Interview with Original Jem-Girl, Samantha Newark, the Voice of Jem on 'Jem & the Holograms'

Samantha Newark of Jem & The Holograms

Singer and voice actress Samantha Newark is a British-American recording artist who is best known for her work on the popular 1980s animated television series, "Jem & The Holograms" where she provided the voices of Jerrica and her alter-ego, the glamorous pink-haired Jem.

In addition to her work in the Jem series, Newark has provided voice overs and vocals for "Transformers," the feature film "Hook" (where she provided the voice of Peter Pan's mother), "Britney Spears Dance Beat," "Project A-KO," and Sony Play Station Games including "God of War," "Twisted Metal Black" and "Wild Arm's 3." cduniverse.com

Newark released a self-titled modern pop CD in 2008 and has just released her newest CD, "Somethin' Good." The very busy Newark took some time to answer a few questions for me about her life, her music, and of course, "Jem and The Holograms."

Interview with Samantha Newark of "Jem and The Holograms"

KD: How did you get the part of Jem?

Samantha Newark: I was with a boutique agency in Los Angeles that represented me for on-camera commercials and voice-overs. I was sent on the audition for Jem along with half the actors in the LA area and landed the role.

KD: It is my understanding they had someone else sing Jem's vocals. Why not let a talented singer like yourself do the vocals?

Samantha Newark That's sweet, thank you. Yes, I had already an extensive background as a child performer but when I auditioned for Jem I found out that all the music side of the show was already cast in New York and they were now looking for the speaking voice of Jem and Jerrica to match the singing voice. I was, of course, disappointed initially as I wanted to do both, but they did a fantastic job of matching us, and to this day a lot of fans don't realize how they cast Jem.

KD: I know you and Patricia Alice Albrecht keep in touch. Are you in touch with any of the other Jem cast other than at conventions?

Samantha Newark: When Jem returned to television there was a fun little buz with the Jem cast. I spoke with Christy Marx and Britta Phillips and Michael Sheean quite a bit, as we are all friends on Facebook.

KD: What would you say the moral or lesson is in the Jem series?

Samantha Newark: I think Jem's message has always been "Integrity and kindness and being a good friend." There were just really great lessons for kids, and I'm sure that is why the show has had such a great impact and is still championed today.

KD: What is your favorite thing about Jerrica?

Samantha Newark: I like that Jerrica is very sensible and level headed and has a great work ethic. She is a very good older Sister to Kimber and she is also a very kind and wonderful role model to all the Starlight girls by being firm but always in a nurturing enrolling way.

KD: What is your favorite thing about Jem?

Samantha Newark: What's not to love about Jem? She has perfect pink hair, great legs, is a world famous pop star and is a nice caring person. People look up to her and want to be like her and are naturally drawn to her charisma and her charm. I like how she is always willing to help with causes she believes in by showing up and playing shows to raise money.

KD: Do you own any of the Jem dolls?

Samantha Newark: I do own some dolls, I bought a "Glitter and Gold" Jem doll during the run of the show that I still have in the box. I also have been gifted a couple of lovely Jem dolls from fans at conventions.

KD: Are you into dolls, figurines or action figures at all?

Samantha Newark: No I'm not a collector. I did have some beautiful antique dolls at one point but they disappeared in one of the many moves over the years.

KD: Did you have Barbie dolls or other dolls growing up?

Samantha Newark: Yes, I loved dolls. I was totally nuts about my Barbies. I also have a beautiful walkie-talkie doll that is over two foot tall and a treasure that I managed to keep all these years.

KD: Tell me a little about your music career and other current activities.

Samantha Newark: I started singing professionally in Africa at age 7 where I made a record and toured. Then it was off to America where I played the title role in Annie at 10 and was booked a lot as a featured vocalist with big orchestras like the 65 piece LA Pops Orchestra and the US Navy Band. Then came a slew of commercials and voice-overs, and after Jem, I started to write my own original music and perform in bands. I have placed original songs in many TV shows, sang on Playstation games like "God Of War," done a ton of studio session work and was a back-up singer for Leonard Cohen for a project in late 2006. I just released my brand new Synth Pop Electronica album produced by Dave Polich who was Michael Jacksons keyboard programmer for "This is it" tour, and I wrote all the songs on this new record. I also am enjoying traveling for fan conventions representing my work on "Jem and The Holograms" and getting to meet the truly outrageous Jem fans in person.

Jem and The Holograms Dolls

"Jem and The Holograms" was not just a TV show, it was also a popular line of Hasbro dolls. Samantha Newark will be speaking to a Nashville doll collectors club on Jan. 5, 2012 where she will have Jem photos to autograph. For more information see Samantha Newark of Jem & The Holograms to speak at Jan. 5 doll club meeting.

Sources:

cduniverse.com
"Jem & The Holograms:" Hasbro doll line
Patricia Alice Albrecht, Voice of Pizzazz on 'Jem & the Holograms' at Nashville Doll Club Sept. 1
Samantha Newark of Jem & The Holograms to speak at Jan. 5 doll club meeting
Interview with Samantha Newark