Gary Anthony Williams

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Gary Anthony Williams
Williams at GalaxyCon Columbus in 2023
Born (1966-03-14) March 14, 1966 (age 58)
Occupations
  • Actor
  • comedian
  • filmmaker
Years active1987–present
SpouseLeslie
Children1

Gary Anthony Williams (born March 14, 1966)[1] is an American actor, comedian and filmmaker. He has voiced the characters of Uncle Ruckus on The Boondocks, General Horace Warfield in StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty and Dr. Richard Tygan in XCOM 2, portraying Anton "Bebop" Zeck in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows. He has also appeared on shows such as Boston Legal, I'm Sorry, Malcolm in the Middle and The Soul Man. He was a cast member on the sketch comedy series Blue Collar TV and currently the improv comedy series Whose Line Is It Anyway?. He is also a co-founder of the L.A. Comedy Shorts Film Festival.

Early life and career[edit]

Born in Fayetteville, Georgia,[2] Williams was involved in theater, comedy and television in Atlanta, where his credits include acting with the Georgia Shakespeare Festival, performing and writing for Agatha's: A Taste of Mystery and being a longtime member of Atlanta's longest running improv troupe, Laughing Matters.[3][4][5] Williams had recurring roles in the television series I'll Fly Away and In the Heat of the Night, both filmed in the Atlanta area. He moved to Los Angeles in 1998.[6]

Television[edit]

Williams' past roles include Abe Kenarban (Stevie's dad) in the Fox TV sitcom Malcolm in the Middle[7] and as Judge Trudy's Bailiff on Nickelodeon's The Amanda Show.[8] Williams was a series regular on the WB Television Network sketch comedy series, Blue Collar TV.[9] He appeared on NYPD Blue, Season 8, Episode 17, "Dying to Testify" as Charles.

In 2003, Williams had a small role in an episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, "Invisible Evidence." During season three and four of Boston Legal, Williams appeared as part-time lawyer Clarence Bell, a pathologically shy man who expresses himself through characters, including crossdressing as women (including a nun and celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey).[10] The role of Clarence/Clarice was originally to appear in one episode, but was expanded into a recurring role and then a regular role.[10]

Williams plays parts in five different shows on Cartoon Network's late night programming block, Adult Swim, one being a STRATA technician on Saul of the Molemen, another as the self-hating African American, Uncle Ruckus on The Boondocks,[2] Coroner Rick, a recurring character on Stroker and Hoop, he also played the role of Paul Revere on the television special, The Young Person's Guide to History, and served as the voice-over announcer for The Eric Andre Show until 2013. He also voiced Riff Tamson in the opening three episodes of season four of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. He is also the voice of Mr. Dos on Special Agent Oso. He appeared on an episode of Hot in Cleveland as a drama teacher and soccer coach.

In 2009 and 2010, Williams provided the voice of the supervillain Mongul for several episodes of the animated series, Batman: The Brave and the Bold. On one occasion, he voiced the character's sister, Mongal. He also voiced the supervillain Thunderball in The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes.

Williams voiced the character Ray Johnson in the Mike Judge animated series The Goode Family. He was part of a segment in the show Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction, and guest-starred on How I Met Your Mother and Two and a Half Men. Williams also guest stars as the halfway house director in the 7th season of the TV show Weeds. In 2011, he joined the cast of the animated series China, IL as the voice of Doctor Falgot. Williams was also in an episode of the show Workaholics. He was a series regular for the animated sketch comedy series Mad and is currently voicing Mr. McStuffins for the animated Disney Junior series, Doc McStuffins[11] and Dirty Dan and Dusty for the animated Disney Junior series Sheriff Callie's Wild West. He is also the narrator for the TV One series UNSUNG.[12] From 2012 to 2016, Williams appeared as the recurring character Lester on the TV Land original sitcom The Soul Man.

Since 2013, Williams has been a replacement performer on the CW revival of the television show Whose Line Is It Anyway?, where he improvises scenes and songs. He also provides the voice for Mufasa in The Lion Guard replacing James Earl Jones, and has provided voices for Star Wars Rebels. In 2017, he voiced Bark Knight and Baboo from the animated Disney Junior series Puppy Dog Pals.

In November 2021, it was announced that Williams would be voicing the character, Beta, in the animated comedy-adventure series, Hailey's On It!, which premiered on June 8, 2023.[13]

Film[edit]

Williams has appeared in films such as Undercover Brother, appearing as Smart Brother (having previously voiced the Undercover Brother character in the original internet animated series),[8] Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle,[14] and Soul Plane. On The Boondocks second season premiere, titled "...Or Die Trying", Riley and Robert Freeman could be seen watching the Soul Plane 2 trailer, where they see Williams and John Witherspoon (the voice of Robert who was featured in the original Soul Plane) voicing fictionalized versions of themselves. He also voiced Sweet in The Trumpet of the Swan and a demon in the horror film Truth or Dare. He appeared in the film The Factory, starring John Cusack (with whom he also appeared in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. In 2011, he narrated the feature-length documentary Ayn Rand and the Prophecy of Atlas Shrugged. He also played Melvin in House Party: Tonight's the Night and Anton Zeck / Bebop in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows.[15]

Improvisational comedy[edit]

Williams is a regular performer with the Flying Fannoli Brothers, an improv comedy band.[16] He performs in the improvisational shows Cookin' With Gas and The Black Version at The Groundlings Theatre in Los Angeles. Williams also returns to Atlanta to perform with Laughing Matters once or twice a year. Since 2013 he has been a recurring performer on The CW's revival of Whose Line Is It Anyway?.

Video games[edit]

Williams provided the voices for the characters of Yancy Westridge in Alpha Protocol, Elanos Haliat in Mass Effect and Horace Warfield in StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty and Heart of the Swarm.[17]

Personal life[edit]

Williams has one son named Ethan.[18]

Filmography[edit]

Film[edit]

Year Title Role Notes
1994 Radioland Murders Dr. Ashton-Reeves
1997 Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Bus Driver
1998 Ride Tiny
1999 End of Days Utility Worker #2
2001 All You Need Brian
The Trumpet of the Swan Sweets (voice) [19]
2002 Undercover Brother Smart Brother
2004 Comic Book: The Movie Kurt Direct-to-video
Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle Tarik Jackson
Soul Plane Flame
Jiminy Glick in Lalawood Randall Bookerton
2006 The Adventures of Brer Rabbit Brer Bear (voice) Direct-to-video[19]
2012 Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 Mutant Leader, Anchor Bill (voices)[19]
The Factory Darryl
2013 Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 Anchor Bill (voice) Direct-to-video
House Party: Tonight's the Night Melvin Johnson
I Know That Voice Himself Documentary
Scooby-Doo! and the Spooky Scarecrow Mayor Husk (voice) Direct-to-video[19]
The Internship Bob Williams
2014 Muffin Top: A Love Story Gregory David Gregory
2016 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows Anton Zeck / Bebop
2017 I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore Detective William Bendix
Scooby-Doo! Shaggy's Showdown Cook (voice) Direct-to-video[19]
2018 Truth or Dare Demon (voice)
2021 Spirit Untamed Wrangler (voice)
Christmas...Again?! Santa Disney Channel Original Movie
2022 Block Party Sean
2023 Outlaw Johnny Black Mayor Williams

Television[edit]

Year Title Role Notes
1990, 1992 In the Heat of the Night Ramsey Morgan, Clay Wilson 2 episodes
1991 I'll Fly Away Dayton Episode: "Coming Home"
1995 The Client Sonny Episode: "Pilot"
1996, 1999 Profiler Ben, Father Earl Stevens 2 episodes
1997 First Time Felon Wallace Television film
1998 Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction Playground Bully 2 episodes
Brimstone Fanaro's Neighbor Episode: "Executioner"
1999–2000 The Amanda Show Bailiff 4 episodes
2000 City of Angels Nurse Elliot Episode: "Oscar de la Boya"
Men in Black: The Series Additional voices Episode: "The Back to School Syndrome"
2000–06 Malcolm in the Middle Abraham "Abe" Kenarban 18 episodes
2001 NYPD Blue Charles Episode: "Dying to Testify"
The Wild Thornberrys Forest Hog, Bushbuck (voices) Episode: "The Trouble with Darwin"[19]
2002 The Parkers Randall Episode: "And the Winner Is..."
2003 Tracey Ullman in the Trailer Tales Slurr P Television film
All of Us Principal Tovell Episode: "Spatial Profiling"
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Auto Detail Guy Episode: "Invisible Evidence"
2004 Joan of Arcadia Liquor Store Clerk God Episode: "Recreation"
2004–22 Reno 911! Various 7 episodes
2005 Stroker & Hoop Coroner Rick (voice) 6 episodes[19]
2005–14 The Boondocks Uncle Ruckus (voice) 55 episodes
2006 Lovespring International Wally Smither 2 episodes
2006–08 Boston Legal Clarence Bell 36 episodes
2007 Andy Barker, P.I. Ron Episode: "Pilot"
Saul of the Mole Men Strata Operators 10 episodes
2007, 2009 Curious George The Coach, Businessman (voices) 2 episodes
2008 Young Person's Guide to History Paul Revere Episode: "Part 1"
Chowder Tofu, Rat #2, Egg #2 (voices) Episode: "Shnitzel Quits"
The Xtacles Additional voices 2 episodes
Chocolate News Ron Don Wainscott-Merkeson, Edwin Hayes 2 episodes
2008–09 Batman: The Brave and the Bold Mongul, Mongal, Fun Haus (voices) 3 episodes[19]
2009 Desperate Housewives Reggie 2 episodes
The Goode Family Ray Johnson, Duncan (voices) 13 episodes
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Snowman, Raisin #2 (voices) Episode: "A Very Sunny Christmas"
2009–12 Special Agent Oso Mr. Dos (voice) 23 episodes[19]
2009–present Unsung Narrator 175 episodes
2010 How I Met Your Mother Inspector Episode: "Home Wreckers"
Hot in Cleveland Coach Taylor Episode: "The Play's the Thing"
Fred: The Movie Laundromat Manager Television film
The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes Eliot Franklin / Thunderball, Paramedic (voices) Episode: "Thor the Mighty"[19]
Firebreather Principal Dave, Troy's Dad (voices) Television film
2010–13 Mad Various voices 29 episodes
2011 Weeds Ed Watson 3 episodes
Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated Dr. Cavanaugh (voice) Episode: "The Siren's Song"
Star Wars: The Clone Wars Riff Tamson (voice) 3 episodes
Workaholics Craig Episode: "Old Man Ders"
Kick Buttowski: Suburban Daredevil Additional voices Episode: "Brad's Room/Dude, Where's My Wade?"
Happy Endings Officer Jones Episode: "Grinches Be Crazy"
In Gayle We Trust Zeke Robinson 7 episodes
2011–13 Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness Lao, Tsao (voices) 3 episodes
2011–15 China, IL Dr. Jack Falgot (voice) 16 episodes
2012 Bubble Guppies Additional voices Episode: "Bubble Puppy's Fin-Tastic Fairy Tail"
How to Be a Gentleman Sammy Episode: "How to Be Draft Andrew"
The Eric Andre Show Announcer 9 episodes
Motorcity Mr. Gordy (voice) Episode: "Reunion"[19]
2012–16 The Soul Man Lester 12 episodes
2012–15 Black Dynamite Various voices 2 episodes
2012–20 Doc McStuffins Marcus McStuffins (voice) 63 episodes[19]
2013 Beware the Batman Michael Holt (voice) Episode: "Hunted"[19]
Pound Puppies Additional voices 2 episodes
2013–14 Turbo Fast Various voices 2 episodes
2013–15 Key & Peele Various 4 episodes
2013–22 Rick and Morty Various voices 6 episodes
2013–present Whose Line Is It Anyway? Himself 31 episodes
2014 Mike & Molly Emcee Episode: "Open Mike Night"
Men at Work Biggs Episode: "Suburban Gibbs"
Chozen Repo Man (voice) 6 episodes
Baby Daddy Captain Walters Episode: "Livin' on a Prom"
Benched Geoffrey 3 episodes
Sofia the First Hobwing (voice) Episode: "The Curse of Princess Ivy"[19]
2014–16 TripTank Various voices 10 episodes[19]
2014–17 Sheriff Callie's Wild West Dirty Dan, Dusty, Sidekick Rustler (voices) 31 episodes
2014–present American Dad! Various voices 17 episodes
2015 Two and a Half Men Leo Episode: "For Whom the Booty Calls"
Golan the Insatiable Reporter (voice) Episode: "Shame on Pee"
Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja Ward Smith (voice) 2 episodes
The Awesomes Additional voices 6 episodes
2015–17 Pig Goat Banana Cricket Various voices 4 episodes
2016 Star Wars Rebels Gron, Stormtroopers (voices) Episode: "Legends of Lasat"
Transformers: Robots in Disguise Slicedice (voice) 2 episodes[19]
The Loud House Manager, TV Announcer (voices) Episode: "Cereal Offender"[19]
Wrecked Gary Episode: "The Phantom"
2016–19 SuperMansion Various voices 10 episodes
The Lion Guard Mufasa (voice) 16 episodes[19]
2017 Son of Zorn Sir Pent, Reverend Episode: "The Battle of Self-Acceptance"
The Thundermans D-Tail Episode: "May Z-Force Be with You"
Secret Life of Boys Qyle Stapleton Episode: "The Visitor"
Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! Conductor (voice) Episode: "Mysteries on the Disorient Express"
Idiotsitter Dean Arnold 4 episodes
Curb Your Enthusiasm Judge Episode: "A Disturbance in the Kitchen"
Superior Donuts Howard Episode: "Flour Power"
Man with a Plan Bob Episode: "What About Bob?"
2017–19 SMILF Philip 2 episodes
The Stinky & Dirty Show Haul (voice) 4 episodes
I'm Sorry Brian 10 episodes
Star vs. the Forces of Evil Additional Voices 5 episodes
2017–22 Bob's Burgers Various voices 3 episodes
2017–23 Puppy Dog Pals 32 episodes
2018 Miles from Tomorrowland Fortis, Hemeran (voices) Episode: "Grendel's Moving Castle/The Great Gadfly"
Hanazuki: Full of Treasures Axo (voice) Episode: "Dance on the Dark Side"
2018–20 Star Wars Resistance Kragan Gorr, Vic (voices) 11 episodes
2018–23 The Neighborhood Ernie 5 episodes
2019 Mom Warren Episode: "A Dark Closet and Therapy with Horses"
Drunk History Ted Patrick Episode: "Good Samaritans"
Bajillion Dollar Propertie$ Neil deCicely Tyson Episode: "Held Breath"
Just Roll with It Smiley Waterman Episode: "Family Squabbles"
Robot Chicken Thanos, Scruffy, Chef (voices) Episode: "Boogie Bardstown in: No Need, I Have Coupons"
2019–20 Tigtone Memory Gnome, Barteener (voices) 8 episodes
Bless the Harts Leonard (voice) 7 episodes
2019–23 SpongeBob SquarePants Various voices 3 episodes
2019, 2022 Love, Death & Robots XBOT 4000 (voice) 2 episodes
2020 The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants in Space! Dupe Licitous (voice) 3 episodes
Robbie Darryl Episode: "Robbie vs. Ava vs. Danielle"
2020–22 Central Park Various voices 8 episodes
The Owl House Perry Porter, additional voices 6 episodes
Solar Opposites Various voices 4 episodes
2021 The Crew Chuck Stubbs 10 episodes[20]
Invincible Additional voices 2 episodes
No Activity Episode: "Breaking Bread"
Scooby-Doo and Guess Who? Tab Tatter's Ghost, Real Estate Developer (voices) Episode: "The Legend of the Gold Microphone"
The Harper House Gbenge Bradley (voice) 9 episodes
The Great North New Kids on the Dock Vocalist (voice) Episode: "From Tusk Til Dawn Adventure"
2021–22 Baby Shark's Big Show! Sherman (voice) 2 episodes
Archer IIA Assassin, Judge (voices) 2 episodes
2021–23 The Patrick Star Show Additional Voices 8 episodes
2022 We Bare Bears Various voices 2 episodes
The Boys Presents: Diabolical Ghost's Dad (voice) Episode: "An Animated Short Where Pissed-Off Supes Kill Their Parents"
The Cuphead Show! Quadratus, War Demon #2 (voices) 2 episodes
Home Economics Jay Episode: "Sunday New York Times, $6"
South Side Big Z Episode: "South Suburbs"
2022–23 Harley Quinn The Shark Priest, Prince Shark, King Baby (voices) 2 episodes
Oddballs Mr. McFly (voice) 10 episodes[21]
2023 Velma Sgt. Gigisfather, Private Eye (voices) Episode: "Velma Makes a List"[19]
Night Court Judge Flobert/Flobert Recurring
Agent Elvis Redd Foxx / Sammy Davis Jr. / various voices 6 episodes
Rugrats Hank (voice) Episode: "Tot Springs Showdown"
Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures Zepher (voice) Episode: "Squadron/Forest Defenders"
Strange Planet Senior #2 / Being #5 (voice) Episode: "Greyscale Finger Bandit"
Kiff Flam Bingo / additional voices 2 episodes
Aqua Teen Hunger Force (voice)
2023–present Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur James "Pops" Lafayette Sr. (voice) Recurring role
Hailey's On It! Beta (voice) Main role

Video games[edit]

Year Title Role Notes
2002 Britney's Dance Beat Additional voices
Star Trek: Starfleet Command III
2003 Evil Dead: A Fistful of Boomstick
2006 Yakuza
ATV Offroad Fury 4
2007 Mass Effect Charles Saracino, Elanos Haliat, Citadel Control, Turian Diplomat
2009 Halo Wars Additional voices
Infamous Male Pedestrian
2010 Alpha Protocol Yancy Westridge
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty General Horace Warfield, Tal'darim Executor, Void Ray Also Heart of the Swarm DLC
Batman: The Brave and the Bold – The Videogame Mongul
2016 XCOM 2 Dr. Richard Tygan Also War of the Chosen DLC
2017 Horizon Zero Dawn Burgrend Also The Frozen Wilds DLC

Web series[edit]

Year Title Role Notes
2011–2012 Off the Curb Willie (voice) Also co-creator
2019 Epic Rap Battles of History Bill Cosby Episode: "George Carlin vs. Richard Pryor"

Podcasts[edit]

Year Title Role Notes
2016–18 Spontaneanation Himself 13 episodes

Production credits[edit]

Year Title Director Producer Writer Notes
2002 Undercover Brother No No Yes
2008 I Own You No No Yes
2010 Bun in the Oven No No Yes
2011 Sometimes Pretty Girls Yes No Yes
2012 Small Hand No Yes Yes
2013 Just Kidding Yes Yes No
2014 Bun in the Oven 2: The Rebirth No Yes Yes Executive producer
2014 Life Hacks for Kids Yes No Yes
2014–15 Bye Felicia Yes No Yes 8 episodes
2015 $100 Pet Challenge Yes Yes Yes Executive producer
2015 Oh My Gosh Yes No No
2015 Food Hack for Kids Yes No No
2016 It's a Snackdown! Yes No No 8 episodes
2016 Hollywood or Hollywouldn't Yes No No Short film
2018 Life Hack for Kids: On the Road Yes No No 10 episodes

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Today in History". Philadelphia Tribune. March 14, 2010.
  2. ^ a b Eldridge, Richard L. "Atlantic Station's set for taste of Hollywood". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. October 20, 2005.
  3. ^ Garretson, Shari. "Cat on a Hot Tin Streetcar". The Atlanta Journal. May 25, 1994.
  4. ^ Gincel, Richard. "Instant comedy requires quick wits". The Atlanta Journal. July 22, 1993.
  5. ^ Downey, Maureen; Shurling, Bo. "No secret: TV role `Smart' move". The Atlanta Journal. October 18, 1994.
  6. ^ Ho, Rodney. "Dad's Garage goes big at Fox with new fundraiser The Fabulous Fox Theatre plays host to this year's event". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. June 10, 2015.
  7. ^ Simon, Mashaun D. "Georgian Stars With Eddie Griffin In New Action-Comedy". Atlanta Daily World. May 2, 2002. p. 6.
  8. ^ a b Thomas, Don. "Gary Anthony Williams: A Theatrically Trained Performer". New York Beacon. May 1, 2002. p. 31.
  9. ^ Ho, Rodney. "Random Bits". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. December 27, 2005.
  10. ^ "Disney Junior Celebrates Black History Month with "We Are Doc Mcstuffins"". Chicago Citizen. February 13, 2013. p. 15.
  11. ^ "EUR Hollywood Gossip Scoop". The Jacksonville Free Press (Jacksonville, Florida). May 21, 2009. p. 9.
  12. ^ "'Hailey's On It!', an Animated Comedy-Adventure Series About a Teen Who Must Overcome Her Fears in Order To Save the World, Greenlit by Disney Branded Television" (Press release). Disney Branded Television. November 18, 2021. Archived from the original on February 8, 2022 – via Disney General Entertainment Content.
  13. ^ Cahillane, Kevin. "Homegrown: A Stoner Comedy Straight Out of Randolph". The New York Times. August 16, 2004. p. 7.
  14. ^ Foran, Chris. "TMNT return to spotlight". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. June 3, 2016.
  15. ^ Littlejohn, Janice (November 19, 2007). "'Boondocks': Raising a ruckus". The Berkshire Eagle. Pittsfield, Mass.: New England Newspapers Inc. Retrieved December 24, 2018.
  16. ^ https://www.people.com/archive/mister-big-vol-57-no-23/%3famp=true[dead link]
  17. ^ "Gary Anthony Williams and son Ethan at the Boom Boom Room".
  18. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s "Gary Anthony Williams (Visual voices guide)". A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its opening and/or closing credits and/or other reliable sources of information.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
  19. ^ Petski, Denise (December 17, 2019). "'The Crew': Kevin James' Netflix NASCAR Comedy Series Sets Cast". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
  20. ^ "Youtube Creator James Rallison's Animated Series 'Oddballs' to Premiere on Netflix in 2022". Netflix Media Center (Press release). June 23, 2022.

External links[edit]