Gay Actors Who Are Voices In Disney Movies

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Disney animation is famous for its unforgettable characters, and many talented gay male actors have played a key role in bringing them to life with their voices. These actors have contributed to some of Disney’s most popular films, voicing everything from brave heroes to funny sidekicks and helping to create the heart and humor of Disney’s stories. This list celebrates several well-known gay actors who have voiced iconic characters in Disney and Pixar movies.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane famously voiced Timon, the funny meerkat, in the original 1994 film, ‘The Lion King.’ He and Ernie Sabella, who voiced Pumbaa, had incredible comedic chemistry, making them one of Disney’s most popular comedy teams. Lane continued to play Timon in later movies and series, like ‘The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride’ and ‘The Lion King 1½.’ His experience as a stage actor helped shape Timon’s lively personality and performance of the memorable song, “Hakuna Matata.”

BD Wong

BD Wong provided the voice for Captain Li Shang in the 1998 movie ‘Mulan’. Li Shang is the strict but ultimately supportive leader of the imperial army, and Wong skillfully portrayed his evolving relationship with Mulan. He also sang on the memorable song “I’ll Make a Man Out of You,” a highlight of the film. Wong reprised his role as the character in the sequel, ‘Mulan II’.

Harvey Fierstein

Harvey Fierstein famously voiced the character Yao in the 1998 animated movie ‘Mulan’. Yao is one of Mulan’s soldier friends, known for being quick-tempered and trying to appear tough. Fierstein’s performance was a major source of humor, especially during training and the final battle. He went on to play Yao again in ‘Mulan II’ and in a few Disney video games.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff is the voice of Kristoff, the mountain man from the hugely popular 2013 movie ‘Frozen’. As Anna’s practical companion, Kristoff balances out the story’s magical side. Groff reprised his role in the 2019 sequel, ‘Frozen II’, where Kristoff got his own 1980s-style ballad, “Lost in the Woods.” His work has made Kristoff a well-loved and important character in modern Disney films.

Tom Hulce

Tom Hulce, famous for his Oscar-nominated performance in ‘Amadeus’, provided the voice for Quasimodo in Disney’s 1996 animated film, ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’. He beautifully portrayed the sensitive and lonely bell-ringer, bringing emotional depth to the role and delivering a particularly powerful performance of the song “Out There”. His work is often praised for showing Quasimodo’s longing to be accepted by others.

David Hyde Pierce

As a huge animation fan, I always loved David Hyde Pierce’s work in ‘A Bug’s Life’. He was perfect as Slim, the incredibly smart stick insect who was constantly annoyed at being stuck playing silent roles like a broom! It was hilarious. Then, a few years later, he lent his voice to Disney again for ‘Treasure Planet’ as Dr. Doppler. Both characters really showcased what makes him such a great voice actor – that incredibly clear way of speaking and his knack for comedy. He always creates such memorable supporting characters, and those two roles are no exception.

George Takei

In the 1998 animated film ‘Mulan’, George Takei voiced the First Ancestor, the leader of the Fa family’s spirit guardians. This character guides and watches over the family’s honor, and also directs Mushu. Takei’s performance brought both authority and humor to the film’s spiritual elements. He’s also lent his voice to other Disney projects, including various ‘Star Wars’ animated series.

Billy Eichner

As a big fan of ‘The Lion King,’ I was really intrigued by the 2019 version, and Billy Eichner absolutely killed it as Timon! He and Seth Rogen had fantastic chemistry, and Billy brought a really modern, funny energy to the role while still honoring the original. He didn’t just recreate Timon, he made him fresh for a new audience with some clever improv and updated takes on those iconic songs. And honestly, it totally worked – the movie was a massive hit and became one of the biggest animated films ever made.

Jaboukie Young-White

Jaboukie Young-White provided the voice for Ethan Clade in Disney’s 2022 animated film, ‘Strange World’. Ethan is a groundbreaking character – the first openly gay lead in a Disney animated movie. The film centers on Ethan and his family as they embark on an adventure to a strange underground world to protect their home’s power source. Critics especially liked Young-White’s portrayal of a relatable teenager whose identity feels authentic and integrated into his life.

Sean Hayes

In the 2013 Pixar movie ‘Monsters University’, Sean Hayes provided the voice for one head of a two-headed monster named Terri Perry. Dave Foley voiced the other head, Terry, and together they played competitive brothers in the Oozma Kappa fraternity. Hayes used his skills in physical and comedic timing to bring the bickering relationship between the two heads to life. The two-headed monster remains a memorable part of the film’s group of quirky students.

Bowen Yang

Bowen Yang voiced the character Pepi, a king cobra, in the 2022 animated movie ‘Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again.’ The film, which continued the ‘Night at the Museum’ series as an animated adventure on Disney+, featured a new voice cast. Yang brought a funny and over-the-top energy to his role as the dramatic snake, adding to the humor of the film’s historical characters. He’s also done voice work for other animated shows and projects related to Disney.

Stephen Fry

As a huge movie fan, I always loved Stephen Fry’s take on the Cheshire Cat in Tim Burton’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and the sequel. He just was that character! His voice – so calm and clever – perfectly captured the Cat’s mysterious, floating presence. It wasn’t just the voice acting, though; they used motion capture too, and Fry really brought out the Cat’s playful, philosophical side. The whole character design felt like it was built around his unique way of speaking, while still staying true to the classic literary Cat we all know and love.

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

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2026-02-18 12:15