SWEDEN
- How did you get your first role as Vixey in The Fox and the Hound, back in 1981?
In terms of casting, the story has been pretty much the same for every single role or part I have ever played; I’ve received a phone call from whoever was in charge of the casting, and was asked whether I would like to be the voice of a particular character. So, I’ve almost never auditioned for a part, and therefore, I can’t tell you whether there were others that were also considered for the same part, or how many they might have been.
- How did the recording sessions go?
I’ve always found voice acting very amusing and inspirational, which makes it a rather upbeat and uncomplicated thing to do. The recording of Vixey took a while, at least by today’s standards, as the technology was simpler back then. These days, the sound engineer can edit a phrase or line, stretching or nudging it to create a better lip sync. Before this, it was impossible, we would need to do several takes, and then rewind the film between takes to check the lip sync.
- One year later, in 1982, you dubbed the one who started it all in the Swedish re-dubbing of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs; why was it decided to re-dub the movie?
I’m not really sure. My guess is that Disney wanted to bring a more contemporary expression to the film, both in terms of the voices of the characters, but also the use of language, and sound quality, of course.
Naturally, I felt a little nervous about replacing the work of Tatiana Angelini - which was exceptional, by the way, but at the same time I felt very excited.
In two words: it was memorable and enjoyable. I’ve done quite a lot of voice acting over the years, and Snow White certainly has been influential in that regard.
Naturally, I felt a little nervous about replacing the work of Tatiana Angelini - which was exceptional, by the way, but at the same time I felt very excited.
In two words: it was memorable and enjoyable. I’ve done quite a lot of voice acting over the years, and Snow White certainly has been influential in that regard.
- Before you started the dubbing, did you watch the original version, for some inspiration maybe?
No, I did not. The studio setting was inspirational in itself. As I recall it, we had such a good time, and the director was very helpful in achieving the very delicate and innocent voice that is so typical of Snow White.
- Do you have a favourite scene from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs? A favourite song?
First of all, I love the entire film – the beautiful animation and the wonderfully romantic music in it. It’s hard for me to cherry-pick, but I suppose one of my favourites is the scene where Dopey attempts to dance with Snow White, but is sent flying when Sneezy throws a fit, and all the other dwarfs play and sing together. I find it very charming.
"En Dag Är Prinsen Här" (”Someday my prince will come”) is very beautiful.
"En Dag Är Prinsen Här" (”Someday my prince will come”) is very beautiful.
- Would you say that Snow White reflects your personality?
Snow White and I share a number of characteristics; the dark hair with the centre parting, the positive outlook on life, and the joy that singing brings. However, I can’t say with a clear conscience that I’m as kind and good-hearted as she is. I’m an open-minded and straight-forward kind of person with a hair-trigger temper, and who is not afraid of conflicts.
- 20 years later, you came back as Nani in Lilo & Stitch; how was it to return to dubbing after all this time?
I was asked, and simply said yes. But I’ve also done a number of other characters since then. In ”Dennis the Menace” I was the voice of Joey, Alice and Mrs. Wilson. In ”The Country Mouse and the City Mouse”, I played the Country mouse. More recently, I played the role of Pika in ”Lassie”, a black bird with a dialect from the north of Sweden (which is also where I’m from). I also played Aunt Teeny Turtle in ”Franklin and Friends”.
I’ve done a lot of other things since 1981. I have recorded 12 solo albums, performed countless concerts around Sweden, and this year marks the 23rd country-wide christmas tour, along with my accompanist Andreas Landegren. I was also on the cast of the TV show ”Nya Tider”, as well as playing Maria of the 1984 production of ”West Side Story” and the role of Maria in a 2015 production of ”The Sound of Music”. I also played Anna of August Dahlgren’s ”Värmlänningarna” on stage in Ransäter 1981-1983, 1989-1999, which was also televised 1980. In 1984, I performed with Björn Skifs on his dinner show at Hamburger Börs. The same year, I had my own show which was also entry of the year at the Montreux festival. I’ve done TV shows with Ronny Eriksson, ”Lid i natt” (1995), "Bondånger" (1997), and "Bondånger II" (1998). I also toured with Eriksson in his show ”Kärleksånger” (2005-2006). Moreover, I also played the witch in ”Kvitebjörn Kong Valemon” (1991) which was broadcasted in both Norway, Germany and Sweden.
I’ve done a lot of other things since 1981. I have recorded 12 solo albums, performed countless concerts around Sweden, and this year marks the 23rd country-wide christmas tour, along with my accompanist Andreas Landegren. I was also on the cast of the TV show ”Nya Tider”, as well as playing Maria of the 1984 production of ”West Side Story” and the role of Maria in a 2015 production of ”The Sound of Music”. I also played Anna of August Dahlgren’s ”Värmlänningarna” on stage in Ransäter 1981-1983, 1989-1999, which was also televised 1980. In 1984, I performed with Björn Skifs on his dinner show at Hamburger Börs. The same year, I had my own show which was also entry of the year at the Montreux festival. I’ve done TV shows with Ronny Eriksson, ”Lid i natt” (1995), "Bondånger" (1997), and "Bondånger II" (1998). I also toured with Eriksson in his show ”Kärleksånger” (2005-2006). Moreover, I also played the witch in ”Kvitebjörn Kong Valemon” (1991) which was broadcasted in both Norway, Germany and Sweden.
- Have you ever auditioned for roles you didn't get in the end?
I recently auditioned for the role of Queen Elizabeth II, but didn’t get the part. However, I had a feeling my voice was a bit on the bright side, so I wasn’t surprised. I may be 62 years old, but my voice is very much the same as it was when I was young.
- What are you doing nowadays?
Right now I am making preparations for this year’s Christmas tour, for which I am also the producer. We collaborate with many large choirs all over the country, and this year we will do 20 concerts. I just got back from a concert with Andreas Landegren and a lovely choir in Småland. I absolutely love being a singer by profession, and the voice acting is a nice sideline which is always enjoyable.
Interview by Agust Ingi Aðalheiðarson
October 11, 2016
October 11, 2016
