Bryan Dechart

Bryan Dechart is an American actor, voice artist, and Twitch streamer best known for providing the motion capture and voice for Connor, the android detective protagonist, in the 2018 video game Detroit: Become Human developed by Quantic Dream.^[1][2] Born on March 17, 1987, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Dechart was raised outside Detroit, Michigan, which influenced his connection to the setting of Detroit: Become Human.^[1] He graduated with honors from New York University, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting, and received additional training at institutions including the Meisner Extension, Experimental Theater Wing, Viewpoints Studio, and Stonestreet Studios, as well as in Commedia dell'arte in Florence, Italy.^[1] Dechart began his acting career with guest roles on television series such as Guiding Light (2009) and Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2010), followed by his film debut as Anton in Step Up 3D (2010).^[1] He gained further recognition for portraying the recurring character Eli Chandler, a fashion designer, on the ABC Family series Jane by Design (2012).^[1] Other notable credits include the lead role of Dan in the horror film The Remaining (2014), appearances on shows like True Blood (2013) and Switched at Birth (2014), and voice work in video games such as Cyberpunk 2077 (2020).^[1][3] Beyond acting, Dechart has pursued producing and directing, including the short film Echelon (2017), and maintains an active presence as a content creator on Twitch under the channel Dechart Games, where he streams gameplay and collaborates with his wife, actress Amelia Rose Blaire, whom he married on June 30, 2018.^[1][2]

Early life and education

Childhood and upbringing

Bryan Dechart was born on March 17, 1987, in Salt Lake City, Utah.^[1] He spent much of his childhood raised in Novi, Michigan, a suburb just outside Detroit, fostering a lasting affinity for the Midwest region and its cultural landscape.^[1] Dechart's parents are John Dechart and Marilee Dechart, though limited public details exist regarding their professions or broader family dynamics.^[4]

Academic background

Dechart completed his secondary education at Novi High School in Novi, Michigan, where he developed an early interest in performing arts amid his upbringing outside Detroit.^[5] After graduating in 2005, he moved to New York to attend the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting in 2009.^[4] During his time at NYU, Dechart trained intensively in several specialized programs that honed his acting techniques, including the Meisner Studio under instructors Vicki Hart, Nate Flower, and Donna Germain; the Experimental Theater Wing with Paul Langland and Richard Armstrong; the Viewpoints Studio led by Mary Overlie; and Stonestreet Studios with Linda and David Laundrus and Karen Braga.^[6] He also participated in Commedia dell'arte training in Florence, Italy, through NYU, as well as courses in clowning, physical comedy, movement (including Alexander Technique and contact improvisation), voice and speech, accents and dialects, and stage combat.^[6] These experiences, combined with his graduation with honors, provided a rigorous foundation that prepared him for professional opportunities in theater, film, and television.^[4]

Acting career

Television roles

Dechart began his television career with a guest appearance as Brian on the long-running soap opera Guiding Light in 2009.^[7] His next role came in 2010, portraying Young John Silvestri in a single episode of Law & Order: Criminal Intent.^[8] In 2011, he had a brief uncredited appearance as a photographer in the Blue Bloods episode "Dedication".^[9] Dechart's breakthrough in television arrived in 2012 with his recurring role as Eli Chandler on the ABC Family series Jane by Design. Eli, a charismatic and artistic high school student who becomes a key romantic interest for protagonist Jane Quimby, appeared in 8 episodes across the show's single season. This performance, showcasing Dechart's ability to blend charm and vulnerability, marked his rise to prominence in the industry and introduced him to a wider audience through the teen drama format.^[7][10] The year 2013 saw Dechart in several guest spots, including Dave, a minor character in the True Blood season 7 premiere "Death Is Not the End," where he contributed to the supernatural thriller's ensemble of vampires and humans. He also played Graham Vendoris, a friend of the Kennish family, in the episode "Ecce Mono" of Switched at Birth, and Aaron Keller in the episode "Hothead" of Beauty and the Beast. These roles highlighted his versatility in genre television, from horror-fantasy to family drama.^[11][7] As of November 2025, Dechart has not appeared in additional live-action television series beyond 2015, shifting his focus to other media.

Film roles

Dechart made his film debut in the 2008 short film For Your Entertainment, providing voice work as the tiger character in a story critiquing the exotic animal trade.^[12] His first feature film appearance came in 2010 with Step Up 3D, directed by Jon M. Chu, where he played the supporting role of Anton, a member of a rival dance crew in the dance drama starring Rick Malambri and Sharni Vinson.^[13] The film, released on August 6, 2010, grossed over $42 million domestically. In 2014, Dechart took on a lead role as Dan Gardener in the apocalyptic horror film The Remaining, directed by Casey La Scala. Co-starring Alexa PenaVega, Shaun Sipos, and Johnny Pacar, the movie depicts friends facing biblical end-times events during a wedding; it premiered on September 5, 2014, and earned $1.17 million in the U.S. while receiving mixed reviews for its intense action sequences.^[14][15] That same year, Dechart appeared in the family adventure Dakota's Summer (also known as Cowgirls 'n Angels 2), playing supporting role Taylor Chase alongside Halley Roa and Jade Pettyjohn in a story about a young barrel racer. The film focused on themes of perseverance and was released direct-to-video. He also featured in the short thriller The Box, portraying Joe in a narrative exploring isolation and mystery. Dechart continued with indie projects in 2015, leading as Jamie in the romantic drama As Good as You, directed by Heather de Michele, which follows a couple navigating a breakup with co-stars Midori Francis and Lynn Cohen; the film premiered at festivals emphasizing emotional authenticity. In the thriller Roommate Wanted, he played Joe, a suspect in a murder mystery alongside Alexa PenaVega and Spencer Grammer, released direct-to-video with a runtime of 86 minutes. Earlier indie efforts include the 2013 horror Awakened, where Dechart starred as Liam Dawson in a tale of demonic possession directed by Arie Scope, co-starring Sarah Roemer. In 2012, he led Commencement as a young man grappling with family and economic pressures in a dramedy directed by Steve Albrezzi. He also appeared in the short Things I Don't Understand as Dan, contributing to its festival circuit run. These smaller projects highlighted Dechart's versatility in low-budget cinema across genres like horror and drama.^[16]

Video game roles

Bryan Dechart began his foray into video game performance with uncredited voice work providing various voices for the open-world crime drama Mafia III in 2016.^[17] In this role, he contributed to the game's ensemble of character dialogues set in the racially tense backdrop of 1960s New Bordeaux. Dechart's breakthrough in interactive media came with his portrayal of Connor, the advanced android detective protagonist in Quantic Dream's narrative-driven adventure Detroit: Become Human (2018).^[18] As Connor, he performed both voice acting and full performance capture, donning a motion-capture suit to record facial expressions, body movements, and interactions that allowed players to influence the character's evolution from a loyal machine to a potentially deviant entity.^[2] This role marked his first day in performance capture, coinciding with his birthday, and involved techniques such as marker-based tracking to translate his physicality into the game's realistic android animations.^[19] Connor's arc, central to the game's exploration of artificial intelligence and free will, received widespread acclaim for Dechart's nuanced delivery, earning him the Best Character award at the Italian Video Game Awards in 2019.^[20] Following Detroit: Become Human, Dechart provided voice work as part of the local pedestrian population in Rockstar Games' critically acclaimed Western epic Red Dead Redemption II (2018), contributing to the immersive dialogue of the game's vast open world populated by thousands of NPCs. He later voiced Brendan, a sentient vending machine teetering on the edge of self-awareness, in CD Projekt Red's dystopian RPG Cyberpunk 2077 (2020), a role that echoed themes of machine humanity from his Connor performance and added quirky depth to Night City's environment.^[21] In 2022, he took on the lead role of Mathew Banks, a key character navigating a sci-fi mystery, in the adventure game Broken Pieces.^[22] Dechart returned for additional voices in the Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty expansion (2023), further embedding his contributions in the franchise's lore.^[22] Dechart's performance capture work in Detroit: Become Human highlighted innovative techniques like real-time facial scanning and environmental interaction simulations, which enhanced player immersion by making Connor's responses feel authentically reactive.^[23] Fan reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with Dechart's portrayal of Connor often cited for its emotional range and ability to convey subtle android deviance, fostering a dedicated community that appreciates his engagement through streams and events.^[24] Dechart has appeared at gaming conventions to discuss his roles, including a 2025 panel at MCM London Comic Con alongside co-star Amelia Rose Blaire, where they shared insights into Detroit: Become Human's production and its lasting impact on interactive storytelling.^[25]

Streaming and online presence

Twitch streaming

Bryan Dechart launched the DechartGames Twitch channel in March 2018, coinciding with promotional activities for Detroit: Become Human, the video game in which he provided the voice and motion capture for the android character Connor.^[26] The channel's early streams emphasized interactive gameplay sessions, drawing fans interested in Dechart's performance insights during his playthroughs of narrative-heavy titles. This timing allowed Dechart to leverage his acting background to foster immediate audience engagement, with initial broadcasts attracting thousands of concurrent viewers.^[27] The channel rapidly expanded, achieving significant milestones such as reaching 50,000 followers within its first year and surpassing 522,000 followers as of November 2025.^[28][29] In recognition of its quick rise, Dechart and frequent co-streamer Amelia Rose Blaire shared the 2018 Golden Joystick Award for Best New Streamer/Broadcaster, highlighting the channel's innovative blend of professional gaming commentary and personal interaction.^[30] Dechart's streams often incorporated themes inspired by his Connor role, such as ethical decision-making in story-driven games, which resonated with viewers and contributed to sustained growth.^[31] DechartGames primarily features live playthroughs of narrative-driven video games, including titles like Undertale, It Takes Two, and Road 96, where Dechart provides in-depth analysis of character motivations and plot choices.^[27] Collaborations with Blaire are a staple, often involving co-op gameplay that emphasizes teamwork and humorous banter, enhancing the communal feel of the broadcasts. These sessions prioritize viewer participation through real-time chat feedback, polls, and Q&A segments, creating a supportive environment focused on shared enjoyment rather than competitive metrics.^[31] By 2025, marking seven years of consistent streaming, DechartGames had evolved to incorporate regular charity events, raising funds and awareness for organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund, The Trevor Project, and Gamers Outreach through extended marathons and special broadcasts, including a December 2024 marathon.^[2][32] These initiatives, often tied to game anniversaries or community challenges, underscore the channel's commitment to positive impact, with donations facilitated via integrated platforms during live interactions. Community building remains central, with milestones celebrated through fan-voted game selections and interactive events that maintain high engagement levels into 2025, including an indie game showcase in October 2025 and a 7-year anniversary in April 2025.^[27][33][34]

Game development and other ventures

Bryan Dechart co-founded DechartGames with his wife, Amelia Rose Blaire Dechart, in 2018, establishing it as a platform for gaming-related activities that extends beyond his acting roles in video games.^[29] The venture began as a Twitch streaming community focused on positive interactions and fan engagement but has evolved to include entrepreneurial elements like merchandise sales and content creation in the indie gaming space.^[27][35] The Dechart Games YouTube channel, launched alongside their streaming efforts, had reached 472,000 subscribers and accumulated over 33 million views by September 2025, with content emphasizing non-live videos such as game trailers, community compilations, and behind-the-scenes updates rather than full streams.^[36] This growth reflects their commitment to building a multifaceted online presence tied to gaming culture. In parallel, Dechart runs Dechart Photography Studios in Los Angeles, a business specializing in professional headshots, portraits, and nature photography tailored for performers.^[37] The studio has earned 5-star reviews as of November 2025.^[37]

Personal life

Marriage and family

Dechart married actress Amelia Rose Blaire on June 30, 2018.^[1] The couple first met in 2012 while working on the independent film Commencement, in which Blaire starred as Christa Richmond and Dechart appeared in a supporting role; their relationship developed over the following years.^[38] Dechart and Blaire have integrated their careers closely, notably through joint ventures in streaming and public appearances. They co-founded the Twitch channel Dechart Games in 2018, where they broadcast gameplay sessions and interact with fans, fostering a dedicated community known as the #ConnorArmy.^[27] Their collaborative streaming efforts earned them the Golden Joystick Award for Best New Streamer/Broadcaster in 2018.^[39] The pair also frequently appear together at fan conventions, including MCM London Comic Con in October 2025, where they participated in panels and meet-and-greets related to their roles in Detroit: Become Human.^[40] On May 5, 2024, Dechart and Blaire welcomed their first child, a milestone they announced publicly shortly after the birth.^[1]

Philanthropy and interests

Dechart engages in philanthropic efforts primarily through charity livestreams on Twitch via his channel Dechart Games, focusing on gaming-related fundraisers for mental health and environmental causes. Along with his wife, Amelia Rose Blaire, he supports organizations such as The Trevor Project, which offers suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth; the World Wildlife Fund; and the Amazon Rainforest Trust. These streams foster community involvement and have raised significant funds, including $28,000 in 2020 for World Wildlife Fund Australia to combat bushfire devastation.^[2][27] Beyond philanthropy, Dechart pursues photography as a personal interest, operating Dechart Photography Studios in Los Angeles, where he specializes in portrait and headshot sessions tailored for actors and performers. His hobby extends to creative projects, such as a self-imposed challenge to photograph 52 portraits in 52 weeks, and travel-based endeavors like documenting the 2017 solar eclipse from Wyoming's path of totality.^[41][37] In 2025, Dechart continued fan engagement through convention appearances, including MCM London Comic Con in October, where he interacted with attendees alongside castmates from Detroit: Become Human.^[40]

Awards and nominations

Acting awards

Bryan Dechart received several accolades for his performance capture and voice acting as the android Connor in the 2018 video game Detroit: Become Human, highlighting his contributions to interactive media.^[20] His first major recognition came at the Golden Joystick Awards on November 16, 2018, where he won Best Performer for portraying Connor, an award voted by the public and recognizing outstanding acting in gaming.^[20][30] Later that year, Dechart was nominated for Best Performance at The Game Awards on December 6, 2018, competing against notable performers including Christopher Judge as Kratos in God of War, Roger Clark as Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2 (who ultimately won), and Melissanthi Mahut as Kassandra in Assassin's Creed Odyssey.^[20][42] In 2019, Dechart earned additional honors for the same role, including the Best Character award at the Italian Video Game Awards on April 11, 2019, selected by a jury of industry experts.^[20][43] He also won the UZETA Award for Best Performance in an Animation or a Video Game at the Etna Comics International Film Festival in June 2019, an event that celebrates achievements in animation, video games, and related fields.^[20][44]

Streaming awards

Dechart, alongside his wife Amelia Rose Blaire, received the Best New Streamer/Broadcaster award at the 36th Annual Golden Joystick Awards in 2018, recognizing their emerging presence in the live streaming community through their joint channel DechartGames on Twitch.^[45] The Golden Joystick Awards, one of the longest-running gaming accolades established in 1983, are determined by public vote and celebrate achievements across gaming and related media, with the 2018 ceremony held on November 16 in London.^[30] This win highlighted their collaborative streams focusing on narrative-driven games, which quickly built a dedicated audience following the release of Detroit: Become Human, where Dechart voiced the character Connor.^[46]