Black Actors Who Have Voiced Characters In Pixar Movies

The animation studio Pixar has consistently pushed the boundaries of storytelling, and a significant part of that success comes from its diverse and talented voice cast. Over the decades, several prominent Black male actors have lent their voices to iconic characters, bringing depth, humor, and heart to both protagonists and supporting roles. From superheroes and jazz musicians to prehistoric creatures and sentient toys, these performers have helped shape the emotional landscape of many beloved films. This list highlights the Black male actors who have made a lasting impact on the Pixar universe through their vocal performances.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson provides the voice for Lucius Best, also known as the superhero Frozone, in ‘The Incredibles’ and its sequel ‘Incredibles 2’. As a close friend to the Parr family, his character possesses the ability to freeze water and moisture in the air. The actor brought his signature charisma to the role, making Frozone one of the most beloved supporting characters in the Pixar library. His performance is particularly remembered for the humorous scene involving his character’s frantic search for his super suit.

Jamie Foxx

In the 2020 film ‘Soul’, Jamie Foxx voices the lead character Joe Gardner, a middle school band teacher with a passion for jazz music. After an accidental fall leads him to the Great Before, Joe must find a way back to Earth to fulfill his dreams of performing professionally. Foxx’s performance captures the emotional depth of a man grappling with his purpose and legacy. This role marked a significant milestone as it was the first Pixar film to feature a Black protagonist in the central role.

Mamoudou Athie

Mamoudou Athie stars as Wade Ripple in the 2023 film ‘Elemental’, a story set in Element City where fire, water, land, and air residents live together. Wade is a sentimental and empathetic water element who works as a city inspector. He forms an unlikely bond with Ember Lumen, a fire element, and helps her navigate her family responsibilities. Athie’s performance was praised for conveying the character’s vulnerability and optimistic spirit through a gentle vocal delivery.

Jordan Peele

Jordan Peele voices Bunny, a soft and sarcastic carnival prize, in the 2019 film ‘Toy Story 4’. Alongside his companion Ducky, Bunny joins Woody and the gang on their adventure to find a lost toy named Forky. Peele’s character is known for his wild imagination and humorous “plush rush” attack plans. The actor’s comedic timing adds a distinct energy to the toy group’s dynamic during the film’s second half.

Keegan-Michael Key

Keegan-Michael Key provides the voice for Ducky, a plush duckling who is physically attached to Bunny, in ‘Toy Story 4’. He and his partner are encountered at a carnival game where they initially clash with the space ranger Buzz Lightyear. Key’s fast-talking and energetic delivery complements the chemistry he has developed with his long-time comedy partner, Jordan Peele. Their characters provide some of the most memorable comedic relief in the fourth installment of the franchise.

Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright voices Poppa Henry, the father of the protagonist Arlo, in the 2015 film ‘The Good Dinosaur’. Poppa Henry is depicted as a wise and hardworking Apatosaurus who teaches his children how to survive and leave their mark on the world. His character’s guidance and eventual sacrifice serve as the emotional core for Arlo’s journey toward bravery. Wright’s deep and resonant voice provides the character with a sense of authority, warmth, and paternal strength.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba voices Fluke, a lazy sea lion, in the 2016 sequel ‘Finding Dory’. Along with his companion Rudder, Fluke spends most of his time sunbathing on a rock outside the Marine Life Institute. The duo provides comedic tension as they protect their territory from a less fortunate sea lion named Gerald. Elba utilizes an authentic East London accent for the role, adding a unique flavor to the film’s aquatic setting.

Carl Weathers

Carl Weathers voiced Combat Carl in the television special ‘Toy Story of Terror!’ and the feature film ‘Toy Story 4’. The character is a highly disciplined action figure who often speaks about himself in the third person. Unlike the generic version of the toy seen briefly in the original 1995 movie, this iteration is a fully realized character who assists the main cast. Weathers brought a humorous intensity to the role that effectively parodied classic action movie tropes.

Delroy Lindo

Delroy Lindo voices Beta, a Rottweiler and a high-ranking member of Charles Muntz’s dog pack, in the 2009 film ‘Up’. Beta serves as the second-in-command to Alpha and is responsible for managing the pack’s technological communication collars. Throughout the film, he attempts to capture Kevin the bird and track down the main protagonists. Lindo’s voice gives the character a stern and intimidating presence that contrasts with the film’s more whimsical moments.

Isiah Whitlock Jr.

Isiah Whitlock Jr. has voiced multiple characters across several Pixar productions, including the veteran racer River Scott in ‘Cars 3’. He also voiced the Mayor of Metroville in ‘Incredibles 2’ and Commander Burnside in the 2022 film ‘Lightyear’. In ‘Cars 3’, his character serves as a mentor and inspiration to Lightning McQueen, reflecting the history of the racing world. Whitlock Jr.’s distinctive voice lends a sense of experience and reliability to each of these diverse supporting roles.

Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson

Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson voices Curly, Joe Gardner’s former student, in the animated feature ‘Soul’. Curly is a talented drummer who helps Joe secure a life-changing audition with the prestigious Dorothea Williams Quartet. Beyond his voice role, Questlove also served as a musical consultant on the film to ensure the jazz sequences felt authentic. His character reflects the importance of mentorship and the enduring bonds created through a shared love of music.

Daveed Diggs

Daveed Diggs voices Paul, a neighborhood resident and Joe Gardner’s cynical rival, in the film ‘Soul’. Paul is often seen critiquing Joe’s career choices and engaging in playful banter on the streets of New York City. The character serves as a realistic representation of Joe’s local community and the daily pressures of city life. Diggs’ performance brings a sharp, contemporary energy to the film’s ensemble of supporting characters.

Phil LaMarr

Phil LaMarr voiced two different Super characters, Krushauer and He-Lectrix, in the 2018 sequel ‘Incredibles 2’. Krushauer possesses the ability to crush objects with his mind, while He-Lectrix can generate and control high-voltage electricity. These characters are part of a new group of aspiring superheroes who are recruited to help legalize hero work again. LaMarr’s extensive background in voice acting allowed him to give each character a distinct personality within the superhero ensemble.

Marcus Scribner

Marcus Scribner provides the voice for Buck, the brother of the main character Arlo, in ‘The Good Dinosaur’. Buck is portrayed as more confident and physically capable than Arlo, often teasing his younger brother for his many fears. Despite their sibling rivalry, the character represents the familial bonds that the film explores throughout its prehistoric setting. Scribner’s performance captures the playful yet competitive spirit of a young dinosaur growing up in a harsh environment.

Ron Funches

Ron Funches voices Bloofy, a character from a preschool children’s show, in the 2024 sequel ‘Inside Out 2’. Bloofy is a 2D-animated dog who resides in Riley’s vault of secrets alongside other forgotten childhood memories. He breaks the fourth wall by speaking directly to the audience, mirroring the educational television formats he parodies. Funches provides the character with a cheery and enthusiastic tone that contrasts with the high-stakes emotions of the film.

Donnell Rawlings

Donnell Rawlings voices Dez, a local barber and longtime friend to Joe Gardner, in the 2020 film ‘Soul’. The scene set in Dez’s barbershop is widely considered one of the film’s highlights, showcasing the cultural importance of the community space. Through their conversation, Joe learns more about Dez’s personal history and the dreams he sacrificed for his family. Rawlings’ performance adds a grounded and authentic human element to the spiritual journey of the protagonist.

Wood Harris

Wood Harris voices the character Montel in the Pixar film ‘Soul’. Montel is a patient at the hospital where Joe Gardner is taken after his accident early in the movie. Although the role is brief, Harris’s inclusion adds to the talented ensemble of Black actors assembled for the project. The actor is well known for his work in dramatic television, making his transition to a Pixar voice role a notable addition to his filmography.

Richard Ayoade

Richard Ayoade voices Jerry, one of the many soul counselors in the Great Before, in the 2020 film ‘Soul’. The Jerrys are abstract beings who oversee the development of new souls and manage the administrative duties of the afterlife. Ayoade’s deadpan delivery and unique vocal cadence fit the character’s quirky and multidimensional nature. He provides much of the film’s exposition regarding the mechanics of souls while maintaining a dryly humorous tone.

Yonas Kibreab

Yonas Kibreab voices the title character Elio in the upcoming Pixar science fiction film ‘Elio’. The story follows an eleven-year-old boy who accidentally becomes the intergalactic ambassador for Earth after being beamed up to a communal space station. As a young actor, Kibreab takes on the lead role in a high-profile adventure that explores themes of identity and discovery. This performance marks a significant step in his career as he leads a major animated feature film.

Share which of these Pixar vocal performances is your absolute favorite in the comments.