20 Black Actors Who Voiced Underrated Disney Sidekicks

Disney is famous for its unforgettable heroes and villains, but some of the most beloved characters are actually the sidekicks. Many Black actors have given voice to truly charming and unique supporting characters in Disney animation. These performers brought a lot of humor and emotion to roles that don’t always get the recognition they deserve. From characters living in New York City to those traveling the galaxy, these sidekicks deserve to be celebrated. Here’s a look at twenty Black actors who voiced some of Disney’s most underrated, yet lovable, supporting characters.

Roscoe Lee Browne

In the 1988 film ‘Oliver & Company,’ the elegant bulldog Francis is voiced by Roscoe Lee Browne. Francis is a sophisticated dog who loves Shakespeare and looks down on the rough behavior of other dogs. Browne’s smooth, deep voice perfectly contrasts with the gritty New York City setting. As the most intellectual member of Fagin’s gang, Francis often argues with the energetic Tito. Browne’s performance adds a touch of class and humor to this reimagining of the classic Dickens story.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph voiced Rita, a clever and caring Saluki, in the 1988 Disney film ‘Oliver & Company.’ Rita acts like a mother figure to the group of stray dogs, offering a sensible voice amidst their playful antics. Ralph brought a lot of heart and strength to the character, capturing the film’s overall spirit. She also beautifully performed the song “Streets of Gold,” showcasing both her vocal talent and Rita’s emotional depth. Her performance helped keep the story grounded even during the gang’s wildest moments.

Ving Rhames

In Disney’s ‘Lilo & Stitch’ (2002), Ving Rhames provides the voice for Cobra Bubbles, a powerful social worker. While he first seems like a stern government agent, Bubbles is actually a former CIA agent who genuinely cares about people. Rhames’ deep voice makes Bubbles sound both strong and surprisingly understanding, especially towards Lilo and Nani. The character breaks the typical mold of a cold, unhelpful bureaucrat by ultimately supporting the family. His dry wit and delivery make him responsible for some of the movie’s funniest moments.

Michael Clarke Duncan

In the 2003 animated film ‘Brother Bear,’ Michael Clarke Duncan voices Tug, a large grizzly bear. Tug becomes friends with the main character, Kenai, when they meet at a salmon run. Duncan’s deep, warm voice makes Tug a friendly and wise character, despite his size. Tug embodies the sense of friendship and belonging that Kenai needs, and his kind personality makes him a memorable part of this often-forgotten Disney movie.

Raven-Symoné

In the movie ‘Tinker Bell’ (2008) and its follow-ups, the character Iridessa is voiced by Raven-Symoné. Iridessa is a light fairy who’s a bit of a perfectionist and tends to overthink things. Raven-Symoné perfectly portrays this slightly anxious energy, which provides a nice contrast to the other, more optimistic fairies in Pixie Hollow. While Iridessa often focuses on keeping everything safe and orderly, she eventually learns to loosen up and enjoy taking chances with her friends. Raven-Symoné’s voice acting captures Iridessa’s caring nature and her desire to always do what’s best.

Jenifer Lewis

Jenifer Lewis shines as Mama Odie, a lively and wise blind voodoo priestess, in Disney’s ‘The Princess and the Frog’ (2009). Living in the Louisiana bayou, she helps Tiana and Naveen discover who they truly are. Lewis’s energetic and spirited performance, especially in the song “Dig a Little Deeper,” is a pivotal moment for the characters and turns what could have been a simple plot element into a memorable and beloved mentor figure.

Michael-Leon Wooley

In Disney’s ‘The Princess and the Frog’ (2009), Michael-Leon Wooley brings Louis, a trumpet-playing alligator, to life. Louis longs to play jazz with a New Orleans band, but he’s held back by his scary looks and big size. Wooley gives Louis a charmingly timid personality and a contagious love of music. The character is funny, but also relatable, as he simply wants to be appreciated for his musical ability, not for being an alligator. His energetic scenes with the firefly, Ray, add humor and support the film’s main love story.

Tommy Lister Jr.

Tommy Lister delivers a memorable performance as Finnick, the small fennec fox in the animated film ‘Zootopia’ (2016). Finnick cleverly pretends to be a baby as part of a scam alongside the character Nick Wilde. Lister’s performance is particularly striking because his small character has a surprisingly deep, raspy voice. This contrast emphasizes the film’s theme that things aren’t always what they seem in the city of Zootopia, and his funny, though short, scenes make him a memorable, cynical sidekick.

Damon Wayans Jr.

In the 2014 superhero movie ‘Big Hero 6,’ Damon Wayans Jr. provides the voice for Wasabi, a character who’s an expert in laser-induced plasma. Wasabi is known for being very organized and focused on safety. Wayans Jr. delivers his lines with a fast-paced, precise energy that makes even dangerous situations funny. While he’s the team’s voice of caution, he’s always ready to defend his friends. His performance adds a touch of realism to the film’s fantastical world by portraying relatable nervousness.

Maya Rudolph

Maya Rudolph voices Aunt Cass in ‘Big Hero 6’ (2014), the kind and caring guardian of Hiro and Tadashi. As a bakery owner, she tries her best to keep her nephews safe and out of trouble. Rudolph brings a wonderfully warm and realistic energy to the role, portraying the challenges and love of a single parent raising bright but sometimes impulsive teenagers. Aunt Cass serves as a comforting and stable presence, helping Hiro cope with loss and find a path forward.

Richard Ayoade

In Pixar’s ‘Soul’ (2020), actor Richard Ayoade provides the voice for Jerry, a unique counselor who guides new souls before they’re born. Jerry works in the Great Before, a sort of waiting area for souls, and Ayoade perfectly captures the character’s calm, polite, and slightly sarcastic personality as he deals with the often-ridiculous rules of the afterlife. Jerry’s calm demeanor provides a contrast to the main character’s anxiety, and Ayoade’s performance adds a clever and thoughtful humor to the film’s deeper questions about life and purpose.

Keegan-Michael Key

In ‘Toy Story 4,’ Keegan-Michael Key voices Ducky, a carnival prize who desperately wants a child to win and play with him. Key’s energetic performance and quick, funny conversations with his co-star, Bunny, make Ducky a memorable character. The humor comes from the contrast between Ducky’s cute, fluffy look and his surprisingly bold and elaborate plans. This dynamic duo adds a fresh and exciting element to the ‘Toy Story’ series.

Jordan Peele

In ‘Toy Story 4,’ Jordan Peele provides the voice for Bunny, a blue plush rabbit who’s best friends with Ducky. Like Ducky, Bunny dreams of escaping their life at the carnival. Peele’s performance complements Keegan-Michael Key’s energetic style, offering a slightly more down-to-earth but equally playful approach to figuring things out. The actors’ great chemistry shines through in their improvised scenes and funny, imaginative situations. Bunny quickly became a fan favorite, proving that new characters can easily win over audiences even in a well-established series.

Whoopi Goldberg

Let me tell you about Stretch, the purple octopus in ‘Toy Story 3’! Voiced brilliantly by Whoopi Goldberg, she brings a real toughness to this glittery, rubber toy. Stretch isn’t a cuddly character; she’s one of the ‘tough guys’ at Sunnyside Daycare, and Goldberg perfectly captures that slightly intimidating vibe. What I really appreciated was how she showed Stretch’s internal conflict – she’s just trying to make it in a really rough place, and her loyalties keep changing. It was great to see Goldberg playing a bit of a villain, and then hinting at a possible change of heart. It’s a surprisingly complex performance for what could have been a throwaway character.

Wanda Sykes

In ‘Brother Bear 2’ (2006), Wanda Sykes brings a lot of personality to the role of Innoko, a funny and unusual elder from a nearby tribe. Innoko is important to the story’s main problem. Sykes uses her well-known sarcastic style and unique voice to make Innoko instantly likable and unforgettable. She explains what’s happening while also adding humor to the serious moments, and her performance really brightens up the movie.

Della Reese

In the 2000 film ‘Dinosaur,’ Della Reese voices Eema, an older Styracosaurus who has trouble keeping up with the herd as they make a dangerous journey across a hot desert. Reese’s voice, which is rough and tired, perfectly captures Eema’s strength and determination to survive. She plays a bit of a grumpy but loving grandmother figure to the other dinosaurs, offering emotional depth that balances the film’s impressive visuals.

Alfre Woodard

I have to say, Alfre Woodard absolutely shines as Plio, the lemur in Disney’s ‘Dinosaur.’ She voices this incredibly warm and caring character who, against everyone’s better judgment, decides to raise a dinosaur. Woodard really brings a sense of gentle strength to the role, and it’s Plio’s maternal instincts that truly establish the film’s central theme of family. She’s the one who champions kindness in a really harsh, prehistoric world, and honestly, she’s the moral center of the story, guiding our hero, Aladar, on his quest to find a safe haven.

Ossie Davis

In the 2000 film ‘Dinosaur,’ Ossie Davis plays Yar, the strong-willed leader of a lemur family. Yar is initially hesitant to accept a dinosaur into their group, and Davis uses his powerful voice to show a character who is fiercely protective but open to new ideas. Throughout the film, Yar transforms from a doubter into a loyal protector of the dinosaur, who becomes like a son to him. Davis’s performance brings a sense of seriousness and wisdom to the beginning of the story.

Jeffrey Wright

In Pixar’s ‘The Good Dinosaur’ (2015), Jeffrey Wright provides the voice for Poppa, a strong and dedicated Apatosaurus father. Poppa works tirelessly to teach his fearful son, Arlo, how to navigate a challenging world. Wright’s performance beautifully portrays a father who is both firm and loving. Even after he’s no longer on screen, Poppa’s influence drives Arlo’s story forward, and his courage serves as an inspiration for his son throughout the film.

Octavia Spencer

In the animated film ‘Zootopia’ (2016), Octavia Spencer voices Mrs. Otterton, a worried wife whose husband has disappeared. Spencer brings a deeply emotional and vulnerable quality to the role, which motivates the main character, Judy Hopps, to begin investigating. Even though she’s only in the film for a short time, Mrs. Otterton is crucial to the story, sparking the entire mystery. Her desperate plea for help represents the voices of those who feel ignored and need someone to stand up for them.

2025-12-10 03:17