Its not every day that you get to sit down and chat with one of the most prodominant childhood icon, let alone two. I had the opportunity at Tekkoshocon to sit down with both Tony Oliver and David Feilding. Both worked on The Mighty Morphing Power Rangers (Oliver co producer, Feilding the voice of Zordon). It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and such an incredible honor. Not only was Tony Oliver instrumental in Power Rangers he was also the voice of Rick Hunter from Robotech, another highly influential anime. It took everything in me not to fan-girl out especially in the presence of Tony Oliver.
Did you ever think you’d be viewed as an icon in voice acting?
David: I never expected Power Rangers to be a phenomenon that it became.
Tony: No,it was all by pure luck. It is all about good timing of a popular show.
If you could have worked on any show, which would it have been?
Tony: I pitched some ideas to Star Trek, would have loved to be on that one. Also Cowboy Bebop.
David: something that is dear to my heart: Godzilla.
What is it like for you to see people cosplaying a power ranger or from Robotech?
Tony: It is very flattering. I was lucky to do both shows. Its flattering to know people took the time to understand and appreciate the show enough to cosplay a character.
David: It is very humbling to be a part of it all.
Tony, did you expect Robotech to be the iconic show that it became?
Not at all. It was my first experience with anime. It is such a special show, I didn’t think it would become what it is today. I mean without Robotech there wouldn’t be shows like Evangeleon, Macross or even Power Rangers. The military connection to Robotech is heartwarming.
You guys are seen as an idol and inspiration to so many, who has inspired you?
David: Wow, hmm Lawrence Fishborn he is such a genuine actor. and of course William Shatner, I spent much…of….my….youth…trying….to…be…Kirk.
Tony: As far as actors go, Tom Hanks he acts so effortlessly. Direcor-wise JJ Abrams he has the ability to tell such great stories that pull his audiences in to the storyline.
What is it like to be a part of something that 20 years later fans are still excited about and are sharing it with their children?
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David: I look at it the same way. Conventions like this bring a sense of responsibility. It is very gratifying to give back to the fans in this way.
If you could be a Power Ranger, which one would you be?
David: I loved being Zordon, I don’t think i would change from that. He was such a great mentor character, I would love to continue to be him.
Tony: I always related to Billy (Blue). I was the nerdy science kid who thought his way out of a situation instead of fighting, much like Billy.
I remember people saying Power Rangers promoted violence, do you think that had any validity?
Tony: There were actually studies that proved that statement wrong. Power Rangers always had an underlying message of using your brains not brawn. It talks about using your head and your heart and violence was always the last resort. They always fought the bad guys never themselves. I’ve had soldiers telling me it has inspired them to be reluctant.
David: With any show or movie not just Power Rangers, it is about what you choose to do, no one forces you to do anything. Power Rangers didn’t force kids to fight.
Did you guys know there is a drinking game based on the movie where you pick a ranger and based on that ranger you drink: when they are on screen together, when they make a fighting sound, when they say a cheesy line etc.?
Tony & David (together): No, you mean there is a drinking game for the movie?
Yep, my friends played it on St. Patrick’s Day, though my one friend choose Tommy as his ranger to follow.
David: Haha he must have been plastered by the end of the movie.
Why do you think Power Rangers became the 90’s iconic show that it was, still is?
Tony: The time and the history played a part in it. The hit shows had flawed heroes and smurfs. Not many were live action kid shows. The girls were feminine who kicked ass. Power Rangers was a light hearted show. No one had seen anything like it before.
David: It was easy to connect with the show that featured emotionally happy people. As well as the underlying messages.
I am still in awe that I got to sit down with these two amazing men. I want to thank not only these two voice actors, but also Tekkoshocon for the chance to be able to talk with them. It was truly an honor be in the presence of not only 1 but 2 iconic figures in television history.
