Depositphotos
Actors’ distinctive voices
Some actors are known not just for how they look but also for how they sound. Their strong or unique voices bring characters to life and make movies and shows more exciting.
Here are some unforgettable voices; once you hear them, you never forget them. Let’s have a look at them.
Shutterstock
James Earl Jones
James Earl Jones is known for his deep voice. He voiced Darth Vader in “Star Wars” and Mufasa in “The Lion King”. His voice was used for CNN’s Gulf War coverage.
He won two Tony Awards for The Great White Hope and ‘Fences. He also won Emmy Awards for “Heat Wave” and “Gabriel’s Fire”. In 2011, he received an Honorary Oscar for his acting and voice work.
mobilinchen/Depositphotos
Cary Grant
Cary Grant was known for his classy voice, blending British and American accents. He used this special voice in films like “The Awful Truth”, “Bringing Up Baby”, and “His Girl Friday”.
His charming sound helped make him a top star in romantic comedies. He won an Honorary Oscar in 1970 for his impact on movies.
mobilinchen/Depositphotos
Bette Davis
Bette Davis had a strong, raspy voice with a sharp tone. She used it to show emotion in movies like Jezebel and Now, Voyager. Her voice was powerful, fitting her bold characters. She won Oscars for Dangerous and Jezebel.
Davis was known for her acting and delivery. Her voice helped her stand out among other stars and gave her roles extra drama and fire.
s_bukley/Depositphotos
Sam Elliott
Sam Elliott has a deep, rough voice that fits cowboy roles. He narrated “The Big Lebowski” and voiced ads for “Dodge and Coors”. He also narrated Disney nature shows. His voice sounds tough and wise.
He got an Oscar nod for “A Star Is Born” and won an Emmy for “Justified”. His sound reminds people of the Old West, and it helps him play strong, silent characters in movies and TV.
s_bukley/Depositphotos
Gregory Peck
Gregory Peck had a bold and clear voice that made him perfect for serious roles. His voice added power to his acting, like in “To Kill a Mockingbird”, where he played Atticus Finch and won an Oscar.
He didn’t do many voice-only roles, but his speaking style became iconic. In 1968, he received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for his charitable work.
mwissmann/Depositphotos
Jonathan Frakes
Jonathan Frakes is known for his strong and serious voice. He played “Commander Riker” in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Picard, and Lower Decks. He voiced David Xanatos in the cartoon Gargoyles.
Besides acting, Frakes directs TV shows, including episodes of Star Trek. His voice fits sci-fi stories and leadership roles. Fans recognize his tone as calm and commanding, making him a key part of the Star Trek universe.
s_bukley/Depositphotos
Julie Andrews
Julie Andrews is famous for her clear, beautiful singing voice. She played Mary Poppins and Maria in “The Sound of Music”. She also starred in “My Fair Lady” on stage.
Her voice is gentle but strong, and she speaks with perfect clarity. She won an Oscar for Mary Poppins and multiple Grammy Awards for her music.
magicinfoto/Depositphotos
Pierce Brosnan
Pierce Brosnan has a smooth voice with an Irish accent. He played James Bond in four movies from 1995 to 2002. His voice was also used in Bond video games.
He starred in “The Matador”, earning a Golden Globe nomination. Though not known for cartoon roles, his charming voice adds to his film roles. Brosnan’s accent and delivery make him stand out as a stylish, cool actor in spy and drama films.
kadrby/Depositphotos
David Rappaport
David Rappaport had a British accent and a sharp, clever voice. He starred as Simon McKay in “The Wizard” and appeared on L.A. Law. He voiced MAL in the animated series Captain Planet and the Planeteers.
His voice often made his characters sound smart and quirky. Though not tall, his voice and energy made him a big presence on screen.
Murdocksimages/Depositphotos
John Wayne
John Wayne’s voice was slow and tough. He spoke with a cowboy drawl that fans loved. He starred in Westerns like Stagecoach, The Searchers, and True Grit. He won an Oscar for “True Grit”.
His voice made him sound brave and honest. It became a big part of his image as the ultimate cowboy hero. Wayne’s voice helped make his roles unforgettable and truly American.
mobilinchen/Depositphotos
Orson Welles
Orson Welles had a dramatic, booming voice that made people listen. He caused a stir with his 1938 radio show “The War of the Worlds”. He also voiced characters in his movies, like “Citizen Kane”.
Welles narrated many documentaries and had a unique storytelling style. He won an Honorary Oscar in 1971 for his artistic talent.
Walter_Cicchetti/Depositphotos
Vincent Price
Vincent Price had a smooth, spooky voice perfect for horror movies. He was Professor Ratigan in “The Great Mouse Detective” and narrated “Tiny Toon Adventures”. He played The Inventor in “Edward Scissorhands”.
His voice came from his education and love for the arts. Outside acting, he collected art, hosted cooking shows, and gave history talks. His voice was calm but chilling.
mobilinchen/Depositphotos
Katharine Hepburn
Katharine Hepburn had a quick, sharp voice with a special accent called “Transatlantic.” In her later years, her voice had a slight shake due to a health condition. Her voice stood out in movies like “The Philadelphia Story” and “The African Queen”.
She won four Best Actress Oscars, more than any other actor. Her voice matched her strong, smart characters and made her a Hollywood legend.
mobilinchen/Depositphotos
Boris Karloff
Boris Karloff had a spooky voice with a soft lisp. He was the narrator for “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and played the Monster in “Frankenstein”. He also starred in The Mummy. His voice helped make horror stories more chilling and fun.
People remember his smooth, scary tone. Karloff’s voice made him a favorite for creepy roles, and he became a classic horror movie star.
Meanwhile, many fans are excited about 2025’s most anticipated horror movie sequels, which will bring back some of their favorite scary stories.
s_bukley/Depositphotos
This is exclusive content for our subscribers
Enter your email address to subscribe and get instant FREE access to all of our articles
Last Updated: September 14, 2025
Lucky you! This thread is empty,
which means you've got dibs on the first comment.
Go for it!