Kinda Funny Gamescast: Ben Starr Interview - "That Guy's In Everything"
Release Date: June 30, 2025
Hosts:
- Greg Miller
- Ben Starr
Overview: In this deep and heartfelt episode of the Kinda Funny Gamescast, Greg Miller sits down with the versatile voice actor and performer Ben Starr. The conversation delves into Ben's prolific career in the gaming industry, his personal struggles with mental health, the intersection of his acting passion with video games, and his ambitious plans for the future.
1. Streaming Marathon and Host's Birthday Celebration (00:09 - 04:10)
The episode kicks off with Greg Miller and Ben Starr bantering about the ongoing marathon livestream hosted by their friends Roger and Mike. Greg humorously notes, “They are freaking it,” highlighting the dedication of their friends who have been streaming Death Stranding 2 for over 48 hours (01:06). Amidst the lighthearted conversation, Greg mentions the stream's goal to set a record and acknowledges the significance of Tim Gettys' birthday, intertwining personal celebrations with their regular gaming discussions.
2. Introducing Ben Starr and His Career (04:10 - 07:02)
Greg transitions to the main topic: Ben Starr. He reminisces about their memorable time at Pax East, stating, “We did the keynote. We had a great time” (06:05). Greg highlights Ben’s extensive work, including roles in Final Fantasy 16 as Clive, Hades 2, Prometheus, The First Berserker Khazan, and Expedition 33. He emphasizes Ben's rapid rise in the gaming voice acting scene and his desire to be recognized beyond a single character.
Notable Quote: Ben reflects on his career trajectory, saying, “I wanted this. I ran at it with you... It wasn't accidental” (07:13).
3. The Intersection of Acting and Video Games (07:02 - 13:40)
Ben provides insight into how his passion for acting seamlessly merged with his love for video games. He shares his proactive approach in seeking roles within the gaming industry, likening it to “a fan being given the keys to the kingdom” (07:13). Ben discusses his collaboration with Kinda Funny Gamescast, expressing gratitude for the platform it provided to showcase his talents.
Notable Quote: Ben emphasizes his dedication, “I wanted to exist in a space that I understand and I love” (09:07).
4. Early Life and Introduction to Video Games (13:40 - 20:31)
The conversation shifts to Ben’s childhood in Liverpool, where his passion for acting began early. At age 11, he landed his first professional role as Gavroche in Les Misérables. Parallel to his acting pursuits, Ben developed a deep love for video games, starting with a Game Boy at seven (16:35). He recounts saving his allowance to purchase games and the pivotal moment of winning a PlayStation, playing classics like Gran Turismo and Resident Evil 2.
Notable Quote: Ben shares, “Gran Turismo and Resident Evil 2 were my first games on there. And from that moment on, it was all of my money” (17:09).
5. Navigating Success and Personal Challenges (20:31 - 25:35)
Ben opens up about his struggles with severe depression following years of theatrical success. The transition from intense acting training to seeking roles that match his passion for video games led to a personal crisis. He candidly discusses battling alcohol dependency and the emotional toll of defining his identity solely through his work in Final Fantasy 16.
Notable Quote: Ben reflects, “I went from everything to nothing... that was my thinking behind the whole thing” (23:09).
6. Coping with Loss and Mental Health (25:35 - 36:00)
A poignant part of the interview addresses the sudden passing of Ben’s father during the launch of Final Fantasy 16. Ben describes the emotional devastation and the challenge of finding solace in his work while grieving. He emphasizes the therapeutic role of video games, sharing how they provided structure and an escape during his darkest times.
Notable Quote: Ben shares his grief, “Nothing can prepare you for death... It is the most sudden it could possibly be” (28:12).
7. Rebuilding and Rediscovering Passion (36:00 - 47:35)
After his father's passing, Ben discusses his journey toward recovery, including therapy and redefining his relationship with video games. He highlights the importance of balancing his career ambitions with personal well-being and the continuous support from his fiancée, who also understands the demands of their acting careers.
Notable Quote: Ben states, “I have the confidence to go up and say, I really want to do this because I don't want to let this thing go” (33:53).
8. Future Projects and Ambitions (47:35 - 54:18)
Looking ahead, Ben expresses his ambition to diversify his roles beyond iconic characters like Clive Verso and Khazan. He aims to be recognized for a wide range of characters, aspiring to build a legacy that reflects his versatility as a performer. Ben discusses upcoming opportunities, including hosting the Golden Joystick Awards and engaging with diverse gaming communities like Magic: The Gathering.
Notable Quote: Ben shares his vision, “I want you to know me from 110 characters” (47:35).
9. Personal Life and Relationships (54:18 - 61:36)
Greg touches on Ben's personal life, particularly his relationship with his fiancée. They both navigate the challenges of demanding careers, balancing time apart with strong mutual support. Ben highlights the complexities of maintaining a relationship amidst frequent travels and busy schedules but underscores the strength and understanding they share.
Notable Quote: Ben admits, “It's a very complex issue that she understands and I understand” (50:07).
10. Community Engagement and Influence (61:36 - 68:50)
Ben emphasizes the importance of the gaming community in his life, celebrating fan creations like fan fiction, art, and cosplay. He appreciates how projects like Expedition 33 inspire fans to create their own art, enhancing the collective gaming experience. Ben encourages fans to engage passionately with games, fostering a vibrant and supportive community.
Notable Quote: Ben enthuses, “Art is inspiring. Art that inspires art. And I just. I just love it” (22:00).
11. Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks (68:50 - 70:15)
As the episode winds down, Greg and Ben share lighter moments, discussing upcoming announcements and engaging with fan questions. Ben wraps up by promoting his D&D group, Natural Six, and hints at exciting future projects, reinforcing his commitment to both his craft and the gaming community.
Notable Quote: Ben concludes, “I don't want to be one of these people that's kind of just doing stuff... I want to do stuff that's a little bit different and maybe no” (55:16).
Key Takeaways:
- Ben Starr's Versatile Career: From iconic video game characters to hosting major events, Ben showcases his adaptability and ambition in the gaming industry.
- Personal Struggles and Resilience: Ben’s honest discussion about his mental health challenges highlights the often unseen pressures faced by voice actors and performers.
- Passion for Gaming and Community: His deep love for video games and appreciation for the gaming community underscore the symbiotic relationship between creators and fans.
- Future Aspirations: Ben aspires to broaden his repertoire, aiming to be recognized for a diverse array of characters and contributions to the gaming world.
Notable Quotes:
- "I wanted this. I ran at it with you... It wasn't accidental." (07:13)
- "Gran Turismo and Resident Evil 2 were my first games on there. And from that moment on, it was all of my money." (17:09)
- "Nothing can prepare you for death... It is the most sudden it could possibly be." (28:12)
- "I want you to know me from 110 characters." (47:35)
This episode provides a comprehensive and intimate look into Ben Starr’s journey, blending professional achievements with personal revelations. It serves as both an inspiration and a testament to the resilience required to thrive in the dynamic world of video game entertainment.