Q&A with Steve Downes (Master Chief) and Jen Taylor (Cortana) from Halo at GalaxyCon 2022

Steve Downes and Jen Taylor answer questions about their iconic roles as Master Chief and Cortana in the Halo franchise at GalaxyCon 2022 in Raleigh, North Carolina
01:29 How did you get your roles?
04:18 Production process
05:41 Has anyone on the street recognized you?
06:50 Conventions; Steve and Jen’s relationship
10:36 The challenge of voice acting
12:10 Transition from Halo 5 to Infinite
14:31 The growth of Chief and Cortana
16:26 Bungie vs 343 Art Style
17:31 Least favorite game
18:42 Which game did you feel most like your character?
21:18 Do you play the game?
25:50 Which is your favorite look for Master Chief?
26:19 The Halo 2 cliffhanger
26:38 What’s Master Chief’s most badass line?
Filmed by Austin C. Pruett and Alex Creager

[@adamdahlstrom2095]

Jen’s voice is so amazing. Every time she speaks I get nostalgic

[@ChaosPhoenix11]

Same. She has multiple amazing roles too. She’s probably in my top 5 English VAs of all time.

[@PrashanHiranga]

Agreed. when you close your eyes it is her.

[@bentleyfrx1936]

The fact that he has Cortana from master chiefs helmet as a necklace is incredible.

[@hunterh1175]

As a French, Halo helped me learn English because I loved Steve’s (and other characters like Johnson, Keyes, the Arbiter or the multiplayer announcer) voice so much I only ever played and watched Halo content in English. And then, because I only knew Halo in English, I read the books in English too. I now speak it fluently, mostly thanks to the amazing Halo voice actors.

[@Apxllorx]

That’s actually so sick bro halo was amazing to me when I was way younger forever will have a place with me

[@CondemnedInformer]

That's pretty damn cool. I hope to one day focus myself on such an achievement.

[@TheBigBenji890]

Props to Steve's mo-cap face work in Infinite!

[@Momo-xs8mo]

Lol sarcasm

[@oranosforonex5953]

Lol sarcasm

[@thanevakarian9762]

😂

[@reach9111]

This took me longer to get this than if like to admit

[@travisolander4749]

I've never once listened to a "con talk." But as I stare at The Master Chief Collection on my desktop (just played them all again), I thoroughly enjoyed this. Big part of my childhood.

[@TheItalianoAssassino]

Marty O'Donnell is a fucking genius. Halo wouldn't hit as hard without that soundtrack.

[@outcaster418]

And Michael Salvatori.

[@SB992REBORN]

And 4 with Niel Davidge

[@pixelroutine4609]

@@SB992REBORN Funny because Neils music was forgettable while Kazuma Jinnouchi's stuff was more memorable.

[@darrancoyle8394]

You and Jen in H#4 had me choked up and I don't break easy.

[@leonardosantuario3346]

You must be 12. You definitely "break" easy if you "choked up in H4.

[@justin_38]

​@leonardosantuario3346 if H4's portrayal of Ranpancy and how it related to the writer's experience with his mother's battle with dementia didn't make you emotional, you have no soul bro. Regardless of your feelings on the direction of the story, Halo 4 had one of the best stories in the entire franchise.

[@Croka24]

​@@justin_38 ehh it's all subjective

[@justin_38]

@@Croka24 either way insulting someone for their reaction to a story is a dick move 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Croka24]

@@justin_38 Ok that's true

[@captainarkro4376]

Absolutely love the necklace Steve Downes is wearing. I would wear that if I had one. Feel like when Chief isn't wearing the armor, he wears that necklace. I've known their voices for the majority of my life so whenever I hear them, it sounds like I'm listening to an old friend.

[@LeoInterVir]

I'm watching on my phone, I can't really tell what it is. Please tell me.

[@jakerogers8130]

​@@LeoInterVirIt's the chip that Chief keeps Cortana on when they are in the field. It's on a chain.

[@ViktoriousDead]

I joined the military because of this game, games like Halo CE and movies really influenced me as a kid, and ended up in 2nd Ranger Battalion in no small part to the character of master chief.

[@KilSwt2318]

FIRE , Thanks for answering the call!! Be safe

[@TheItalianoAssassino]

You joined the military because of a science fiction video game?

[@edgaral]

​@@TheItalianoAssassinoThat's a cool story right? i liked it too, life's too short to not enjoy it the way you like

[@The1975mvm]

@@TheItalianoAssassino Nothing like the masculine urge to die for a significant cause like all the spartans would

[@kevinarzola4781]

@@The1975mvmwhat significant cause?

[@mhmm3101]

Her voice makes me relax, so soothing like ASMR

[@5fmuke535]

I still think Halo is about Cortana. Jen and Steve's voices are amazing. Imagaine waking up to Jen's voice everyday❤❤❤

[@sandercohen5543]

dude 😂

[@duckonquack0o013]

The real master chief is my Pops rest in peace, my loving father who played halo till he had to stop due heart problems he was 76 still playing games 🙏🏼and recently passed away in the memory of playing halo I think of him and what he used to get mad about the game it always made me laugh. back then thank you Steve for being a part of my life without even knowing.

[@AyyyyUhhhh]

Hearing Jen(Cortana) say she has a long life friend Steve(Chief) 🥲 FeelsStrongMan

[@GwensGaming-gb3xg]

You and Peter Cullen are the only known voice actors that I know who actually Die hard love their characters.

[@woodsgump]

This video really cheered me up from my current depression. Thank you Steve Downes and Jen Taylor. So happy to be a Halo fan all my life. ❤

[@Apxllorx]

Hello bro. I hope you’ve been doing better and if you ever need to talk to someone about shit then lmk and I would literally give you a contact method as life is hard bro I struggle with depression and take antidepressants and just play halo

[@OriginalPuro]

"This video really cheered me up from my current depression." Men who can't control their emotions are potential school shooters. Grow a spine, the world has to be built regardless of how you "feel". Women are emotional, men are logical.

[@zedsdead9982]

I love how jen is Cortana lol. I will also say you guys did a beautiful job in the last mission in halo 4, one of my most fond memories of playing halo ever:) im currently running through halo 2 laso with a buddy lol

[@pennymeisterrr8394]

May God rest your poor souls. 😅

[@HanzTheODST]

Oh dear, how’s that last part going

[@zedsdead9982]

@@HanzTheODST lmao fucking terrible 😂 I wanna die 😂

[@HanzTheODST]

@@zedsdead9982 man i was suffering on normal, I cant even imagine how the brutes are for ya, or how gravemind will treat you

[@zedsdead9982]

@@HanzTheODST it will probably be the greatest achievement in my gaming career ever lmao if we do it we basically get up at 10am and play until 10pm 😂 it's like going to work

[@Riversky88]

I could close my eyes and listen to these two talk all day. Halo is literally a HUGE staple of my childhood and it wouldn't have been possible without the iconic voices Steve and Jen.

[@BreakerXXIV]

I love the fact Steve is wearing Cortana's chip. Also it is so weird to hear Jen Taylor talk cause I see Jen but I just hear Cortana

[@zlatandinho3550]

It was my first time meeting you two at this event, excited for this part of the docuseries!

[@xelusprime]

The best duo in gaming, you guys are awesome! Laughed hard when Jen said she really liked the parts where Cortana uses sarcasm and being snarky. xD

[@goingviral8917]

LOVE STEVE AND JEN! I don't think they can ever understand how much love people have for them! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@requisadams837]

I’m so glad even after 2 years of making content you’re still pumping out content for us. Will forever be the most loved and iconic person in my childhood

[@Megatank29]

Oh hey, I was there! Was amazing to meet you and Jen as the both of you have been a part of my life for so long!

[@mattmorin3965]

I like these two. They did a great job answering questions and being very thoughtful.

[@ReqchV1]

Compare this to past QnA's and you can tell they've really invested more time into these two characters and the halo franchise as a whole. They are even more passionate about halo and thats honesty awesome to see. Glad i was able to meet these two last year in SLC.

[@RLC1700]

Thank you for posting this! I was at the convention, but had to leave early. I’m glad I got to see the rest of the questions and discussions! Also, very good editing!

[@onlydeluxe]

had the pleasure of running into Jen taylor at the airport in atlanta one time. being a massive halo fan i had seen other interviews and q&as. i screamed cortana and she turned around with a big smile. talked about the game for a while over a drink or 2 she had to leave for her flight. real nice lady, took a picture with me and signed my xbox controller that i had with me. (yes i had my controller with me i have a game case that has a tv built in for mobile gaming meant for flights on the road etc.) btw she said her favorite game story wise was halo 3 🤫

[@rsolsjo]

This was wonderful, especially the fan questions. What I wouldn't give to spend one evening with you two, talking and teaching you the baby steps of how to play a Halo game! 😂

[@shanemoritz4607]

Met you both at Anime Con in Pasadena last year. Hoping to see you guys again. Thanks for the memories

[@sdeezysodmg7072]

I was a pro in 2006 semi pro 09 and 10. Man Steve and Jen really have put more meaning in my life than even I realized looking back, in a very positive way. I love these guys and don't even know them and appreciate them more than I could ever let them know ❤

[@jpp4566]

These two are amazing together, super likeable and chill

[@nort6300]

I know you probably get this a lot but its amazing how you obviously adore the character so much still even after all these years. I grew up with Halo and seeing his transformation in the games from an almost "one liner machine" to what he became in infinite is perfect well performed and well written to. Thank you for voicing the legend.

[@andyhansen5905]

Steve and Jen were so thoughtful with their responses here. They have such a deep appreciation for their fans that makes them even more likable. They genuinely understand that these games have become more than just games for a lot of people (and without actually having played them themselves!). Deep respect 🙏

[@zombiekiller3259]

Hey boss, just wanna say thank you and thank you to the peeps that hired you, you will be known for ages, your voice is iconic and a symbol for all halo players and gamers in general. Keep up the good work and i wish you the best on your future projects

[@triune_blades]

I LOVE HALO! I'm so happy that I found Steve's channel.

[@user-jb6wi4uq1y]

Lovely to meet them in person. Played the original Xbox game over 20 years ago. Recently watched the new Halo series. Now I’ve decided to buy the Xbox S to start playing all the Halo games!!!

[@MrWaifuTaker]

You're a legend, Mr. Downes. Thank you for being the voice to my childhood as I played the heck out of Halo 3.

[@sungods-fh1xu]

I love these guys so much. Halo and the Halo culture/fan base is for me the coolest.

[@Brilliantick99]

I love them as actors theyre so good to be honest

[@keyeslord]

Watching this brought so much joy to me. I’m graduating college in May and I hope to be able to come to a convention in the near future! :))

[@skidstung]

I love them both so much! Also Steve rocking the chief shoes and cortana chip necklace! Amazing

[@TheWickedgit]

I want Steve's boots! I've been playing Halo since it first released, playing Bungie games since 1994. Steve, Jen and Marty are legends.

[@miguelcisneros1557]

I believe they sell them. Wolverine boots

[@TheWickedgit]

I read somewhere that they only made 117 pairs. Saw a pair on EBay for nearly £1k. Size 9. I take size 13 ☹️

[@miguelcisneros1557]

Ooof that sucks i had no idea they were limited. I swear i saw an ad recently :/

[@TheWickedgit]

@@miguelcisneros1557 they make "a" halo boot but it's not the design Steve is wearing here. Those are limited edition. I've no doubt they gave him a pair because, well, he's the Chief 8o)

[@chrstopher8982]

Hearing these voices brings back so many memories from halo back in the day....nostalgia ....

[@1986Lutrix]

I love these two. I got to meet them at Galaxy Con here in Ohio a month ago and they were so nice. I got my Master Chief helmet signed and on display in my cabinet. I wouldn't mind meeting them again someday.

[@joefries7046]

Jens voice is like heaven to me. Always soothed me as a kid when i played halo and was just such an iconic part to the game

[@RGT_227]

if jen taylor knew what the internet does with cortana she would be so darn mad

[@helio1055]

I could listen to Jen Taylor to talk all day, i love her voice

[@gexer2122]

For me it's one of those things where it is soo wierd to see them speak in real life, been seeing and hearing them only as John and Cortana since I was 9 years old lmao! Amazing interview!

[@Guiggy-pb1vd]

Thanks for all the great memories you two, can’t wait to see how much more you give! You were my childhood. :) 26:45

[@KongTheViking]

Jen just seems like such a fun person to be around

[@jamesthegamer117]

steve your voice and Jen Tylor's voice have shaped my life i fell in love with halo since the first time i heard the Chief's voice and Jen Taylor's lines as Cortana always make me laugh *and personally cortana is the best ai in my opinion) And John's relationship with Cortana is always awesome

[@hippy_chat]

You're a absolute legend❤️

[@davec431]

I wanna see a lets play series of Steve and any halo game

[@hunterh1175]

I’m gonna move to the US, start working at a McDonalds drive thru in Chicago or wherever Steve lives now, and work 24/7 until I hear « I need a cheeseburger. » To which I shall respond « right this way! »

[@A3KingGamer]

an absolute legend to the community!

[@TheBussyBandit]

Steve’s got swag homies got the master chief boots on

[@user-ec5pu3zw3x]

They both are perfect!

[@ajchilds2163]

Im glad i found your channel halo was the game that meband my friend's really into gaming we would all bring our original xboxes to one friends house hooking them together it was quit regular for us to have all 16 players and i also remember having to go to servers on your computer to join games online the lag was absolutely terrible compared to now crazy thinking back on those times

[@joe_friga]

That was so awesome. These games have been such a big part of my life since I was 10 and first played combat evolved. Unpopular opinion but I think the story of 4-infinite are vastly superior to 1-3. Really cool hearing from those two!!

[@Mega_Xenomorph]

Big fan from Ireland! Missed a chance to see you in Dublin CC back in July. Hope to see you this side of the pond again! Wanted to ask where did you get that amazing necklace? Keep up the great work

[@Izaak.]

you could probably google it if you want one

[@Mega_Xenomorph]

@@Izaak.I already had. His looks higher quality than what's online

[@imstewyy3308]

My whole childhood was Halo. I miss those days man.

[@KORUPTable]

Mom and Dad!

[@Gutssssss666]

We love you Steve

[@budfug8691]

Marty certainly has an ear for the legendary

[@thugnastyfysu5370]

You, sir, are the greatest.

[@ChaosWolfNinja]

Faaaaaaantastic!

[@Outlaw_Actual11b]

I never realized that Cortona was also Zoey from L4D

[@ISAFMobius18]

These two are such VA powerhouse titans of the industry. I know Jen is everywhere but Steve is a one hit wonder. Both are great. Also can we get Steve and Peter Cullen in the same room or will the universe tear itself apart?

[@Figway55]

Great Video :)

[@sebastiannguyen8269]

Halo is and always be my go to game when i want to play as master Chief

[@EhEhEhEINSTEIN]

I think I'm the 100th comment :) Thank you Steve and Jen, Halo with my friends are some of my absolute fondest memories.

[@dovahkiinhowey]

THE BOOTS!!

[@sdeezysodmg7072]

And actually traveling to events as a younger me i played a MLG circuit in raleigh. Fun fact 😊

[@Gwizz1027]

almost every single question was attempting to bait them into shitting on newer Halo games, grow up Halo community

[@ajladesigns5834]

Can you imagine asking a voice actor about the artstyle change? People need to get out more.

[@aced4fun]

I genuinely don’t understand how immature the Halo community can be sometimes, there are STILL people who think current day Halo Infinite is garbage and that the franchise is dead

[@adamdahlstrom2095]

Na dude they were not.

[@AngelLopez-rp4yb]

They really weren’t, u should take ur own advice and grow up kid 🤡

[@jpp4566]

@@ajladesigns5834lmfaoooo for real bro was tweaking with that question

[@alexhill4151]

Halo 5 does actually have an iconic like for the Chief "Like hell she is"

[@HyperionGR701]

I can feel her voice crash my ear.... i love her !!!!!

[@optomysticartist7768]

Yeah wen halo4 came out I thought the same thing haha I was like wow they look so real lol

[@bengel23]

If I would work at McDonalds and Steve would come to me like at 6:06 Id say "Yes, Sir!" and prepare his meal as fast as possible

[@johnlshilling1446]

I understand Steve's reluctance... I'm old, disabled, and retired. I've got neurological issues which makes it hard to play fast or with anything resembling reflexes... But I still --love-- loved the games. I had just gotten my gaming legs underneath me when HALO appeared. I was an instant addict! I was know at work as the oldest video game addict -- around -- But then, the technology became sooooo much better, allowing for players across the globe to play with and against each other... And the games reflected the changing times. So much more of the games were made for the internet-connected-players, and sooooo much less less for those who were left behind -- the lone players playing against the game. Unfortunately, there are too few of us -- out here -- to impact the developers. The future, and the money, is in the online play. I understand, but I'll never like it. The Campaigns -- ARE TOO SHORT! -- And! They seem to be less and less challenging. Less interesting. Less approachable. Less satisfying. And --not-- almost not worth the cost of the games, let alone the consoles. And! Another thing: Government regulations always screws things up, so I won't be lobbying for an Americans With Gaming Disabilities Act... Just a thought. 🤔

[@seelockesee9264]

Wait... Jen Taylor also played Black Widow in the Avengers (Game) right??

[@brickman1175]

I'm super curious to know the reason you or Jen didn't reach out to one another before Halo 4? Is it a professional curtesy in your industry to not 'bother' other actors, or did you just not realise you were destined to become friends for life until you actually met? You both speak so highly of one another now, 10 years seems like a long time before fate/work forced an actual introduction. I know you don't tend to respond to KZbin comments which is fine and understandable, but I figured I'd ask all the same. Maybe you'll answer on a future video if appropriate.

[@drivenautomotivedetailingl2827]

Where can I get his boots!

[@Giddog40]

12:03 When you want the blue lady in your head to call you “ studmuffin”

[@Council_of_daves]

I still love the infinite halo game I still want noble 6 and Jun

[@bijorno]

Nice boots

[@flavitz02]

Nobody's gonna talk about his special wolverines boots halo edition..

[@NewYorkS4U]

I thought Steve and Jen were gonna say about their relationship that they were a couple. I felt that was kinda hinted in the Instagram postings I've seen them in.

[@syndromeofadowns]

If Steve Downs approached me and said that to me, some signal would go off in my brain that would immediately point him towards the nearest firearm. Regardless if I know it's there or not.

[@IsuiGtz]

Cortana's feet irl edition. I'm gonna touch grass now.

[@Nintendo_Icons]

14:05 the camera man knew what he was doing 😂

[@patrickwalker4385]

If they ever show master chief face in the game, they should use Steve's face

[@Fosi94]

Steve is wearing one of 117 boots in the whole world 😭

[@micahhilliker1067]

Steve downes, I nicknamed myself Master Chief because my voice is deep and I try to sound like master Chief but it’s difficult but doing the voice on my own is different than your voice tbh.

[@Mirasshtar]

Not a fan of 343's halo games but they nailed the voice acting in 4 big time

[@Fosi94]

Cortana is Jen.

[@martronix85]

They should have just used Jens' real face in movies/games. She looks just like how Cortana should look.

[@H4LOM4STER18]

Damn even they agree halo 5 wasn’t great😂

[@TIY555]

cortana got tummy

[@endless031]

Is that Cortana chip around his neck?

[@tec5x5]

Master Chief orders a small diet coke has me rolling

[@Fosi94]

Chief, Cortana goes first.

[@styvepeabodyiv5234]

I was here at the 117th comment😊