Michelle Ruff Interview

• Interview with: Michelle Ruff
• Interviewed by: Nukunuku on September 11th, 2002
• Location: E-mail
• Publication Date: November 7th, 2002

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Editor's note (04/06/08):

The gallery below was originally posted at the bottom of the interview, but we've switched formats and moved our interview experiences above the Q/A transcript.

Here are some photos taken during the interview. Enjoy!

Meet Fujiko, Kaoru, Kasumi, Kiki, Lady Miyao, and Mitsuki Sanada	We're not worthy!!! We're not worthy!!!
Awwww	I'm only in the picture only because she asked me.

Anime Dream:

How did you start voice acting, specifically anime dubbing?

Michelle Ruff:

I started working with some directors doing looping and voice work for film and TV shows. I just asked to be remembered when projects came up they could use me on. Richard Epcar, Steve Kramer and Mike Sorich all started bringing me in and basically trained me to do anime.

Anime Dream:

Can you name some of your various anime voice roles?

Michelle Ruff:

Currently, I am playing Fujiko in Lupin the 3rd. I am playing the mom and resident newscaster in Speed racer on Nickelodeon. I am playing Zoe in season 4 of Digimon. Miyao in "Tsukikage Ran". The rest you guys probably remember better than I do.

Anime Dream:

Were you a fan of anime before you became a voice actress?

Michelle Ruff:

No. I didn't even know it existed. But I certainly am now.

Anime Dream:

Which character that you have played most resembles your own personality in real life? Which is your favorite?

Michelle Ruff:

I think they are all facet of my personality. I think I'm most like Miyao from Tsukikage Ran. Though I consider myself to be a bit of a dork and I know Miyao is too.

Anime Dream:

You tend to be cast as young, spunky characters. Is this a natural quality of your voice or something you have to get in the right zone for?

Michelle Ruff:

It's definitely the natural quality of my voice. I think for the most part Directors will cast people in roles that they hear a specific quality in their natural voice. Some characters are definitely a stretch and those are usually the most challenging and fun.

Anime Dream:

One of your most memorable roles that put your name in the minds of most fans has to be Kiki Rosita from Gundam 08th MS Team. How did you approach that character? And what do you like about Kiki?

Michelle Ruff:

I liked Kiki because she was a bit of a Tomboy. That's a part of me that I don't get to show too much in my real day to day life. So it's fun when I get to play that kind of character. I think the way I approached her is the same way I approach all my characters and that's from a very physical place. Not too much logic and thinking. Almost like when I was a kid and had no blocks when it came time to play.

Anime Dream:

What is one role that someone else got, but you wish that you could have taken a crack at?

Michelle Ruff:

Well, there have been a few and I don't want to say because I don't want any of my fellow voice actor friends to be offended.

Anime Dream:

Do you watch the shows that you have parts in before you record them?

Michelle Ruff:

Not usually. But I did for Miyao. Because she had SOOO much dialogue.

Anime Dream:

What was it like to hear your voice coming out of an animated character's mouth?

Michelle Ruff:

It's really cool. I love seeing a character come to life and being the one to give it that breath is an amazing process.

Anime Dream:

Do you ever feel like you are being typecast as the cute tomboy roles and wish you could play a more feminine lead?

Michelle Ruff:

Actually, I've been playing more feminine leads lately. I think I've become more versatile in my vocal range over the last year. It's fun to play the femme fatale.

Anime Dream:

And on a related subject, so far you've only played the nice girls: a "girl next door" type. If given a chance, would you mind playing the role of a bad girl?

Michelle Ruff:

Oh yeah. I love to stretch. And I never get to play the bad girl. Although Fujiko is a bit naughty and she's definitely a fun character for me.

Anime Dream:

Have you acted on TV shows, movies, or in a theatrical production? If so, do you want to pursue that part of an acting career?

Michelle Ruff:

I do voice over for TV and Films. I did theatre in Chicago (Improvisation). But I have no desire to do on-camera acting. I'm actually so busy with my voice over I wouldn't have time.

Anime Dream:

What kind of preparation do you normally do for a role? On average, how much time do you spend a week recording the given role?

Michelle Ruff:

Prep time is usually none. I go in see the character. Hear the Japanese version. Play with the voice and work with the director. Then we record. Some roles are a few hours a month some are a few hours a week. It depends on how big the part is and what the schedule of the production company is.

Anime Dream:

How much time do you spend a week recording for anime, on average? What work outside of voice acting do you do?

Michelle Ruff:

On average right now, I record about 10 hours a week doing anime. I also work doing voiceover on CSI, Scrubs, Smallville, Boomtown, etc. as well as commercials and original animation. I don't have any other source of income besides my voice acting.

Anime Dream:

When playing a lead role, how long does a recording session last?

Michelle Ruff:

They vary. Digimon will book me in 2-4 hour time slots every week. Other companies will book me for 8 hours (which is really hard physically and on my vocal chords).

Anime Dream:

Other talented VAs has turned out to be superb directors (Lia Sargent, Bridget Hoffman, Wendee Lee). Are you interested in directing?

Michelle Ruff:

Yes. I think directing would be something I would really enjoy. I've actually discussed it with a few companies. I think it's just a matter of time before it happens.

Anime Dream:

If I recall correctly, you're in the upcoming Tsukikage Ran (Carried by the Wind). What can you tell us about the show, and how have you enjoyed performing in it thus far?

Michelle Ruff:

I played Miyao. It was a blast. Miyao was all over the place vocally and emotionally. It was the first time I could actually have a bit of range with a character. She is a goofball with a good heart. And I really did have fun with her. We're actually done recording her. The director I worked with, Kevin Seymour at Animaze is amazing and really gave me the freedom to bring what I felt the character needed to the role.

Anime Dream:

Recently, a popular voice actress from another company damaged her voice while doing a particularly spastic character. Have you heard of this, and if so, has it affected your performances and warm-up techniques? Mainly I'm concerned about this in relation to Miyao in "Tsukikage Ran," who *is* spastic.

Michelle Ruff:

I haven't really had a problem. I usually drink lots of hot water and warm up for about a 1/2 hour before session.

Anime Dream:

When recording lines, how much is verbatim and how much is improvised?

Michelle Ruff:

It's 100% verbatim.

Anime Dream:

Is there any upcoming anime work that you are allowed to divulge?

Michelle Ruff:

I think I already divulged. There are a few projects I'm sworn to secrecy on. I think they'd hunt me down and kill me If I actually talked about them.

Anime Dream:

And finally, do you have anything you'd like to say to your fans?

Michelle Ruff:

Just Thank you for being so devoted to anime. Without you guys, I'd probably be working in a restaurant flipping burgers. (which is fine, but I prefer doing what I love!)