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Interviews: Anonymous AM Employee Dale DeSharone (AM) Denis Chernov (AM) Jeff Rath (AM) Jim Belcher (VC) John Brooks (NL) Mark Andrade (VC) Marty Foulger (NL) "partspitmike" (CIG) Silas Warner (NL) Trici Venola (PFF)

Jeff Rath (Animation Magic) Interview

Interview Information

Worked On: Date Published Interviewer Original Host Website Archived Link
Link: The Faces of Evil
Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon
Pyramid Adventures Episode 1		 November 11th, 2010 Retroplayer The Gaming Liberty Here!

Interview Body

Hi, folks, Retroplayer here. You know, here at TGL were always looking for new and interesting content. Well, I present to you the worlds first interview with Jeffrey Rath who voiced Link in the highly imfamous Zelda games released on the CD-i in 1993. Developed by Animation Magic they became the black sheep of the Zelda franchise and have been officially stricken from canon. Still, it makes for an nice little interview! Enjoy.

Retroplayer- First off, tell us a little about yourself, Jeffrey .

Jeffrey- I am a theatre person. I ran a theatre company in Newburyport, MA from 1994- 2009. I teach theatre at Boston College High School. I am a father of 3 yr old Beckett.

Retroplayer- Were you aware of the Legend of Zelda franchise before getting role?

Jeffrey- I had heard of Zelda, but never played it. Was never much of a video gamer.

Retroplayer- How did you land the role of Link in The Faces of Evil/Wand of Gamelon?

Jeffrey- I am an actor, we are always looking for paying work. A friend told me about the audition for a voice over. I thought it sounded fun. I auditioned, and they cast me as Link

Retroplayer- Take us through a typical Zelda recording session.

Jeffrey- The sessions were fun. They would show me pictures of the characters, give me a little script back ground, give me the script to read for about 15 minutes and then we would record. I stood in a sound proof booth and read my lines. There was never any of the other characters to work off of, so it was quite different than theater.

Retroplayer- What kind of direction were you given by the voice director?

Jeffrey- Once I found the voice, I was only given direction regarding reactions to the situation of the script. The director was supportive and pretty hands off. We would usually do 2 or 3 takes.

Retroplayer- When you read the line, “I’m so hungry I could eat octorok”, what was your first reaction?

Jeffrey- I think I asked what an octorock looked like. I had no idea what to think I just winged it. The studio guys were pretty fun to work with.

Retroplayer- How long did it take to complete you part in both games?

Jeffrey- I usually went in two or three times per game. I dont think I was ever there for more than a couple of hours a session.

Retroplayer- Gamers and critics alike responded universally negative to the game and voice acting. How do you feel about this?

Jeffrey- To be honest, I never saw the finished product. I wasn’t even sure it made it to the public. It wasn’t until recently that a friend told me it was such an infamous product. I think its hilarious, and cheesey.

Retroplayer- The games are infamous in gaming lore, Jeffrey. It’s been picked apart, parodied and generally tarred and feathered. Do you get a kick out of the reaction to the games online?

Jeffrey- I think it is all very funny. I am glad I found out about it so long afterwards though.

Retroplayer- Have fans ever contacted you before, Jeffrey?

Jeffrey- I have never been contacted by fans, but I have had students look it up to see if I was telling the truth. A couple of friends think its pretty cool.

Retroplayer- Are you a gamer yourself?

Jeffrey- I am not a gamer.

Retroplayer- What have you been up to since playing Link?

Jeffrey- I am an actor, teacher, husband and father. Not in that order.

Retroplayer- What’s next for you, Jeffrey?

Jeffrey- Whatever comes my way. I am pretty happy with my lot in life, but try not to turn down interesting opportunities. I loved doing voice over work- would definitely do it again.

I’d like to thank Jeffrey for taking part in this interview. It’s great to hear that he doesn’t take it very seriously but no doubt proud of the work he did back then. Sure, the game was imfamous, the gameplay was terrible and Zelda purists took offence with giving Link a voice but it still serves as an interesting, obscure and odd little gem in gaming lore. Thanks, Jeffrey!

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Last updated: August 12th, 2025.