First Major Cast Member Leaks GTA 6 Role, Breaking Rockstar's Silence

In a surprising move that seems to defy Rockstar's usual secrecy, the first major cast member has come forward to confirm his role in Grand Theft Auto 6. Stephen Root, known for his voice work as Bill Dauterive and Buck Strickland on King of the Hill, revealed his involvement in an interview with the Associated Press.

"Yeah, you're gonna see me in it," Root said. "It's coming out November 19th, is the latest I know of. I think from the first rollout of GTA they were doing maybe almost a year ago they had my character in there. And there are too many people who knew me from King of the Hill and my voice! So I think that secret kind of got divulged then."

This hints at GTA 6 Trailer 2, where a character's voice was so distinctly Root's that fans quickly connected the dots—and now it's confirmed they were right. That character is Brian Heder, a drug trafficker and boatyard owner who interacts with Jason about rent. "Just go get me my cheques!" he yells as Jason enters.

Heder appears more prominently in the recent GTA 6 Extended Look, offering Jason advice and introducing his wife, Lori Heder. Rockstar's official description reads: "Brian's a classic drug runner from the golden age of smuggling in the Keys. Still moving product through his boat yard with his third wife, Lori, Brian's been around long enough to let others do his dirty work. Brian's letting Jason live rent-free at one of his properties—so long as he helps with local shakedowns, and stops by for Lori's sangria once in a while."

"I'm so happy to be involved with it. It's an amazing thing to look at," Root added, carefully avoiding spoilers when asked about his experience.

Interestingly, Rockstar has not officially confirmed any GTA 6 actors, leaving fans to speculate. Even the identities of Jason and Lucia, the game's dual protagonists, remain unknown. We might not learn more until the game launches in November and the credits roll.

In the meantime, explore IGN's extensive GTA 6 coverage, including our interview with Rockstar's Rob Nelson about what to expect.