Early Life and Education
Born on May 28, 1976, in Weehawken, New Jersey, Liam Christopher O’Brien entered the world with a flair for the dramatic—perhaps foreshadowing his future in voice acting. His mother, Lois Wiltse O’Brien, was an educator and quality assurance trainer, instilling in Liam a penchant for precision and a love for learning. Growing up alongside his sister, Cara, in a Reformed Christian household, Liam spent 15 years in Christian schooling. However, like any good protagonist, he charted his own path, later identifying as agnostic. His passion for performance ignited at St. Peter’s Preparatory School, leading him to the bustling streets of New York City, where he honed his craft at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Stage Beginnings and Transition to Voice Acting
Before becoming a household name in the world of voice acting, Liam treaded the boards in theater productions across the United States. It was during a production of Romeo & Juliet in Cincinnati, Ohio, that he crossed paths with fellow actor Crispin Freeman—a meeting that would serendipitously open doors to voice-over opportunities back in New York. The aftermath of the September 11 attacks prompted Liam and his partner to relocate, steering his career toward voice acting—a decision that allowed him to blend his artistic passions with family life.
Anime Contributions
Liam’s foray into anime voice acting is nothing short of impressive. He brought to life Gaara of the Sand in Naruto, a character whose brooding nature and complex backstory resonated with audiences. As Captain Jūshirō Ukitake in Bleach, Liam’s portrayal added depth to the benevolent and wise Soul Reaper captain. His versatility shone through in roles like Lloyd Asplund in Code Geass and Kenzo Tenma in Monster, showcasing his ability to navigate diverse character landscapes.
Video Game Roles
The digital realms of video games have been significantly enriched by Liam’s vocal talents. As Illidan Stormrage in World of Warcraft, he delivered the iconic line, “You are not prepared!”—a sentiment many gamers have felt firsthand. His portrayal of War in Darksiders brought gravitas to the apocalyptic Horseman, while as Yasuo in League of Legends, he embodied the wandering swordsman’s stoic demeanor. Not to be overlooked is his role as Gollum in Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and its sequel, where he captured the character’s duality with eerie precision.
Western Animation
Liam’s vocal versatility extends to Western animation, where he has contributed to a plethora of series. In Star Wars Rebels, he voiced the enigmatic Brother Blood, adding a layer of intrigue to the series. His work in Transformers: Robots in Disguise, Avengers Assemble, Wolverine and the X-Men, and Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. further cements his status as a dynamic force in the animation industry.
Directing and Writing
Beyond lending his voice, Liam has made substantial contributions behind the scenes as a voice director and writer. He has provided voice direction for over 300 episodes of anime, including the extensive Naruto series, ensuring that the English adaptations maintained the emotional integrity of the originals. In the gaming industry, his directorial prowess is evident in titles like The Last of Us, where he guided actors through the game’s intense narrative, and in Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6, where he orchestrated performances that heightened the games’ suspenseful atmospheres.
Critical Role and Tabletop Gaming
In 2015, Liam co-founded Critical Role, a live-streamed tabletop RPG show where a group of voice actors embark on epic Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. His portrayal of characters such as Vax’ildan (“Vax”) in Campaign One, Caleb Widogast in Campaign Two, and Orym of the Air Ashari in Campaign Three has captivated audiences, blending his acting prowess with his love for storytelling. The show’s success led to a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign, resulting in the animated series The Legend of Vox Machina, where Liam reprised his role as Vax’ildan. Additionally, he participated in Exandria Unlimited, a spinoff of Critical Role, further expanding the rich tapestry of the game’s universe.
Personal Life
In 2002, Liam married fellow voice actress Amy Kincaid, and together they have two children. Balancing a family life with a career filled with fantastical worlds and characters is no small feat, but Liam manages it with the same skill he brings to his performances. He resides in Los Angeles, where he continues to contribute to the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
From his early days in New Jersey to becoming a prominent figure in voice acting and tabletop gaming, Liam O’Brien’s journey is a testament to his talent, versatility, and dedication. Whether voicing a sand-controlling ninja, directing actors through a zombie apocalypse, or rolling a natural 20 on Critical Role, Liam continues to leave an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Be sure to read "SHOCKING: D.C. Douglas Exposes Truth About 101 Voice Actors!"
