Matthew Mercer
Matthew Christopher Miller, known professionally as Matthew Mercer or Matt Mercer, is an acclaimed American voice actor, game designer, gamemaster, and singer, celebrated for his extensive work in video games and animation since 2002. He has carved out a significant niche in the entertainment industry, not only for his versatile voice acting but also for his role as a popular Dungeon Master in the web series Critical Role.
Born on June 29, 1982, Mercer grew up in the town of North Hollywood, California. From a young age, he exhibited a passion for storytelling and performance, which guided his interests towards voice acting and gaming. He began his professional career in voice-over work in the early 2000s, quickly establishing himself with memorable roles in various animated series and video games. His talent shone through in a multitude of characters, including Levi Ackerman in Attack on Titan, Kiritsugu Emiya in Fate/Zero, and Jotaro Kujo in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.
Throughout his career, Mercer has lent his voice to numerous iconic characters in video games. He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Leon S. Kennedy in Resident Evil 6, which showcased his ability to bring complex characters to life. His impressive repertoire also includes roles such as Kurtis Stryker in Mortal Kombat, Chrom in Fire Emblem, and more recently, Cole Cassidy in Overwatch and Vincent Valentine in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Additionally, he has voiced characters in franchises like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Like a Dragon, demonstrating his versatility across genres.
Mercer’s rise to fame accelerated when he became the Dungeon Master for Critical Role, a live-streamed Dungeons & Dragons campaign that debuted in 2015. The series quickly gained a massive following, not only for its engaging storytelling and character development but also for Mercer's dynamic leadership and creativity as a storyteller. As the chief creative officer of Critical Role Productions, he has played a pivotal role in expanding the brand, which now includes animated series, comic books, and various tabletop role-playing game supplements.
In addition to his work in voice acting and game design, Mercer has collaborated on several notable projects. He contributed to the development of tabletop gaming books such as Explorer's Guide to Wildemount, Tal'Dorei Campaign Setting Reborn, and Critical Role: Call of the Netherdeep. His influence on the gaming community is significant, as he continues to inspire both fans and aspiring voice actors alike.
As of 2023, Matthew Mercer remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, continually engaging audiences through his work in voice acting, game design, and his ongoing contributions to Critical Role. His dedication to storytelling and character creation has solidified his status as a beloved figure among gamers and animation enthusiasts worldwide.