Great Actors Who Voice Anime

Graham Host
TV Movies
TV Movies Anime

Despite the anime community’s best efforts to sway public opinion, many people still think of anime as kiddies cartoons. That doesn’t stop the likes of Archer or Family Guy because they are made for adults which is a HUGE difference apparently. So with that in mind, let’s take a look at some keystone names that you wouldn’t expect to find in kiddie cartoons anime.

Christian Bale

I’m Batman!” Also, Howl in Howl’s Moving Castle. That’s right, the Dark Knight himself is a voice actor for anime. Given how far he pushes himself for on-screen roles, it’s no surprise that he can adapt his voice to the anime world with little difficulty. Although, now that you know this, you’ll be hearing Batman’s voice next time you watch Howl’s Moving Castle.

Bryan Cranston

Bryan Cranston Anime

The drug-dealing star of Breaking Bad, Bryan Cranston is also a voice actor in a surprising number of anime dubs. From taking the lead in Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama to giving his voice in Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie, Walter White is apparently a man of many talents.

Patrick Stewart

Patrick Stewart Blunt Talk

Although many know him as Professor X from the X-Men films, others know him as Lloyd from Steamboy. Lloyd is tasked with keeping power out of the hands of people who would abuse it – sound familiar? Stewart also played Lord Yupa in Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson Afro Samurai

Probably best known for his role in Pulp Fiction, Jackson was also the Afro Samurai. Not content with just voicing, he was actually involved with every level of the process. An anime fan himself, Jackson returned for every Afro Samurai spinoff and movie.

Mark Hamill

Mark Hamill Voice Actor Roles

Star Wars, Batman and even anime, this man has done it all. Mark Hamill was the supporting Yamma in the first two seasons of IGPX: Immortal Grand Prix. Hamill also voiced a few other anime as well as working alongside Jackson in Afro Samurai: Resurrection.

Betty White

Betty White

Best for last is Betty White as Yoshie – no, not the dinosaur – in Gake no Ue no Ponyo (Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea). Just so there is no mistake, this is the Betty White – the older-than-sliced-bread one.

Honourable Mention

Leonard Nimoy

Leonard Nimoy

Technically, Transformers: The Movie is an animated film and not proper anime, but we’re throwing this in anyway because it’s Leonard Nimoy. As well as starring in the original series of Star Trek, Nimoy voiced Galvatron in the 1986 Transformers: The Movie. He also made a return for Michael Bay’s 2011 film Transformers: Dark of the Moon as the treacherous Sentinel Prime. Leonard even branched out into gaming with his role as Xehanort in Kingdom Hearts.

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Graham Host
Graham Host was a proud member of the Fan Contributor program. In his spare time, he enjoys the works of Terry Pratchett, DC Comics and a wide assortment of video games. Under no circumstances should he be fed after midnight.