30 Facts About Matthew Mercer

Early Life and Background

Matthew Mercer, a name synonymous with voice acting and tabletop gaming, has a fascinating background. Let's dive into some intriguing facts about his early life and how he became the person he is today.

1. Born on June 29, 1982, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Matthew Mercer grew up with a passion for storytelling and performance.
2. His real name is Matthew Christopher Miller, but he adopted "Mercer" as his stage name to avoid confusion with other actors.
3. Mercer moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dreams, where he initially struggled but eventually found his footing in the entertainment industry.
4. He attended Agoura High School in Agoura Hills, California, where he participated in theater and developed his acting skills.
5. As a child, Mercer was diagnosed with a speech impediment, which he overcame through speech therapy and perseverance.

Career Beginnings

Before becoming a household name, Mercer had to work his way up in the competitive world of voice acting. Here are some key moments from his early career.

6. Mercer started his career in voice acting by working on English dubs of Japanese anime.
7. His first major role was voicing Leon S. Kennedy in the video game "Resident Evil 6."
8. He also worked as a voice director for several projects, showcasing his versatility in the industry.
9. Mercer provided voices for various characters in the popular anime series "Naruto" and "Bleach."
10. He gained recognition for his role as Chrom in the "Fire Emblem" series, which helped him land more prominent roles.

Critical Role and Tabletop Gaming

Matthew Mercer's involvement in tabletop gaming, particularly with "Critical Role," has made him a beloved figure in the gaming community. Let's explore some facts about this aspect of his career.

11. Mercer is the Dungeon Master (DM) for the web series "Critical Role," where he leads a group of voice actors through epic Dungeons & Dragons campaigns.
12. "Critical Role" started as a private home game before becoming a live-streamed show in 2015.
13. The show has garnered millions of fans worldwide, known as "Critters."
14. Mercer has created an entire fantasy world called Exandria for the campaigns, complete with its own lore and history.
15. He has published several books based on "Critical Role," including campaign guides and novels.

Voice Acting Highlights

Mercer's voice acting career spans various genres and mediums. Here are some highlights from his extensive portfolio.

16. He voiced McCree in the popular video game "Overwatch," a role that has become iconic among fans.
17. Mercer provided the voice for Yusuke Kitagawa in the critically acclaimed game "Persona 5."
18. He played the character Levi Ackerman in the English dub of the anime "Attack on Titan."
19. Mercer voiced Jotaro Kujo in the English dub of "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure."
20. He has also lent his voice to characters in "World of Warcraft," "Final Fantasy XV," and "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild."

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond his professional achievements, Mercer has a rich personal life filled with interesting hobbies and passions.

21. Mercer married fellow voice actress Marisha Ray in 2017, who is also a cast member on "Critical Role."
22. He is an avid gamer and enjoys playing both video games and tabletop games in his free time.
23. Mercer is a fan of comic books and has even written a few himself.
24. He is passionate about animal welfare and often supports related charities and organizations.
25. Mercer enjoys cooking and often shares his culinary creations on social media.

Awards and Recognition

Matthew Mercer's talent and hard work have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous accolades throughout his career.

26. Mercer won the BTVA Voice Acting Award for Best Male Vocal Performances in Video Games in 2016.
27. He received the BTVA Anime Dub Television/OVA Voice Acting Award for Best Male Lead Vocal Performances in 2017.
28. "Critical Role" has won several awards, including the Webby Award for Best Web Personality/Host in 2019.
29. Mercer was nominated for a BAFTA Games Award for his performance in "Overwatch."
30. He has been featured in various media outlets, including Forbes and The New York Times, for his contributions to voice acting and tabletop gaming.

Matthew Mercer's Impact

Matthew Mercer has left an indelible mark on the world of voice acting and tabletop gaming. His work on Critical Role has not only entertained millions but also inspired countless people to explore Dungeons & Dragons. Mercer's dedication to his craft, his fans, and his fellow players shines through in every project he undertakes. From voicing iconic characters in video games and anime to creating immersive worlds for his friends and fans, Mercer's influence is undeniable. His passion and talent have set a high bar in the industry, making him a beloved figure in both the voice acting and gaming communities. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to his work, there's no denying the impact Matthew Mercer has had on the entertainment world. Keep an eye on his future projects; they're sure to be just as captivating.