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Keith David Biography

Birth Name:Keith David Williams

Birth Place:New York City, New York, United States

Profession Actor, Soundtrack, Producer

Fast Facts

  • In 1992, was nominated for a Tony Award for his role in the musical "Jelly's Last Jam․"
  • Graduated from the Juilliard School with a degree in Drama in 1979
  • Made his debut on Broadway in the 1980 stage production "The Lady from Dubuque․"
  • As a young child, decided to pursue a career in acting after being cast as the Cowardly Lion in a school production of "The Wizard of Oz․"
  • Made his screen acting debut in the film "Disco Godfather" in 1979
  • Quote: "The thing about good friendship is-and especially when you have a nice bond when you're working-that it's like going to school with somebody; you may not seem them for years at a time, but once you see each other it's like no time has elapsed․"
  • Has worked as a voice actor on several video games, including "Fallout," "Saints Row IV," "Marvel Heroes," the "Mass Effect" series, and "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2․"
  • Best known for his role as King in "Platoon" and as Lieutenant Dixon in "Crash․"
  • Has provided narration for several of Ken Burns' documentary works, including the 2007 mini-series "The War․"
  • Has provided voice commentary for numerous U․S․ Navy TV commercials

Awards

  • 1996Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program: nominated
  • 1999Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Performer in a Children's Special: nominated
  • 2001Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Non-Fiction Series: nominated
  • 2002WAFCA Award-Best Ensemble: winner
  • 2008Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Voice-Over Performance: winner
  • 2010Black Reel-Best Voice Performance: nominated
  • 2010Black Reel-Best Voice Performance: nominated
  • 2014BTVA Television Voice Acting Award-Best Male Vocal Performance in a Television Series in a Guest Role - Action/Drama: nominated
  • 2014Black Reel-Outstanding Actor, TV Movie or Mini-Series: nominated
  • 2014Black Reel-Outstanding Voice Performance: nominated
  • 2014Critics' Choice TV Award-Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 2016BTVA Television Voice Acting Award-Best Vocal Ensemble in a Television Series: nominated
  • 2016Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Narrator: winner
  • 2017BTVA Television Voice Acting Award-Best Vocal Ensemble in a New Television Series: nominated
  • 2019Image Award-Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2021Image Award-Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2022Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Television Movie, Limited Series or Dramatic Special: nominated
  • 2023Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Television Movie, Limited Series or Dramatic Special: winner
  • 2024Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture: nominated
  • 2024Black Reel-Outstanding Supporting Performance in a TV Movie/Limited Series: nominated
  • 2025Jury Award-Best Supporting Performance: winner