Famous African American Voice Actors On TV and In Movies
The voice acting field is one that has a lot of untapped potential when it comes to African American actors. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any out there. In fact, many famous African Americans also happen to be voice actors as well. Some of these celebrities use their voices for on-screen narration, while others use them to bring animated characters to life. These famous black voice actors have lent their vocal cords to numerous animated characters and even some live-action ones too. Whether you know them for their roles in movies, television shows, or video games, these famous African American voice actors are worth checking out if you love hearing the voices behind your favorite characters.
There are plenty of famous African American voice actors who have made a name for themselves in voice acting. These actors excel at bringing animated characters to life. Whether they’re on the big or small screen, or somewhere in between, these talented individuals have carved out successful careers by lending their voices to animations.
If you’re a fan of kid-friendly movies and TV shows, there’s no doubt that you’ve heard some of these famous African American voice actors. Their voices are featured in everything from “The Lion King” to “Home Alone” and much more.
Voice actors not only bring animated characters to life but also add another layer of dimension and authenticity to live-action shows. When you think about famous African American voice actors, immediately iconic names like Jamie Foxx, Whoopi Goldberg, and Nick Cannon come to mind.
Voice actors have the ability to bring even tertiary characters (that may be just a name on a script or a brief description) to life. Let’s explore some of the most well-known African American voice actors, their roles, and what we can expect from them in the future. Read on to learn more about some of the most well-known African American voice actors working today.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has proved that he’s one of the most successful people in Hollywood. Now, this Afro-Polynesian is also one of the most successful voice actors in Hollywood too. The Rock has lent his powerful voice to many characters, but he’s best known for his work as Maui in Moana. It’s also worth noting that he was the first ever Polynesian Disney character voiced by a Polynesian actor. It’s this role that has solidified The Rock as a force to be reckoned with in the voice acting world.
aven-Symoné
Raven-Symoné is an actress, singer, and television host. Since becoming the youngest solo vocalist ever signed to the MCA label in 1993, she has released several studio albums. In addition to This Is My Time in 2004, she has also recorded various albums, including The Cheetah Girls 2 soundtrack album in 2006. She has won several awards for her work, including the 2011 NAACP Spirit Award and the 2011 Teen Choice Award. She’s also a gifted voice actress who has voiced a number of different characters in animated series. Symoné is best known for voice work on series such as Big City Greens, Kim Possible, and Tinkerbell.
Damon Wayans
Damon Wayans Jr. was born in Vermont in November 1982 and raised in Los Angeles. His father, Damon Wayans, is an actor. He has an older sister named Lisa Thorner. He made his film debut at the age of 11 in 1994’s “Blank Man.” Damon pursued fine arts and animation in high school before being accepted at Otis School of Art and Design. He played young Kevin in the film Blank Man. Damon performed on My Wife and Kids as well as a few bit roles. He became the youngest staff writer on television at the age of 20. In 2005, he became the first member of the Wayans family to perform stand-up comedy as Kyle Green. He lent his voice to Marmaduke, Big Hero 6, Hoops, and Bob’s Burgers.
RDaveed Diggs
Daveed Diggs is a musician, actor, and rapper. He’s best known for his roles in Snowpiercer and Black-ish, as well as for his role as Jefferson in the Broadway musical Hamilton. Diggs’s vocal talents aren’t just for humans. He’s also a voice actor who has voiced a number of different characters in animated films. Diggs is best known for voicing the character in Ferdinand, Green Eggs and Ham, and Soul.
Anthony Mackie
Anthony Mackie is a talented actor who has starred in numerous films and television series. Anthony Mackie was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He has appeared in films, television series, and Broadway and Off-Broadway plays, including Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Drowning Crow, McReele, A Soldier’s Play, and Talk, by Carl Hancock Rux, for which he won an Obie Award in 2002. He was nominated for an Obie Award in 2002 for his part in 8 Mile, a film by Eminem. He was Papa Doc, a leader of the Free World, in Eminem’s debut film, 8 Mile. He was nominated for the Independent Spirit Awards for Best Supporting Actor in 2009 for his work in The Hurt Locker. He’s also a gifted voice actor who has lent his voice to several projects. Mackie is best known for voice acting in the video game NBA 2k19, Animals, and narration for 30 for 30.
Wrapping Up
Voice acting is a truly special art form that can be extremely challenging, but also extremely rewarding. These famous African American voice actors have proven that there is a place for black talent in this field. Whether you’re a singer, actor, or have another talent, you never know when you might get the opportunity to try your hand as a voice actor. These famous black voice actors prove that the field is wide open for anyone. The only limit is your imagination. Whether you’re looking to make a career out of it, or simply want to try something new, voice acting can be a lot of fun. And the best part is that it doesn’t require any experience to get started. The only thing you have to do is have a great voice!