Chris Renaud

Chris Renaud (also known as Кріс Рено) is an American screen artist and voice performer born on December 5, 1966, in Baltimore, Maryland. While widely recognized for his on-screen and voice credits, Renaud’s career is rooted in visual storytelling—moving fluidly between illustration, animation, and character-driven entertainment.

After earning an illustration degree from Syracuse University, he started out in sports entertainment as a graphic designer, creating logos and mascot concepts for major brands and leagues. He later expanded into comics, contributing to both Marvel and DC, and helped shape big narrative ideas that boosted attention around iconic characters—experience that would prove invaluable in animation development.

Renaud transitioned into children’s television as a production designer, crafting imaginative worlds, virtual sets, and puppet-style characters for a range of family projects. He then joined Blue Sky Studios as a story artist on animated features and co-created the acclaimed short No Time for Nuts, earning an Annie Award and an Academy Award nomination.

In the 2010s, Renaud became closely associated with Illumination’s hit franchise universe, including voice work in Despicable Me, Despicable Me 2, The Lorax, Sing 2, and the Minions & More specials. Based in Paris, he remains a notable creative presence in modern animation.