We talk to Yuri Lowenthal, star of Jinno in Afro Samurai and Afro Samurai: Resurrection, about life as an Anime voice actor…
What attracted you to the role of Jinno in the Afro Samurai films?
The fact that they asked me to play him. Not to be flip, but we rarely, as actors get to choose what roles we’d like to play. Unless of course, we’re Sam Jackson… But what thrilled me about getting to play him was his amazing arc as a character. He starts off as one guy and ends up in a very different, very very dark place. Plus I got to kick Sam Jackson’s ass. And they keep bringing him back from the dead for me to play again. And he’s a twin-sword-wielding insane cyborg death machine with a giant teddy bear head. What’s not to like?
How did you become involved in voice acting for Anime films (and video games) in the first place?
I started as an on-camera and theatre actor. I had always been in love with the many products of voice acting (mostly in the form of cartoons and video games) but never really thought of it as a possible career path until I moved out to LA where that work was a bit more available. I took a class to learn more about it, and my teacher ended up getting a job directing the dub of an anime series. I auditioned for him, was cast, and I started meeting people in that circle. That job led to others, which led to others. The more I worked, the … more I worked.
Are there any roles you’ve particularly enjoyed over the years?
It’s almost impossible to pick one character as a favorite. Some of my favorites include Superman from Legion of Superheroes, Ben Tennyson from Ben 10 Alien Force, The Prince from the Prince of Persia VG series, Kamal from ilovebees, Sasuke from Naruto, Yosuke from Persona 4, Suzaku from Code Geass, Simon from Gurren Lagann, Haseo from the .//Hack G.U. games, and of course Jinno/Kuma from Afro Samurai. Do you see how this is a hard question?
How was it working with far better known calibre of co-stars on Afro Samurai, like Samuel L. Jackson and Ron Perlman for a change?
“Working with” is an interesting term in voice acting. I actually didn’t even meet Sam until a couple of months ago at the release party for the Afro Samurai video game, despite the fact that I had been working opposite him for years. I do love getting to work on projects “with” them, though. Being a huge nerd, I’ve loved these guys for years and it’s an honor to even be associated with projects they’re involved in.
Have you been surprised by the popularity of the Afro Samurai character?
Only in that characters like this don’t usually get introduced to the masses as forcefully as Afro has. Certainly not because he’s not deserving of it. And it’s really a take-no-prisoners kind of franchise, not for the faint of heart, so I’m surprised, but happily so. It’s definitely my kind of show/movie/game.
Do you like the anonymity of voice work, or would you prefer to be ‘seen’ in more movies (and perhaps recognised in the street more often)?
Some days I feel one way, and some days I’m happy that I can go about my life and not be bothered. It all depends on the day. It’s a very odd type of fame. I don’t yet make enough money to buy a walled castle in the Hollywood Hills, so I think I’ll have to be okay with anonymous for the time being… In any case, I’m glad I was recognized enough to talk to you guys today. Thanks.
Afro Samuari: Resurrection, The Director’s Cut is released by Manga Entertainment on DVD on 27 April. The DVD will include: Afro Samurai Game; Enter the RZA; Afro in Depth; Afro Samurai: Meets the West Part 1; Afro Samurai: Meets the West Part 2; Afro Samurai at San Diego Comic-Con 2008 and Part A Video Commentary.
Thanks to Yuri Lowenthal for his time, and Farhana Shaikh of The Associates for forwarding the questions to him.
