Tiffany Boone, a name synonymous with captivating performances in “Hunters” and “The Chi,” has added a new chapter to her acting journey: voice acting. In the highly anticipated prequel, “Mufasa: The Lion King,” she lends her voice to Sarabi, Mufasa’s mate, a role that she says was both exhilarating and unexpectedly challenging.
Boone’s journey, however, wasn’t a straight shot to Hollywood stardom. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, her childhood was marked by both joy and hardship. Raised by a single mother after the tragic loss of her father when she was just three years old, Boone found a home within the arts. “Growing up in Baltimore, I was always drawn to creative outlets,” Boone tells GU. “Art, music, dance – they provided an escape, a way to process my emotions and connect with the world around me.” This early exposure to the arts created a deep-rooted passion that would ultimately shape her career.
Boone honed her acting skills throughout her youth, immersing herself in local theater productions. Her talent blossomed, and she eventually pursued formal training at the esteemed California Institute of the Arts, where she graduated with a degree in theater. After graduating, Boone embarked on her professional acting career, landing roles in various television shows and films. Her breakthrough came with her portrayal of Cindy in the critically acclaimed series “Hunters,” a role that showcased her versatility and garnered stardom.
Despite her success on screen, Boone initially struggled to find her footing in the world of voice acting. “Let’s just say my voiceover reel wasn’t exactly winning any awards,” she admitted. “I was facing rejection after rejection. It was starting to feel like I was banging my head against a brick wall.” Until, her agent presented her with the opportunity to audition for “Mufasa: The Lion King,” and she couldn’t say no. “It was the Lion King,” Boone explained. “How could I pass that up? It’s an iconic story, a childhood favorite. I grew up watching the original animated film. The opportunity to be a part of this new chapter, to contribute to this beloved franchise, was simply too exciting to resist.”
However, the experience proved to be more demanding than she initially anticipated. “Voice acting is a whole different beast,” Boone shared. “It’s incredibly isolating. You’re stripped bare. It’s just you and your voice, conveying every emotion, every nuance. You have to find the character within yourself, and then translate that into sound. It’s a very intimate and vulnerable process, but also incredibly rewarding. I discovered new layers to my voice, and new ways of expressing myself that I never knew existed. I learned to connect with my inner lioness, if you will. It was a transformative experience.”
Reflecting on her journey, Boone offered invaluable advice to aspiring actors. “This industry can be a brutal playground,” she acknowledged. “There will be moments of self-doubt, times when you feel like you’re hitting a wall. You might even question your own sanity. You might encounter rejection, experience setbacks, and feel like giving up, but if you truly love it, if the passion burns brighter than the Hollywood sign, you’ll find a way to keep going.”
Boone pointed to Viola Davis as a powerful example. “Viola Davis is a true inspiration,” Boone said. “She’s a testament to the fact that success has no timeline. She faced rejection, she faced doubt, she faced countless obstacles. But she never gave up. She persevered, honed her craft, and ultimately achieved incredible success. That’s a powerful message for any artist.”
As Boone continues to explore the ever-evolving landscape of acting, she’s eager to embrace new challenges. “I’m hoping to play a villain this year,” she declared. “My own little Scar. I think it would be a lot of fun to delve into the darker side of human nature, to explore the complexities of a truly compelling antagonist. Plus, it would be a nice change of pace.”
With “Mufasa: The Lion King” set to captivate audiences worldwide, Tiffany Boone’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that dedication, perseverance, and a genuine love for the craft can lead to extraordinary achievements, even when the path may seem uncertain and the road ahead may be filled with unexpected detours. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of staying true to one’s passion, and the enduring magic of storytelling.