Keith David

Keith David (also credited as Keith David Williams) is an American screen and stage actor born June 4, 1956, in Harlem, Manhattan, New York City. Celebrated for his resonant bass voice and commanding presence, he has built one of the industry’s most prolific careers, spanning hundreds of roles across film, television, animation, and interactive media.

On the big screen, David has become a familiar force in genre and mainstream hits alike, from John Carpenter’s The Thing as Childs to Armageddon as General Kimsey and There’s Something About Mary as Charlie Jensen. His film work also includes Marked for Death, Men at Work, and the Oscar-winning ensemble drama Crash, where he played Lt. Dixon.

David’s voice acting is equally influential. He won an Emmy for narration and has lent his voice to landmark projects, including Dr. Facilier in Disney’s The Princess and the Frog. On television he headlined animated favorites such as Gargoyles and Spawn, while in live-action he made a standout turn as Elroy Patashnik on Community and as Bishop James Greenleaf on Greenleaf.

His impact extends into video games, with signature roles in major franchises including Halo and Mass Effect. In 2025, he was selected to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2026.