Ben Whitehead opens to Rachel Sallis and Eddie Bye on This Is My Voice up about his journey from a struggling actor to voicing the beloved Wallace. The new film, Wallace and Gromit: A Vengeance Most Fowl, showcases his dedication to preserving Wallace’s legacy while adding his own touch.
A Childhood Dream Come True
At [01:25], Ben recalls how Wallace and Gromit captivated him as a child. “I loved watching Wallace’s silly inventions,” he shares. Ben often imitated Wallace’s quirky phrases, never imagining it would one day become his career. “I just thought it was fun, not a career path,” he laughs.
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The Accidental Career Move
Ben’s path to becoming Wallace’s voice wasn’t planned. At [07:00], he explains, “A friend told me Aardman needed voice work, so I gave it a shot.” His initial audition was daunting, but he caught the studio’s attention. “I thought I’d just fill in for short clips,” he says, “but they kept calling me back.” Over time, Ben mastered Wallace’s distinctive tone, preparing him to take on the iconic role.
Perfecting Wallace’s Voice
At [14:03], Ben details the years he spent honing Wallace’s voice. “Wallace has this nasal tone and sing-song rhythm,” he explains. “It’s more than just mimicry; it’s about understanding the character’s heart.” Ben acknowledges the challenge of balancing respect for Peter Sallis, the original voice actor, with making the character his own. “Peter’s legacy is irreplaceable, but I had to bring Wallace into the future,” he reflects.
A Peek at the New Adventure
The upcoming film, Wallace and Gromit: A Vengeance Most Fowl, introduces audiences to new challenges for the duo. At [02:14], Ben teases, “There’s a gnome named Norbot who plays a surprising role.” He promises the film retains the charm of the originals while exploring fresh humour.
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Working with Silent Characters
Ben discusses the unique dynamic between Wallace and Gromit at [18:52]. “Gromit’s expressions guide so much of Wallace’s dialogue,” he says. Ben credits Aardman’s animators for creating such a believable relationship. “It’s a collaboration between voice and animation,” he explains.
Hard Work and Dedication
Ben’s journey to becoming Wallace’s voice is a testament to hard work and dedication. His passion for preserving Wallace’s legacy while making it his own shines in the new film. Fans of Wallace and Gromit are in for a treat when A Vengeance Most Fowl hits cinemas.
This podcast is sponsored by Australian Radio School and the Auscast Network.
