Vic Mignogna: Heavy Metal!
Vic Mignogna is probably best know for voicing Edward Elric in the popular anime series Full Metal Alchemist, but he’s also a singer, graphic designer, TV actor, Trekkie and all round nice chap about town. While he was in the UK, Carly Roberts spoke to Mignogna about what makes him tick…
Have you always been a fan of anime?
Yes, I always loved anime, even as a kid. I just never knew it was anime! Shows like Speed Racer, Kimba... I loved 'em.
How did you originally get into anime voice acting?
I spent most of my life acting and about 10 years ago was encouraged to audition for a small company in Houston called ADV Films. I did, got cast, and have been working ever since.
Your first main role was as Gawl in Generator Gawl – how did you land that?
I had done several roles up to that point. When Generator Gawl came along, I auditioned and was cast in the lead. My first! I love that show a ton. It was so well written, acted and just an all around blast. Everyone should see it!
You are probably best known as the voice of Edward in Full Metal Alchemist. How did you come to this role?
I had done four or five series at Funimation including Dragonball Z, Case Closed, and others. When they landed the license for FMA, Justin Cook asked me to come up and read for it. He was originally slated to direct it before he was promoted. He specifically wanted me to read for Ed in particular.
At the time I knew nothing about the show and had no idea how popular it was. But I'm extremely grateful to be part of such an amazing series.
How do you decide what a character should sound like?
It's a mixture of things. We are not usually bound to "sound" like the Japanese. They are more concerned that the character be portrayed accurately and that the actor captures the essence of the role. The director has ideas... the actor has ideas... sometimes the producers have ideas. And a singular voice emerges.
Tell us about Full Metal Fantasy. Where can we see it?
Shortly after we started working on FMA I came up with a fun little idea for a live action fan parody. I asked several of the other voice actors to be in it. It turned out great and I showed it at conventions exclusively for about a year. Then I tabled it for a couple years. But now I have begun sharing it again at select conventions. However, it cannot be seen anywhere but at cons I attend. So, sorry, it's staying with me!
You recently signed at the London Film and Comic Con, how was that?
It was awesome. I was so amazed by the turnout! The lines were crazy long and I was honoured to be there and meet the UK fans. They were fantastic!
It was the second time I have been at a con in London. I love that city. Plus I have a few close friends who live there, including a friend who is a senior producer for Aardman studios - the creators of my favourite animated characters, Wallace & Gromit!
You have quite the convention schedule this year. Are you looking forward to them all?
Every convention is unique in its own way. I love attending them all. The fans are awesome at every event. Yes, I do have a pretty packed schedule, but I don’t mind it at all. The opportunity to meet fans and promote my work is always a welcome one.
I hear that you were a huge Star Trek fan as a kid. How huge a fan are we talking?
Huge! I was the biggest Star Trek geek ever. I'm mostly an original series fan, not so much the follow up series. When I heard about New Voyages around a year and a half ago I contacted them and begged to play a small part in one of their episodes. I got to play an Andorian captain in an upcoming episode called ‘Enemy Starfleet’.
I continued to develop a relationship with them to the point where I not only got to play an awesome Klingon warlord in the latest episode, but I also had the privilege to direct it! It was like a childhood dream come true. I had to constantly pinch myself to remind myself that I was on the bridge of the Enterprise!
And you're a massive Star Wars fan too, is that right? Apparently you have quite the Lightsaber collection…
I've always been fascinated with movie props, especially sci-fi movie props. When I saw Star Wars as a kid I immediately fell in love with the lightsaber, so much so that I built several of my own. When companies started making licensed high end replicas I had to have them all! I even contracted a machine shop in Houston to build me a one of a kind perfect replica of Obi Wan's saber from Episode I. I currently have about 15 or 20 on display in my living room!
According to your fan club site you also lead worship in your church in Houston. Do you find it hard being Christian in showbiz?
I am a very committed believer in Jesus, and yes, it is sometimes difficult to walk that path as an actor. I've turned down many roles because I just felt God would not be pleased with me lending my talents to certain shows or characters. I do my best to be a good example and role model for those who enjoy my work. I believe the opportunities I have, as well as the talents, are gifts from God.
As for leading worship, I did that for many years and loved it so much. But I came to see the opportunities to attend events and influence fans as more important. So I am not currently doing that since I do appearances at conventions on the weekends. But I hope to return to it someday. I truly love and miss it.
Your fans are very dedicated; one has even made a line of plush toys in your image. Why do you think you have such an enthusiastic following?
I am so very grateful for the fans. They are so encouraging and supportive, so loving and generous! The only reason I can think of why they are so enthusiastic and supportive is because they know how much I love and appreciate them. I actually answer fan mail, make myself very accessible at conventions, often signing hours longer than scheduled, etc. I do all that because I love the fans and want to give back to them for all the love and support they give me.
What are you working on now?
I'm so excited about two or three series I just started, but as is all too common, we are not allowed to talk about them until they are announced! Bummer! However, Funimation just announced my role as Spirit in Soul Eater. I'm loving that show...
