Born in the Bronx in 1964, Kevin Michael Richardson developed a prolific career in animation and video games defined by his distinctively deep and powerful vocal range. A graduate of Syracuse University, he transitioned from live-action commercial work in New York City to a versatile presence in Los Angeles, securing a wide array of villainous and supporting roles.
Formative Years and Education
The youngest of five siblings, Richardson was born to Jamaican immigrant parents. His interest in acting emerged during childhood, influenced by performers including Flip Wilson, James Earl Jones, and Laurence Olivier. He attended St. Francis Preparatory School in Pennsylvania and, in 1982, was selected for the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities. He subsequently earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theater from Syracuse University in 1988.
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Richardson started his professional trajectory in New York City, appearing in commercials for companies like AT&T. His early credits included work in a PBS special directed by John Houseman. His transition into animation began in 1995 with the role of Mayor Tilton on The Mask. His ability to project authority and menace through his voice frequently led to casting in villainous roles across various media formats.
Television and Film Credits
His filmography includes the role of Captain Gantu in the Lilo & Stitch franchise and Goro in Mortal Kombat. On television, he has provided voices for numerous long-running series, including The Simpsons, Family Guy, American Dad!, and The Cleveland Show. Notably, he was the first Black actor to portray the Joker in the animated series The Batman, earning two Daytime Emmy Award nominations for his performance. He also voiced the Shredder in the 2012 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series.
Gaming and Additional Contributions
Richardson has been a significant contributor to video games, with roles ranging from Sarevok in the Baldur's Gate series to Chairman Drek in Ratchet & Clank. His voice work also spans titles like Halo 2, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and the Skylanders series, where he performed as Stump Smash and Tree Rex. He has received multiple nominations for his voice work, including a 2019 Primetime Emmy nomination for F Is for Family.
Fast facts
- Born: 1964, The Bronx, New York City
- Education: Syracuse University; St. Francis Preparatory School
- Notable Works: Lilo & Stitch, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
- Citizenship: United States
- Languages: English
- Spouse: Monica (married 2006)
Questions readers ask
Did Kevin Michael Richardson play the Joker?
Yes, he was the first Black actor to voice the Joker, performing the role in the animated series The Batman.
Where did Kevin Michael Richardson study acting?
He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theater from Syracuse University in 1988.
Achievements
- Notable work: Lilo & Stitch
- Notable work: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
- Educated at Syracuse University and St. Francis Preparatory School
- Worked as actor
