Black Voice Actors Who Have Voiced Both Disney Heroes And Anime Villains

The world of voice acting is smaller than it appears and often sees talented performers crossing between Western animation and Japanese anime. Many Black voice actors have left their mark on the industry by breathing life into beloved Disney heroes and terrifying anime antagonists alike. This crossover highlights their impressive range and ability to embody characters on opposite ends of the moral spectrum. From singing Disney royalty to scheming Shonen masterminds these performers have done it all. Here are the Black celebrities and voice actors who have conquered both worlds.

Phil LaMarr

Phil LaMarr is a legendary figure in voice acting who brought dignity and strength to the role of Bail Organa in ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’. His portrayal of the Viceroy and Prince of Alderaan showcased a noble hero fighting for democracy within the Disney galaxy. Anime fans recognize him for a much darker turn as the blind captain Kaname Tosen in ‘Bleach’. Tosen serves as a major antagonist who betrays the Soul Society in pursuit of his twisted justice. LaMarr effortlessly shifts between the regal warmth of a Disney leader and the cold calculation of a Shonen villain.

Zeno Robinson

Zeno Robinson has quickly become a superstar in the anime community while securing major roles in Disney television animation. He voiced the complex character Hunter in ‘The Owl House’ who starts as an antagonist but evolves into a tragic prince figure of the Emperor’s Coven. In the world of Shonen anime he lent his voice to the bizarre and menacing PePe Waccabrada in ‘Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War’. Robinson also played the initially antagonistic Gamma 2 in ‘Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero’ before the character finds redemption. His ability to play impulsive youths and eccentric villains makes him a standout talent.

Cree Summer

Cree Summer is distinctively known for her raspy and energetic voice that defined a generation of cartoons. She officially joined the ranks of Disney royalty when she voiced Princess Kida in the cult classic film ‘Atlantis: The Lost Empire’. Her character was a fierce warrior princess who sought to save her submerged civilization from destruction. On the villainous side she provided the chilling voice for the witch Haggar in ‘Voltron: Legendary Defender’ which shares deep roots with Shonen storytelling. Summer brings a commanding presence to both the royal court of Atlantis and the dark empire of the Galra.

Keith David

Keith David possesses one of the most recognizable baritones in Hollywood and has used it to play iconic leaders and villains. He voiced Goliath in the Disney series ‘Gargoyles’ where he played the noble leader and king of his clan who protects New York City. Anime enthusiasts know him from the English dub of ‘Princess Mononoke’ where he voiced the blind boar god Okkoto. While Okkoto is a tragic figure he serves as a destructive antagonist corrupted by hatred. David commands respect whether he is protecting a castle or leading a rampaging stampede.

Kevin Michael Richardson

Kevin Michael Richardson is a powerhouse in the voice acting industry known for his deep and resonant vocal register. He voiced the formidable Captain Gantu in Disney’s ‘Lilo & Stitch’ who serves as a relentless antagonist pursuing the main characters. In the anime world he took on the role of the massive villain Groggy in the popular series ‘One Piece’ during the Davy Back Fight arc. Richardson often plays imposing physical threats due to the natural gravity of his voice. His characters usually require immense power and intimidation to challenge the heroes.

Dave Fennoy

Dave Fennoy is a veteran voice actor who has contributed his talents to major franchises under the Disney umbrella. He voiced the fallen Jedi General Pong Krell in ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ who serves as a treacherous villain within the Republic ranks. For anime fans he voiced the Espada Zommari Rureaux in the hit Shonen series ‘Bleach’. Zommari is an arrogant antagonist who claims dominance over his opponents with his unique eye-based powers. Fennoy excels at playing characters with a sense of superiority and dark wisdom.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson is a Hollywood A-lister who made a significant impact on animation with his cool demeanor. He famously voiced the ice-wielding superhero Frozone in the Disney Pixar blockbusters ‘The Incredibles’ and its sequel. His turn to Japanese animation came with the lead role in ‘Afro Samurai’ where he played the titular anti-hero seeking vengeance. While Afro is the protagonist he acts as a ruthless killer in a brutal world that mirrors the intensity of Shonen villains. Jackson brings his signature attitude and intensity to every animated role he accepts.

Isaac Robinson-Smith

Isaac Robinson-Smith is a rising talent who has landed massive roles in both the Marvel and Jojo universes. He voices the beloved hero Miles Morales in the ‘Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’ game which is a major property for Disney and Marvel. In the bizarre world of anime he voiced the antagonist Tiziano in ‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind’. Tiziano is a cunning villain who uses a tongue-controlling Stand ability to manipulate his enemies. Robinson-Smith proves he can play the wholesome teenage hero and the deceptive tactical villain with equal skill.

Imari Williams

Imari Williams has a strong voice that fits powerful characters in both action cartoons and anime. He voiced the rescue worker Boulder in the Disney-distributed series ‘Transformers: Rescue Bots’ who acts as a gentle giant and hero. In the massive Shonen hit ‘One Piece’ he voices the flamboyant and dangerous villain Queen the Plague. Queen is a high-ranking member of the Beast Pirates who uses biological weapons and brute force against the heroes. Williams shows incredible range by switching between a helpful robot and a sadistic pirate commander.

Giancarlo Esposito

Giancarlo Esposito is famous for playing calm and calculating villains in live-action television and film. He entered the Disney universe by voicing Akela the leader of the wolf pack in the live-action adaptation of ‘The Jungle Book’. His venture into the anime world includes voicing the fixer Faraday in the acclaimed series ‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’. Faraday is a manipulative antagonist who betrays the main characters for corporate gain. Esposito brings a chilling sophistication to his animated roles that mirrors his on-screen presence.

Gary Anthony Williams

Gary Anthony Williams is a versatile comedian and actor who has appeared in numerous animated projects. He voiced the wise Mufasa in ‘The Lion Guard’ series to continue the legacy of the great Disney King. In the realm of anime he provided the voice for the ruthless businessman Gato in the early arcs of ‘Naruto’. Gato is a classic Shonen villain who hires mercenaries to terrorize a village and kill the heroes. Williams effectively captures the warmth of a father figure and the greed of a corrupt tycoon.

Bumper Robinson

Bumper Robinson has been acting since childhood and has built an impressive resume in voice over work. He voiced the high-flying hero Falcon in the animated series ‘Avengers Assemble’ which aired on Disney XD. On the antagonist side he voiced the triple-changing Decepticon Blitzwing in ‘Transformers: Animated’. Blitzwing is a chaotic villain with three distinct personalities that Robinson juggles masterfully. His energetic performance style suits both the patriotic Avenger and the unstable robot villain.

Anairis Quiñones

Anairis Quiñones is a talented voice actress who has broken barriers in the anime dubbing industry. She voices the energetic protagonist Libby Stein-Torres in the Disney Channel series ‘The Ghost and Molly McGee’. Her anime portfolio includes the complex witch Echidna in ‘Re:Zero’ who serves as a psychological antagonist to the main character. Echidna is deceptive and morally ambiguous compared to the cheerful and supportive Libby. Quiñones demonstrates her ability to play the bubbly best friend and the intellectual manipulator.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba is a global superstar who has lent his commanding voice to several major animated blockbusters. He voiced the strict but heroic Chief Bogo in Disney’s ‘Zootopia’ as well as the sea lion Fluke in ‘Finding Dory’. He entered the world of Shonen-style action by voicing Knuckles in the ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’ movie. Knuckles begins the film as a powerful antagonist working with the villain to defeat Sonic. Elba brings a serious gravity to these animated characters that grounds them in reality.

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