Black Actors Who Have Voiced Characters In Pixar Movies

Pixar is known for its amazing storytelling, and a big part of that comes from the incredible voice actors who bring its characters to life. Throughout the years, many talented Black male actors have played memorable roles in Pixar films, adding humor, emotion, and personality to everything from leading characters to supporting ones. Whether they’ve voiced superheroes, musicians, dinosaurs, or even toys, these actors have significantly shaped the way we feel about these beloved stories. This is a look at the Black male actors who have left a lasting mark on the Pixar world with their voice work.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson voices Frozone (Lucius Best) in both ‘The Incredibles’ and ‘Incredibles 2’. As a friend of the Parr family, Frozone has the power to create ice and freeze water. Jackson’s performance is known for bringing a lot of personality to the character, making Frozone a fan favorite in Pixar’s films. Many viewers especially remember the funny scene where he desperately looks for his super suit.

Jamie Foxx

The 2020 Pixar movie ‘Soul’ features Jamie Foxx as Joe Gardner, a middle school band teacher who loves jazz. After a surprising accident sends him to a place called the Great Before, Joe needs to find his way back to Earth and pursue his dream of becoming a professional jazz musician. Foxx’s performance beautifully shows Joe’s emotional journey as he thinks about his life and what he wants to achieve. ‘Soul’ was also a groundbreaking film, being the first Pixar movie to star a Black actor in the main role.

Mamoudou Athie

I recently saw ‘Elemental,’ and Mamoudou Athie is fantastic as Wade Ripple. The movie takes place in this cool city built for all kinds of elements – fire, water, earth, air – living together. Wade is a water element, and he’s a really sweet, sensitive guy who works as an inspector. He unexpectedly connects with Ember, who’s made of fire, and helps her deal with some tricky family stuff. What really struck me about Athie’s performance was how he showed Wade’s gentle heart and hopeful outlook, especially through the soft tone of his voice. It was a really touching portrayal.

Jordan Peele

In the 2019 movie ‘Toy Story 4’, Jordan Peele provides the voice for Bunny, a playfully sarcastic stuffed animal you might win at a carnival. Along with his friend Ducky, Bunny tags along with Woody and the rest of the toys on their journey to find the new toy, Forky. Peele’s Bunny is funny and imaginative, known for coming up with silly, over-the-top plans. His comedic skills really liven up the group’s adventures, especially in the second half of the movie.

Keegan-Michael Key

In ‘Toy Story 4’, Keegan-Michael Key voices Ducky, a little plush duckling who’s always connected to the character Bunny. They meet Buzz Lightyear at a carnival game and don’t get off to a great start. Key’s quick and lively voice work really shines, especially because of his great comedic timing with his frequent collaborator, Jordan Peele. Together, Ducky and Bunny offer some of the funniest moments in the movie.

Jeffrey Wright

In the 2015 film ‘The Good Dinosaur’, Jeffrey Wright provides the voice for Poppa Henry, Arlo’s father. Poppa Henry is a thoughtful and diligent Apatosaurus who shows his children how to live and make a difference. His advice and ultimate sacrifice are central to Arlo’s development and his path to becoming brave. Wright’s powerful and comforting voice brings a sense of strength and warmth to the character, making him a believable and loving father figure.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba brings the voice of Fluke, a relaxed sea lion, to the 2016 movie ‘Finding Dory’. Fluke and his friend Rudder mostly hang out sunbathing on a rock near the Marine Life Institute. They create some funny moments by guarding their space from another sea lion, Gerald. Elba uses his natural East London accent for the character, which adds a distinctive touch to the underwater world of the film.

Carl Weathers

Carl Weathers provided the voice for the character Combat Carl in both the TV special ‘Toy Story of Terror!’ and the movie ‘Toy Story 4’. Combat Carl is a very disciplined action figure known for referring to himself by his name. He’s a more developed character than the quick glimpse of the toy seen in the original 1995 ‘Toy Story’ film, and he actively helps the main characters. Weathers played the role with a funny, serious energy, playfully imitating the style of classic action movies.

Delroy Lindo

In the 2009 movie ‘Up’, Delroy Lindo provides the voice for Beta, a Rottweiler who’s a key member of Charles Muntz’s dog team. Beta is second-in-command to Alpha and in charge of the collars the dogs use to communicate. He spends the movie trying to catch Kevin the bird and find the heroes of the story. Lindo’s voice acting makes Beta sound serious and threatening, which provides a contrast to the film’s generally lighthearted tone.

Isiah Whitlock Jr.

Isiah Whitlock Jr. is a familiar voice in Pixar films, having played characters like River Scott, a seasoned racer in ‘Cars 3’, and the Mayor in ‘Incredibles 2’. He also voiced Commander Burnside in ‘Lightyear’ (2022). In ‘Cars 3’, his character guides and motivates Lightning McQueen, bringing a sense of racing history to the role. Whitlock Jr. consistently delivers a trustworthy and experienced quality to all his supporting characters thanks to his unique voice.

Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson

In the animated movie ‘Soul’, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson provides the voice for Curly, a former student of the main character, Joe Gardner. Curly is a skilled drummer who gives Joe a crucial opportunity: an audition with the renowned Dorothea Williams Quartet. Questlove didn’t just voice a character – he also worked as a musical consultant on the film, making sure the jazz music felt genuine. His character highlights how important mentors are and how music can create lasting connections.

Daveed Diggs

In the movie ‘Soul’, Daveed Diggs provides the voice for Paul, a local who playfully challenges Joe Gardner’s life choices. Paul is a realistic portrayal of everyday life in New York City and the pressures people face. Diggs’ performance adds a modern and lively touch to the film’s supporting cast.

Phil LaMarr

In the 2018 movie ‘Incredibles 2’, Phil LaMarr played two supervillains: Krushauer, who can destroy things with his mind, and He-Lectrix, who controls electricity. Both characters are new, up-and-coming heroes and villains working to make superhero activity legal once more. LaMarr’s experience as a voice actor helped him create unique and memorable personalities for each of them.

Marcus Scribner

In ‘The Good Dinosaur,’ Marcus Scribner voices Buck, Arlo’s older brother. Buck is braver and stronger than Arlo, and frequently playfully teases him about being scared. Although they compete with each other, Buck highlights the importance of family, a central theme of the movie, which is set in the prehistoric world. Scribner’s performance perfectly shows the energetic and competitive nature of a young dinosaur trying to grow up in a difficult time.

Ron Funches

In the 2024 movie ‘Inside Out 2’, comedian Ron Funches voices Bloofy, a playful, 2D-animated dog who lives in Riley’s memory vault with her old, forgotten childhood things. Bloofy is designed to be a bit different – he talks directly to the viewers, like characters in kids’ TV shows, and playfully imitates that style. Funches gives Bloofy a happy, energetic voice, which provides a lighthearted contrast to the more intense feelings explored in the film.

Donnell Rawlings

In the 2020 film ‘Soul,’ Donnell Rawlings provides the voice for Dez, a barber who’s been a friend of Joe Gardner for years. Many viewers consider the scene taking place in Dez’s barbershop to be a standout moment, as it beautifully illustrates the importance of community spaces. Their conversation reveals Dez’s life story and the dreams he put aside to support his family. Rawlings’ performance brings a relatable and genuine human touch to Joe’s more fantastical journey.

Wood Harris

As a big movie fan, I always appreciate a great cast, and ‘Soul’ really delivered! I was thrilled to hear Wood Harris voicing Montel, even though it was a smaller role – he’s fantastic as the patient Joe meets at the hospital. It’s just cool to see such a talented Black ensemble brought together for a Pixar film, and it’s neat to see Harris, who I usually know from heavier dramatic TV roles, add a voice performance to his resume. It really elevates the whole project, you know?

Richard Ayoade

In the 2020 movie ‘Soul’, Richard Ayoade voices Jerry, a counselor who helps new souls develop in the Great Before. These counselors handle the behind-the-scenes work of the afterlife. Ayoade’s delivery is perfectly suited to the character – it’s quirky, understated, and adds a lot of humor while explaining how souls work in the film.

Yonas Kibreab

I’m so excited about the new Pixar movie, ‘Elio’! Yonas Kibreab, who’s a really talented young actor, is the voice of Elio, an eleven-year-old boy who unexpectedly becomes Earth’s ambassador to the galaxy. It’s a wild story about how he gets beamed up to a space station and has to represent our planet! This role is a huge opportunity for Yonas, and I can’t wait to see him lead this incredible animated adventure. It sounds like it’s going to be a really touching story about finding yourself and what it means to discover new things.

Share which of these Pixar vocal performances is your absolute favorite in the comments.

2026-02-17 02:16