Patricia Summersett took on the enviable task of being the first voice actress for Princess Zelda, an iconic video game character that has been integral to The Legend of Zelda series for over three decades.
In recent years, Nintendo has made it clear that both the Zelda series and its brand as a whole needed to move with the times. This shift meant finally introducing voice acting to a series that had been defined by its silence ever since its debut back in 1987.
But how did it feel to bring a traditionally mute character to life? We spoke to Patricia Summersett to understand how she gave voice to one of the most iconic figures in video game history.
When did you first hear about the role, and how familiar were you with the Zelda series?
“I actually discovered it was the role of Princess Zelda only weeks after I’d landed it, which is pretty common in video game auditions due to the intense secrecy surrounding the material. I was pretty familiar with the series, having grown up with the NES in my family home and having played a few of the Zelda games (the original, Ocarina of Time, and then Twilight Princess). But I never would have suspected it was Zelda… I wouldn’t have fathomed that.”
Did you feel under any pressure considering you were the first voice actress to give such an iconic video game character an English voice, especially after 3 decades of silence for Zelda?
“I did feel pressure, surely. It was a fascinating year being a ‘silent princess’ and watching the hype unfold. But I also felt well-supported, and it was a focused room, with much work to be done and clear direction. At some point, it became more important to simply focus on the work at present.”
What was Nintendo like to work with compared to other roles you’ve had?
“Honestly, with most VO jobs I’ve done, I’ve always had a pretty positive experience. The Nintendo team was an absolute joy to be in the room with. Working with director Jamie Mortellaro… I highly recommend the experience for any voice-over artist because his direction is easy, clear, always supportive, and confident. So I’d say it was great. I’d give it a top rating, haha! But also the nature of the material was extra special, so it was a very cool room to be in.”
How did you mentally prepare yourself for the role? And how much creative freedom did you have to explore the character?
“I approach every script I work on from a theatre perspective. I prepped and did research into the Zelda universe to prepare as well. Zelda is a very easy character to empathize with. But I was also given very clear direction, so ultimately it was about coming in with an idea and then marrying it with the vision of Nintendo.”
Would you like to reprise the role again, and if so, what would you do differently, if anything?
“I would certainly reprise the role if I had the chance. I can’t say exactly what I would do differently, but I would continue to evolve within it as I would when spending a length of time with any character. And I would certainly appreciate every moment of it!”
Have you got around to playing Breath of the Wild? If so, how’s your playthrough going, and what are your thoughts on the finished product?
“I have played several hours and have a mountain of hours ahead of me. The game is incredible; I love it. I get distracted with all of the little things that have nothing to do with an ultimate mission. Hunting forever or blowing up everything I can find on a cliff. I was waylaid for about 30 minutes the other day attempting to use magnesis to lift a pitchfork and bump a bunch of goats on their backsides (to get them to run). And you can do that in this game… with everything! But really, I just find the work of the hundreds of artists involved in the creation of the game to be truly incredible. To be involved in this way creatively… it’s a gift I do not take for granted.”
What was the most surprising challenge you faced while voicing Zelda?
“I think one of the most surprising challenges was striking the right balance of emotional depth and restraint. Zelda is a deeply layered character who carries the weight of her royal responsibilities while grappling with her own vulnerabilities. The challenge was in portraying her as strong and determined while allowing moments of softness and doubt to shine through. That nuance was something I worked closely with the team to perfect.”
What advice would you give to aspiring voice actors looking to break into such high-profile roles?
“First and foremost, understand that every audition, big or small, is an opportunity to learn and grow. Embrace the process and focus on delivering your best performance, regardless of the outcome. It’s also crucial to hone your craft—take acting classes, practice different accents and emotional ranges, and work on your vocal stamina. And finally, always be prepared to bring a piece of yourself to the character. Authenticity is what makes a performance resonate with audiences.”
Conclusion
Patricia Summersett’s work as Princess Zelda in Breath of the Wild marked a significant moment in gaming history. For the first time, the beloved heroine of The Legend of Zelda had a voice, and Summersett’s performance captured the essence of a character adored by millions.
As Nintendo continues to innovate and push the boundaries of its iconic franchises, fans can only hope that Patricia Summersett will once again step into the role of Princess Zelda. With her unique approach to voice acting and her deep respect for the character’s legacy, it’s clear that she has left an indelible mark on the series.
For Patricia, the journey is far from over. Whether exploring the depths of Hyrule in her own playthrough or preparing for future roles, her passion for storytelling and performance continues to inspire gamers and aspiring actors alike.