Voice actor Phil LaMarr, best known for his role as Hermes Conrad in Futurama, has recently discussed his involvement in Hideo Kojima’s critically acclaimed Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, as the actor lent his voice for the role of Dead Cell member Vamp.
During an interview with AlternativeNation, LaMarr was asked what the inspiration behind the character’s voice was, and he explained how it was a combination of factors that Kris Zimmerman, Metal Gear Solid 2’s casting director, told him about during the audition.
“It’s interesting, the casting director, [Kris Zimmerman], brought me in to audition for a couple of different roles,” he said. “[Kris] said “It’s a very strange character who we’re having a little trouble finding” and he described the character and I could understand why they were having a trouble finding a voice. Vamp’s maybe sort of European but not really a distinct accent. He may not be a real vampire… it’s all very vague..
“And there’s this vague sexuality about it, and I just sorta focused on the vampire-ness. I said “okay, if he’s dead but not dead, or whatever, what would it sound like? What would the voice of someone who doesn’t breath sound like?” And I tried to take as much oxygen, as much air out of the voice as I could. *voice of Vamp* So it was very, low, and very creepy… *end Vamp voice* And they look at me and said “THAT’S IT!” I took that initial idea and then found something that works!”
When LaMarr was asked whether he plays the games that he stars in, the actor revealed that he had initially auditioned for the role of Vamp in Metal Gear Solid 2 because of how much he “loved the [first] game [Metal Gear Solid].”
LaMarr is currently set to voice the role of new fighter Kotal Kahn in NetherRealm Studios’ Mortal Kombat X, with creative director Ed Boon recently revealing the unique character introduction between Outworld’s Aztec-style warrior and fellow newcomer Cassie Cage.
You can read the full interview with Phil LaMarr over at AlternativeNation.