Tosh Show – Episode: My Favorite Resident Evil Villain with Maggie Robertson
Release Date: June 3, 2025

Hosted by iHeartPodcasts and Daniel Tosh, "Tosh Show" offers an insightful glimpse into the world of comedy and entertainment. In this episode, titled "My Favorite Resident Evil Villain," Daniel Tosh converses with Maggie Robertson, a seasoned voice and motion capture actor known for her work in iconic video games.

1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with light-hearted banter between Daniel Tosh and Maggie Robertson, setting a casual and engaging tone. They reminisce about Maggie’s recent weekend adventure at Dave and Buster’s, showcasing her relatable and witty personality.

Notable Quote:
Maggie Robertson [03:51]: "Neither one of us have ever been to Dave and Buster's. The reason I was interested in the first place was because they had a new commercial..."
Daniel Tosh [03:26]: "I have to do a little recon. I'm not much of a gamer. I just wanted to be sharp."

2. Guest Background: Maggie Robertson

Maggie delves into her upbringing, highlighting the frequent relocations during her childhood, which shaped her adaptability and resilience. She shares humorous anecdotes about her middle school experiences and her father's profession as a collegiate professor.

Notable Quote:
Daniel Tosh [15:48]: "My middle school, three out of ten. That's how bad it was."
Maggie Robertson [15:33]: "They stopped at 12, though, once they got to seventh grade. Madison Middle School, Titusville, Florida."

3. Acting in Video Games: An Inside Look

a. Landing a Role in Resident Evil

Maggie recounts her unexpected breakthrough in the gaming industry, landing a gig in the "Resident Evil" series shortly after moving to Los Angeles. She emphasizes the unpredictable nature of acting careers and the blend of luck and persistence required.

Notable Quote:
Maggie Robertson [20:33]: "It's a little bit of the Hollywood dream story, which is obnoxious to say that happened to me."
Daniel Tosh [21:10]: "This was a couple months after I moved to LA."

b. The Process: Performance Capture and Motion Capture

The conversation shifts to the technical aspects of video game acting. Maggie explains the intricacies of performance capture, detailing the equipment and environment required to bring characters to life. She highlights the challenges of balancing physical movements with filmed dialogue.

Notable Quote:
Maggie Robertson [27:44]: "It's like a spandex Velcro suit. And then they put sensors all over your body."
Daniel Tosh [28:16]: "Do you interact with other actors?"

4. Challenges of Video Game Acting

a. Limited Residuals and Financial Implications

Maggie and Daniel discuss the financial aspects of video game acting, particularly the scarcity of residuals. Maggie articulates the frustration actors face when their performances generate ongoing revenue without corresponding compensation.

Notable Quote:
Maggie Robertson [37:04]: "Residuals are the best part about show business. Yeah, you do a job. And then if the job is successful..."
Daniel Tosh [37:50]: "I'm sure it's debatable. Good is debatable."

b. AI's Impact and Industry Strike

Addressing the future of acting, the duo touches upon the rising influence of artificial intelligence in the industry. They discuss the ongoing strike aimed at securing legal protections against AI encroachment, ensuring human actors remain integral to game development.

Notable Quote:
Daniel Tosh [38:13]: "There is a strike right now for video games. We're renegotiating a contract and fighting for more legal protections."
Maggie Robertson [38:28]: "I'm not taking a pay cut for these monsters. They make so much money."

5. Residuals and Compensation in Video Game Industry

Maggie elaborates on the absence of residuals in video game contracts, contrasting it with other entertainment sectors. She advocates for fair compensation, emphasizing the ongoing revenue games generate from their actors' performances.

Notable Quote:
Maggie Robertson [37:43]: "The studios continue to get paid off of your one performance. They're still making money off of your one scene or whatever."

6. Public Recognition and Career Prospects

The discussion extends to public recognition, with Maggie sharing her experiences of being recognized by fans and the mixed feelings it evokes. They explore the balance between maintaining privacy and embracing the popularity that comes with successful roles.

Notable Quote:
Daniel Tosh [50:29]: "But yes, and yes, I've been recognized."
Maggie Robertson [50:46]: "Why do they play video games? Because they are so much smarter than us."

7. Closing Thoughts

The episode concludes with reflections on the evolving landscape of video game acting. Maggie underscores the importance of advocating for actors' rights and fair compensation, while Daniel Tosh expresses appreciation for Maggie's insights and experiences.

Notable Quote:
Maggie Robertson [52:26]: "Being famous is gross."
Daniel Tosh [52:11]: "Being famous is gross. My only goal was to have a job that doesn't make me want to vomit at night."

Conclusion

In this episode of "Tosh Show," Maggie Robertson provides a candid and informative perspective on the world of video game acting. From the technicalities of performance capture to the financial challenges posed by the absence of residuals, Maggie sheds light on the often-overlooked facets of bringing video game characters to life. Her discussions with Daniel Tosh not only entertain but also advocate for meaningful changes within the industry, making this episode a must-listen for fans and aspiring actors alike.