Stefania Depeppe is a voice acting powerhouse, bringing to life iconic characters in hit series like ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and ‘The Last of Us’. But her talents go beyond the mic—she’s a passionate vegan and animal rights advocate who’s used her platform to inspire change. In this candid interview, Stefania opens up about her remarkable 26-year journey, her commitment to ethical living and how she’s reshaping the entertainment industry.

VegClub (VC): Your career began at a young age as a model. How did your early experiences in modelling shape your journey into acting and voice work?

Stefania Depeppe (SD): I started working as a model when I was 7, just for fun and to earn some money, out of curiosity. Then I became passionate about the world of entertainment and enrolled in an acting and diction course. From fashion, I moved on to acting in commercials as an actress, while continuing my studies. By chance, the creator of a very famous puppet in Italy heard me and wanted me as the voice to bring another puppet to life in an Italian TV programme for kids. There, I met a talented voice actor who suggested I work in dubbing and so I started. And now this is the job I love and have been doing for 26 years!

VC: You’ve dubbed the voices of many iconic female characters in popular series and films like ‘Vikings’, ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, ‘The Last of Us’ and many more. How do you prepare to bring these diverse characters to life through your voice?

SD: I don’t prepare! The profession of a voice actor is based on improvisation, imitation, great technique and emotions. We don’t get to see the script before recording the scenes, as actors usually do. We see a few shots of what happens in the scene (in Italian, this is called an ‘ANELLO’ or ring) and then we try to replicate exactly what the actor does in the video. We breathe with them, laugh, cry, get angry, imitating their expressions, tone of voice and everything else.

VC: Voice acting requires a unique set of skills compared to on-screen acting. What are some of the challenges and rewards of being a voice talent in the Italian dubbing industry?

SD: The biggest challenge is to make people forget the product has been dubbed. Everything must feel natural, even the emotions. Through technique and the ability to get emotional, the voice actor must precisely convey the same emotions as the character they are dubbing. It doesn’t matter if it’s a human being or a cartoon. Italy is where dubbing was born and it’s no coincidence that we are the best in the world at this craft…

VC: You’ve been a vegan for over three decades and your love for animals started at a young age. How has your commitment to veganism influenced your career choices or the roles you choose to take on?

SD: Well, when I acted in videos, for commercials or TV series, I chose not to promote animal products or wear leather clothing. This choice meant I lost many jobs, but for me, it has always been important to stay consistent with my life choices, even at work. In 2014, I created a beautiful, innovative project that combined fashion, design, make-up and lifestyle in a totally green and vegan way. I organised two Milan Fashion Weeks with ethical brands I collaborated with and wanted to promote and these events were a success. Unfortunately, I then had an accident that forced me to abandon the project, which was called Ethical Code. It’s a real shame. It could have been a powerful message of respect and love.

“I use my platform to spread the message of respect and love for animals and the planet, sharing various messages through social media, often with a touch of irony.” about her activism

VC: As someone deeply passionate about veganism, have you ever had the opportunity to work on projects that align with your values, such as environmental or animal rights-focused content?

Vikings

SD: Absolutely. Creating and working on Ethical Code, as I mentioned and lending my voice, for free, to many Animal Equality video investigations. I’ve been collaborating with the association since 2015 and I’m very proud of their work for animal rights!

Read more Meet animal lover Emma Garcia—world champion artistic swimmer

VC: The entertainment industry can be demanding. How do you balance your career with your commitment to a vegan lifestyle, particularly when it comes to travelling or working in environments that may not cater to your dietary needs?

SD: I’ve been vegan for 31 years. Many years ago, it was very difficult. Now, the world is changing and vegan options are everywhere. Travelling or working is no longer a problem. By the way, I am always faithful to my ethical and dietary choices.

VC: Looking back at your journey from a young model to a successful voice actress, how has your perspective on the entertainment industry evolved, particularly in relation to your vegan lifestyle and advocacy for animals?

SD: Well, I used to try to make small changes in my daily life, like the story of the little hummingbird who tries to put out a big fire by carrying drops of water with its beak, encouraging other animals in the forest to help. Today, I use my platform to spread the message of respect and love for animals and the planet, sharing various messages through social media, often with a touch of irony.

VC: As an Italian, do you eat a lot of pasta and how do you incorporate it into your vegan lifestyle?

SD: I’m Italian, but I don’t eat pasta very often—only twice a week. I try not to overdo it with gluten. I prefer legume pasta, which is higher in protein, more digestible and gluten-free. I love seasoning it with lots of fresh vegetables or preparing traditional Italian recipes in a vegan way—like ragù (using Beyond Meat), lasagna or pasta cacio e pepe (using cashews instead of cacio cheese), or pesto (without parmesan, but with vegan cheese). The vegan diet inspires creativity! 

You can follow your country’s culinary traditions without sacrificing flavour. 

You should give it a try!

If you enjoy our articles and want to read more of our content, check out clean, green and cruelty-free: Ireland is leading the way with vegan beauty. Perhaps take a look at running on plants: Harvey Lewis on ultra endurance, veganism and inspiring change. Or explore turning the tide: How NothingFishy is revolutionising plant-based wellness