Video game protagonists have been a part of general pop culture for decades. Players have watched and grown alongside video game developers who worked arduously to ensure that their characters are well developed and will be remembered for their depth and execution.

In the past we have met characters such as Nathan Drake from “Uncharted”, Joel from “The Last of Us” and Snake from “Metal Gear Solid”. All of these characters are beloved and admired for the way they have been made, but what about the actors behind them? The ones who brought their infamous characters to life, are they completely different or are they caricatures of their role. Today I want to write about one of my favourite characters to remind people of his story and legacy that followed. This person is none other than John Marston from Rockstar Games’ Classic “Red Dead Redemption”.

Red Dead Redemption takes place over the fall of the American Frontier in 1911, where cowboys and outlaws had more or less been diminished from existence, gangs were mostly gone, it’s up to John Marston to capture his previous gang mates for the Government as they have taken his wife and child hostage.

John Marston is one of those characters where you learn more about them as the story goes on, we know from the get-go that he isn’t a good person, he has a very dark and twisted past behind him, after riding with his leader Dutch Van Der Linde since he was a child, all he knew was robbery and murder. Throughout the game he shows a tough “mans man” exterior, threatening and challenging any person that gets in the way of his fight to capture his old gang mates. It wasn’t until he chose to leave the gang himself where he started a new life as a rancher, where his road to redemption began. (John left the gang before the events of the first game and in Red Dead Redemption 2)

John is certainly one of Rockstar’s more sympathetic characters, he once was a bad man and the game doesn’t let you forget that, constantly reminding you of his past and some of the crimes he committed with the gang. But we as the player see throughout the game that family is everything to John, and that was his main value even when riding with Dutch and the gang. He left to protect his family and to save them from a life of constantly running from the law and imminent danger. Although in the past we have had Niko Bellic in Grand Theft Auto IV having those same values, he never showed any real signs of changing and wanting to better his life. John would have given his life to save his family… and in the end he did. Players following John’s journey sympathised with his struggles and admired his bravery.

So who is the man who brought John Marston to life? Who gave this legendary character a voice and movement? We look no further than Indiana born construction worker (yes you read that right) Rob Wiethoff. Wiethoff took a vacation out to LA to visit a girlfriend after finishing college where it turns out his girlfriend was living with a friend who worked for CBS. Where he was offered roles as extras on television for shows such as “The Young And The Restless” but told directors immediately “I am not an actor” and that he was just there on vacation. It wasn’t until he started to get more praise and recognition in his roles, where he got himself an agent and took the acting business more seriously. It wasn’t until he starred in Red Dead Redemption where he was ultimately recognised and beloved by fans.

After being part of a huge franchise such as Red Dead Redemption, Wiethoff wanted to move back to Indiana to settle down with his wife and grow a family, soon they welcomed twin boys in 2011, Wiethoff “walked away” from the industry in 2013 and began working in his brother in law’s construction company, where he still works today. He revisited acting to reprise his role as John Marston for the Red Dead sequel, he has shared that he loves his job as a construction worker but wouldn’t change the opportunities John Marston has brought him. 

I have been friends with Rob for a couple of years now. I have interviewed him on my YouTube channel and have chatted on social media for a really long time. Very much like John, Rob is family driven. Being a father has come with its own challenges but, Rob being a determined and incredible force of kindness, he has the right attitude to keep him going. Unlike John and from what he has shared personally, Rob is a very sensitive person he has stated that he is a “crier” where John is quite stone faced. Rob’s philosophy is to treat others with kindness. With every interaction I’ve had with it he has displayed that. 

“Think of what’s most important in your life, be kind to people and don’t take your insecurities out on them. If you do your best to make others comfortable and smile, rather than be a jerk, it will bring you happiness. Don’t be “That Guy” that’s just a jerk. Treat others with kindness, it could be anxiety or depression or just anything but everyone has struggles so just be nice!”

-Rob Wiethoff (Fuzzable.com)

I am sure that Rob’s kindness will be admired by fans and followers of the highly successful games. I’m the same way I am sure John Marston will be remembered by his immense story and tragic circumstances.