A Conversation with Andrew Russell: Unveiling Kalecgos' Voice

Hey there, fellow gamers! Today we have an exciting interview with Andrew Russell, the talented voice actor behind the beloved character, Kalecgos, from World of Warcraft. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Andrew at BlizzCon to chat about his career, his passion for gaming, and his experiences working on one of the most iconic MMORPGs of all time.

From Broadway to Azeroth

Andrew's journey into the world of voice acting is an interesting one. He actually started his career in theater, particularly in musical theater. He toured with the Broadway production of Jersey Boys for a year and a half before transitioning into voice acting. His love for gaming, especially World of Warcraft, played a significant role in shaping his career path.

During our conversation, Andrew discussed how the realization that the voices in video games were done by real people sparked his interest in the voice acting industry. From that moment, he began honing his skills, learning different voices and impressions. His theater background provided a solid foundation for him to pursue voice acting professionally. And lucky for us, it led him to become the voice behind Kalecgos.

Becoming Kalec: A Dream Come True

Andrew's dream of working for Blizzard, in any capacity, came true when he landed the role of Kalecgos. But it wasn't an overnight success story. It took years of hard work, workshops, and auditions to finally catch the attention of Andrea Toyas, the voice director at Blizzard.

Andrew's first role in the World of Warcraft universe was actually as the character Vorath. This opportunity opened doors for him, eventually leading to auditions for Kalecgos. When he got the role, he was thrilled and considers it an honor to breathe life into such a beloved character.

Working closely with the writers, directors, and other creatives at Blizzard, Andrew found himself immersed in a supportive and passionate environment. He described the recording sessions as a family reunion, where everyone shared their love for the game and their dedication to creating an unforgettable experience for the players.

The Art of Voice Acting and Bringing Kalec to Life

As a voice actor, Andrew understands the importance of understanding a character's history and experiences in order to deliver authentic performances. Despite Kalecgos being a dragon, Andrew delves deep into the character's past and relationships to inform his portrayal.

He emphasized the significance of knowing the history of the game, like the events involving Theramore and the mana bomb, as well as Kalec's relationship with Jaina. Andrew also mentioned how helpful it was to receive books from Christie Golden, the renowned writer, to better grasp the depth of Kalecgos' character.

Andrew's passion for storytelling and creating genuine connections with players shines through in his performances as Kalecgos. He ensures that every line he delivers carries the weight of Kalec's vast experience and personal growth as a dragon. From uncertain and nervous beginnings to confident and strong leadership within the Dragonflight, Andrew captures the essence of Kalecgos' journey.

Future Adventures

Naturally, fans are eager to know if there are more adventures in store for Kalecgos in future expansions. While Andrew couldn't provide any concrete details, he expressed his enthusiasm and openness to continuing his work as Kalecgos. He considers it a magical experience and feels incredibly honored to be a part of the World of Warcraft universe.

We wrapped up our conversation with Andrew expressing his gratitude for the impact that World of Warcraft and Blizzard games have had on his life, both as a gamer and as a professional. He feels a strong sense of validation and belonging by working for Blizzard and being part of the Warcraft community.

If you'd like to stay updated on Andrew Russell's future endeavors, you can follow him on Twitter @imAndrewRussell.

That's all for now, but keep an eye out for more exciting interviews and news from the world of gaming!