Though it may seem easy on the surface, voice acting is an art form that requires immense skill and creativity. There are so many talented actors who work to bring animated characters to life with only their voices.
Black voice actors, particularly women, have made significant contributions to this field, providing powerful performances that transcend physicality and left lasting cultural impacts. These performers have brought incredible depth not only to their roles, but also to the world of animation, video games and more. Here are nine Black female voice actors you should know.
Regina King
Regina King, a Black Hollywood icon, has won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe and four Primetime Emmys. Besides her accolades in live action, she’s no stranger to transforming her voice into a dynamic character. King’s talents shine even more bright in the world of voice acting.
She’s both Huey and Riley Freeman in “The Boondocks,” an animated series known for its wit and social commentary. King brought gender-bending and fierce intelligence to the role, elevating the series to new heights. Playing the roles from 2005 to 2014, King herself asked to voice the characters, feeling confident she could fill it.
Cree Summer
Known for her extensive work in animation, Cree Summer’s voice is one most people who grew up watching cartoons will instantly recognize. In the 80s and 90s, Summer has voiced some of the most iconic characters in animation. From Penny in “Inspector Gadget” to Elmyra Duff in “Tiny Toon Adventures,” her range and distinct voice have made her one of the most beloved voice actors of her generation.
Though her accolades are countless, her most famous role is Susie Carmichael in “Rugrats.” An iconic Black character for young girls, this role demonstrated her ability to bring humor and heart to a character. Summer’s influence is deeply rooted in her ability to bring representation and authenticity to her characters, allowing young Black viewers to see themselves in their favorite cartoons.
Kimberly Brooks
Kimberly Brooks is a powerhouse voice actress known for her roles in both animation and video games. Her versatility is unstoppable, portraying characters in “The Fairly OddParents,” “Dexter’s Laboratory” and “The PowerPuff Girls.”
Her abilities also shine in the world of video gaming. She’s voiced characters in “Mass Effect,” “Batman: Arkham,” “Skylanders,” “League of Legends” and more. These roles helped establish her as one of the most sought-after Black female voice actors in the industry. Her characters are often multi-dimensional, challenging stereotypes and bringing depth to the worlds they inhabit.
Kyla Pratt
You may love Kyla Pratt for the work she’s done on camera, though her talent shines behind the camera, too. Pratt’s voice work has been a staple of children’s animation for years. Her most notable role came as the voice of Penny Proud in “The Proud Family,” a Disney series that honored the beauty of a Black family and teen identity. Pratt brought a lively energy to Penny, giving her character sass, heart and vulnerability. By giving life to relatable characters, Pratt has helped foster a sense of belonging and empowerment for young Black viewers.
Rashida Jones
As the daughter of the late Quincy Jones, Rashida Jones is an actress whose work spans across live-action and animated projects. Known for her emotional depth and ability to infuse her roles with authenticity, Jones has voiced countless characters, including Mia in “Duncanville,” Marcy in “Spies in Disguise,” Donna Who in “The Grinch,” Cool Girl in “Inside Out,” and many more.
Jones’ roles often reflect her intelligence, wit and ability to take on complex characters with ease. Her knack for bringing a grounded feel to animated characters has made her a fan favorite and a sought-after voice actor.
Raven Symoné
Raven Symoné’s voice work is as multifaceted as her career in television and film. Known for her role as Olivia in “The Cosby Show” and Raven in “That’s So Raven,” her transition to voice acting has allowed her to experiment with her vocal range in new and exciting ways. Most notably, she voiced Monique in “Kim Possible” and Stephanie in “The Proud Family.”
Her cultural impact extends far beyond live action. Symoné’s ability to infuse each character she plays with her vibrant personality has made her a beloved figure in both the animation and voice-acting world.
Blue Ivy Carter
While Blue Ivy Carter is still young, her voice-acting debut is already making waves. Carter voiced the character Kiara in the live-action film “Mufasa: The Lion King,” alongside her mother, Beyoncé. Kiara is the lioness cub and daughter of Simba. Director Barry Jenkins shared that Carter was “so prepared” for the role, meeting much critical praise.
Her performance in the movie was a defining moment, proving she’s set to be one of the young Black voices ready to shape the future of animation. She also voiced the auto reading for the book “Hair Love,” a touching ode to the beauty of natural hair and the unbreakable bond between fathers and daughters.
Wunmi Mosaku
Nigerian-born British actress Wunmi Mosaku is well known for her roles in live-action films and television. However, her voice work in animation and video games has also garnered just as much attention. She voiced Azi in the critically acclaimed “Scavengers Reign,” the adult animated series that explored sci-fi and fantasy while platforming diverse Black and queer characters. Mosaku’s strong, evocative vocal presence continues to break barriers, showing that Black women can have just as much of an impact in the animated world as they do on screen.