Gay Actors Who Are Voices In Disney Movies

The history of Disney animation is filled with memorable characters whose voices have left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. Over the years, many talented gay male actors have lent their unique vocal ranges to bring these animated figures to life, contributing to some of the studio’s most beloved films. From heroic leads to comedic sidekicks, these performers have helped shape the emotional and comedic core of Disney’s cinematic storytelling. This list highlights several prominent gay actors who have voiced iconic characters within the Disney and Pixar filmography.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane provided the voice for the wisecracking meerkat Timon in the 1994 animated classic ‘The Lion King’. His chemistry with Ernie Sabella’s Pumbaa turned the duo into one of the most beloved comedic pairings in Disney history. Lane reprised the role in various sequels and spin-offs, including ‘The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride’ and ‘The Lion King 1½’. His theatrical background influenced the character’s energetic delivery and musical performance of the song “Hakuna Matata.”

BD Wong

In the 1998 film ‘Mulan’, BD Wong voiced Captain Li Shang, the disciplined leader of the Chinese imperial army. Wong’s performance balanced the character’s initial rigidity with a growing respect and affection for the titular protagonist. He also showcased his vocal talents in the musical number “I’ll Make a Man Out of You,” which became one of the film’s most popular sequences. Wong later returned to voice the character in the direct-to-video sequel ‘Mulan II’.

Harvey Fierstein

Harvey Fierstein lent his distinctive gravelly voice to the character Yao in the 1998 animated feature ‘Mulan’. As one of the three soldiers who befriend Mulan, Yao is characterized by his short temper and self-proclaimed toughness. Fierstein’s performance provided much of the film’s comic relief during the training sequences and the final battle at the Imperial Palace. He reprised the role for ‘Mulan II’ and several Disney video games.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff voiced the mountain man Kristoff in the 2013 global phenomenon ‘Frozen’. His character serves as the ice-harvesting companion to Anna, providing a grounded contrast to the magical elements of the story. Groff returned for the 2019 sequel ‘Frozen II’, where his character received a dedicated 1980s-inspired power ballad titled “Lost in the Woods.” His work in the franchise has solidified Kristoff as a central figure in the modern Disney canon.

Tom Hulce

Tom Hulce voiced the protagonist Quasimodo in the 1996 Disney film ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’. Known for his Academy Award-nominated role in ‘Amadeus’, Hulce brought a vulnerable and sensitive quality to the bell-ringer of Paris. He performed several challenging musical numbers in the film, most notably the soaring anthem “Out There.” The performance is often cited for its emotional depth and range in portraying a character seeking social acceptance.

David Hyde Pierce

David Hyde Pierce voiced the intellectual stick insect Slim in the 1998 Pixar film ‘A Bug’s Life’. His character is a member of the circus troupe who is frequently frustrated by being cast in non-speaking roles like a broom or a pole. Pierce later worked with Disney again to voice the character Dr. Doppler in the 2002 science-fiction adaptation ‘Treasure Planet’. Both roles utilized his signature precise diction and comedic timing to create memorable supporting characters.

George Takei

George Takei provided the voice for the First Ancestor in the 1998 animated feature ‘Mulan’. As the leader of the Fa family’s spiritual guardians, his character is responsible for overseeing the family’s honor and directing the guardian Mushu. Takei’s authoritative yet comedic delivery helped establish the spiritual world within the film’s narrative. He has also contributed voice work to other Disney-related projects, including the ‘Star Wars’ animated universe.

Billy Eichner

Billy Eichner took over the role of Timon for the 2019 photorealistic reimagining of ‘The Lion King’. Working alongside Seth Rogen, Eichner brought a contemporary comedic sensibility to the character while maintaining the spirit of the original 1994 film. His performance included new renditions of classic songs and improvised dialogue that updated the character’s humor for a new generation. The film went on to become one of the highest-grossing animated features of all time.

Jaboukie Young-White

Jaboukie Young-White voiced Ethan Clade in the 2022 Disney animated film ‘Strange World’. His character made history as the first openly gay lead character in a Disney animated feature film. The story follows Ethan as he joins his family on an adventure to a mysterious subterranean land to save their home’s energy source. Young-White’s performance was praised for portraying a teenage character whose identity is a natural part of his personal journey.

Sean Hayes

Sean Hayes voiced the character Terri Perry, one half of a two-headed monster, in the 2013 Pixar prequel ‘Monsters University’. He shared the role with Dave Foley, who voiced the other head, Terry, with the duo portraying competitive brothers in the Oozma Kappa fraternity. Hayes brought his experience in physical and vocal comedy to the role, emphasizing the bickering dynamic between the two personalities. The character remains a highlight of the film’s ensemble of misfit students.

Bowen Yang

Bowen Yang provided the voice for the character Pepi the King Cobra in the 2022 animated film ‘Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again’. Released on Disney+, the film continued the popular franchise in an animated format with a new cast of voice actors. Yang’s performance as the theatrical and dramatic snake added a unique comedic flair to the film’s group of historical exhibits. He has also appeared in other Disney-adjacent projects, including various voice roles in television animation.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry voiced the Cheshire Cat in Disney’s 2010 live-action and CGI hybrid ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and its 2016 sequel. His distinctively calm and intellectual voice was used to bring the elusive, floating feline to life through motion capture and vocal performance. Fry’s portrayal leaned into the character’s philosophical nature and mischievous ambiguity within the world of Underland. The character design combined Fry’s vocal mannerisms with the traditional traits of the literary figure.

Share which of these iconic voice performances is your favorite in the comments.