Outsourcing: it's running rampant in America. You know, you call for technical support when your PC is out of whack or you have a problem with a credit card and instead of hearing an American voice on the other end, you're left to chat with Kim in Karachi or Biff in Bangalore. Well, in TV, outsourcing is also taking place. Parts that were once strictly American roles -- requiring a real, colloquial U.S. voice -- are being played by foreigners. The thing is, many of these roles are being brilliantly played by actors donning American accents -- they're doing a great job.
Think about it; some of the best performances on TV feature foreigners with great American accents, like Hugh Laurie on House and Jonny Lee Miller on Eli Stone. Two of Her Majesty's loyal subjects, two wonderful American voices. The Brits are all over the dial.
But did you know that Anthony LaPlaglia (Without A Trace) and Rachel Griffiths (Brothers & Sisters) are Australian? It's true. And they're not alone. There are a lot of other actors who were not brought up speaking like typical Americans who sound like they were.
Therefore, you tell us: who are your choices for the best American accents on television right now? Give us your thoughts on who should be nominated for TV Squad's Excellence in Outsourcing Award.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
5-20-2008 @ 3:42PM
Jack said...
Joely Richardson from Nip/Tuck.
Jamie Bamber from Battlestar Galactica.
Reply
5-20-2008 @ 3:42PM
johnnymac said...
Marianne Raigipcien Jean-Baptiste (born 26 April 1967) is an Academy Award- and Golden Globe-nominated English actress. Plays Agent Vivian Johnson on Without A Trace.
She became a star overnight following the international success of the social drama Secrets & Lies in 1996 receiving an Academy Award nomination. She also received a Golden Globe nomination for this performance. She is also known for her collaboration with director Mike Leigh on stage in It's a Great Big Shame (1993). She is also a writer/composer. Jean-Baptiste has recorded an album of blues songs and composed the musical score for Leigh's 1997 film Career Girls.
Jean-Baptiste currently stars on the American television series Without a Trace as FBI agent Vivian Johnson, who has a serious heart disease and a young son to raise while still doing her demanding law enforcement work.
Jean-Baptiste was born in London, England, to Antiguan and St. Lucian parentage. She was classically trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and performed at the Royal National Theatre. She is married to British ballet dancer Evan Williams, by whom she has two daughters.
Reply
5-20-2008 @ 3:43PM
MrstStJohn said...
I nominate:
Alex O'Loughlin (Moonlight) - Australian
Sophia Myles (Moonlight) - British
Yvonne Strahovski (Chuck) - Australian
Reply
5-20-2008 @ 3:43PM
Ryan said...
All of the above that you mentioned in your article but I would also like to add:
UK boys Matthew Rhys (Brothers & Sisters), Jamie Bamber (Battlestar Galactica), and Ed Westwick (Gossip Girl).
Reply
5-20-2008 @ 3:51PM
Jen said...
I have to go with Ryan - I didn't even know they weren't American.
Jamie Bamber (Battlestar Galactica)
Ed Westwick (Gossip Girl)
Johnny Lee Miller (Eli Stone)
I'd vote for House, but his voice annoys me. As does his character...
Reply
5-20-2008 @ 3:52PM
Gordon Werner said...
Yvonne Strahovski (Chuck) - Australian
Jonny Lee Miller (Eli Stone) - British
Reply
5-20-2008 @ 4:06PM
Franklin said...
I'm with Gordon on both of those as being the overall best. I'm leaning more towards Yvonne for obvious reasons completely unrelated to her accent.
5-20-2008 @ 10:43PM
Matt said...
I'd have to go with Johnny Lee Miller and Yvonne Strahovski too.
Nearly everyone else has slipped up many times, including Jamie Bamber, Rachel Griffiths, Hough Laurie, and Joley Richardson. In fact, I think for the most part, these people speak as though they have a speach impediment. It's at times quite awkward, especially when they're talking with more passion/energy.
5-20-2008 @ 3:55PM
Ryan said...
I still remember hearing Jamie Bamber speak with his natural accent. I was just so blown away especially sinced I got so used to hearing him as Lee Adama. Insane.
Reply
5-20-2008 @ 3:56PM
Laura said...
Johnny Lee Miller - Eli Stone (I DIDN"T EVEN KNOW HE WAS ENGLISH!!)
and House....I love to hate him - and hate to love him.
Reply
5-20-2008 @ 3:58PM
Sarah said...
Jamie Bamber, Battlestar Galactica. I was quite shocked when I first saw an interview with him and realized he was British.
Reply
5-20-2008 @ 4:04PM
BartmanDK said...
New Amsterdam - Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Denmark)
Reply
5-20-2008 @ 4:10PM
Brainfish said...
Dominc West (McNulty in The Wire) - British
Jason Isaacs (Michael Caffee in Brotherhood) - British
Reply
5-20-2008 @ 4:11PM
mrbenn said...
how anyone other than Hugh Laurie can win this I don't know
Reply
5-20-2008 @ 4:16PM
jayr2345 said...
Johnny Lee Miller cause one, Eli Stone is a kick ass show, and two, cause i didn't even know the dude was foreign.
Reply
5-20-2008 @ 4:35PM
JFTA said...
How about Kevin McKidd from Journeyman? Isn't he Scottish?
Reply
5-20-2008 @ 4:41PM
Jenni said...
Johnny Lee Miller - Eli Stone
Kevin McKidd - Journeyman
Reply
5-20-2008 @ 4:50PM
Bash said...
Yeah let's give McKidd the award. Kick 'em while they're down :-)
Reply
5-20-2008 @ 5:02PM
Paul said...
Alan Dale.
Reply
5-20-2008 @ 5:14PM
Nick said...
Eddie Izzard - The Riches
Anna Friel - Pushing Daisies
Reply