Jennifer English

(She/Her)

Jennifer’s breakthrough project is the game Baldur’s Gate III.

Earlier this year, BAFTA revealed a list of the most iconic games characters ever, as voted for by the public, and sitting in 10th spot was Shadowheart, from the BAFTA-winning Baldur’s Gate III (2023). Jennifer English is the actor who so expressively gave life to the iconic character, through motion capture and voice, and such has been the incredible, worldwide impact of her rich performance that she now finds herself recognised on the street, which, as she says, “for a game is crazy”.

The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire graduate, from rural Shropshire, is keen to use her new-found status to not only build her own career across game, TV and film – which has to date also included Divinity: Original Sin II (2017), Elden Ring (2022) and the forthcoming Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and live-action work, such as queer fantasy Divine Intervention (streaming on Channel 4) – but also champion greater inclusivity in the screen industries. As a queer woman working across film, games, theatre and TV, Jennifer is passionate about overhauling the conversation about authentic representation in the arts, as well as bridging the gap between screen and games, and bringing about tangible change for future generations.

In their own words…

“I want to be part of a creative generation that fights for change, that fights for inclusivity, for collaboration, that really makes a difference… Because there’s more inclusivity to be had and there’s plenty of untapped potential there. We need to fight for that and push for that. I want to be part of a generation of creatives that in 50 years’ time people thank for paving the way.”