Celebs Who Voiced Cute Characters and Terrifying Villains in their Careers

Voice acting requires immense range to portray both innocent companions and menacing antagonists. Many famous actors have built diverse portfolios by lending their voices to beloved animated icons and chilling villains. These performers demonstrate their versatility by shifting between high pitched whimsy and gravelly intimidation. This list highlights twenty celebrities who have mastered the art of voicing both the adorable and the truly terrifying throughout their careers.

Tara Strong

Tara Strong provides the sweet and high pitched voice for Bubbles in ‘The Powerpuff Girls’ who is known for her kindness and love of animals. She shifts to a much darker tone when playing Harley Quinn in various DC projects including the ‘Batman Arkham’ video game series. In the series ‘The Fairly OddParents’ she voices the energetic main character Timmy Turner. Her role as Raven in ‘Teen Titans’ displays a dry and brooding energy that contrasts with her more cheerful characters.

Jim Cummings

Jim Cummings has voiced the lovable and gentle Winnie the Pooh for several decades across numerous Disney productions. He also provided the singing voice for the villainous Scar in ‘The Lion King’ during the musical number titled Be Prepared. In ‘The Princess and the Frog’ he brings the charming firefly Ray to life with a Cajun accent. He portrayed the menacing Rasputin in the film ‘Anastasia’ which highlights his ability to sound genuinely frightening.

Tom Kenny

Tom Kenny is the iconic voice of the optimistic and bubbly ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ which has become a staple of pop culture. He takes on a more complex and tragic role as the Ice King in ‘Adventure Time’ who often acts as a primary antagonist. In ‘The Powerpuff Girls’ he serves as the fast talking and eccentric Narrator as well as the villainous Mayor of Townsville. His range is further demonstrated by his portrayal of the tiny and high pitched character Eduardo in ‘Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends’ at various times.

Grey DeLisle

Grey DeLisle is recognized for voicing the fashionable and kind Daphne Blake in various ‘Scooby Doo’ animated projects. She delivered a truly terrifying performance as the manipulative Princess Azula in ‘Avatar The Last Airbender’ throughout the show. In ‘The Fairly OddParents’ she voices the cruel and mean spirited babysitter Vicky who torments the protagonist. She also brings a soft and magical quality to the character Moon Butterfly in ‘Star vs the Forces of Evil’ during her appearances.

Frank Welker

Frank Welker has voiced the heroic leader Fred Jones in the ‘Scooby Doo’ franchise since its original debut in 1969. He is also the voice behind the terrifying Megatron in ‘Transformers’ where he uses a mechanical and gravelly tone. In ‘Aladdin’ he provides the expressive animal sounds for Abu the monkey and Rajah the tiger. He returned to the world of villains as Soundwave in later iterations of the ‘Transformers’ series as well.

Clancy Brown

Clancy Brown voices the greedy but ultimately harmless Mr Krabs in the long running series ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ for many years. He portrays the cold and calculating Lex Luthor in ‘Superman The Animated Series’ and other DC media. In ‘Thor Ragnarok’ he provides the booming and destructive voice of the fire demon Surtur. He also appeared as the intimidating Captain Hadley in ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ while working in live action roles.

Alan Tudyk

Alan Tudyk voices the unintelligent but adorable rooster Heihei in the Disney animated feature ‘Moana’ which consists of various squawks. He takes a villainous turn as the flamboyant and treacherous King Candy in the film ‘Wreck It Ralph’ during the story. In ‘Firefly’ he played the lovable pilot Wash before transitioning into more voice heavy roles later in his career. He also provided the voice for the sarcastic droid K 2SO in ‘Rogue One A Star Wars Story’ to great acclaim.

Keith David

Keith David lends his deep and authoritative voice to the mysterious Cat in the animated film ‘Coraline’ who assists the main character. He portrays the sinister and charismatic Dr Facilier in ‘The Princess and the Frog’ who uses shadow magic. In ‘Spawn The Animated Series’ he voices the title character who is a dark anti hero seeking justice. His voice work also includes the Arbiter in the ‘Halo’ video game series which commands great respect from players.

J.K. Simmons

JK Simmons provides the voice for the kind and patient airbending master Tenzin in ‘The Legend of Korra’ throughout its run. He shifts to a terrifyingly powerful role as Omni Man in the animated series ‘Invincible’ who hides a dark secret. In ‘Gravity Falls’ he voices the intelligent and dedicated Ford Pines who returns from a portal. He also voiced the villainous Kai in ‘Kung Fu Panda 3’ who seeks to steal the chi of every master.

John DiMaggio

John DiMaggio is best known for voicing the magical and stretchy Jake the Dog in the series ‘Adventure Time’ for many seasons. He delivered a gritty and violent performance as the Joker in the animated film ‘Batman Under the Red Hood’ to fan approval. In ‘Futurama’ he voices the loud and cynical robot Bender who often gets into trouble. He also brings life to the character Fu Dog in ‘American Dragon Jake Long’ with a gruff but friendly demeanor.

Dee Bradley Baker

Dee Bradley Baker provides the sounds for the fluffy and loyal sky bison Appa in ‘Avatar The Last Airbender’ using only animal noises. He voices the biological terror known as the Gravemind in the ‘Halo’ video game series with a deep and poetic voice. In ‘Phineas and Ferb’ he is the secret agent platypus Perry who remains mostly silent except for chattering sounds. He also voices all the soldiers in ‘Star Wars The Clone Wars’ including the heroic Captain Rex and Commander Cody.

Jason Isaacs

Jason Isaacs voices the adorable but unlucky dog named Sid in the film ‘The Curse of the Were Rabbit’ during his career. He portrays the cold and intimidating Admiral Zhao in ‘Avatar The Last Airbender’ who serves as a major antagonist. In ‘Star Wars Rebels’ he provides the voice for the terrifying Grand Inquisitor who hunts down Jedi survivors. He also voiced the villainous SkekSil the Chamberlain in ‘The Dark Crystal Age of Resistance’ with a unique whimpering sound.

Kath Soucie

Kath Soucie voices the sweet and energetic twins Phil and Lil DeVille in the classic Nickelodeon series ‘Rugrats’ for many years. She provides the voice for the villainous and manipulative Mom in the animated series ‘Futurama’ who rules a corporate empire. In ‘Dexter’s Laboratory’ she voices the kind but occasionally stern mother of the main character. Her work also includes voicing Lola Bunny in the original ‘Space Jam’ film where she portrayed a confident athlete.

Charles Martinet

Charles Martinet is famous for voicing the cheerful and heroic Mario in the long running ‘Super Mario’ video game franchise. He surprised many fans by voicing the ancient and powerful dragon Paarthurnax in ‘The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim’ during the main quest. In ‘Bit Trip Presents Runner2 Future Legend of Rhythm Alien’ he serves as the enthusiastic narrator for the game. He also voiced characters like Wario and Luigi who each have distinct personalities and tones.

Jack Black

Jack Black provides the voice for the lovable and energetic panda Po in the ‘Kung Fu Panda’ franchise over several films. He delivers a powerful and intimidating performance as the villainous Bowser in ‘The Super Mario Bros Movie’ where he also sings. In ‘Shark Tale’ he voices the gentle and vegetarian shark named Lenny who refuses to eat fish. He also portrayed the eccentric author RL Stine in the ‘Goosebumps’ film where he provided various monster voices as well.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch used motion capture and a deep voice to portray the terrifying dragon Smaug in ‘The Hobbit’ film trilogy. He voiced the titular character in the 2018 version of ‘The Grinch’ who eventually learns to love Christmas. In ‘The Penguins of Madagascar’ he provides the voice for the sophisticated and elite wolf named Classified. He also portrayed the villainous Shere Khan in ‘Mowgli Legend of the Jungle’ with a fierce and predatory energy.

Andy Serkis

Andy Serkis is iconic for his portrayal of the wretched and complex Gollum in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy using a distinct voice. He voiced the massive and intimidating Supreme Leader Snoke in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy through performance capture. In the film ‘Flushed Away’ he provides the voice for the comical and dim witted henchman rat named Spike. He also portrayed the heroic Kong in the 2005 version of ‘King Kong’ through physical performance and vocal effects.

Mark Hamill

Mark Hamill is world renowned for his portrayal of the Joker in ‘Batman The Animated Series’ where he provides a chilling and manic laugh. He also voices the wise and stoic Skips on the series ‘Regular Show’ which showcases his range in personality. In ‘Avatar The Last Airbender’ he portrays the ruthless Fire Lord Ozai who seeks to conquer the world with fire. His career includes a performance as the toy based antagonist Chucky in the 2019 reboot of ‘Child’s Play’ as well.

Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson provides the voice for both Good Cop and Bad Cop in ‘The Lego Movie’ which allows him to play two opposing personalities in one body. He delivers a terrifying and powerful performance as the monster in ‘A Monster Calls’ who demands the truth from a young boy. In the animated film ‘Ponyo’ he voices the protective and magical father Fujimoto who lives beneath the sea. He also voiced the noble lion Aslan in ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ film series where his voice commands authority and warmth.

Patrick Warburton

Patrick Warburton is famous for voicing the lovable and dim witted henchman Kronk in ‘The Emperor’s New Groove’ who eventually finds his true calling as a chef. He provides the voice for the villainous and high strung Ken in ‘Bee Movie’ who tries to stop the protagonist. In ‘The Venture Bros’ he portrays the muscular and hyper masculine bodyguard Brock Samson who protects the main characters. He also voiced the heroic Joe Swanson in the series ‘Family Guy’ who remains a fan favorite for his booming voice.

Tell us which of these voice acting transformations surprised you the most in the comments.