Shaping the Art of Voiceover For Generations
Bringing to life a vast array of iconic characters across film, television, and radio, Academy alumni have made lasting contributions to the world of voiceover. From Sterling Holloway’s extensive work voicing popular Disney characters to John Roberts’ chaotic clownery as Linda Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, Academy alumni have shaped the sound of voiceover for generations.
Below, dive into a few of the voices that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Hank Azaria (ST)
Hank Azaria is best known for his extensive voice work on The Simpsons, where he has provided the voices for numerous iconic characters since the show's early seasons. His most notable roles include Moe Szyslak, Chief Wiggum, Apu Nahasapeemapetilon (until he stepped down from the role in 2020), Comic Book Guy, Professor Frink, Snake Jailbird, Carl Carlson (until 2020), Dr. Nick Riviera, Superintendent Chalmers, Lou the cop, Cletus Spuckler, Kirk Van Houten, Disco Stu, and Duffman. His incredible vocal range has allowed him to bring a vast array of personalities to life, making him a key part of The Simpsons’ enduring success.
Beyond The Simpsons, Azaria has an impressive voiceover career in television, film, and video games. He voiced Venom/Eddie Brock in Spider-Man: The Animated Series, Bartok the bat in Anastasia and its spinoff Bartok the Magnificent, and The Blue Raja in the animated adaptation of Mystery Men. He has also lent his voice to Family Guy, Futurama, and The Smurfs (films), in which he portrayed Gargamel. Additionally, he has worked in video games, including voicing characters in The Simpsons Game and Fallout: New Vegas. His versatility has cemented him as one of the most respected voiceover artists in the industry.
Jim Backus (‘33)
Jim Backus was the original voice of the beloved cartoon character Mr. Magoo, a wealthy but unfortunately nearsighted man whose lack of vision led to countless comedic mishaps. Backus first brought his distinctive, rich voice to Magoo in the 1949 animated short The Ragtime Bear. The role became a defining part of Backus’ career, and he continued voicing Magoo in a long-running series of theatrical shorts, television specials, and spin-offs, including Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol, The Famous Adventures of Mr. Magoo, and later commercials. His portrayal made Mr. Magoo one of animation’s most enduring and recognizable characters.
Jennifer Coolidge (‘82)
Jennifer Coolidge’s unmistakable voice brings a delightful eccentricity to animation, making even the smallest roles memorable. She voiced the larger-than-life Aunt Fanny in Robots, the scheming Nicki in Nutri Ventures, and the bubbly Bubbie in Disney’s Fish Hooks. Her animated appearances extend to series like American Dad! and Rick and Morty, where her signature blend of warmth and offbeat humor shines through. Whether offering a sly aside or an unexpected burst of heart, Coolidge brings the same spark to voiceover work that has defined her on-screen career.
Julia Duffy (‘72)
Best known for her live-action performances, Julia Duffy has also brought her distinctive voice to several animated roles. She voiced the wise Charlotte in Charlotte’s Web 2: Wilbur’s Great Adventure, and appeared as Delilah in Pinky and the Brain, Lizzie Borden in Histeria!, and Kendall in The Blues Brothers Animated Series. Each performance highlights her innate versatility.
Jennifer Fouché (‘07)
Jennifer Fouché is celebrated for her dynamic stage and screen performances, but she has also made her mark in the world of voice acting. She brought larger-than-life energy to the roles of Diana The Diva in The Fairly Odd Parents: A New Wish! and Dame Stella Nostrella in Pinkalicious & Peterrific. Fouché has added memorable characters to beloved children’s shows, showcasing her vibrant talent behind the mic.
Dennis Haysbert (‘77)
Dennis Haysbert is renowned for his commanding presence and resonant voice, qualities that have made him a sought-after talent in voiceover work. He brought formidable gravitas to Kale in Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas, lent his authoritative tone to the General Hologram in Wreck-It Ralph, and voiced the fierce Master Storming Ox in Kung Fu Panda 2. Haysbert shines in his playful turn as Zipper in Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers and his dignified portrayal of Grayskull in Masters of the Universe: Revelation. Across these roles, his deep, distinctive voice has brought strength, humor, and heart to the world of animation.
Sterling Holloway (‘23)
Sterling Holloway’s distinctive voice became one of the most recognizable in Disney history. Holloway’s voice acting career began in earnest with the 1941 animated Dumbo, where he portrayed the cheerful Mr. Stork. Over the next three decades, he lent his talents to a wide array of beloved Disney films, including Bambi as the adult Flower, Alice in Wonderland as the mischievous Cheshire Cat, and The Jungle Book as the hypnotic snake Kaa.
Beyond his many whimsical characters, Holloway also served as a narrator for Disney productions: The Three Caballeros and the Make Mine Music section “Peter and the Wolf.” He also narrated several classic Disney shorts, including The Little House and Lambert the Sheepish Lion, further cementing his place as a defining voice of the studio. However, his most enduring role came as the original voice of Winnie the Pooh, a character he portrayed in multiple projects from 1966 to 1982, endearing himself to generations of fans.
Holloway’s contributions to animation earned him a Disney Legend award in 1991, making him the first voice actor to receive the honor. He was nominated for five Grammy Awards, winning one in 1975 for Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too. His legacy as one of Disney’s most treasured voices remains unparalleled, his unmistakable tone forever linked to some of animation’s most beloved classics.
Nelson Lee (‘01)
Nelson Lee is widely recognized for his compelling performances on screen, but he has also lent his distinctive voice to animated and interactive worlds. He voiced the characters of Tiangong and Sean in Secret Level, the anthology series reimagining the worlds of iconic video games. Lee remains a versatile talent, moving seamlessly between live-action and voiceover projects.
Sandy Martin (‘69)
Sandy Martin is best known in the voiceover world for her role as the stern but loving Grandma Sanchez in Pixar’s Coco. Her performance adds warmth and humor to the character, making Abuelita a memorable addition to the movie’s emotional story.
She also provided the voice of Grandma Paguro in Pixar’s Luca. She plays the wise and easygoing grandmother of the main character, Luca, who secretly encourages a curiosity for the outside world. Her warm yet mischievous personality, brought to life by Martin’s distinct voice, adds a layer of humor and wisdom to the film.
Agnes Moorehead (‘29)
Agnes Moorehead, best known for her live-action role as Endora on Bewitched, also had a notable career in voiceover work. A notable player during the Golden Age of Radio, Moorehead lent her voice to radio dramas including Suspense, Sorry, Wrong Number, and extensive work with the Mercury Players Theatre, where she frequently worked with Orson Welles. Moorehead voiced Black Widow in the animated series The Lone Ranger, bringing her signature Hollywood gravitas to Saturday morning cartoons. She provided the voice of the Goose in the 1973 animated film Charlotte’s Web, winning the hearts of a generation of viewers.
Elizabeth Montgomery (‘53)
Elizabeth Montgomery, best known for her role as Samantha Stephens on Bewitched, had a few notable voiceoverroles in her career. One of her most prominent performances was narrating the 1993 animated film Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, where she was credited under the pseudonym "Lizzie Montgomery." Additionally, she voiced Samantha Stephens in animated appearances of Bewitched-related content, including an episode of The Flintstones titled "Samantha", in which Samantha and Darrin visit Bedrock.
Montgomery also lent her voice to various narrations, including documentaries and TV specials, such as The Panama Deception. While voiceover was not her primary focus, her distinct, warm voice made her well-suited for narration and animated roles.
Don Rickles (‘48)
Don Rickles was best known for his legendary insult comedy, but he also had a memorable voiceover career, most notably as the voice of Mr. Potato Head in Pixar’s Toy Story franchise. He first voiced the character in Toy Story and reprised the role in Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3. His sharp-tongued delivery made Mr. Potato Head one of the most beloved and funniest characters in the series. Even after his passing in 2017, Pixar used archival recordings to include him in Toy Story 4.
John Roberts (‘91)
John Roberts brings a delightfully unhinged energy to Bob’s Burgers as the voice of Linda Belcher, the matriarch of the Belcher family. Roberts turns everyday lines into catchphrases, blending high-pitched enthusiasm with impeccable comedic timing. His voice work doesn’t just elevate Linda—it defines her, making her one of the most beloved and bizarre moms on television.
Paul Rudd (‘91)
Paul Rudd may be a household name for his work on screen, but his voice acting resumé is just as impressive. He’s played everything from a narcissistic weatherman in Monsters vs. Aliens to Tina Belcher’s imaginary horse, Jericho, on Bob’s Burgers. The Ant-Man actor even jumped into the multiverse in Marvel’s animated series What If...?. With standout voice cameos on The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Robot Chicken, Rudd brings the same warmth and charisma to animation that made him a fan favorite in film and TV — even when he’s playing a horse.