Expressions of Excellence: Honoring Black Voice Actors
Rich Lanci
Diversity has come a long way in the entertainment industry. One would most likely notice the increased representation in movies and TV shows, as it is more visual and heavily advertised. However, diversity has also made significant strides in the audio and voice-over market. This progress has not only contributed to more believable performances for certain characters but has also introduced a greater variety of voices in our favorite video games and television shows. Let's explore some talented Black voice actors who are slightly new to the scene, and yet have made a profound impact within the industry.
Zeno Robinson
Zeno Robinson has been active since 2008, known for his work in western animation, video games, and anime. One of his earliest, notable roles, for me, was as Hawks in My Hero Academia. More recently, he has taken on the role of Junpei Iori in the Persona series, replacing Vic Mignona as the voice actor in Persona 3: Reload. It's difficult to pinpoint the exact type of voice he's known for (which I consider a compliment to his versatility!), but I would describe it as 'laid-back yet lively,' often associated with his characters. Zeno is involved in many current projects across various mediums. He also serves as a shining example of the increasing presence of Black voice actors in the industry. Also, having played through Persona 3: Reload, I can confidently say that Zeno is doing a fantastic job as the new voice of Junpei.
Catero Colbert
Another Black voice actor who is relatively newer to the scene is Catero Colbert. He has been active (at least as a voice actor) since 2005. Similar to Zeno Robinson, you can hear Colbert's voice in video games, anime, and western animation. What's interesting about Colbert is that he voiced Killer Bee in Naruto Shippuden and Oetsu in Bleach: The Thousand Year Blood War. These are two Black anime characters, both wearing sunglasses and white attire, who rap and serve as comic relief, yet are among the most formidable characters in their respective universes. Initially, I didn't realize these two characters shared the same English voice actor until I researched their voice credits. He also has experience in live acting, appearing in shows such as CSI: Miami and Noah's Arc. While Colbert may not appear in projects as frequently as Robinson, he remains actively involved in the voice acting industry today.
Although these actors represent some of the newcomers within the industry, it’s also important to highlight those who paved the way, such as Earle Hyman (Thundercats) and Brock Peters (Batman: The Animated Series), whose groundbreaking work in the early years of animation and voice acting laid the foundation. I must also credit the famed Kevin Michael Richardson whose voice, has lent his talent to iconic characters such as the Joker in The Batman and Principal Lewis in American Dad!
We must also salute the legendary Cree Summer and Phil Lamarr, whose exceptional abilities have transcended boundaries in the world of voice acting. Summer, known for her distinctive voice and unparalleled versatility, has portrayed a surplus of memorable characters, including Susie Carmichael in Rugrats and Penny in Inspector Gadget. Similarly, Lamarr's prolific career spans across animation, video games, and beyond, with his portrayal of characters like Static Shock and John Stewart/Green Lantern in Justice League leaving a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. Their contributions not only showcase the immense talent within the Black voice acting community but also highlights the importance of representation and diversity in storytelling. They not only broke barriers but also demonstrated the enduring impact of Black voices in shaping the entertainment industry.
While this article is merely scratching the surface of the profound talent present among Black voice actors, these individuals are a glimpse into the vast landscape of creativity and skill in the voice acting industry. Many here, have breathed life into characters that have resonated deeply with me throughout my life, spanning from cherished childhood memories to the complexities of adulthood.
As we look ahead, may the opportunities for diverse roles expand, affording every aspiring actor and character the chance to flourish. Hopefully, Hollywood will strive to encourage a landscape where the rich diversity of voices will continue to strengthen our storytelling, offering fresh perspectives and experiences to celebrate.
