Dana Gaier is a 13 year old, 8th grade honor student from New Jersey who also happens to be the voice of Edith, one of the three young orphan girls who are adopted by Gru, the #1 Super Villain in the World, in “Despicable Me”, which is out on DVD this Tuesday.
LCJ: How did you get the role of Edith?
DG: I actually turned down the audition when my agent called, just because I was going on my 6th grade camping trip with school so I would have to miss the trip in order to audition. When I got back from the camping trip, I got a call from my agent saying they were still looking for the right voice. I went in to record my audition, and in a week or so I received a call to go to a callback in Los Angeles. The writers and directors had me read or them. After we took a break, the production supervisor said to me, “Dana, I’m really sorry. I have some bad news.” I was thinking “uh oh,” but then he said, ”You’re going to have to stay out here a little longer, cause we want you to record the role of Edith!”
LCJ: Is voice-over work something you’ve always been interested in?
DG: I’m interested in all kinds of acting, so I guess yes. I love animated films, but I’d love the chance to work in live TV and film. I’ve done theater and that’s really fun too.
LCJ: How long did it take to do all of your lines for the movie?
DG: I would say I recorded my part over the course of 5 or 6 days, but not all at one time. They would bring me in to LA or NY as the script changed or they found they needed me.
LCJ: Did you get to work at the same time with the other actors?
DG: We each recorded alone. I did meet Elsie, who played Agnes a few times. We had so much fun together when we would see each other. It would be before or after one of us had just gone into record, and then it was the other one’s turn. I met Miranda at a screening before the movie was complete. She was so nice. And then of course, at the premiere I met Steve Carell and the rest of the actors. Steve was amazing. While we were on the yellow carpet and people were taking pictures, he came over to me and said, “Finally! I finally get to meet you. “Haha, I was like, “me? You’re Steve Carell!”
LCJ: Julie Andrews is one of my all-time favorites. Did you get to meet her at the premiere?
DG: I got to meet her for a second. We were all being moved down the carpet and being interviewed. She seemed great. I’m a big fan too between Mary Poppins , The Sound of Music and The Princess Diaries.
LCJ: How was it working with the minions? Those guys are hilarious!
DG: I love the Minions. They are the funniest! I love how they don’t really speak English but you understand what they are saying anyhow. I got to hang out with a bunch of them at the premiere. I wish I could’ve taken one home and put them to work for me (or at least go shopping with one).
LCJ: When did you realize that “Despicable Me” was going to be a hit?
DG: I think when I saw what big actors were working on it, I knew it could be a big hit. But when I saw pictures of the characters and was told some of the story and starting reading lines, I was thinking “this movie has everything-it’s funny, sad, and action-filled. I think everyone, boys, girls, and adults will like it cause it has something for everyone.
LCJ: What’s your favorite Edith line from the movie?
DG: I like “When we got adopted by a bald guy, I thought this would be more like Annie.” It’s funny, cause I just got finished with a production of Annie too. I better not get too used to playing tough little orphans. My little cousin loves the line I say, “Cool. Mine’s shaped like a dead guy” when I’m talking about the pancakes Gru just cooked for us. He mentions it every time I see him, so that’s kind of become a favorite too.
LCJ: What can you tell us about the “DM” sequel? Do you think you’ll be in it?
DG: I can’t tell you much about the sequel. The only thing I’ve heard is that they are in the early stages and writing it. I’ve got my fingers crossed that I’ll be in it. It would be amazing.
LCJ: Seems to me you’ve got it easy this Christmas – You can give a DVD copy of the movie to everybody!
DG: Haha! That would be really easy. I think I might just follow your advice. I’m so excited to finally own a copy.