Interview with the Marvelous Michele Morrow!
I sit here at my desk, typing up this article in utter disbelief because this is an interview with Michele Morrow. She is one of my biggest inspirations as a content creator, hands down. the woman is a titan of the entertainment industry and a renowned geek. Over the years I have watched her career explode with incredible opportunities and projects that have been nothing short of amazing. All the while she remains down the Earth and humble.
I actually got to meet her in 2017 at Blizzcon and she was so kind and welcoming that just made me have an immense amount of respect for her. I am so proud to bring you this interview and hope you enjoy!
Although I love and adore you and your work, could you introduce yourself and your brand for any readers who are learning about you for the first time?
Sure! I’m a host, actor, writer, and producer. I co-created and acted in a tv esports comedy called Good Game, and my show Super-Fan Builds was on Netflix. As an esports person, I hosted the first large scale tournament on a major American network for Heroes of the Dorm on ESPN2, and appeared as sideline reporter and anchor for ELEAGUE on TBS. As a big Blizzard nerd, I’m the voice of Alleria Windrunner in Hearthstone, and hosted the Blizzcon All-Access show for the last 6 years. Team Sylvanas.
We have seen you host various events, lead major projects, and flex your writing skills time and time again as a journalist. What is your origin story when it comes to the entertainment industry?
I wanted to be part of creating worlds, so I moved to Los Angeles 20 years ago to pursue a career in entertainment. For the first 7 years, I focused mainly on acting and appeared in several really fun but terrible horror movies. In 2007, a traumatic accident led to a year in a neck brace, a small fracture, and thoracic surgery. Laid up and healing, I played God of War II and World of Warcraft: The Burning Legion. Soon after, I was offered a weekly gaming column for HelloGiggles.com, which led to writing at various outlets as well as hosting, attending E3, SDCC, and more. I hustled my butt off in the digital hosting scene, appearing in or leading all sorts of pop culture and video game-related shows, including a daily esports news show with Bleacher Report and a weekly podcast of my own called Status Effect.
What do you feel separates you/your brand from others?
Due to my own experience, I believe in the healing benefits of gaming. I’ve also never been afraid to speak my mind, sometimes to my own detriment.
You constantly create or are a part of phenomenal projects that are simply beloved by fans! I am curious, from concept to the final product what was your personal favorite of working on a project?
Hosting Blizzcon for the first time was magical. I felt really lucky to be part of it after being a giant fan for so long. I got to see how my favorite games were made and interview the people behind them. Literally a dream come true. I think I was smiling the entire time.
As a content creator myself, I look to you as a titan of the geek community since you have been at the forefront of so many major events and projects. Without a doubt when you are attached to a project, it just makes everything so much better. But I also know you weren’t always at this level since you had to learn everything and make mistakes as we all do. What piece of advice do you wish someone gave you when you first started out?
Thank you, that’s very nice of you to say. I’ve made so many mistakes! Mistakes are part of the process, and I’ve been way, way too hard on myself. I wish someone had conveyed the nuances of screwing up because most things were not worth beating myself up over. Mistakes are far more about learning from them and how you apply your lesson to your next attempts. Forgive yourself more often, worry less about what others think.
You just radiate such confidence and the swagger of a champion. However, a lot of geeks often struggle with overwhelming self-doubt, anxiety, and depression. When you have those bad days and get down on yourself, what do you do to remind yourself that you are wonderful?
I meditate. It puts me in a forgiving mindset. It reminds me to start over without judgment and move forward with new knowledge. Exercising also helps me a lot. And if that doesn’t work — cookies and ice cream.
What has been one of your favorite moments over the years of your career? Whether it be something major or even a small victory at the very beginning that you cherished.
My first Blizzcon as a fan, I attended closing ceremonies by myself and couldn’t find a seat, so I sat on the floor in the back next to the bathrooms. Years later working as a host in 2017, I took the mainstage in closing ceremonies and rallied the crowd to yell “For the Horde”. From my new vantage point, I could see where I once sat and felt thankful for how far I’d come.
You hustle so hard for your brand and it has shown in so many amazing ways but when you do have a day off, how do you spend it?
I love designing and decorating our house. I listen to music and podcasts and play video games. I write and get creative, make art, or hang out with my husband and our cats. I go for walks in the canyon. Before Covid, I would see friends and find new brunch spots in LA. I can’t wait to see friends and travel again.
How can we best support and find more information on you and your brand?
I’ve got several projects coming up that I can’t wait to share. Make sure you’re following me on Instagram and Twitter @michelemorrow.
Chicano | Fighting/Writing for Diversity | DM since 08 | Anime Lover | Site: https://www.thegeeklyfe.com | info@thegeeklyfe.com | http://twitch.tv/that_deangelo | https://linktr.ee/deangelomurillo
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