::Fallen Starlite Interviews Vic Mignonga::

Fallen Starlite: What age were you when you started acting and how did you get into it?
Vic Mignonga:I have been acting most of my life... church, school, community theater... since I was 8 or so.

FS: Were you familiar with the concept of Japanese anime when you started dubbing anime and what attracted you to doing this kind of work?
VM:I knew of anime but never really thought about working in it. I was encouraged by a friend to audition for ADV Films about 10 years ago. I did, got cast, and just kept working! I didnt plan to work in anime!

FS: I remember working as a volunteer at my friend's college anime society when he decided the group should watch Full Metal Alchemist. Just to annoy everyone he played the dub version but within half an hour of the episode, a member exclaimed "Oh my god! Is this an actual dub?! It's amazing!" With responeses like that; how does this make you feel about the success of the dub of Full Metal Alchemist?
VM:I am very humbled and honored by the reception of FMA. It was a privilege to be part of such an amazing show and cast. Not many voice actors get such an opportunity. I'm so grateful to God.

FS: From reading your Anime CV from your website, you have done quite alot of roles. Can you honestly tell us about a role you at first struggled with then eventually overcame?
VM:Well, there has not been a role that I actually "struggled with", but I often tell fans about the physical difficulty of playing Broly from DBZ. Not because he was a deep character... but because he yells so much! That was the hardest part!


FS: I heard that you got to play Tamaki Souo from Ouran High School Host Club. Congradulations! He was my favourite character from reading the manga. Also, a huge favourite with the ladies! From what I gather about Tamaki he is really engertic and abit crazy but with good intentions. How did you prepare for this role? I also heard you were keen on getting this role?
VM:I'm so excited about Ouran! I fell in love with Tamaki over a year ago and was hoping to get the chance to audition for him. He an awesome character and I am absolutely in love with the show! I hope the fans enjoy it as much as have enjoyed making it!

FS: Apart from Acting and dubbing anime for the West, what are your other interests? I heard you like singing and playing Piano? I'll confess; I did find your Myspace, I had a listen to your songs and I find you an incrediably talented singer. I'm being honest here since I grew up with an older brother who is a musician.
VM:Thanks for checking out my myspace :) I have many interests.... music composition, piano, singing, graphic design, etc. My degree is in film and I love doing video & film work as well.

FS: As a musican, who were the main influences for your music?
VM:I would say the main influence was Barry Manilow. Then people like Billy Joel, Elton John... piano players and composers!

FS: Last question, then you can breath; I know you are going to Ireland in the fall but if you had the chance to come to Scotland preferably Glasgow, name at least 3 things you would do? Bear in mind that Scotland is known to be land of the free so feel free to be crazy and adventurous!
VM:WOW. Scotland... I would love that! I suppose I would definitely want to play golf! I think it'd be fun to wear a kilt too... what a tourist I am! And I'd love to see Loch Ness.. I've always been a Loch Ness monster fan :)

From the very bottom of my heart, I would like to thank Vic for taking his time from his busy life to answer these questions for Fallen Starlite. For all you UK/European fans of Vic, he will be appearing at an Irish anime convention called Eirtakon
So I recommend you all go along and say "Hi Vic, I saw you on Falllen Starlite." or something along those lines. If you can't go to the convention you can always buy the new Ouran Host Club DVD which will be realised on October 28th this year in the US. Not sure if the UK will get this but you can always order it from Up1 site (See links for more details!)