By now most every video gamer has heard of Duke Nukem. Before the controversial days of Grand Theft Auto, Manhunt, or even Mortal Kombat, there was Duke. Full of attitude, manlyness and testosterone-filled bad-ass quotes like “I have balls of steel”, “Blow it out your ass”, “time to kick ass and chew bubble gum . . . but I’m all out of gum” and “eat sh*t and die”, he made waves and soared in popularity, becoming one of the first commercially successful games that pushed the limit of what was acceptable. And let’s not forget the other adult-oriented features, like pole-dancing strippers who’d show their parts for money and being able to actually use toilets . . .
And Duke is still just as popular today, despite the fact that Duke Nukem Forever has been forever delayed . . .
Ever wondered who the face was behind the voice though? Find out in this interview with Jon “Duke” St. John.
Zergwatch: You had a pretty long career in radio under your belt by the time you did the voiceover for Duke Nukem. I’m sure this worked out great for the radio stations you worked at for selling ad spots, but when did you realize that you could expand your horizon beyond radio on your own?
Jon “Duke” St. John: In 1994 I was approached by a casting director – Lani Minella – a name you may recognize, as she is perhaps the most talented voice actor/director in the industry. Lani and I met while I was working at a radio station in San Diego and she asked my if I would be interested in voice acting for CD-ROM games. Among the first projects she offered me was the role of Duke Nukem. She said that the developer wanted a voice similar to Clint Eastwood’s “Dirty Harry”, but in a lower pitch. I gave it a shot, and landed the part.
Zergwatch: Beyond doing the voice of Duke Nukem and other video game spots, what would you say were your top 5 favorite voice over jobs (they don’t have to be game related)?
Jon “Duke” St. John: Theme park characters are a lot of fun and can be quite a challenge. I was cast for the role of “Buzz” the Buzzard for Dollywood’s MysteryMine ride. They wanted a gruff, gravely voice – in a southern accent – that could sound both friendly and creepy at the same time – and be able to sing. So that’s number one.
Number two would be the narrator on Twisted Metal Four. This read was similar to the Crypt-Keeper on Tales from the Crypt – only much more maniacal. I really went over the top on this one and I love the way it turned out!
Third favorite is a national TV spot for Toshiba printers. The spot was a take-off of the Bonneville salt flats film of cars breaking land speed records. They digitally replaced the car in that classic footage with a printer and had me use a “50’s style” voice for the narration. A very clever commercial that I use as one of my demos.
Fourth is another national TV spot I voiced for Spongebob Squarepants peanut butter. It’s a whacky, big-voice announcer read that fit that project quite well.
And my fifth favorite voice gig was imaging for KIIS FM radio in Los Angeles. Producer Chuck P had me read the stations promos in a very monotone but intense style that sounds really cool.
Zergwatch: Most gamers probably are unaware of your huge video game voice over portfolio which includes Half-Life, Twisted Metal and Big the Cat in most of the Sonic video games among many others. Which character post Duke Nukem did you enjoy doing the most?
Jon “Duke” St. John: That would be drill instructor Dwight T. Barnes in Half Life: Opposing Force. This was a takeoff of R. Lee Ermy’s character in the film Full Metal Jacket. I love the intensity of this guy, and I think I got really close to capturing the essence of the character.
Zergwatch: What was the experience like for you you back when you were working on Duke Nukem which was essentially the Grand Theft Auto of its day when it comes to pushing the envelope on video game extremes?
Jon “Duke” St. John: It was really a lot of fun! Lani Minella was a blast to work with, and the script called for phrases I have never even considered recording prior to that experience. Duke was definitely all attitude and I enjoyed being a bad-ass. (I still do.)
Video of Duke Nukem (on keyboards) aka Jon St. John singing Love Shack
Zergwatch: These days it seems like video game developers have run out of creative new ideas and frequently rely on making their games like past titles, but only better. Has a has a video game developer ever approached you and said “We want you to do the voice of a character who is like Duke Nukem, but a little bit different.”?
Jon “Duke” St. John: Not really…other game developers don’t want to rip-off his voice. They often tell me that my read is too similar to Duke, and that I should back off and try something else. I can’t help it…when they ask for a deep voiced, ass-kicking character, I automatically go into the Duke Nukem mode. But I am pretty versatile and usually come up with something that works and doesn’t sound too much like him.
Zergwatch: Have you ever answered a telephone using the Duke Nukem voice or have you ever misused or abused the Duke Nukem voice (or any of your other voices) for a laugh that you could share with us?
Jon “Duke” St. John: Oh yeah…many times. I often have friends ask me to place a call to some unsuspecting victim and get medieval on their asses in the Duke voice. I once called a radio morning show on the east coast and harassed the DJ’s in Duke’s voice…they had recorded the call and ended up using parts of the call over and over again on station promos!
Zergwatch: Are you at all familiar with the wildly popular videos on You Tube called “Ventrilo Harassment?” [watched by nearly 2 million viewers since they were posted.] The videos where they went into people’s voice chat service equipped with a Duke Nukem Soundboard to harass the people in the channel. Those videos have been watch millions of times. What’s your take on those?
Jon “Duke” St. John: Yes…I was made aware of it by Jeron (an audio producer at 3DR) who suggested I check it out prior to recording a special Duke greeting to the 3DR crew just before the Duke Nukem Forever trailer was released. I laughed my head off! That lady was out of her mind pissed off!
Zergwatch: If Duke Nukem Forever ever comes out, the game would be ruined without you doing the voice of Duke Nukem. Have you been in contact at all with Take-Two Interactive or 3D Realms about this project?
Jon “Duke” St. John: Well…thank you so much for your support! I would like to think that I am the one and only voice of Duke. And yes, I have been in touch with George Broussard at 3DR who tells me that it will be released when it’s ready. He says there is quite a bit of work yet to be done…but if you have seen the trailer, you know it’s going be worth the wait, ’cause this one is gonna to ROCK!
Zergwatch: One of the cool things we found on your website was that you offer a service to make custom Duke recordings. How does that service work and how much does it cost?
Jon “Duke” St. John: It’s very simple really…I can record a message of up to 30 seconds in length which is available in any audio format for use as a ring tone, answering machine, etc. for fifty bucks. You email the script to me, Duke says whatever you like, and after you make payment on Pay Pal, or after your check clears the bank, I email the audio back to you. Please keep in mind that I will not say “this is Duke Nukem”. I will refer to myself as “Duke” and I will say anything you want me to say…I have no issues with profanity…in fact, I enjoy it!
Zergwatch: With your extensive career and business portfolio, I noticed the one thing that constantly pops up is Duke Nukem. Does Duke Nukem stand out for you in any way or are there any feelings beyond it being just another gig?
Jon “Duke” St. John: Just another gig? Are you kidding? Duke is KING! Can you think of any other video game hero with his attitude, destructive force or good looks? I don’t think so. I love playing the part of Duke and I’m honored to be associated with such a pop icon.