The voice behind Byron Powell: Greg Ellis
Handsome actor Greg Ellis has a successful career in movies, video games and television! Bratz fans know him best for his outrageous performances on the Bratz cartoon show (and DVD's) as Byron Powell!
Mr. Ellis takes some time out to chat with Lady Yuna about Bratz, pirates and gives us a revealing look at the industry. He also drops a huge bombshell on the fate of the Bratz cartoon show! A Bratz Fanz/Lady Yuna exclusive you'll only find HERE!
Lady Yuna: How did you land the role of Byron Powell on the Bratz?
Greg: I auditioned for the role of Sir Nigel Forester and they asked me to audition for Byron as well. I read a few pages of the script at Salami Recording Studios for the producers and directors and got a call a few weeks later offering me the job.
Lady Yuna: Were you as surprised as we were, to learn that Byron was a Secret Agent?
Greg: Yes. I didn't know how many episodes Byron would be in but when I read that he was a Secret Agent it expanded the scope of the character rather nicely.
Lady Yuna: Would you like to see a Byron Powell Bratz doll? I know I would buy one!
Greg: You might buy one, but if not too many others do I don't think I could face the prospect of lots of unsold Byron dolls on the shelves of toy stores ;-)
Lady Yuna: You starred in the original Pirates of the Caribbean. What was it like working with Johnny Depp?
Greg: It is always a pleasure to work with great actors - especially when they are lovely people as well.
Lady Yuna: We'll see you back on the big screen in Pirates of the Caribbean 3. What can you tell us?
Greg: My character - Lieutenant Groves - has been promoted to 1st Lieutenant of the fleet. I report directly to Cutler Beckett (TOM HOLLANDER). The 3rd movie will tie up all the loose ends from the 2nd. We are filming at the moment (August 2006, when this interview was conducted) and having a great time. It's fun to be part of such a big movie franchise.
"That's got to be the best pirate I've ever seen." Greg in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.
On the set of Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End.
Lady Yuna: The Tomb Raider series is one of my favorites and I've played all the games. You recently provided the voice of Alistor in Tomb Raider Legend. What was that experience like and is it exciting to be part of Tomb Raider history?
Greg: It's always exciting to be part of great games made from successful movies. James Bond, Lord Of The Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean and Tomb Raider - They're all hugely successful movies with massive fan bases. One of these days I'll have to play the games I've voiced! The characters I voiced for Tomb Raider was fun to record as he was a little quirky if I remember correctly.
Lady Yuna: If Crystal Dynamics approached you in returning as Alistor for another Tomb Raider game, would you do it?
Greg: WITHOUT A DOUBT.
Alister Fletcher from Tomb Raider: Legend.
Lady Yuna: You brought the character of Cait Sith to life in the incredibly popular Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children film (one of my favorite movies) and in the recent Dirge of Cerberus video game (which I am currently playing). Will you be returning as Cait Sith in the upcoming Crisis Core video game?
Greg: I really don't know. The game developers and producers, should they choose to bring my character back, could very well use someone elses voice. Recently the cast of Bratz got word that we would no longer be recording Bratz as they were moving production to Canada as it was cheaper to use Canadian voice-over talent. Personally, I think that's a huge mistake and is short changing all the loyal fans that have made the cartoon so popular. I know that all the voice cast here in Los Angeles is very disappointed by the decision to move the show as we had such tremendous fun making it. (<-- Told to Lady Yuna in August 2006 ).
Lady Yuna: Was it fun to portray Cait Sith with a Scottish accent?
Greg: The Scots are a great race of people. It's always interesting to portray different dialects and accents. I think in one of the Bratz movies I played an Indian father - I think his name was Ali.
Lady Yuna: How does it feel to be part of a hit show like "24"?
Greg: 24 was a great experience and the character Michael Amador was a fun role to play. The show is such a huge success - and it's always fun to be part of a hit show.
Lady Yuna: You've done a lot of voice acting for video games. Which has been your favorite character to perform?
Greg: I don't have one favorite...Ty the Tasmanian Tiger- - full on Australian ball of energy. He's one of my favorites.
Lady Yuna: Which do you prefer; acting in front of the camera or voice over work?
Greg: Acting in front of the camera is more rewarding and voice over work is more fun.
Lady Yuna: Any upcoming projects you can tell us about?
Greg: I am filming Pirates of the Caribbean 3 until mid November (2006). I can be seen in the season finale of The Closer on TNT playing Ronald Goodman - An attorney for the Mob. The next year (2007) I can be seen in Beowulf with Anthony Hopkins and Angelina Jolie.
Lady Yuna: Do you have a message for your fans?
Greg: I LOVE YOU...BOTH OF YOU ;-)
Lady Yuna: You're so modest! I love you too, Greg!
What a sweet and mega talented guy! Special thanks to Greg for taking the time out of his busy schedule to speak with me.
To find out more about Mr. Ellis, please visit his website:
