Rainbow Brite was a creative, colorful little girl who brought color and happiness to the world, but she couldn’t have done it without the little girl who first gave Rainbow Brite her voice. This little voice was that of Bettina, a child voice actor from the early 1980’s. She gave Rainbow Brite her personality and character, and even sang on the Rainbow Brite record albums. Now all grown up, Bettina hasn’t forgotten where she came from and we haven’t forgotten her. She is a huge supporter of Rainbow Brite fans, and even gave us some interviews in the past that we wanted to share with you.
The first interview was done back in 2004, right around the release of the Rainbow Brite 20th anniversary dolls. Here she discussed a lot of voice acting, and what she has been up to since.
The second interview with Bettina was in 2009, around the release of the 25th anniversary line. Here she discusses more about what she has been up to musically.
Click here to read the 2004 interview with Bettina
Bettina Interview (2004) by RainbowBrite.Co.Uk
Rainbow Brite:
1: What is one of your fondest traits of the Character?
Bettina: I love the star on her cheek, and as the shortest kid in my family I always dug the fact that she’s short!
2: What was a story or subject you would have liked to see your character face?
Bettina: I always thought it would be neat if she lived a day in the life of Brian and got to know his friends, then maybe it was erased from their memories once she went back to her regular life.
3: From the recording to animation, how long did the process take?
Bettina: Recording the shows took about 4 – 6 hours per episode. Rehearsal in the morning, break, then record. It was always at least 4 months if not longer before shows aired.
4: Animators in general often take the actors in to consideration when animating the characters, where any of your characteristics used in the animation of Rainbow Brite?
Bettina: Nope, I was given a picture of her, as were the rest of the actors, at the sound studio.
5: With the new introduction of the characters, and being of the original cast, are there any hopes of a reunion?
Bettina: Not that I’m aware of, so many of us still see each other around and have done other shows together that I don’t know if it has crossed anyone’s mind! That would be fun.
6: Were there any lines in the script that were not used? Often lines are clipped for length or other purposes of editing, do you remember any?
And can you share some with us?
Bettina: That happened a lot, and they would also allow me to make suggestions if I thought something was written out of character i.e. not something a kid would say. Also, some of the great comedic talent of Pat Fraley was thrown in when he would ad-lib as Lurky–very funny. I wish I could remember specific things, but I can only remember that it did happen.
1: Being of such a young age at the time of your casting, how much of your tone do you think developed or was influenced by your time in the studio? To clarify, did you have a vocal coach, or any training to strengthen your voice?
Bettina: I definitely developed far more technical skill and voice technique from growing up in studios. That is still a competitive edge for me in competing for roles with adult actors who don’t have much studio experience. Having worked with some of the best voice over actors and directors as a child, I also learned more things than I can count about professionalism and respect for other people’s abilities. Fortunately, I never developed any inhibitions as far as taking risks with acting choices or voice characterizations because I knew from experience that risks may not always work out, but it is always better to try something out and not be embarrassed. That is a problem I have noticed many adult vo actors struggle with, especially females. I have had vocal coaches and acting coaches my entire life for both singing and acting. I think my lessons started around 8 and never stopped.
2: Studios differ in there methods of recording voice actors, some are recorded, all the actors in the same room actually acting off the other’s performance, others are recorded separately, acting to no one, having to repeat lines in different ways. For the recordings of Rainbow Brite, how was the studio time arranged?
Bettina: Depended upon the actors’ schedules. For the most part we recorded everything as a cast, but there were times when we were split up. I recall recording one episode ( I don’t know which one) alone because I had a booking conflict.
3: Being one of the youngest cast members, was there another cast member who influenced you the most?
Bettina: Pat Fraley – what a talent. Genius.
4: Was there any advice given that you take to heart from your cast mates?
Bettina: Yes, Pat told me how fortunate I was to bypass “breaking in” to voice overs and to never take that for granted. GOOD ADVICE.
5: Acting in front of a microphone can be awkward depending on the scene you are having to do or what your character is reacting to. Was there a time in doing this that you asked yourself “What am I doing?”, and what did you have to do?
Bettina: Of course, I ALWAYS have silly moments, that’s half the fun! Normally it’s when you are in a struggle or fight or running and you are just making these random silly sounds until the director signals you to stop – you just know you look lame! You definitely can’t be vain or take yourself too seriously, there’s just no place for that and you’d miss out on all the laughs!
Voice Acting: Other (non Rainbow Brite)
1: What is a character you have enjoyed playing the most?
Bettina: Come on now…RAINBOW BRITE!!!
2: What is a character you have played that is the most difficult?
Bettina: I don’t think I have any characters that I see as difficult – I guess Megan on My Little Pony was challenging because the schedule was hectic, but I saw that as fun not difficult. 65 episodes, 65 songs, lots of homework!
3: What is a character you have wanted to play, but have not?
Bettina: A PowerPuff Girl.
4: Was there a time in doing this that you asked yourself “What am I doing?”, and what did you have to do?
Bettina: Auditioning sometimes when they really don’t have a clue what they want so you’re just creating characters based on descriptions like “old but young sounding” or “slightly snobby but friendly”. At that point you just feel like throwing your hands up and writing the script yourself. Not as uncommon as you think, but the upside is you get to create whatever you want since the description really doesn’t make any sense.
Films: Journey to Spirit Island
1: On record this is your only live action film in which you have been in. Are there more that we do not know of?
Bettina: Nope, this is it.
2: If this is the only film, what drew you to this part?
Bettina: Loved the character, the fact that it was a positive family film and the idea of a location shoot.
3: What memories do you have of this film that you are fond of?
Bettina: Soooo many, what a fun time! I loved being so close to the seals when we were canoeing, they were really friendly. I really loved the beauty of that film, learning to canoe from real champion canoe teams was a blast!
4: What was most difficult?
Bettina: Swimming in FREEZING water. I stood on the rocks and cried before one scene because I just couldn’t bear the thought of having to go in again! I sucked it up and we got the shot and I felt ashamed for being so unprofessional. My Mom had to talk me through the fact that I was just a kid and it was okay to sometimes be emotional because I was working so hard and I could stop whenever I wanted. I didn’t want to stop, I was just exhausted and needed a break.
5: Do you still wish to act in films?
Bettina: I’ve had offers that I have turned down because of nudity or subject matter. It would be great, I enjoy it, and when the right fit comes along I’ll do it again. I don’t pursue it ambitiously mostly because there are only so many hours in the day and my career focus tends to choose itself through opportunities that are presented that feel right. I believe in going with the flow in that way.
6: if so what is a film or character you would like to play?
Bettina: I’d love a role like Jennifer Lopez played in The Wedding Planner or something like Liv Tyler in Lord Of The Rings. Haven’t thought about it much, actually, but those I like.
7: The character you played in the film was native American (Indian),
what culture do you follow?
Bettina: My family is multicultural and I tend to appreciate and embrace all of it rather than choosing one.
8: How did the experience influence your acting?
Bettina: The experience of shooting Spirit Island? Having been in sooo many plays before and after that, I think it gave me a larger technical repertoire and more versatility. Having a clear understanding of what goes into acting in a film causes you to view other actors’ performances much differently and encourages you to continue learning. I am a perpetual student mostly because that film taught me that there are so many ways to express a character, but you can only make those choices when you have the skills to draw on. My director really taught me that, he got the best out of me everyday and I always wished I could give more. That’s why I keep trying to learn more.
1: As far as I can hear, you seem to be the only original cast member on the album from the show, except perhaps Starlite, Murky and Lurky, but I can’t tell. Did you meet or know the other people on the album?
Bettina: I did meet everyone from the album and went on to sing with a lot of them on film scores and other albums. Great group, no names you would know. It was fun doing the same character but working with new faces. Lots more kids!
2: Was there a song on the album you enjoy most?
Bettina: Make Room For A Rainbow Inside and Starlite Rainbow Brite are my favorites!
3: Do you know or can you share who the other singers are? (Twink, Starlite, Patty O’Green, Murky, Lurky)
Bettina: Don’t remember their last names, haven’t seen any of them in a loooong time. I do remember that by the time I was high school age most of the kids were no longer working – they had decided to focus on school and college. A boy named Peter and a girl named Mijan were still working and that was it. Love those albums so much.
1: Words can be taken many ways, and can not be taken at face value considering songwriters tell a story with their words, what is the story you are wanting to tell by your lyrics?
Bettina: What a HUGE question. A lot of me and my experiences and/or emotions are in there, I guess it’s just basic honest self-expression. They are not all autobiographical songs, many are observations of people and behaviors and how we all relate.
2: What are you most proud of on this album?
Bettina: Wow…I guess that there is hopefully some element that can touch or move every person somewhere in the body of songs. That it all came from an authentic, real place and we all share those emotions.
3: Lucky Girl: What I hear is an artist truly blessed in many ways, a Midas touch to all her ambitions. What do you want us to hear?
Bettina: THANKFUL, GRATEFUL GIRL who realizes that she is no better than anyone else, but for some reason she’s been blessed. And she’s not going to take it for granted or waste it.
4: Pages of Us: This song again, like with most of your songs can not be classed to a single style. I hear a blues like tone to the vocals, a western vibe to the guitar, and a pop hook that has the ability to stick in your head.
Bettina: Thanks, that’s what we were aiming for. That’s my “I need to get this break up out of my system” song. It really helped me to move on.
5: . Are there any songs that reflect your childhood in your album?
Bettina: “American Town” reflects both my and Cary’s outrage and sympathy over the financial corporate scandals that plagued this country last year. The one that reflects my childhood is actually “She Is”. That song is about my parents’ marriage and the way my Dad looks at my Mom.
6: Do you play an instrument that helps with your writing? If so what do you play?
Bettina: A little piano, a little guitar, neither exceedingly well, but enough to get from point A to point B.
Click here to read the 2009 Interview with Bettina
Bettina Interview (2009) by RainbowBrite.Co.Uk
1: The last we spoke you were releasing an album “Lucky Girl” after winning American Idol Underground. What do you have in store next? Any promotions? tours?
Bettina: Yes, lots in store! The new single is #9 on the Billboard charts this week (yay!!!), and the new album actually hasn’t yet been released, it’s still being worked on. I’m really excited to get it completed and definitely want to perform the new music live on a tour. We previewed some of the songs for audiences on last year’s tour and they really got into them, so I can’t wait to get back out there with more.
2: As a singer you have a unique sound, for you keep it classic. I have noticed you concentrate on strength as well as style. Your lyrics are powerful and meaningful. In Lucky Girl you had a particular message. Would you say that message is the same in this new album? Or has it grown?
Bettina: First, thank you for that. I would have to say that songwriting has always been an internal journey for me and I would hope the message has grown. I’ve sat down to write and have surprised myself with the subject matter and what I’ve been inspired to express. At the end of the day, it boils down to the core truth of what I’m feeling, or witnessing in others, and delivering it in a way that is unique to me yet resonates universally.
3: You travel often with many people. Any current friends you have made given you any new advice or life lessons?
Bettina: I learn from my friends everyday! I love them so much, I’m constantly learning from them, l can’t begin to tell you how many times they’ve saved me from the big bad world.
The best piece of advice I’ve gotten on the road is “It Do Matta!” (That was an inside joke for my band and crew.)
“ When people show you who they are, believe them the first time.” That’s a recent one and a tough one for me, but an important one that I needed to hear.
1: Tell us about your work with the March Of Dimes. When did you get involved and why?
Bettina: My childhood best friend’s lifelong dream was to marry Mr. Right and become a mom. We were so excited when she got married and soon after was pregnant with triplets. The babies were born more than a trimester premature and everyone’s life was in danger at some point, including my friend’s. If it hadn’t been for the work done by the March Of Dimes, those babies would not be the happy, healthy kids they are today, and my best friend’s dream would have been shattered. She has two boys and a girl, my Goddaughter Ellie. Thanks to the March of Dimes, a happy ending to what could easily have been a tragic story. Giving back to the March Of Dimes is just the right thing to do to say thank you.
2: Are there any other charities you are a part of?
Bettina: My mom raised us to always be involved in something charitable, so yes I do my best to support causes I believe in as time and resources allow. The March Of Dimes remains my commitment and primary focus.
1: Your family is important to you for I have heard you sing about it often, who would you say you look up to the most in your family?
Bettina: My parents. My dad has accomplished things no one before him ever could, while keeping his ethics and integrity intact, and my mom is a beautiful example of what love and support really mean.
2: Would you say you were a good role model?
Bettina: I don’t think it’s my place to make that determination. I’m just trying to make choices that would not embarrass my parents!
1: I’m sure you have heard of the new market for the 25th anniversary release of the franchise. As the fan of all fans, what are you looking forward to the most? Characters?
Bettina: All of it!!! There are so many creative ways they could go, look at all of the great tribute art that fans do! I’m really looking forward to the new imagery.
2: The new image of Rainbow Brite looks much different but still familiar to us. Would you want to be approached to voice her if the offer came again?
Bettina: I love Rainbow Brite, voicing a new image of her would be awesome.
3: What is one of your favourite memories of being part of the cast?
Bettina: Attending the premiere of the feature film. As a child it was just so much larger than life, I loved hearing the audience react to the story and getting caught up in it myself, meeting people like editors that I normally don’t get to meet, and of course seeing my name on the big screen. So cool.
4: Do you have a particular memento from then that you keep? What is it?
Bettina: Yep I have some of my scripts, which I intend to keep forever, and I have a bunch of the original toys.
5: Did you ever watch the episodes you were in? What did you think of them? Is there an episode or scene that you did that you enjoyed the most?
Bettina: Yes, I’ve caught them on tv or been around kids who are watching them. I get a huge kick out of Murky & Lurky, mostly because I used to LOVE watching Pat Fraley do Lurky in person. I’d giggle til my stomach hurt.
1: A lot of people want to get involved with voice acting. Do you have any tips that may help them?
Bettina: Get comfortable with hearing your voice and listening back objectively. Get unbiased opinions from others and take classes.
2: When making a demo: sounds or music or none?
Bettina: Everything. The more it sounds like a clip you’d hear on tv or the radio, the better.
3: Is there a trick with both singing or acting that helps you get ready vocally?
Bettina: For me the best trick is staying relaxed and hydrated.
4: In your history it shows you have done both original animation and dubbing. What do you think of those? Is dubbing easier?
Bettina: I love dubbing, it’s like a game to me. I look at a lot of things in voice-over like a kid would for obvious reasons. That serves me well with dubbing, it’s not easier just different. Having to get the timing, emotion, and character to all sync up with the screen is like playing a video game against the computer – and I’m very competitive with myself!
5: Do you listen to the original voice track before you do a dub?
Bettina: Yes.
6: Is recording for a dub or video game different then for an animated show?
Bettina: It can be, a lot of times it depends on the director’s style.
7: You have added a list of new roles. Any of them your most memorable?
Bettina: I really enjoy voice-matching for Jada Pinkett Smith as Gloria the Hippo in Madagascar. She’s such a fun character and the video games and commercials have given me great platforms for ad-libbing and hamming it up.
8: Do you consider going to conventions?
Bettina: I do, but the timing hasn’t worked out.
9: Do you have a favorite Video Game or Comic?
Bettina: I kick butt at Guitar Hero and Rock Band!