Kristen Interviews Eileen Stevens of
Ah! My Goddess: Flights of Fancy
Kristen (K): Thanks for spending some time with us today Eileen! We want to talk all about Ah! My Goddess: Flights of Fancy! Tell us about your beloved character Belldandy.
Eileen Stevens (ES): Well, she is a goddess. Although young in appearance, late teens to early 20s, she’s ageless, perhaps thousands of years old. As a goddess, she doesn’t have the insecurities, prejudices or reservations that humans have. She is a pure spirit and her intentions are sincere, thoughtful, and kindhearted. She also has superhuman abilities!
K: Did you know beforehand that you would be the third actress playing the role of Belldandy? Did that affect your approach to it at all?
ES: Since my introduction to Ah! My Goddess was at the audition, I simply did my best to create a voice that honored who she is. Though I knew I wouldn’t be the first, I’m not sure if I was told then, if cast, I would be the third person to voice her. However, it didn’t affect my approach. I didn’t know what the other Belldandy voices sounded like and I wasn’t asked to copy either one. Instead, the director encouraged me to create a voice that honored Bell’s character and has directed me that way since. It was long after I was cast that I learned more about the other talented actresses who voiced her and how much they were liked. Knowing this still hasn’t changed my approach but has made me very grateful to have been given such a loved and historical character.
K: What's your take on Kei and Bell's relationship?
ES: It’s first love, with a twist. For Keichii, Bell is his ideal love (even though she’s not from Earth), and for Bell, Keichii is her special friend who is teaching her everything about life on Earth, including the emotion of love.
K: If you had to live with one of Belldandy's meddling sisters for a month, which one would you choose and why?
ES: Urd. While she’s often dangerously interruptive in Bell’s life on Earth and, especially her relationship with Keichii, her intentions are more playful than annoying. I can handle that. Plus, she has Belldandy’s back when she needs support. She looks out for her, too.
K: Do you have any siblings, and do they meddle in your life as much as Belldandy's?
ES: I have two brothers and a sister. My brothers don’t really meddle. My older sister, who lives near me, definitely voices her opinions about my life. It’s a bit of meddling, but since her intentions are good and we get along, I don’t mind.
K: What was your reaction when you found out there was a second season and that you'd get to voice Bell again?
ES: I was thrilled. I really love this show and playing Belldandy!
K: Fans were up in arms hoping that the original cast would reprise their roles for the second season! How does that make you feel to have them fighting for you?
ES: Incredibly grateful and honored. I imagine everyone else on the show feels the same. It’s a good, talented group. So, thank you all so much for giving us another season to voice the show!
K: What's the best part about playing a goddess?
ES: Her abilities are limitless. I empathize with Bell because I, too, want to help others. As a human, I’m capable of only so much but as a goddess, she can do anything. That’s amazing.
K: Since I’ve never had the pleasure of interviewing you before, I was curious how you got your start in voice acting!
ES: While working many odd jobs in NYC, mostly theater, I got a job at a recording studio assisting the Executive Producer. That job evolved over the years into a director/producer position. Because of my time there and my background and interest in acting, opportunities in voice acting would arise, mainly because of need. There was always a part that would turn up in a session that wasn’t yet cast or the talent was sick, from a 10 year-old-boy to a 95 year-old-great-grandmother to a baby mouse to a teen from Central America, and I ended up doing them! I’ve become somewhat of the utility person at the studio. So, while I was able to help out in times of need, happily so, I was also able to develop a skill that’s brought me to voice acting and ultimately led me to Belldandy, who I love!
