Black Celebs Who Voice Iconic Anime Moms and Villains

Anime has become incredibly popular in recent years, attracting many talented voice actors. While heroes often take center stage, the mothers and villains truly add heart and intensity to these stories. We’re seeing more and more Black voice actors and famous celebrities take on these complex roles, creating performances that fans around the world love. From scary villains in older anime to strong, caring mothers in popular series, these actors have made a lasting impact. This list celebrates the amazing work of Black voice actors who have brought some of anime’s most memorable mothers and villains to life.

Samuel L. Jackson

As a huge cinema fan, I’ve always been blown away by Samuel L. Jackson’s work, and his performance in ‘Afro Samurai’ and ‘Afro Samurai: Resurrection’ is something special. He is Afro, bringing that incredible intensity to a character who, while the hero, is often pretty dark and ruthless. It’s fascinating because you’re often questioning who the real villain is. What’s even cooler is he also voices Ninja Ninja, this hilarious, constantly-talking sidekick who feels like Afro’s own thoughts and insecurities brought to life. Jackson’s voice and presence just perfectly fit the show’s gritty, hip-hop vibe. It’s a truly unique series – a real standout that brilliantly blends Western and Japanese animation styles, and his performance is what really holds it all together.

Giancarlo Esposito

Giancarlo Esposito, famous for playing scary characters in movies and TV, brings that same intensity to his role as Faraday in the animated series ‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ (2022). Faraday is a four-eyed fixer—someone who connects people—and a key villain who often manipulates the main characters in Night City. Esposito’s voice acting is subtle but creates a truly unsettling and cold corporate vibe, fitting perfectly with the show’s world. He plays Faraday as someone who sees everyone else only as tools to make money, and then discards them when they’re no longer useful. This role proved Esposito can bring his signature, intimidating presence to voice acting as effectively as live-action roles.

Keith David

I’ve always been captivated by ‘Princess Mononoke,’ and Keith David’s voice work as Okkoto, the boar god, is a huge part of why. He brings such incredible depth to this tragic character – you really feel both the ancient power and the devastating pain that’s twisted him into a monster. His voice isn’t just scary; it’s filled with a sorrowful wisdom that makes Okkoto a truly unforgettable, and surprisingly sympathetic, villain. It’s honestly one of the most powerful voice performances I’ve ever heard in an animated film, and it really elevates the whole movie.

Cree Summer

Cree Summer is a well-known voice actress who powerfully portrays Witch Haggar in ‘Voltron: Legendary Defender’ (2016–2018). Haggar is a powerful priestess of the Galra Empire and the main magical enemy of the heroic Paladins. Summer uses a rough, old-sounding voice to show how long Haggar has practiced dark magic and her intense focus on quintessence. Throughout the show, Summer’s performance develops, revealing a sad backstory behind the villain, making the character more complex. This makes Haggar a truly strong and unforgettable enemy in the ‘Voltron’ story.

James Avery

James Avery, best remembered as Uncle Phil from ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,’ also lent his voice to a surprisingly fierce villain named Fang in the 1986 film ‘Fist of the North Star.’ Fang leads a group that worships wolves and battles the hero Kenshiro in a desolate, post-apocalyptic world. Avery’s performance is powerfully intimidating, making full use of his naturally deep voice. This role demonstrated his acting range, showing he could play a truly menacing character, a departure from the warm, fatherly roles he was known for. It’s a little-known fact among fans of classic, action-packed anime from that era.

Danielle Nicolet

Danielle Nicolet is well known for voicing Karui in both ‘Naruto: Shippuden’ (2007–2017) and continuing the role in ‘Boruto: Naruto Next Generations’ (2017–Present). Karui started as a fiery ninja from the Hidden Cloud Village, but has developed into a strong yet loving mother to her daughter, Chocho Akimichi. Nicolet skillfully portrays Karui’s passionate side alongside her nurturing instincts and parental guidance. Her relationships with her husband, Choji, and daughter create funny and touching family moments in the newer series, showcasing a beloved character’s evolution from warrior to parent.

Kevin Michael Richardson

Kevin Michael Richardson delivers a chilling performance as the demon Trigon in the animated series ‘Teen Titans’ (2003–2006). As Raven’s father, Trigon is a supremely evil being determined to conquer Earth and break his daughter. Richardson uses a deeply modulated, demonic voice to convey Trigon’s immense power and cruelty. He doesn’t just play Trigon as a monster, but as a manipulative and abusive father figure. Many fans consider this portrayal to be the best and most iconic voice for this powerful DC Universe villain.

Adetokumboh M’Cormack

Adetokumboh M’Cormack provides the voice for Isaac, the complex forgemaster, in the Netflix animated series ‘Castlevania’ (2017–2021). Initially a devoted general under Dracula and fueled by a dislike of humans, Isaac eventually begins a personal quest for meaning and power. M’Cormack portrays Isaac with a quiet but powerful presence, and surprisingly, with a degree of kindness, even while controlling creatures of the night. Over the course of the show, Isaac evolves from a supporting villain into a fascinating and sympathetic anti-hero, with M’Cormack’s performance lauded for its emotional depth and the respect he brings to the character’s search for purpose.

Beau Billingslea

Beau Billingslea voiced Ogremon in the original ‘Digimon: Digital Monsters’ (1999–2003). Ogremon began as a frequent opponent and rival to Leomon, initially working for the villains. However, he later forged his own destiny. Billingslea’s voice was perfectly suited to the character – rough and gravelly, emphasizing Ogremon’s strength and aggression. As the series progressed, his performance subtly changed to show Ogremon’s growing respect for the heroes and his eventual alliance with them. He truly embodied the archetype of a strong, honorable, yet initially antagonistic character.

Anairis Quinones

Anairis Quiñones is the voice of Echidna, the Witch of Greed, in the anime series ‘Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World’ (2016–Present). Echidna is a complex character who provides help and information, but lacks compassion. Quiñones’ performance is smart, alluring, and eerily composed. She skillfully portrays both Echidna’s maternal side towards the artificial spirits and her manipulative nature. This role has proven Quiñones to be a talented voice actor, able to handle complicated scenes with a quiet, underlying threat.

Greg Eagles

Greg Eagles is the voice of Zommari Rureaux, a villain in the anime series ‘Bleach’ (2004–2012). Zommari can control people’s bodies and is incredibly proud of his abilities. Eagles’ performance gives the character a unique, powerful voice that highlights his arrogance, especially during his fight with Byakuya Kuchiki. As the battle progresses and Zommari starts to lose, Eagles expertly portrays a shift from calm confidence to frantic desperation, making this supporting villain stand out through his strong vocal performance and emotional depth.

James C. Mathis III

James Mathis III is the voice behind Biscuit Oliva in the action-packed martial arts series ‘Baki’ (2018–2020). Oliva is a huge American prisoner who surprisingly lives comfortably and acts as a powerful enemy to the show’s heroes. Mathis perfectly embodies the character’s incredible strength and relaxed personality, giving him a cool and confident presence. His calm delivery stands out against the fast-paced fighting, making Oliva seem even more formidable. The performance really captures the over-the-top action and wish-fulfillment that are hallmarks of the ‘Baki’ series.

Imari Williams

Imari Williams portrays Hol Horse in ‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders’ (2014–2015), a frequently appearing mercenary known for his gun skills. Hol Horse is a bit of a coward who usually fights alongside someone else, often providing humor even in intense situations. Williams captures this perfectly, showing off the character’s boastful side alongside his underlying fear – a fitting portrayal for someone who considers himself “number two.” Fans love Hol Horse because of his strong interactions with others and his constant struggle to stay alive, and Williams’ performance embraces the western cowboy inspiration behind the character’s look.

Bill Butts

Bill Butts is the voice of Cioccolata, a disturbingly cruel surgeon in ‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind’ (2018–2020). Cioccolata enjoys causing pain to everyone around him, and Butts perfectly captures his character’s unsettling and sadistic nature. Butts’ performance is made even more disturbing by the dynamic he creates with Cioccolata’s companion, Secco. The role demands a wide vocal range – from wild laughter to quiet, creepy whispers – and Butts delivers it flawlessly.

Zeno Robinson

Zeno Robinson brings the character Pepe Waccabrada to life in ‘Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War’ (2022–Present). Pepe is a villain who can control people using a twisted version of “love.” Robinson perfectly captures Pepe’s disturbing and unsettling personality with a voice that’s deliberately annoying and cloyingly sweet. This performance is meant to make viewers feel uneasy, and it succeeds. It’s a great example of Robinson’s range as a voice actor, showing he can play characters very different from the heroes he’s known for.

Major Attaway

Major Attaway is the voice actor for Queen the Plague, a key member of the Beast Pirates in the long-running anime and manga series ‘One Piece’. Queen is a wildly eccentric and flamboyant scientist who’s both dangerous and comical. Attaway’s performance is full of energy and theatrical flair, often featuring singing and dancing even as the character commits villainous acts. He skillfully balances Queen’s humor with his threatening side, making him a very engaging villain, especially during the Wano Country arc.

Gabe Kunda

Gabe Kunda provides the voice for Qujappat, a demon in the anime ‘Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation’ (2021–Present). Qujappat is a proud warrior from the Demon Continent who encounters the main characters on their adventures. Kunda uses a strong, resonant voice to make the character sound large and threatening. Even though Qujappat isn’t a major villain, Kunda’s unique voice makes him seem old and incredibly powerful. Kunda is particularly skilled at voicing non-human characters, giving them a monstrous sound while still remaining clear and understandable.

Gary Anthony Williams

Gary Anthony Williams is the voice of Uncle Ruckus in the animated series ‘The Boondocks’ (2005–2014). Ruckus is a famously controversial and memorable villain, known for his self-loathing and constant opposition to the Freeman family and societal norms. Williams’ unique, gravelly voice has made the character instantly recognizable. His performance is a bold and satirical take on internalized racism, requiring him to deliver even the most shocking lines with complete sincerity. Despite the show’s comedic style and anime influences, Uncle Ruckus stands out as a prime example of a recurring antagonist.

Toks Olagundoye

Toks Olagundoye powerfully voices Zamfir, a vampire general, in the final season of the animated series ‘Castlevania’. Zamfir leads a hidden society and fiercely defends her followers, putting her at odds with the show’s heroes. Olagundoye’s performance shows a character who carries herself with a broken but proud air, hinting at the mental toll of being a leader. She expertly portrays Zamfir as both commanding and clearly struggling with delusion and desperation. Ultimately, Zamfir is a tragic villain, convinced her harsh actions are justified.

Kimberly Brooks

Kimberly Brooks provides the voice for Jasper in the animated series ‘Steven Universe’ (2013–2019). Jasper is a powerful warrior from Homeworld and a major enemy of the Crystal Gems throughout much of the show. Brooks’ performance is incredibly strong, using a rough and forceful voice to show Jasper’s focus on power and order. The character is a determined bully who secretly feels insecure, and Brooks perfectly portrays her anger and eventual breakdown. It’s considered one of the most compelling vocal performances in recent animated shows.

Let us know which performance you liked best! Just share your favorite character in the comments below.

2025-12-16 09:17