Before their faces appeared, their voices were already familiar. Here are 20 Black voice actors who lent their talents to some of your favorite animated characters.
Many of us spent Saturday mornings glued to cartoons, parroting every catchphrase and belting along to every theme song, without realizing that the voices coming from the screen belonged to performers we already admired.
From The Boondocks to The Proud Family, Rugrats to The Lion King, Black talents have voiced some of animation’s most memorable characters. As Backstage observes, Black artists have built remarkable careers in voice acting across film, TV, and video games. From Cree Summer’s extensive résumé to Regina King’s landmark turn in The Boondocks, these voices carry influence far beyond their on-screen presence.
Essence has also highlighted generations of Black performers whose voices helped shape some of television’s most recognizable animated figures. Many talented voices fans might not have known belonged to the people behind these iconic cartoons.
Scroll below to discover 20 Black voice actors who helped bring our favorite characters to life.
20 Black Voice Actors In Animation
1. Cree Summer: Susie Carmichael, Rugrats
Summer grew into one of animation’s most recognizable voices, also lending her talents to Numbuh Five and Princess Kida.
2. Keith David: Goliath, Gargoyles
His distinctive voice has also given life to Dr. Facilier, Flame King, and a host of other figures.
3. Regina King: Huey and Riley Freeman, The Boondocks
King managed to render two brothers with wholly distinct voices while voicing both characters.
4. Kyla Pratt: Penny Proud, The Proud Family
Pratt infused Penny with a signature blend of curiosity, self-assurance, and teenage swagger.
5. Eddie Murphy: Donkey, Shrek
Murphy’s comedic timing turned Donkey into one of animation’s most cherished sidekicks.
6. James Earl Jones: Mufasa, The Lion King
His unmistakable timbre helped sculpt Mufasa into an enduring Disney icon.
7. LeVar Burton: Kwame, Captain Planet
Burton lent his voice to the Earth-powered Planeteer, helping to etch the eco-animated series into viewers’ memories.
8. Phil LaMarr: Static, Static Shock
LaMarr gave life to Virgil Hawkins and his superhero alter ego, Static, with energy and precision.
9. Ayo Edebiri: April O’Neil, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
Edebiri injected her quick wit and personality into the fresh adaptation of April.
10. Donald Glover: Adult Simba, The Lion King
Glover provided the voice of an adult Simba in Disney’s 2019 remake.
11. Eartha Kitt: Yzma, The Emperor’s New Groove
Kitt’s unmistakable delivery made Yzma a villain audiences loved to quote.
12. Ving Rhames: Cobra Bubbles, Lilo & Stitch
Rhames lent Cobra Bubbles—CIA agent-turned-social worker—his signature deep timbre.
13. Sanaa Lathan: Donna Tubbs, The Cleveland Show
Lathan voiced the sharp, stylish matriarch of the Tubbs family with poise and flair.
14. Nia Long: Roberta Tubbs, The Cleveland Show
Long initially voiced Roberta before the role was handed off to Regan Gomez Preston.
15. Regan Gomez Preston: Roberta Tubbs, The Cleveland Show
Gomez Preston injected Roberta with a youthful zeal and a healthy dose of attitude.
16. John Witherspoon: Granddad Freeman, The Boondocks
Witherspoon’s timing made Granddad one of the show’s most quoted characters.
17. Gabby Soleil: Jazmine DuBois, The Boondocks
Soleil gave Jazmine a warm, understanding voice that navigated Huey and Riley’s divergent outlooks.
18. Isaac Hayes: Chef, South Park
Hayes infused the cafeteria’s chef with a laid-back, sultry vibe that became instantly iconic.
19. Tommy Davidson: Oscar Proud, The Proud Family
Davidson brought bold energy and plenty of comedic chaos to Penny’s dad.
20. Paula Jai Parker: Trudy Proud, The Proud Family
Parker lent her voice to Trudy, the patient and steady matriarch whose steadiness helps keep the Proud family unit intact.
The next time a cartoon character rings a bell of familiarity, skim the credits. You may be hearing another Black performer who has been making animation feel a lot more like home.
