work as a voice actress in anime is a more selective part of her extensive portfolio.

Her role as Rosa, an auntly figure in the fantasy series Somali and the Forest Spirit, which aired in 2020, is particularly notable. It marked her first appearance in a TV anime series. In this production, she voiced a character with a strong personality and even performed a children's song as part of the role.

Shibata's other significant voice roles are primarily in animated films. One of her most recognized performances is in the 2003 acclaimed film Tokyo Godfathers, directed by Satoshi Kon, where she voiced the character of the "Cat Lady". She also contributed her voice to the 2006 fantasy adventure film Brave Story. Aside from these credits, her prolific career is overwhelmingly focused on live-action television dramas, films, and her work as a variety show personality and stage performer.