Tara Strong is one of the most prolific voice actors out there. She has conquered both the animated and videogame worlds with her talents, and is easily one of the most recognizable voices out there for many gamers. From blockbusters games like Final Fantasy 10 and Lost Odyssey, to animated shows like My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic and Drawn Together, it was a true pleasure to speak with Tara. about herself, voice acting, Rikku, and Seth Balmore.

Retroplayer- First off, tell us a little about yourself, Tara.

Tara- I’m a Mom who loves life & loves her work!

Retroplayer- When did you decide that voice acting was your call in life?

Tara- I never “decided” it was a calling. I had an audition for Hello Kitty when I was twelve years old and looked at it as a wonderful acting opportunity…the rest is history!

Retroplayer- Tell us about your work ethic. While every acting role is vastly different how do you approach your work in general?

Tara- Every job is different and requires different preparation. If there is singing involved, I will warm up with singing exercises, learn the music, etc. Sometimes there are accents that I need to prepare for or impressions. I also like to read scripts before the sessions. Auditioning is a bug part of my work as well and I take ach and every one of them seriously and tackle them to the best of my creative abilities.

Retroplayer- Early on in your voice acting career you were in animated TV shows such as The Garbage Pail Kids, The Carebears and Barbar. Did you find it tough to secure roles when first starting off in the industry or did you build up a relatively good momentum when acquiring roles?

Tara- I have always been incredibly lucky and blessed, I have always worked consistently in an industry I truly love.

Retroplayer- Your first venture into the gaming world was in the 1998 video game Redneck Rampage Rides Again as Daisy Mae. What was your first impression of the videogame voice acting world and did the process differ much compared to the voice acting for TV and film you did previously?

Tara- Acting for video games is completely different, namely because you do not have other actors in the room to play off of. I loved doing Redneck Rampage cause I got to say bad words! Gaming has come a really long way since them and I do believe it just keeps getting better.

Retroplayer- Was videogame voice-over always something you wanted to get into or did you just happen upon it?

Tara- Definitely happened upon it.

Retroplayer- Next year sees the release of a HD remake of Final Fantasy 10 for the Playstation 3 and Playstation Vita, Tara, a game in which you played Rikku. Many gamers are speculating as to whether they plan on re-recording the voice overs or keeping the original cast. Have you heard anything about it?

Tara- I know nothing of the new one…but Rikku will always have a special place in my heart.

Retroplayer- While many RPG fans would most recognise you as the voice of Rikku I thought a role you played wonderfully that doesn’t get as much attention that should is that of Seth Balmore from the 2007 game Lost Odyssey. How do you view Seth as a character and how did you approach her portrayal?

Tara- Thank you! She was a tremendous character, very real & lots of emotional as well as action based moments. I portrayed her like all my characters…from the heart & and as real as I can.

Retroplayer- One aspect that I found fascinating about Lost Odyssey is the fact that Seth, due to her being immortal, has a son (Sed) that is visibly older than her. How did you approach her interactions with Sed that while sometimes played for laughs are often quite moving?

Tara- Gosh you are making me go back! I think this is the same answer as the previous, just really being in every moment.

Retroplayer- Rumours have been abound that a sequel to Lost Odyssey is in the works, Tara. While the fate of Seth is unknown at the end of Lost Odyssey is she a character that you’d like to return to at some point?

Tara- If they’ll have me!

Retroplayer- While many gamers associate you with characters like Rikku are there any roles that you’ve done that don’t get as much attention that you think our readers should check out?

Tara- My fans are so fantastic, they know everything. Napoleon Dynamite will be really fun, can’t wait for that to come out. There’s a few things I can’t talk about yet; but the fans seem to know that stuff too!

Retroplayer- Most recently gamers can hear you as the new voice of Harley Quinn in Batman: Arkham City. Before its release the previous voice actress of Harley, Arleen Sorkin, came out and praised the fact that you were the person taking over the reins from her. Despite that was it daunting taking over a role that was previously nailed so perfectly?

Tara- I consider stepping into Harley’s shoes a HUGE honour. I love Arlene & we wouldn’t have Harley without her. I wanted to make it my own, still honouring her creation. I really hope the fans like her. I am extremely grateful for Arlene’s approval, that article moved me greatly.

Retroplayer- While you are quite prolific in voice work you’ve also done your fair share of on-screen acting, Tara, in projects such as Big Time Rush, Touched by an Angel and Sabrina Down Under. Creatively does on-screen acting offer something that voice over simply cannot?

Tara- Every acting medium is different, in truth, I love them all and feel so blessed to be able to do what I love every day.

Retroplayer- While on screen you can physically show your emotions in voice acting your performance is solely limited to your voice. As an actress how do you compensate for a lack of physical presence when voice acting?

Tara- I picture every moment in my mind, as if I am really in every scene.

Retroplayer- What have some of your favourite projects been so far, Tara?

Tara- There are too many to list! Of course The Little Mermaid 2, Power Puff Girls, Fairly Odd Parents, Batgirl, Raven….I could keep going

Retroplayer- At this point in your life what is your main source of inspiration, Tara?

Tara- I get inspired by life every day. My kids, new projects, the news, new technologies..

Retroplayer- What advice would you give to any young people who wish to become a voice actor who are reading this right now?

Tara- Take acting classes, singing lessons, improv classes & voice over classless.

Retroplayer- How do you want your portrayal of Seth Balmore to be remembered?

Tara- I guess as real. As someone who touches the audience, but that is with all I do.

Retroplayer- What’s next for Tara Strong?

Tara- Hopefully more great stuff!! I’m off to do an episode of MAD, then Pound Puppies, then…well wherever my little voice takes me!

Retroplayer- And finally, do you have a message for all your fans here on TGL?

Tara- Thank you all of you for your support. When I have a long game session, I think of how the fans respond on twitter, facebook & and cons and I am so grateful to all of you and hope to keep bringing you joy & entertainment.