Matthew Mercer
Matthew Mercer
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Overview

Matthew Christopher Miller, professionally known as Matthew Mercer, is a multifaceted American talent renowned for his voice acting, game design, and overall contributions to the tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) community. This timeline highlights key moments in his life and career, tracing his journey from a budding gamer to a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Main Milestones
Birth and Early Childhood
June 29, 1982
Born in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Matthew Mercer's formative years were steeped in imaginative play and a burgeoning love for storytelling. This early exposure to fantasy narratives and character development laid the groundwork for his future career, with Dungeons & Dragons quickly becoming a defining passion.
Early Voice Acting Work and Improv Training
Late 1990s - Early 2000s
Before hitting mainstream success, Mercer honed his voice acting skills through smaller roles in various projects. He also dedicated time to improv training, recognizing the importance of quick thinking and character embodiment, skills that would become crucial to his improvisational game mastering style and voice acting range.
First Major Voice Acting Role: Leon S. Kennedy in Resident Evil 4
2004
This marks a significant turning point in Mercer's career. Landing the role of Leon S. Kennedy in the acclaimed video game "Resident Evil 4" provided a significant platform and introduced his voice to a wider audience. This role helped solidify his presence in the voice acting industry and opened doors for future opportunities.
Joins Geek & Sundry
2012
Joining Felicia Day's Geek & Sundry network marked a pivotal shift, propelling Mercer further into the spotlight of the geek community. His presence on various shows showcased his charisma and passion for tabletop gaming, setting the stage for his most iconic venture.
Critical Role Begins
2015
Arguably Mercer's most significant achievement, "Critical Role", a live-streamed Dungeons & Dragons campaign, premiered on Geek & Sundry. Mercer served as the Dungeon Master, weaving intricate narratives and captivating audiences with his compelling storytelling and character portrayals. The show's immediate popularity established him as a leading figure in the TTRPG community.
Critical Role Breaks Away and Forms its Own Company
2019
Recognizing the immense potential of their creation, the "Critical Role" cast severed ties with Geek & Sundry and established their independent company, Critical Role Productions. This move demonstrated their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to maintaining creative control over their intellectual property, allowing them to expand their universe and pursue ambitious projects.
The Legend of Vox Machina Kickstarter
2019
Critical Role launched a Kickstarter campaign to create an animated special based on their first "Critical Role" campaign. The overwhelming support, exceeding expectations by raising over $11 million, demonstrated the immense fanbase they had cultivated and allowed them to develop "The Legend of Vox Machina", a critically acclaimed animated series that was eventually picked up by Amazon Prime Video.
The Legend of Vox Machina Premieres
2022
The animated adaptation of Critical Role's first campaign, "The Legend of Vox Machina", premiered on Amazon Prime Video to widespread acclaim. Mercer reprised his role as the Dungeon Master and also voiced several characters within the show, solidifying his influence and creative control. The show's success further cemented Critical Role's position as a major force in entertainment.
Continued Success and Influence
Present
Matthew Mercer continues to be a prominent figure in both the voice acting and TTRPG communities. He actively participates in "Critical Role", works on new projects, and serves as an inspiration to aspiring voice actors, game designers, and storytellers worldwide. His passion, creativity, and dedication have cemented his legacy as a key innovator and influential voice in the entertainment industry.