Astarion's Voice Actor: Video Game Voicing Saved My Life After $45,000 Debt
Niels Borman, the actor behind the iconic vampire Astarion in the critically acclaimed Baldur's Gate 3, has revealed a deeply personal story: the world of video game voice acting quite literally saved his life. Years ago, Borman found himself drowning in debt, a staggering $45,000 in the red, and seeing no clear path out of his predicament. It was a dark period, a time when the future seemed bleak and uncertain.
A Glimmer of Hope in Gaming Journalism
During a candid TEDx talk, Borman recounted how, in his moment of despair, he stumbled upon an article in PC Gamer that discussed the burgeoning field of video game voice acting. "You can do this as a job... Of course, I'm a gamer. Why am I not doing this? I'm an actor," he recalled his thoughts upon reading it. The article featured a striking image of an actor engaged in motion capture technology, a visual that ignited a spark of inspiration within him. This was the turning point, the moment fate seemed to smile upon him. He decided to take a leap of faith and explore this new avenue.
From Ghost Recon to Baldur's Gate: A Career Reborn
His first foray into this new career was landing a role in Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier. This initial success proved to be a catalyst, opening the floodgates to a continuous stream of opportunities. Each project brought him closer to his current standing as a highly sought-after voice actor, culminating in his unforgettable portrayal of Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3, a role that has endeared him to millions of players worldwide.
The Struggle Before the Triumph
However, Borman's journey was far from a smooth ascent. Before finding his niche, he spent years navigating the unpredictable landscape of traditional acting, trying his hand at film, television, animation, and theatre. Despite his dedication, he struggled to achieve the recognition and success he craved. At one point, his career hit a significant downturn. "I was trying to act how I thought they wanted me to, instead of listening to my own instincts, which I had relied on for years," he explained. He also felt a sense of being typecast, his creative spirit stifled by a perceived lack of diverse roles. This creative compromise, coupled with professional setbacks, led to a dwindling number of roles and a worsening financial situation.
Overcoming Adversity and Finding His Calling
The actor candidly admitted, "I had debts totaling £34,000 , living in a very dilapidated place. Things were going very badly." Despite the skepticism he faced from those around him, Borman refused to succumb to despair. His discovery of the PC Gamer article and subsequent pursuit of voice acting roles became his lifeline. Today, Niels Borman is not just an actor; he is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of discovering one's true calling. His performance as Astarion has garnered immense praise, earning him accolades and solidifying his reputation as one of the most prominent voice actors in the gaming industry.
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