GTA 5 Star Auditioned 60 Times for GTA 6—Rockstar Ghosted Him
GTA 5 Actor Auditioned 60 Times for GTA 6 but Was Ghosted by Rockstar Games
Who Is Robert Bogue?
Robert Bogue is a voice actor who has worked with Rockstar Games multiple times. You might know him best as Steve Haines, the corrupt FIB (Federal Investigation Bureau) agent in Grand Theft Auto 5. But that’s not his only role in Rockstar games:
- Red Harlow in Red Dead Revolver
- Troy in Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony (a DLC for GTA 4)
- Steve Haines in Grand Theft Auto 5
He clearly enjoys working with Rockstar and hoped to return for their next big game.
What Happened with the GTA 6 Auditions?
The story came out when an X (formerly Twitter) user named Burak sent Bogue a direct message on Instagram asking if he was involved in GTA 6. Bogue was surprisingly open about his experience.
The Numbers
- 60+ auditions – Bogue tried out for over 60 different characters
- Big and small roles – He didn’t care about the size of the part; he just wanted to be in the game
- Zero callbacks – He never got a single role
- Zero communication – Rockstar never even told him “no” – they just stopped responding (this is called “ghosting”)
Important Point: Bogue said, “I’m a little bit down on Rockstar right now… I thought maybe they have an unofficial policy where they don’t reuse actors… I feel like someone who’s in love with a girl and then she just dumped me.”
Later, he added: “I’m sorry to throw Rockstar under the bus publicly about how many auditions I’ve had, but the truth is the truth. At the end of the day, the actor’s life is about rejection. It’s just, sometimes you need a victory once in a while.”
Does Rockstar Usually Bring Back Actors?
Yes, sometimes. Rockstar has reused actors in different roles before:
| Actor | Famous Role | Other Rockstar Role |
|---|---|---|
| Ned Luke | Michael (GTA 5) | Small role in Red Dead Redemption 2 (though his lines were later removed) |
| Roger Clark | Arthur Morgan (RDR2) | Only that role, but praised Rockstar highly |
| Shawn Fonteno | Franklin (GTA 5) | Reprised Franklin in GTA Online updates |
So it’s not a strict rule against rehiring. But in Bogue’s case, Rockstar may have felt:
- His voice/face is too recognizable as Steve Haines
- He wasn’t the right fit for any of the new characters
- They simply wanted fresh talent
Also worth noting: Steve Haines dies in one of GTA 5’s endings, and many fans believe that ending is the “canon” (official) one. So story-wise, it makes sense he wouldn’t return.
Rockstar’s History with Actors: Not Always Smooth
Bogue’s frustration isn’t the first time actors have spoken up about Rockstar.
Michael Hollick (Niko Bellic in GTA 4)
- Worked 15 months on GTA 4
- Paid $100,000 total (no bonuses or royalties)
- GTA 4 made hundreds of millions – Hollick got $0 extra
- Believed this is why Niko didn’t appear in GTA 5, while side characters like Packie, Michelle/Karen, and Brucie did
Ray Liotta (Tommy Vercetti in Vice City)
- Said the pay was “subpar” compared to film work
- Did not return for later games
The Good News
In recent years, things seem better:
- Roger Clark, Ned Luke, and Shawn Fonteno have all spoken positively about their experiences
- Fonteno said Rockstar has been kind, even though actors don’t get residuals (ongoing payments from game sales)
- Both Luke and Fonteno returned for GTA Online updates – giving them more work in a franchise they love
What This Means for GTA 6
- Steve Haines won’t be in GTA 6 – At least not voiced by Bogue
- Rockstar is casting widely – 60+ auditions for one actor suggests a massive cast
- Secrecy is extreme – Even actors who audition don’t know game details
- Actor relations are complicated – Some love Rockstar, others feel undervalued
Summary
- Robert Bogue (Steve Haines in GTA 5) auditioned for over 60 roles in GTA 6
- He was ghosted – no roles, no rejections, no communication
- He’s frustrated but realistic – knows rejection is part of acting
- Rockstar has reused actors before (Ned Luke, Shawn Fonteno), but not always
- Past actors like Michael Hollick (Niko) and Ray Liotta criticized pay and treatment
- Recent actors (Clark, Luke, Fonteno) report positive experiences
- Bottom line: Don’t expect Steve Haines in GTA 6 – and Rockstar’s casting process is intense and silent
FAQ
Who is Robert Bogue?
He’s a voice actor best known for playing Steve Haines, the corrupt FIB agent in Grand Theft Auto 5. He also voiced Red Harlow in Red Dead Revolver and Troy in The Ballad of Gay Tony.
How many times did he audition for GTA 6?
Over 60 times – for both major and minor characters.
Did Rockstar tell him he didn’t get the parts?
No. They never called him back or sent a rejection. This is called “ghosting.”
Has Rockstar ever brought back actors for new roles?
Yes. Ned Luke (Michael in GTA 5) had a small role in Red Dead Redemption 2. Shawn Fonteno (Franklin) returned for GTA Online updates. But it’s not guaranteed.
Why might Rockstar not want Bogue back?
Possible reasons: his voice is too tied to Steve Haines, he wasn’t right for the new characters, or they wanted all-new talent. Also, Steve Haines dies in what many consider the canon ending of GTA 5.
Have other actors complained about Rockstar?
Yes. Michael Hollick (Niko Bellic) said he was underpaid for GTA 4 and got no bonuses despite the game’s huge success. Ray Liotta (Tommy Vercetti) also called the pay “subpar.” But more recent actors have praised the studio.
