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Keith David

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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BIO

Keith David Williams (born June 4, 1956) is an American actor. He is known for his deep voice and screen presence in over 300 roles across film, stage, television, and interactive media.



He has starred in such films as The Thing (1982), Platoon (1986), They Live (1988), Dead Presidents (1995), Armageddon (1998), There's Something About Mary (1998), Requiem for a Dream (2000), Pitch Black (2000), Barbershop (2002), Crash (2004), The Chronicles of Riddick (2004), Cloud Atlas (2012), The Nice Guys (2016), and Nope (2022). He starred as Elroy Patashnik in the sixth season of the NBC series Community (2015) and starred as Bishop James Greenleaf in the Oprah Winfrey Network drama Greenleaf (2016–2020).

His Emmy-winning voice-over career includes work as the narrator of Ken Burns films such as The War (2007) and Muhammad Ali (2021). In film, characters that he has voiced include Dr. Facilier in The Princess and the Frog (2009) and the Cat in Coraline (2009). On television, he portrayed Goliath on Gargoyles (1994–1997), Al Simmons / Spawn on Todd McFarlane's Spawn (1997–1999), The Flame King on Adventure Time (2012–2017), Andre Curtis / The President on Rick and Morty (2015–), King Andrias on Amphibia (2020–2022), Dr. Tenma on Pluto (2023), and Husk on Hazbin Hotel (2024–). Video game roles include the Arbiter Thel 'Vadamee in the Halo franchise (2004–2015), Julius Little and himself in the Saints Row series (2006–2017), Admiral Anderson in the Mass Effect series (2007–2013), Chaos in Dissidia Final Fantasy (2008), and Sergeant Foley in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009).

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
2021
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
2007
Oberon

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2006
Victor

[Off-Broadway]
2001
Othello

[Off-Broadway]
2000
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
2000
Leontes

[Broadway]
1996
Floyd Barton

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1994
Judge Brack

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1992
Chimney Man

[Off-Broadway]
1992
Boesman

[Regional (US)]
World Premiere, 1991
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1989
Aaron

[Off-Broadway]
1988
Tullus Aufidius

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Off-Broadway Production, 1986
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1985
Blue Haven

[Off-Broadway]
1984
Colline

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Off-Broadway Production, 1982
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1981
Theseus/Oberon

[Off-Broadway]
1981
Pozzo

[Off-Broadway]
1980
Pirate/Policeman

Pirate King (Understudy)

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1979
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1980
Performer

[Broadway]
1980
Oscar (Standby)

[Off-Broadway]
1979
Attendant/Native/Servant

Othello (Understudy)


Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical

Keith David , Jelly's Last Jam

Videos

News


Anika Noni Rose Comments on TIANA Series Cancellation, Calls for Fan Support
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 11, 2025

In an Instagram post, Tony-winner and Tiana performer Anika Noni Rose has shared her thoughts about the recent decision to cancel the Tiana spin-off series, revealing that she is 'deeply disappointed.'
MUFASA: THE LION KING Sets Disney+ Streaming Debut
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 11, 2025

Streaming audiences around the world will experience the epic adventure, unforgettable music, and cinematic visuals of Mufasa: The Lion King when the film journeys to Disney+ on March 26.
Norm Lewis Will Lead CEREMONIES IN DARK OLD MEN Off-Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Mar 6, 2025

Norm Lewis will return to the stage in a new production of Lonnie Elder III's Ceremonies in Dark Old Men, directed by Clinton Turner Davis. Learn more about the show here!
THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG Spin-Off Series Canceled at Disney+
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 3, 2025

Plans for Tiana, Disney's animated spin-off series based on the character from The Princess and the Frog, have been scrapped at the studio. The decision was made in an effort to cease longform streaming content for Disney+ at Walt Disney Animation Studios.
MUFASA: THE LION KING Digital and Blu-ray Release Date Announced �" Exclusive Bonus Content Awaits Fans!
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 3, 2025

Mufasa returns in Disney's 2024 origin story, complete with new Lin-Manuel Miranda songs. Get ready for the digital and physical release packed with exclusive bonus content, including a sing-along and deleted scenes.
Video: 'Bye Bye' Musical Sequence From Disney's MUFASA: THE LION KING
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 24, 2025

Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” continues its reign at the top of the global box office, and now, the entire sequence featuring the villain song “Bye Bye” is viewable on DisneyMusic VEVO and YouTube. 
Ken Burns’s THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION Sets PBS Premiere
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 9, 2025

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, a new six-part, 12-hour documentary series that explores the country’s founding and its eight-year War for Independence, will premiere on Sunday, November 16.
MUFASA: THE LION KING Soundtrack Featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda's Songs Now Streaming
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 13, 2024

Disney's Mufasa: The Lion King, featuring all-new songs from Broadway songwriter, Lin-Manuel Miranda, is now available to stream. The album includes newly written songs for the film, including Milele, I Always Wanted a Brother, and Tell Me It's You, performed by the cast. Listen to it now!
Video: South African Cultural Gospel Choir Performs 'Milele' From MUFASA: THE LION KING
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 12, 2024

Earlier this week, the South African Cultural Gospel Choir performed 'Milele', one of the captivating new songs from the all-new Mufasa: The Lion King soundtrack by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Watch their performance now!
MUFASA: THE LION KING Pays Tribute to James Earl Jones in Opening Credits
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 10, 2024

In the new Lion King prequel, director Barry Jenkins paid tribute to James Earl Jones during the opening credits. The late performer voiced the role in the original 1994 animated film and the 2019 remake.
PHOTO FLASH: Ya puedes ver las imágenes de la premier de MUFASA
by Jose German Martinez Paneque - Dec 10, 2024

El pasado lunes 9 de diciembre tuvo lugar en Los Ángeles la premier de MUFASA, que contó con la asistencia de su elenco de voces original.
Video: New Clip of MUFASA: THE LION KING Song by Lin-Manuel Miranda
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 6, 2024

Disney has shared a sneak peek clip from I Always Wanted A Brother, one of the original songs written by Lin-Manuel Miranda for the new film Mufasa: The Lion King. Watch the clip now!
MUFASA: EL REY LE�"N llega a los cines el próximo 20 de diciembre
by Juan-Jose Gonzalez - Dec 4, 2024

Las entradas para esta nueva película Disney ya están a la venta.
MUFASA Soundtrack With New Songs From Lin-Manuel Miranda Release Date Announced
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 3, 2024

Walt Disney Records has announced a release date for the soundtrack to Disney's Mufasa: The Lion King. The Mufasa: The Lion King, featuring all-new songs from Tony-winning composer, Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Video: Lin-Manuel Miranda and Barry Jenkins Discuss MUFASA: THE LION KING Music
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 2, 2024

Discover the music of Mufasa: The Lion King in a new video featuring a discussion between Broadway favorite Lin-Manuel Miranda and director Barry Jenkins. Watch the video now!
Video: Lin-Manuel Miranda Teases MUFASA: THE LION KING Songs
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 2, 2024

Multi-hyphenate Lin-Manuel Miranda visited Good Morning America on Monday to discuss the new songs he has written for Mufasa: The Lion King, the forthcoming Disney prequel. Watch the interview and a clip from the film!
Video: MUFASA: THE LION KING Promo Spotlights Scar
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 25, 2024

Disney has debuted a new promo video for Mufasa: The Lion King, the prequel to the 2019 live-action remake. In the video, viewers bear witness to the early days of lions Mufasa and Scar, two brothers who would grow up to become adversaries. 
Video: MUFASA: THE LION KING Featurette; Tickets Now on Sale
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 18, 2024

Disney has unveiled a new behind-the-scenes featurette for Mufasa: The Lion King, the upcoming prequel to Disney's live-action remake of the animated classic. Additionally, tickets are available for the film, which is premiering in theaters on Friday, December 20. Watch the behind-the-scenes video now!
Video: MUFASA: THE LION KING Final Trailer and Poster
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 8, 2024

Disney has debuted the final trailer for Mufasa: The Lion King, the prequel to the 2019 live-action remake. The movie is directed by Barry Jenkins with songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Watch the new trailer and take a look at the new poster now!
Exclusive: HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, HAZBIN HOTEL, and More at FanX
by Tyler Hinton - Oct 2, 2024

When you think about the FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention, you may not realize the number of Broadway-related connections it has, even beyond this year’s spotlights on HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL and HAZBIN HOTEL.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Keith David been in?

Keith David has appeared on Broadway in 6 shows.

How many West End shows has Keith David been in?

Keith David has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Keith David been nominated for?

and Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Jelly's Last Jam.

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