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Jennifer English (born 1 January 1995) is an English actress who voices Gwendolyn in Tides of Annihilation. She is best known for playing Shadowheart in Baldur's Gate 3 and Maelle in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

Early life and training

English grew up in rural Shropshire before attending the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, graduating in 2012. During her training she received a Laurence Olivier Bursary nomination from the Society of London Theatre. Her early career focused on stage work, with credits at The Old Vic, the Arcola Theatre, and repertory seasons at Theatre by the Lake.

Video game career

English's first video game role came through Larian Studios, where she contributed roughly 70 different character voices to Divinity: Original Sin II (2017). That connection eventually led to her casting as Shadowheart in Baldur's Gate 3 (2023), providing both voice and motion capture performance. Shadowheart became one of BG3's most popular companion characters, and the role made English a recognizable name in gaming circles.

Her other game credits include:

• Latenna the Albinauric in Elden Ring (2022)

• Carlotta in Wuthering Waves (2024)

• Maelle in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (2025)

Awards

English's portrayal of Maelle in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won Best Performance at The Game Awards 2025 and Best Lead Performer at the Golden Joystick Awards 2025. She also received a nomination for Outstanding Achievement in Character at the 29th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards. The previous year, BAFTA listed her among the 2024 UK Breakthrough talents in recognition of her Baldur's Gate 3 work.

Role in Tides of Annihilation

English provides voice and motion capture for Gwendolyn, the protagonist. Her real-life partner, Aliona Baranova, voices the antagonist Mordred. This is the first time the couple plays opposing characters in the same game. The pair met on the set of Baldur's Gate 3.