A Video Game Star and His Less-Than-Stellar Pay – The New York Times (2008)

TITLE
A Video Game Star and His Less-Than-Stellar Pay

AUTHOR
Seth Schiesel

PUBLICATION
The New York Times

YEAR
2008

ARTICLE TYPE
Article

FROM THE ARTICLE
Michael Hollick never thought his big break would come in a video game.

All those years when he was struggling to get by as an aspiring actor tending bar, working in a bagel shop in Morningside Heights, spraying perfume at Bloomingdale’s he was aiming for Broadway and prime time. As he moved from regional theater to soap operas, middling musicals and “Law & Order,” he remained just another good-looking guy hoping for an audition.

His face still isn’t famous, but Mr. Hollick’s voice and gait have moved into the pop culture firmament recently as those of Niko Bellic, the sardonic, textured Balkan criminal at the heart of Grand Theft Auto IV, the acclaimed gangster fantasy that has become the fastest-selling game to date. Produced by Rockstar Games and its corporate parent, Take-Two Interactive Software, the game has generated at least $600 million in sales over the last three weeks.

GAMES MENTIONED
Grand Theft Auto IV

PEOPLE MENTIONED
Michael Hollick