If you’ve watched a movie trailer or played a video game in the past three decades, you’ve almost certainly heard Barbadian-British voice actor Redd Pepper’s thunderous baritone. Here, the voice arts legend discusses being named the latest Backstage Vanguard Award honoree and his advice for aspiring voice actors.
“I’m ridiculously grateful,” Pepper says of winning the Vanguard Award, a collaboration between Backstage and the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS) that recognizes excellence in voice acting and community advocacy. “I don’t take it personally for me. I take it personally for the industry. Because when I go to events and see young cats coming through, they are so elated to hear the award for the best newcomer. I applaud extra harder for them, because this is something special to them,” he continues.
How to Become a Voice Actor“I’ve been there, done that,” he says. “So when I pick up my award and I’m on the stage and I’m receiving it and I’m doing my speeches, it’s [about] inspiring others. And that’s what I love about it…. My pleasure comes from inspiring others and encouraging them to never give up on their aspirations.”
Pepper’s own career is a testament to never giving up. His journey to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in entertainment began unexpectedly, when an executive overheard his “really smooth announcements” as a train driver for the London Underground and asked him to record at Molinare. Soon, Pepper’s rich, gravelly voice became synonymous with trailers for movies like “Armageddon” and “Independence Day.” Now, as a professional voice actor, “every single day is a pleasure,” he says.
For voice actors hoping to follow in his path, Pepper’s advice is both timeless and timely: Have faith, invest in your craft, and above all, persevere. “Believe in yourself,” he says. “Focus on your internal potential over external noises or doubt.”
The voice actor adds: “Really study your craft. Listen to criticism. Listen and be honest with yourself. Learn about microphone techniques. Learn about empathy. Learn about sympathy. Be a better person, because all of those emotions have to come out through your voice.”
It’s also important to practice different voice types and genres, since “having multiple strings to one’s bow is crucial,” says Pepper, who has evolved from voicing movie trailers to recording mocap for video games including “Baldur’s Gate 3.”
Finally, Pepper notes that the best thing you can do in an industry navigating technological change, economic pressures, and evolving platforms is simply keep on keeping on: “Carry on. Continue with your craft.”
The Backstage Vanguard Award will be presented during the That’s Voiceover! Career Expo taking place Jan. 9–11, 2026.