Lara Croft's First Voice: 30 Years Later

Thirty years ago, the groundbreaking video game "Tomb Raider" introduced Lara Croft to the world. Released in Europe on October 24, 1996, the title defied conventions with its adult-oriented action gameplay and a strong female protagonist. Shelley Blond, a then-new voice actor, provided the inaugural voice for Lara Croft, a role that became her second professional gig and launched a now three-decade-long voiceover career.

Blond recounts her audition for the role, which she almost didn't pursue due to its difficulty in casting. She was asked to deliver lines with a 'female James Bond' or 'female Indiana Jones' demeanor. The visual concept of Croft, with her signature shorts, guns, and plait, was faxed to Blond, and she felt an immediate connection to the character's bold persona.

The creators of "Tomb Raider," Core Design and Eidos, had no foresight into the game's massive success. Blond, not being a gamer, saw it initially as just another job. The character's emergence as a cultural icon was confirmed for Blond when she spotted Lara Croft on the front cover of a magazine, realizing the character's immense global impact.

While other actresses and actresses have since portrayed Lara Croft, Blond cherishes her position as the original voice. She often meets fans at events who share how Lara Croft influenced their lives, providing confidence and forming connections to cherished memories. Looking ahead, Blond expresses caution regarding AI's impact on voice acting, relying on her agency to ensure ethical contract terms.