JEFF TERAVAINEN
In a recent interview, actor JEFF TERAVAINEN discusses his preparation for the role of Labelle in Eli Roth's Thanksgiving, showcasing the unique challenges faced by a special-ops soldier turned sheriff deputy. To infuse authenticity into the character, Teravainen drew on insights from a Marine Force Recon special ops friend, emphasizing the importance of crafting a realistic backstory. Despite the physical challenges of shooting with severe pinched nerves, his portrayal stands out in the promising horror film, underscoring the collaborative and supportive atmosphere fostered by director Eli Roth and the cast.
Teravainen's diverse career, spanning on-camera acting, voice work for video games, and live announcing for prestigious events like the Olympics and FIFA World Cup, reflects his versatile talents. Born and raised in Toronto, he attributes his disciplined work ethic to his Canadian upbringing. Beyond the entertainment industry, Teravainen actively supports conservation efforts and charities, emphasizing the role of collective action in preserving ecosystems. As he anticipates future projects, including undisclosed video game ventures and the narration for Secrets in the Ice season four, Teravainen expresses a desire to explore comedy and romance roles, underscoring his aspiration for a well-rounded acting career.
Starring as Labelle, a special-ops soldier turned sheriff deputy in Eli Roth’s Thanksgiving, must have brought unique challenges. How did you prepare for this role, especially given the mysterious and thrilling nature of the film?
With any role, I look for any backstory I can get. If I can’t find one, I make it up. Ideally, you want the character to be as real as possible in your head. In this case, I bugged a buddy of mine, who was a Marine Force Recon special ops member himself. Again, just to get little tweaks on how to speak and how he thought I would react in certain situations. As someone who has seen some serious combat, even my character is taken aback by the depravity and violence happening around him. I wanted to know how the real guys would handle it.
Thanksgiving, based on Quentin Tarantino’s Grindhouse, promises to be a unique horror film. What drew you to this project, and how did the collaborative experience with the cast, including Patrick Dempsey and Addison Rae, unfold?
This one was a typical audition. Although I remember getting the audition and getting frustrated, thinking there’s no way I’ll get cast for this! I was so excited when my agent told me! I really couldn’t believe it, to be honest. The thing that stuck out though right away was that my first day was March 14. We just happened to be moving that very morning, so it was quite the challenge building up. Somehow, we got through all the stuff with the move, but on the very first day on the very first scene of shooting I came down with severely pinched nerves in my neck. The pain was unbelievable, but we managed to shoot the whole movie that way. All the cast and crew were so good to me, especially regarding this. It was strange because I was so happy. You can’t imagine as an actor how great Eli is to work with. He’s an actor's director as they say. But at the same time, I was on the strongest painkillers I could take without getting dizzy! Thankfully, after about two months, most of it went away and I’m left with these incredible memories. From beautiful scenes, to hanging on set to singing Karaoke with the cast and Eli.
With a background in voice work for video games like Splinter Cell and Far Cry, how does the process of voicing a character differ from on-camera acting, and do you have a preference?
Typically, you do the same thing. You build a character in your mind. Sometimes I’ll write it out. What was his family life like etc. How did he get the way he was? But these days, we act in video games just like we would on a set. We just wear the funny helmets and have dots all over our face. It’s called motion, capture, or performance capture. It’s kind of like doing a play as there’s barely any set and props. We still do voice sessions, but so much more now is done with your standard type of acting.
Born and raised in Toronto, how has your Canadian upbringing influenced your approach to acting and the roles you choose?
When I was a musician, I always wanted to act, but it didn’t seem like a viable thing to do in Canada. It’s a hard business and it’s very competitive up here, as well as down in Hollywood. There are only so many roles available, so you really have to go after it. Because I’ve been so fortunate to work in voice work for commercials and narrating TV shows, it’s made me be a little more choosey with things. I don’t want to just work. I want to do interesting parts, and thankfully that work has allowed me to turn some things down! But at the end of the day, I love acting so much.
Your role as Sam Fisher in UBISOFT’s Splinter Cell garnered attention. How do you get into the mindset of a character, especially one with such a rich background in the gaming world?
I’ll never forget when my agent told me I had landed this role. We didn’t actually know what it was because it was all codenames, but I was dumbfounded. We both knew this is one of the most iconic characters in video games! I knew I had massive shoes to fill, so I went and did all the research again. I tried to make him mine well at the same time, honoring everything that came before. The fans are very passionate about this character and although I know I can’t win everyone over, I wanted to make sure those who were open-minded know I gave it everything. It’s been such an honor to play him. As someone who played all those games, I am in awe of the role!
You've voiced the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup, which are iconic events. How does the pressure of live announcing compare to the controlled environment of voiceover work for TV shows and films?
Thankfully, I never had to do live. We were close to the point of it being nerve-racking. I can’t imagine doing that to be honest! I felt an immense responsibility to get the names right because I have such a long last name, and most of my life people have butchered it. The last thing I wanted was a family seeing their child on the TV back home and the guy talking about them destroys their last name. Believe me, I know what it’s like! So much of that stuff though is done ahead of time. All the athlete profiles, etc. I definitely learned a lot.
As a former racer with a love for MotoGP and Formula 1, how does your passion for racing and sports contribute to your on-screen performances or influence the roles you're drawn to?
I was fortunate to do a little racing when I was younger. Unfortunately, it’s a rich man‘s sport and I’m just an actor, although look what Patrick Dempsey and Michael Fassbender have done! I’ve worked with both now and had great conversations with them about racing. Both have gone to the pro level which is very impressive! There may be an opportunity coming up for me and we’ll see where it takes us.
Beyond acting, you have a deep love for paleontology and history. How do these interests enrich your life and possibly influence the roles you choose in your career?
I love history! And yes, I love paleontology. One of the amazing things I get to do is narrate documentaries and TV shows for networks like National Geographic and Discovery Channel. Some of the shows have been about these things. It’s incredible to not only voice and be a part of these shows, but actually watch them. These are the type of things I absolutely love to watch. It’s a real honor to be on board with shows like Secrets in the Ice where I am talking about things they’re finding in the melting permafrost.
You took a year-long hiatus after voicing for CBC and FIFA's World Cup. How did this break impact your perspective on your career, and what motivated your return to on-camera roles?
Signing that contract was one of the hardest things I ever did. I remember actually feeling sick and heartbroken, but we had just had my baby and the smart thing to do was take a good steady voice gig over the uncertainty of acting. I was getting smaller roles back then as well, and here was one of the biggest networks in Canada offer me good money. At first, they said you couldn’t do both, so I gave up acting, But after a year, we realized I could squeeze in acting. I remember doing voice overs in my trailer while I was working on the CW show Beauty and the Beast. We made it happen. I just wish I hadn’t had to take that time off as you never know where it could’ve gone. The whole time I was away, I pined to be back in the on camera end of it.
Having voiced Sam Fisher in Rainbow Six Siege and Gerald in Utopia Falls, how do you navigate the challenge of bringing to life characters from popular video games?
Again, with Sam, it’s taking what was there that Michael Ironside did before, and what Tom Clancy had written and making it your own. Gaming is tough because everything is top-secret until it’s released. So, it’s hard to talk about things sometimes. But let’s just say I love playing him. As far as Utopia Falls goes, that was a regular TV show. I adore playing Gerald. A very different character from Sam that’s for sure. I wish we had gotten another season, but the show was literally released at the beginning of Covid, and the production company went bankrupt. It would be great to at least finish that show off.
Your involvement in anti-poaching operations and support for organizations like Big Life and Space for Giants showcase your commitment to conservation. How did you become passionate about these causes, and how do you integrate activism into your daily life?
I love animals. I can’t imagine a world where we’ve lost elephants, rhinos, tigers, etc. I don’t even wanna think about it! Same for sharks and so many other species. It’s up to all of us, not just actors or celebrities, but all of us to take five minutes and think about a world like that. I find it makes it a lot easier to spend half an hour here and there trying to help with things. I’ve even done things like started a residence association in the area where I live. We have close to 3000 members now! It was either complain about things or actually get up and do something. I don’t have to feel guilty that I sat around, because we did some thing and formed the association!
As a husband and father, you actively support the Children’s Wish Foundation. Can you share a memorable experience or moment from your involvement with this charity?
It’s been a while since I’ve been to an event, but meeting the children in real life will really, and I mean really, floor you. You can't imagine how fortunate you are to have your health until you see something like that. That is another great charity.
Your career spans various genres, from sci-fi to Christmas movies. Is there a particular genre or type of role that you haven't explored yet but would love to?
I would love to do more comedy. I mean really would love to do more! I know I can, but the opportunities have not shown up. Maybe a little more romance stuff also.
If you could collaborate with any director or actor, living or deceased, who would be your dream team, and what kind of project would you envision?
I have too many favorites to decide!
Given your diverse experiences, from being a lead singer to a racer and now an actor, if you were to write an autobiography, what would be its title, and what stories would you want to share?
Jeff of all trades, master of none!!
Looking ahead, what can fans expect from your upcoming projects, and are there any specific roles or genres you're eager to explore in the future?
I can't say much because of NDAs, but I am working on a few video games, and they are beyond exciting! I am also finishing up the narration for season four of Secrets in the Ice!
What’s a valuable lesson that you’ve learned that you always carry with you?
Be grateful. You never know what is around the corner. Try and live in the moment and be grateful.
