“People always talk about the voice.”
The Dropout — Hulu’s limited series about Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, who was convicted of criminal fraud earlier this year — is one of the best things on TV right now.
Michael Desmond / Hulu / Courtesy The Everett Collection
If you’re already hooked, you know that Amanda Seyfried gives an incredible performance as Holmes.
CJ Rivera / Everett Collection
And if you’ve gotten far enough in the series, you’ve heard the “voice” Seyfried uses to recreate Holmes’ allegedly fake tone in which she spoke in public appearances.
Beth Dubber / Hulu / Courtesy The Everett Collection
It’s possible you even caught yourself saying, “How the hell did she manage to nail that voice?”
Beth Dubber / Hulu / Courtesy The Everett Collection
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Seyfried revealed how she nailed that deep, odd tone in which she speaks — while also acknowledging that the “voice” is always a hot topic.
Michael Desmond / Hulu / Courtesy The Everett Collection
“People always talk about the voice,” she said of Holmes’ distinctive traits. “That’s the first thing people mention.”
Beth Dubber / Hulu / Courtesy The Everett Collection
Seyfried explained that she studied the deposition tapes, which also appeared in the 2019 documentary The Dropout, to get Holmes’ “voice” just right.
Beth Dubber / Hulu / Courtesy The Everett Collection
“What really helped me with the voice and how that developed for me was the statement because it was so many hours and I could just play it on a loop,” she said.
Beth Dubber / Hulu / Courtesy The Everett Collection
The voice also wreaked some havoc on Seyfried’s personal life, giving her a sore throat as filming progressed. “I would say: That can’t happen. This drives me crazy. Will I be able to do this for weeks?”
Beth Dubber / Hulu / Courtesy The Everett Collection
“I still talk like her sometimes. It’s hard to shake.”
Beth Dubber / Hulu / Courtesy The Everett Collection
But Seyfried claims it was worth the work – and the aftermath – to accurately portray Holmes. “[T]Voice is number one,” she said. “The voice is the foundation. Unless [get it right]it’s like you’re missing the whole thing.”
Beth Dubber / Hulu / Courtesy The Everett Collection
Read the entire interview here.
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