Spotlight on… Tommie Earl Jenkins
Tommie Earl Jenkins is best known in video games for his role as Die-Hardman – the third president of the United Cities of America. It was a role that eventually led him to win the Best Voice Actor of 2019, and considering how well-received Death Stranding was? It was more than well-deserved.
Since then, Tommie has continued his role in Go Jetters, worked on Dead Pixels and has some more fascinating things in the work.
We had the chance to talk to Tommie about his vast work, including his time in the UK, what he thinks of video games and LGBTQ+ representation within them, and what are his plans for the future?
Your range in your creative works is incredible. You’ve done theatre, film, TV and even audiobooks. What got you into doing voice for video games?
I’ve always done a bit of everything. My agent for many years has always submitted me for various things, including voice-overs for a wide range of projects and video games happen to be one of those mediums. So I suppose I never set out to do video games specifically but have over the years been able to do more of them. I love it.
Have you always been a fan of video games?
I don’t consider myself a gamer by any means but I do love them. I don’t get to play them very often but I love where games have progressed to in this day and age. I love voicing them but I don’t play nearly as much as I voice.
Death Stranding was hugely successful. How did it feel to be a part of
something as big as that?
Being a part of Death Stranding has been an incredible experience. It’s amazing to be a part of such a groundbreaking game and to become a Kojima character and stand among some of his most iconic ones is an honour.
How did it feel to win the ShackNews Award for Best Voice Actor?
It was the coolest thing to win that award and to be recognized for my work and to be considered amongst some of the coolest nominees. I’m humbled. So shout out to the Shack Staff!
Has there ever been a video game character you’d have loved to voice if
you’d of had the chance?
If I had the chance… Perhaps Kratos from God Of War, Green Lantern, Spawn. I would love to have had a crack at Optimus Prime from Transformers because I love Peter Cullen and his legendary sound. Iconic. He’s irreplaceable. There’s just too many!
Compared to film/TV, how does it feel to work in video games?
It’s very different. When doing Voice Over, most of the time it’s just you in a booth trying various things and options with line reads and developing your character, unless of course you’re doing MoCap with physical actions along with other actors. You don’t have a full set around you on a MoCap sound stage like you do when filming TV or Film, so you have to work a little harder and dig a little deeper. Also, you’re working with headgear and Mocap suits and not costumes. So your imaginative skills are very important. It’s hard work but some of the most rewarding.
You lived in the UK for a few years before moving back to the US. Was there much of a difference in working in the UK than the US?
Yes I lived in London for over 20 years and there is a little difference, but mostly the work is the same as far as being an actor goes. I have a very large theatre background of working in the West End and being on Broadway. The UK produces some amazing actors and they have a great work ethic. I think that the US has a lot more opportunity and more projects, which is why I moved back, although I still work on both sides of the Atlantic when needed. I think that there is less work for an American working in the UK vs. working in the US unless you do a convincing British accent. That’s not to say that the work isn’t there, but if they’re looking for a Black American for a role, the pool of actors will be small. With that said I love the UK and I always look forward to going back whenever I can. It’s still home.
Looking back to when you first got into voice work for video games and
looking at now, have you seen much difference in the way LGBT+ actors/characters are perceived?
I feel that times are changing and they most certainly have since I started voicing. I feel that we are still underrepresented in the LGBTQ+ category, but things are definitely getting better. I don’t remember any gay characters when I started, let alone any gay leading characters. I think we are moving forward in a way that the world is getting more accepting of gay characters but we’ve still got a long way to go.
At the end of the day, I think it’s about sales and concerns of whether or not people will buy those games with leading gay characters. I applaud those game developers who are breaking down walls and making
it happen. Keep going. Representation matters.
Do you still feel there is a lot more for game developers to do before we can get equal representation?
Absolutely. It’s just gonna take time. We need stories that need to be told and journeys that need to be taken. I don’t think that (gay) games should be made just for the sake of making them, but should be made because there is a message or story that needs to be told and characters that connect with people and be role models in a positive light. Truth or fantasy, we want to be moved by a character’s performance in some way that leaves us with a multitude of feelings. You want your audience to be with you.
Have you ever been treated differently by people you’ve worked with in the games industry?
If you mean because I’m gay, then no I haven’t. When I was younger I think I was more concerned about my sexuality being an issue when it came to getting work or doing gigs, but now I’m at a point in my life where I don’t give a shit. I’m just my authentic self. Either you want me or you don’t. I know my ability and I know that I do great work. I believe that.
What are your thoughts about the LGBT+ community within video games?
I think we still need more representation and I think that gay actors should be able to take on roles without necessarily having to even pronounce one’s queerness. We are actors and our sexual orientation should never be a reason that prevents talented actors from being considered for roles in gaming or any medium.
What do you feel is the point where we can say that ‘yeah, LGBT+ representation in video games is the best it’s ever been’?
I suppose to be fair, we are currently at the point where LGBT+ representation is the best it’s ever been but it’s still not good enough. We need more stories that deal with situations that don’t depict LGBTQ as victims of hate crimes, or bullying or surrounded my negative situations, but positive stories that lift us up and inspire us. Characters that relate to everyday life just like their straight counterparts. Superheroes, Presidents, Leaders, Mothers, Fathers, Doctors, Scientists and teachers are all roles just to name a few that should be able to be played by gay people.
Now even though it’s getting better, mainstream games still have a way to go. They have the means to reach the masses and the money to support it. I think gay and indie game developers are continuously pushing the boundaries but not getting the recognition they deserve and that needs to change. Don’t underestimate your audience. I think people are more accepting than they think. Look how far we’ve come already. The road is a long one and the fight continues. Representation matters.
What are your thoughts on the argument that gay characters should be voiced by gay actors?
This is a tough one. I don’t necessarily agree with this statement because at the end of the day, we are actors and WE ACT. Does that mean straight people should only play straight roles? Does that mean that I, myself, should only be allowed to play gay characters because I’m gay.? That includes Trans. We are living in an age where there is so much talent from the LGBTQ community, that if you are looking for a gay or trans actor, the talent pool is out there. If you can cast authentically why not? But don’t limit us.
I think we put too much emphasis on one’s sexual orientation instead of one’s ability. The best person should get the role or at least chosen for their ability to bring something to a character that will stand out and make an impact and move the audience to feel all the emotions they should feel. I would like to see equal opportunity in the industry across the board. No one should be made to feel less than because they’re LGBTQ or prevented from achieving their dreams as an actor or voice artist because of it. Let ones talent and ability be the deciding factor for the job.
In your mind what is the perfect video game that handles LGBT+
representation well?
There are a few but I think The Last of Us Part II depicts a great leading character in Ellie from a big blockbuster game. I applaud this. And shout out to Neil Druckmann at Naughty Dog and the entire team for making this happen.
What do you have planned for the future?
Aside from world domination… Covid-19 has been a real nightmare with a lot of jobs being cancelled or postponed indefinitely, but there are some projects that are happening that I’m very excited about, but due to NDA’s I can’t say what they are. I also want to work with some new game developers and to help create new projects, so if any game developers are reading this, hit me up.
Are you open to working with indie game developers?
I am absolutely open to working with indie game developers. I’m waiting for the call(s). I want to be able to be a positive role model in the industry. I’ve been doing this a long time and I’m so happy to be able to use my platform in a way that inspires young up and coming artists, LGBTQ or straight to do and be the best they can be, and to not be deterred. Keep on keeping on!
To support Tommie Earl Jenkins and his work, head on over to his official Twitter and his website.
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