Yuri Lowenthal and Tara Platt may not be the most prolific couple in Hollywood when it comes to public appearances, but their impressive tally on IMDb marks them as an exceptional pair within the industry. Celebrated as two of the finest voice actors in the business, they boast an astounding cumulative total of over 1,000 credits across a diverse range of movies, TV shows, and video games. This expansive portfolio makes it challenging to pinpoint their most notable work. For Lowenthal, audiences may recognize him as the beloved Spider-Man or the adventurous Ben-10. In Platt’s case, she is likely well-known for her engaging performances in the World of Warcraft video game series or her extensive roles in various anime projects. This dynamic duo has enjoyed a solid marriage for 23 years, crafting their unique production powerhouse, and are now stepping into the world of publishing. Their latest venture includes the creation of the delightfully entertaining graphic novel, Topsy McGee and the Scarab of Solomon, which may potentially evolve into their very own animated series. They graciously shared their journey with us from their cozy home in Los Angeles.
How did you start as actors in the first place?
Tara Platt: My journey in acting began when I was around eight or nine years old, sparked by a memorable trip to a live performance with my mother. While watching, I noticed a group of children participating in the chorus, which ignited a realization within me—Wait, kids can be part of the show too? That moment hooked me and led me to my first audition. From that moment on, I never looked back, realizing that performing was my true calling.
Yuri Lowenthal: Growing up, I had a myriad of interests, but storytelling always intrigued me. However, pursuing it as a career never crossed my mind. I had always dreamed of auditioning for a play, but procrastination held me back until my final year in high school. I finally decided that if I didn’t take the leap before heading off to college, I might never do it. I quickly discovered my passion for acting, although I still didn’t view it as a viable career path. My father envisioned a future for me in international relations, a direction I assumed I would follow. Yet, after two years working in government post-college, I found myself spending all my free time in the theater, making fun films with friends, and attending acting classes. Ultimately, I decided to take a gamble on my passion; if it failed, I could always return to my government career. I moved to New York to pursue this newfound dream.
TP: And then we met. Once we arrived in Los Angeles, I had an agent encouraging me to participate in pilot season. In an unexpected turn of events, we eloped during our road trip, then focused on job hunting together in LA.
How did that turn into voice work?
TP: Initially, we were auditioning for various television series and films, landing a few roles here and there. We found ourselves pondering our next move when I suggested exploring Saturday morning cartoons. Yuri was mortified by the idea since he grew up watching them, but having not owned a television as a child, I merely recognized it as an option. We decided to take a class together, and soon after, we began landing roles and acquiring agents. Our careers took off from there. While we are primarily known for our voice work, we continue to partake in television and film projects, and we operate our own production company. Now, we have launched a publishing venture, giving life to our voiceover book, novels, and graphic novels.
We’ll talk about Topsy McGee, but you sort of glossed over something. It couldn’t have been that easy, just breaking into the business.
TP: Indeed, it wasn’t easy. We faced our share of challenges. Fortuitously, the teacher of the class we attended was casting an animated series, and Yuri landed a role in that very project while we were still studying. We entered the scene as trained actors, equipped with the necessary skills, and they were specifically seeking young male voices. Concurrently, I secured an agent who appreciated my demo, which led to my first bookings. Shortly thereafter, Yuri joined me with his own agent, allowing our careers to progress side by side. A pivotal moment was when we both booked roles in the popular anime series Naruto, enhancing our visibility as a couple in the industry.
You are both incredibly prolific. Is there a secret to your success?
TP: I wish there were a secret formula. Ultimately, it’s about doing an excellent job. Being easy to work with, punctual, and professional makes a significant difference—these traits help streamline the creative process for everyone involved. If you possess diverse talents, it creates more opportunities. We’ve built a reputation as reliable and dependable professionals. In this industry, work often leads to more work.
YL: A lot of those credits result from collaborative projects I did with friends without any paycheck attached.
TP: No, no, I’d say maybe twenty of those credits are from your early days. Life has evolved since we welcomed our son, but there were moments when Yuri would have four recording sessions in a day for different projects, navigating the city to fulfill those commitments. That was just part of our routine during that time.
You have both played iconic parts, and I wonder if there’s more pressure when you play someone like Spider-Man.
YL: Absolutely. There’s pressure on two fronts. Firstly, Spider-Man is an iconic character with a strong legacy that audiences are deeply attached to. Secondly, as a lifelong comic book and movie nerd, I feel a weighty responsibility to honor that legacy. I genuinely love this character and don’t want to disappoint fans. [To Tara] You have a similar story with your portrayal of Wonder Woman. When you recorded your lines for DC vs. Mortal Kombat, there was a considerable number of producers on the conference call.
TP: During that phone session, I was in the studio with the director while a panel of producers weighed in on whether my rendition encapsulated Wonder Woman. It was quite nerve-wracking. I wanted to meet their expectations while still injecting my own interpretation into the character.
Has it helped you, being a couple?
TP: I believe it has.
YL: I think it definitely has its advantages.
TP: It was hard not to have people recognize our relationship. We were never attempting to conceal it; we were simply known as the couple, Tara and Yuri.
YL: People also notice our collaborative efforts in creating content together.
That’s a perfect segue to talk about Topsy McGee. Where did the idea come from?
YL: The character of Topsy originally emerged from playful storytelling between us; we would share narratives just to entertain one another. At a convention, I encountered an artist whose work I admired and commissioned a piece showcasing Tara as Topsy McGee. The moment we saw that artwork, Topsy felt vividly real for the first time, as if she had leapt off the page. This epiphany led us to design a costume for Tara, which inspired us to create a film centered around this character.
TP: We envisioned Topsy’s story as being rooted in the silent film era, leading us to the joyful idea of making a short silent film—what a fun project that would be!
YL: We also explored pitching a television show for Topsy, but unfortunately, it wasn’t the right time for steampunk narratives to thrive in the television landscape. (Laughs) Nevertheless, we felt compelled to continue exploring this world we had started to create.
TP: The challenge was figuring out how we could maintain creative control and bring our vision to life without the vast resources of a major studio. Ultimately, Yuri had the idea to adapt it into a comic book format. Interestingly, since its release, people have enthusiastically suggested, “Why not develop it into an animated series?” We completely overlooked that prospect.
Come on.
TP: I know, it’s unbelievable.
YL: I know, it’s quite ironic.
It never occurred to you? Voice actors who specialize in animated fare? I’m very skeptical of this.
TP: We haven’t yet created our own animated show! Building an entire production from the ground up is quite a daunting venture. Nevertheless, the concept of developing an animated series around Topsy is undoubtedly exciting. We envision portraying these characters, as well as telling stories about couples who flourish together through shared enjoyment. This narrative style is a refreshing addition to contemporary storytelling, as the representation of married couples in media often leans towards negativity rather than the strength found in love and partnership.
You are both wildly successful in your field, and I wanted to know if you had any advice for someone wanting to break into voice acting.
TP: Above all, have fun. Remember that, at the core of acting, is self-exploration. The tedious aspects of the industry—editing auditions or navigating the agent-hunting process—might feel overwhelming, yet it’s fundamental to keep the joy that drew you to acting in the first place. Don’t overly concern yourself with others’ opinions; making a fool of yourself could be just what sets you apart amidst a sea of sameness.
YL: Adding to that thought, the current landscape can be challenging for aspiring actors. You often find yourself waiting for someone to give you the green light to pursue your passion. However, we now hold the technology and resources to tell our own stories and share them with the world. By taking charge of our creativity, we can breathe life into the characters we strive to portray. While monetary gains might not always be substantial, the emotional fulfillment derived from these projects provides the motivation needed to persevere through the trials of this industry.
Just focused on that angle—our creative process has always been about exploring various mediums and narratives. The idea of adapting Topsy into animation seemed like a natural progression, but we were so immersed in developing the graphic novel and managing our other projects that it simply slipped our minds. It’s truly wonderful how the community has engaged with Topsy and encouraged us to think outside the box.
What can readers expect from Topsy McGee and the Scarab of Solomon?
YL: Readers can anticipate an adventurous journey filled with humor, whimsy, and a hint of mystery. Topsy is a character who embodies curiosity and bravery. The story weaves in elements that shine a light on friendship, self-discovery, and the importance of following one’s passion, all set against a vibrant and richly detailed world reminiscent of the silent film era.
TP: Additionally, we’ve infused it with ample opportunities to showcase visually stunning art, and we’re thrilled with how the illustrations bring our story to life. The collaboration with our artists has truly elevated Topsy’s character and her world.
Do you have plans for more stories in the Topsy McGee universe?
TP: Absolutely! We’ve left room for expansion, and we’re already toying with ideas for potential sequels or spin-off stories. There’s such richness in the world we’ve begun to build, and we want to explore it further. The feedback from our readers and the excitement surrounding the character motivates us to keep creating.
YL: Plus, we’ve been discussing other mediums—like animation—as we’ve mentioned. The possibilities are endless, and we’re excited to see where Topsy’s adventures lead us next.
As you both embark on this new journey as authors, what’s been the most rewarding aspect of creating Topsy McGee?
TP: For me, it’s been tremendously rewarding to see our collaborative efforts manifest in a tangible form. Bringing our ideas to life has been an incredible process, and being able to share it with our fans means everything to us. It feels like a personal achievement, not just as individual artists but as a couple who shares a vision.
YL: Agreed. It’s been an amazing experience creatively, and getting to explore new frontiers alongside Tara is a gift in itself. Every step of this journey—whether through writing, illustrating, or designing—is infused with our unique partnership, making it truly special.
what advice would you give to aspiring voice actors or creatives looking to find their path in the industry?
TP: Stay persistent and passionate. The journey is rarely straightforward, so it’s essential to keep honing your craft, be open to learning, and embrace every opportunity. Don’t be afraid to take risks and collaborate with others—it can lead to unexpected and rewarding outcomes.
YL: And remember to enjoy the process! Surround yourself with supportive people and create work that excites you. The more you embrace your unique voice and style, the more likely you are to find opportunities that resonate with who you are as an artist.
