Behind the Curtain: Jennifer English’s Candid Take on the Voice Acting Industry

In a world where video game development is often shrouded in secrecy and carefully managed PR, the candidness of voice actors can offer a rare and valuable glimpse into the realities of the industry. Jennifer English, the actor who has become a household name thanks to her award-winning performances as Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate 3 and Latenna in Elden Ring, has built a reputation for her refreshing honesty. As she celebrates the success of her latest role as Maelle in the critically acclaimed Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, English has once again proven her humility by revealing a truth many performers would rather keep hidden: not every project is a masterpiece. In a recent interview, she openly admitted to working on “sh*t games” that don’t make it onto her official resume, a statement that has resonated with fans and industry insiders alike.

This admission goes beyond a simple fun fact; it’s a testament to the unpredictable and often grueling nature of a voice actor’s career. While we, as consumers, only see the polished final product—the blockbuster hits and critical darlings—the reality for the artists who bring these characters to life is a constant hustle. For every Baldur’s Gate 3, a project that provides creative fulfillment and critical acclaim, there are countless smaller, less-than-stellar titles that an actor takes on to pay the bills and build their portfolio. English’s frankness is a valuable reminder that behind the beloved characters are real people with real careers, and not every job is a “dream role.”

The Hidden Grind: Why Not All Roles Make the CV

The practice of selectively curating a resume is common in every industry, but it takes on a unique significance in the world of video game voice acting. Here’s why English’s comment is so poignant:

• The “Audition to Release” Pipeline: A voice actor might audition for dozens of projects, get cast in a handful, and then wait months or even years for a game to release. A project that seemed promising in the audition stage can change drastically during development, morphing into a completely different, and sometimes lower-quality, experience. This is the risk every actor takes when they sign on for a new role.
• The Disparity in Production Quality: The video game industry is a vast landscape, with production budgets ranging from multi-million dollar AAA titles to small-scale indie projects. A voice actor might work on a cinematic, performance-captured role in a title like Baldur’s Gate 3 one day, and a simple, limited dialogue recording for a mobile game the next. The “sh*t games” English mentions are often these smaller projects, where the constraints of budget or a rushed development cycle can lead to a less polished final product.
• Protecting Your Brand: In an increasingly competitive field, a voice actor’s resume is their brand. Having a list of critically acclaimed, award-winning titles like Elden Ring, Baldur’s Gate 3, and now Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is crucial for attracting future, high-profile work. Including lesser-known or poorly received titles on a public CV could potentially harm an actor’s reputation, making them appear to be a part of “lower-tier” projects. As English quipped, the fact that these roles are not on her resume means good luck finding them.

This behind-the-scenes glimpse provides valuable context for how actors like English, who are now considered some of the most sought-after in the industry, built their careers. They didn’t just stumble into a role in a Game of the Year contender; they worked tirelessly on a wide range of projects, honing their craft in everything from small indie games to big-budget flops. It’s a powerful message that success isn’t about a single breakout role but about consistent, dedicated work over a long period of time.

For fans, English’s comment humanizes the creative process, reminding us that even the most talented actors face the same professional challenges as anyone else. Her honesty is a breath of fresh air, reinforcing the down-to-earth persona that has made her so beloved by the gaming community. As she continues to grace some of the best titles in the industry, her journey from the unlisted projects to the award-winning ones is a powerful testament to her skill, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her craft.