Meet the Voice Behind McCree: The Rise of Nolan North to Overwatch Fame

The world of Overwatch has captivated gamers worldwide with its diverse cast of heroes, each with unique abilities and personalities. Among them is Jesse McCree, a cowboy-like hero known for his quick draws and agility. The voice actor behind McCree is Nolan North, a veteran voice actor with a storied career in gaming. From his breakout role as Nathan Drake in the Uncharted series to his current stint as McCree, North has become synonymous with gaming's most iconic characters. In this article, we'll delve into North's rise to fame, his approach to voice acting, and what it's like to bring McCree to life.

Nolan North's career in voice acting spans over two decades, with a laundry list of credits that includes the Uncharted series, The Last of Us, and Assassin's Creed. However, it's his role as McCree in Overwatch that has catapulted him to new heights of fame. "I've been doing voice acting for a long time, but working on Overwatch has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career," North said in an interview with Game Informer. "The team at Blizzard is incredibly talented, and to be a part of something so beloved is an honor."

North's journey to becoming a voice actor began in the late 1990s, when he started taking classes at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. He eventually landed his first voice acting role in the 2000 video game "Azul: My own DIY Azul board game." From there, he built a reputation as a talented and versatile voice actor, taking on a wide range of roles in various games. However, it wasn't until the Uncharted series that he gained widespread recognition. "Uncharted was a game-changer for me," North explained. "It was one of the first games that really pushed the boundaries of voice acting, and I was fortunate enough to be a part of it."

The Uncharted series, developed by Naughty Dog, follows the adventures of treasure hunter Nathan Drake as he navigates treacherous landscapes and battles rival treasure hunters. North's portrayal of Drake has been widely praised for its nuance and charisma, bringing the character to life in a way that's both believable and entertaining. "Nathan is a bit of a loose cannon, but he's also got a lot of heart," North said of the character. "I think that's what makes him so relatable and endearing to players."

North's work on the Uncharted series has earned him numerous awards and nominations, including several Game Awards and a spot on the 2013 list of the "Top 100 Video Game Characters of All Time" by IGN. However, his role as McCree in Overwatch has brought him even greater recognition, with many fans praising his ability to bring the character's wisecracking personality to life. "I love playing McCree because he's just so much fun," North said. "He's got this cocky, confident personality that's just infectious. Plus, he's a bit of a wild card, which makes him exciting to play."

So, what makes North such a skilled voice actor? According to him, it's all about finding the character's emotional core. "When I'm preparing for a role, I always try to find the emotional center of the character," North explained. "What makes them tick? What are their motivations and desires? Once I understand that, I can start to build a performance that's authentic and engaging." This approach has served North well in his career, earning him a reputation as one of the most talented voice actors in the industry.

In addition to his work on Overwatch, North has also lent his voice to a number of other games, including the critically acclaimed "The Last of Us" and "Assassin's Creed." He's also had a successful career in animation, providing voices for shows like "Young Justice" and "Batman: The Brave and the Bold." However, it's his work on Overwatch that has brought him the most attention, with many fans praising his ability to bring McCree to life in a way that's both humorous and endearing.

The Making of McCree

So, what's it like to bring McCree to life? North has said that the process begins with a deep dive into the character's personality and backstory. "I spent a lot of time reading the Overwatch comics and watching the animated shorts to get a sense of McCree's personality and motivations," North explained. "I also talked to the Blizzard team to get a better understanding of what they were looking for in terms of the character's tone and voice."

Once North has a clear understanding of the character, he begins to work on the voice acting itself. This involves recording lines in a studio, working with the game's audio team to ensure that the voice acting is integrated seamlessly into the game. North has said that this process can be both fun and challenging, as he needs to balance the character's wisecracking personality with the game's narrative and gameplay.

McCree's Most Memorable Moments

McCree's wisecracking personality has made him a fan favorite in Overwatch, with many players praising his ability to bring humor and levity to the game. However, North has said that one of his most memorable moments with the character was during a charity livestream, where he played McCree and managed to get a kill on a high-ranking opponent. "It was just one of those moments where everything came together," North explained. "The crowd was going wild, and I was just on a roll. It was an incredible feeling, and I'll never forget it."

The Voice Acting Community

The Impact of Voice Acting on Gaming

The world of voice acting has come a long way in recent years, with many gamers praising the way that voice acting can bring characters to life in a way that's both believable and entertaining. North has said that voice acting has become an essential part of the gaming experience, allowing players to form deeper connections with the characters and storylines. "Voice acting has become a key component of gaming," North explained. "It's not just about providing a narrative; it's about creating an immersive experience that draws players in and keeps them engaged."

The rise of voice acting in gaming has also led to a number of new opportunities for voice actors, including the creation of voice acting guilds and organizations. These groups provide a platform for voice actors to share their knowledge and expertise, as well as to network and collaborate with other voice actors. North has said that he's a big supporter of voice acting guilds, as they help to raise the profile of voice acting as a legitimate career path.

Advice for Aspiring Voice Actors

So, what advice does North have for aspiring voice actors? According to him, it's all about finding your unique voice and style. "As a voice actor, you need to find what sets you apart and run with it," North explained. "Don't try to be someone you're not; instead, focus on developing your own unique sound and style." North also emphasized the importance of taking classes and getting training, as well as building a strong online presence to showcase your work.

Finally, North encouraged aspiring voice actors to be patient and persistent, as success in the industry often takes time. "It took me years to build my career as a voice actor," North said. "I've had my fair share of rejections and setbacks, but I never gave up. Instead, I kept working and pushing forward, always striving to improve and grow as a voice actor."