The Voices of Fallout 4: Claudia Christian [Interview]
March 13, 2017 Leave a comment
Hello old friends, and hopefully some new friends I may have picked up while I spent the weekend digitally shoving this feature in everyone’s face….Welcome! It is Day 1 here of The Voices of Fallout 4 Showcase. And we are not pulling any god damned punches to be perfectly honest with you. We are jumping right out the gate with an amazing interview with a woman who has been rocking all different genres of art and entertainment for such a long time.
Claudia Christian shot to fame for her starring role in the hit science fiction series Babylon 5. And since then she has starred in dozens of films and even more television. She is an author, a philanthropist, and, yes, a voice over actress (not an “actor”, thank you Claudia for this great inside joke!). And as you could guess, it is that last credit that has her here today. If you were not already aware, Claudia Christian is the genius talent who literally breathed life into a pivotal character in the world of Fallout 4, The Railroad’s own fearless leader, Desdemona. Which, first of all, is a really bad ass name, and one of my favorites of any series of any kind, ever!
I seriously could not think of a better person to kick of this series. I felt it would be an amazing chance to feature one of the finest actresses of our time who also happens to be a very important figure in Fallout 4. So ladies and gentlemen, please enjoy some very nice words from the amazing Claudia Christian!
When did you decide you wanted to be an actor? Was it from an early age, or just a coincidence?
I decided to become an actress ( why do people say “actor” for a woman?” 😁) when I did my first plat at the age of around 6. I loved being on stage and the response of the audience, ironically now I dislike doing theatre immensly.
What was the first paying gig you remember getting? Was it nerve-racking at all?
My first paying gigs were modeling gigs and I was only nervous because like most 14 year old girls, I was insecure and thought I was not pretty enough or thin enough…when I look at the photos now I realize that I was a fool….a very pretty , very thin fool. Insecurity is for the young and it’s not fun. I appreciate that about being older now…..the confidence and security in oneself is invaluable.
You played a pivotal role in the massive hit television show Babylon 5. As a veteran of this world, what do you personally believe makes B5 stand out against other science fiction projects? What makes it unique from the others?
The writing and the cast and the visual effects. We had a very tight knit group of like minded people who genuinely enjoyed each tower’s company, many of us are still close and I believe you can see that chemistry and love on screen.
How does it feel to be a part of one of the biggest selling video game franchises of all time with Fallout 4?
I wish I would get residuals from games….then I would be thrilled to be in these mega hits. As it stands I enjoy the work and appreciate it but there’s always that little niggle in the back of my brain saying: ” if I just got 5 cents per game…….” 🙂
You’ve been involved with other video game projects in the past as well. Can you tell us a bit about what that process is like? How do you get yourself into character for a gig like this? And are you really in your pajamas as the old fables say?
I have a respect for any job so I might not wear makeup to a VO gig but I would never wear PJs, call me old fashioned. You really do not have time to prep as they rarely tell you what you are doing prior to being in the booth. I am very good at improvising so that helps.
Do you ever get the “you sound like Desdemona” from local baristas, check out clerks, etc.?
Not yet 🙂 But I have been recognized from Sky Rim.
When you look back on your illustrious career in acting, voice over work, and so much more, what would you say you are most proud of?
My work as CEO/Founder of http://www.cthreefoundation.org my non profit that advocates The Sinclair Method for people suffering from AUD.
What does the future hold for you? Anything you would like to plug to our readers?
My documentary about The Sinclair Method is on Amazon and http://www.onelittlepillmovie.com and can help many people with AUD, so is my TEDx talk. My book Wolf’s Empire is on Audible and in hard copy as well and has terrific reviews.
What was the last thing that made you smile?
My mother’s Valentine’s email.
Check out Claudia at work in this YouTube video courtesy of The Virtual Car Driver: