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Home · News

Black Voices Behind TV Cartoon Characters

Black Voices Behind TV Cartoon Characters
By · Updated October 29, 2020
01
Sanaa Lathan (Donna Tubbs of ‘The Cleveland Brown Show’)

Black folks have always made it happen on Hollywood’s big and small screens. Many African-American actors have provided their instruments to give voice to some of America’s top cartoon characters. ESSENCE.com examines some of our favorite celebs who are not always seen but heard.

“The Cleveland Brown Show”’s queen of the night is Donna Tubbs, who does her darndest to keep her blended family happy.

Black Voices Behind TV Cartoon Characters
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02
Regan Gomez-Preston (Roberta Tubbs of ‘The Cleveland Brown Show’)

Regan Gomez-Preston brings to life sassy P.Y.T. Roberta Tubbs, the eldest daughter of Donna and Cleveland’s stepdaughter.

Black Voices Behind TV Cartoon Characters
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03
Nia Long (Roberta Tubbs of ‘The Cleveland Brown Show’)

The original Roberta Tubbs was voiced by Nia Long.

Black Voices Behind TV Cartoon Characters
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04
Phill Lamarr (Judge of ‘The Family Guy’)

The former “Mad TV” star lays down the law as the ornery Judge on “Family Guy.”

Black Voices Behind TV Cartoon Characters
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05
Regina King (Huey and Riley Freeman of ‘The Boondocks’)

She’s known for playing strong Black women, so it’s only befitting that Ms. King would voice militant rebel teen and his younger brother, Riley, of Aaron McGruder’s comic strip turned cartoon animation “The Boondocks.”

Black Voices Behind TV Cartoon Characters
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06
John Witherspoon ( Robert ‘Grandad’ Freeman of ‘The Boondocks’)

If ever there were a more ornery senior citizen than “The Boondocks” resident gramps, the world would be a much more miserable place. Between the Old G’s explicit musings and shameless ogling of young tenderonis, we can’t help but be tickled.

Black Voices Behind TV Cartoon Characters
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07
Gabby Soleil (Jazmine Dubois of ‘The Boondocks’)

Biracial neighbor Jazmine Dubois was often the brunt of Huey and his young bro’ Riley’s jokes.

Black Voices Behind TV Cartoon Characters
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08
Isaac Hayes (Chef Ro of ‘South Park’

The late legendary Isaac Hayes used his smooth vocals to add flavor to the head chef on the zany and politically incorrect “South Park.”

Black Voices Behind TV Cartoon Characters
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09
Kyla Pratt (Penny Proud of ‘The Proud Family’)

Pride goes a long way in this close-knit family, but it never stops sassy teen Penny from finding her own way by any means necessary.

Black Voices Behind TV Cartoon Characters
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10
Tommy Davidson (Oscar Proud of ‘The Proud Family’)

This comedic actor plays Oscar, father, hubby and proud businessman who always has something new under his sleeve.

Black Voices Behind TV Cartoon Characters
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11
Paula Jai Parker (Trudy Proud of ‘The Proud Family’)

As the lady of the house, Mrs. Trudy keeps things in order with a strong but gentle hand.

Black Voices Behind TV Cartoon Characters
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12
Eddie Murphy (Thurgood Orenthal Stubbs of ‘The PJs’)

As the chief superintendent or “super” of the Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs projects, Thurgood O. Stubbs did his best to maintain order throughout his drama-filled days. The three-time Emmy Award-winning show endured much criticism and controversy throughout it’s three-year run. Thurgood is short-tempered, impatient, not very bright, and usually gets himself into trouble. He is often called “The Super” (or just “Super”) by all of the people.

Black Voices Behind TV Cartoon Characters
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13
Loretta Devine (Muriel of ‘The PJs’)

Devine is still heavenly as she remains the calm in many of her husband’s storms as the superintendent of public housing.

Black Voices Behind TV Cartoon Characters
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14
Faizon Love (Robin Harris of ‘Bebe’s Kids’)

Comedian and actor Faizon Love immortalized the late great funnyman Robin Harris whose stand-up routine about misbehaved kids inspired the cartoon series “Bebe’s Kids.”

Black Voices Behind TV Cartoon Characters
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15
wanda Sykes (Bessy the Cow of “Back at the Barnyard”

The comedian made beautiful moo-sic as the sassy frassy cow on this hilarious animation.

Black Voices Behind TV Cartoon Characters
16
Bill Cosby (Fat Alber of ‘Fat Albert’)

The funnyman’s signature husky tone suited the neighborhood’s hefty good fella’s warm greeting: “Hey, Hey Hey,”

Black Voices Behind TV Cartoon Characters
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17
Cree Summers (Penny of ‘Inspector Gadget’)

The former “Different World” star and Canadian-born Summers was perfect as this curious preteen. Penny’s inquiring mind kept Inspector Gadget on his P&Q’s and even helped him solve a mystery or two.

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18
Lillian Randolph (Mammy Two Shoes of ‘Tom & Jerry’)

Despite the stereotypes associated with the Mammy character, we only got to see her shoes and her hard at work to chase that mouse Jerry out of her house.

Black Voices Behind TV Cartoon Characters
19
bebes kids
Black Voices Behind TV Cartoon Characters
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