VO Actor Steven Ham Discusses Inspiration From Batman Industry Legend Kevin Conroy
Voice Over Actor Steven Ham Discusses Inspiration From Industry Legend Kevin Conroy
As early as Steven Ham can remember, he has had the natural gift to emulate voices with the ability to bring people joy and to make them smile, which is why he states that “he loves his chosen career path as a voice over artist.” Ham’s talent revealed itself as a child. Steven Ham’s focus is to do his best to always “be an amazing father to his children, and to continue to pursue work he loves.” Ham hears a voice several times and can emulate it to a significant degree; he has developed original characters as well.
Steven Ham recalled meeting Kevin Conroy and Tim Daly via a Zoom call during the pandemic when Galaxy Con was held online, where one could meet those who inspire them the most and have a conversation virtually. Ham recalls this as being “one of the most inspiring moments of his life,” and how speaking with Kevin Conroy “inspired him greatly,” giving him the wherewithal and vision to continue to work hard to refine his natural abilities and talent as voice over artist, to strive to use his abilities to the fullest extent, stating, “The legends in this field such as Kevin Conroy help me to see that the best version of me as a VO artist is possible and I know that I can strive to use my abilities to the fullest extent. He gave me a lot of hope that I can do that, and I plan to!” See their talk here: Talking with Tim Daly and Kevin Conroy (Superman and Batman) (youtube.com).
Ham was also so thankful, as he discussed, l to speak with the inspiring Andrea Romano, who inspired him greatly to further work on his “original characters.”
Steven Ham has his favorite voices that he portrays with ease – Kermit, Batman (Kevin Conroy), Kermit the Frog (Jim Henson), Winnie the Pooh, Shaggy, Scooby Doo, Colonel Sanders, Heath Ledger’s Joker, Mickey Mouse, Animal, Optimus Prime from Transformers, Cleveland from Family Guy, Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool, and Stitch from Lilo and Stitch. He recalls “feeling thankful” to have connected with a man who brought him a lot of inspiration from a young age; specifically, the amazingly talented Kevin Conroy who encompassed all that was Batman for over three decades. Conroy’s role in Batman: The Animation Series, came about after being discovered by Andrea Romano, who as stated by Backstage, has “put together and guided some of the most iconic vocal ensembles in cartoon history,” to include for the aforementioned Batman: The Animated Series, serving as both the casting and voice director for the legendary production. Kevin Conroy was quoted by the New York Times as stating that the series (Batman: The Animated Series) was so much more than animation; “animation doesn’t do it justice. It’s more like mythology.”
In a recent interview, Steven Ham discussed his goals within the next year of being able “to use his talent to make a career out of it, using his gifts and talents” as a VO artist, he is inspired to his abilities fully, “knowing it is possible to accomplish a lot through his work on various productions,” as he gained so much encouragement from his conversations with Kevin Conroy, Tim Daly, Jim Meskimen. When asked what he is seeking in the right agent for him, Ham states, “I want them to believe in me, and work for me, someone who sees my natural talent, drive and determination, and a person passionate enough that they will have my back to find the best opportunities for me; opportunities where I can truly be given the opportunity to excel in this field, as I know I meant to.”
Jim Henson has been a great inspiration to Steven Ham also, which is why one of his favorite voice impersonations to do is Kermit the Frog. “He was not only immensely talented, but an extremely kind man,” states Ham. “I think that is an amazing example to follow.”
Concluding, “I love when I can make people laugh or smile, I want to do this work to the fullest extent to boost people’s spirits and bring joy. I want to use my talent to also encourage my kid’s, and to show them by example that they too can pursue work they love, work that brings them joy and truly excel in life.”
Steven Ham is a US Army Veteran, a dedicated father and one who has overcome much in his life; he is determined to pave his way as a voice over artist and actor who “constantly books productions,” and is seeking the opportunities to do just that. Subscribe to Steven Ham’s YouTube at Steven Ham – YouTube to get a glimpse of his talent; “I have so much more to share and do,” states Ham, “this is just the beginning.” VO Artist and Actor Steven Ham – IMDb.