Keith David’s voice is instantly recognizable. Early on, the actor learned to successfully juggle live-action breakouts like “The Thing” and “Platoon” with VO work, crafting the kind of career that’s both inspirational and aspirational for emerging voiceover actors.
Studying how the greats carved their paths is a solid way to prepare for what’s out there on your own journey. Here are some of the major gigs that made David’s career.
Minos and King Zahbar on “Aladdin” (1994–1995)
One of David’s first forays into voiceover was playing two minor roles—con artist Minos and royal King Zahbar—on the 1994 “Aladdin” series, set one year after the events of the 1992 film. The cartoon was part of a wave of TV shows and direct-to-video sequels to Disney’s iconic ’90s films. Although David only played a small part in that era, this job opened the door at the studio, setting the stage for a fruitful relationship that has lasted decades. Between 1994 and 2024, David lent his voice to 19 Disney projects, including the god Apollo in “Hercules,” T’Chaka on Marvel’s “Avengers Assemble,” and (maybe most importantly) the very next entry on this list…
Goliath on “Gargoyles” (1994–1997)
David’s big voice acting break (at least in the eyes of ’90s kids) came with his starring role on Disney’s “Gargoyles.” This cult hit redefined TV animation with complex characters, multilayered villains, mature themes, and serialized storytelling that was decades ahead of its time. David plays Goliath, the leader of a clan of supernatural creatures who turn to stone during the day while protecting New York City at night. The actor not only infuses the character with the operatic, awe-inspiring personality that the melodramatic material calls for, but he also gives a sense of humanity to this immortal, monstrous warrior. It’s a deeply melancholy performance, conveying centuries’ worth of pain and grief using only his voice. David brought these qualities to many of his best voiceover roles throughout the years, particularly the lead character on “Todd McFarlane’s Spawn.”
Burger King Needs Talent for a Case Film + More Voiceover Jobs The narrator on “Jazz” (2001)
Ken Burns is one of the most celebrated documentarians of all time; his projects often take a look at a particular moment in America’s history. For his 2001 miniseries “Jazz,” chronicling the inspirations and influence of the music genre over decades, Burns tapped David to narrate. The actor’s suave, confident voice serves as the audience’s entry point and guide through the shifting, multi-year history. Although you might not think of narration as a challenge compared to creating characters, it’s an essential corner of the voiceover industry and a viable way into steady work. After “Jazz,” David would collaborate on numerous documentaries, including “The War” (2007), “Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson” (2004), and “Muhammad Ali” (2021).
The Arbiter in “Halo” (2004–2015)
Another niche but potentially lucrative part of the industry is video game voice acting. David has long left his mark on playable characters—his first video game credit was back in 1997, voicing Decker in the very first “Fallout.” But it’s arguably his role as the Arbiter, military leader and a major character of the “Halo” franchise, that leveled up this aspect of his career. The Arbiter is not just an antagonistic antihero—he is complex and perception-shifting, further signaling video games’ continued direction toward cinematic storytelling. David portrays the character as a flawed but motivated figure you can sympathize with. It was such a success that David followed up his “Halo 2” introduction twice more, in “Halo 3” (2007) and “Halo 5: Guardians” (2015).
Dr. Facilier in “The Princess and the Frog” (2009)
When you think of David’s voiceover work on the big screen, it’s likely that his turn as Dr. Facilier in John Musker and Ron Clements’ “The Princess and the Frog” is right in front. This role tends to top most lists of the best Disney villains, and for very good reason. Facilier is a despicable witch doctor who uses voodoo magic to turn people into frogs and swindle their fortunes on his way to rule New Orleans. What is already a fantastic film is made all the better by casting David in the role. He gives the villain a smooth-talking, charismatic element that makes him irresistible to watch, even as he becomes increasingly unforgivable. The actor’s deep, brassy voice makes Facilier’s turn from charming to threatening hit like a ton of bricks. It’s also one of David’s opportunities to show off his pipes with the all-time-great Disney villain song “Friends on the Other Side.” Altogether, this stellar performance has continued to pay off—since the movie’s 2009 release, David has reprised the role in video games and stage shows.
Dr. Tenma on “Pluto” (2023)
Dubbing is an often underseen, underappreciated aspect of voiceover, but it’s one that can produce some incredible opportunities. David has been in this space since providing the voice of magical boar Okkoto in the English dub of Hayao Miyazaki’s “Princess Mononoke.” But his best dubbing work comes on the incredible anime series “Pluto,” Toshio Kawaguchi’s gritty reimagining of the classic “Astro Boy” franchise. David plays Dr. Tenma, the scientist who creates peaceful boy-robot Atom and serves as his arch-nemesis. David turns the character from a mustache-twirling villain reminiscent of Doctor Eggman in the “Sonic” franchise into a three-dimensional, emotionally ambiguous character.
