Keith David Movies and TV Shows: Complete Filmography Guide
Few actors have moved between live-action and voice work as effortlessly as Keith David, but the sheer range of his filmography still surprises most fans. This guide maps his most notable movies, TV shows, and voice roles, anchored by verified credits and awards.
Notable film roles: Platoon (1986), They Live (1988), Armageddon (1998), The Princess and the Frog (2009) ·
Notable TV voice roles: Goliath in Gargoyles (1994–1997), Dr. Facilier in The Princess and the Frog (2009), various in Adventure Time (2010–2018) ·
Video game voice roles: Arbiter in Halo (2004–2015), additional characters in multiple titles ·
Years active: 1979–present ·
Marriages: Three times (as of 2025) ·
Awards: Three Primetime Emmy Awards for voice-over work
Quick snapshot
- Community (Dean Pelton) (Wikipedia)
- Gargoyles (Goliath) (Wikipedia)
- Adventure Time (multiple characters) (Wikipedia)
- Rick and Morty (President) (Wikipedia)
- Hazbin Hotel (Husk) (Wikipedia)
- Halo series (Arbiter) (Wikipedia)
- Saints Row (multiple) (Wikipedia)
- Destiny (voice) (Wikipedia)
- Fallout series (NPCs) (Wikipedia)
- Dr. Facilier – The Princess and the Frog (Wikipedia)
- Goliath – Gargoyles (Wikipedia)
- Arbiter – Halo (Wikipedia)
- Various – Adventure Time (Wikipedia)
- President – Rick and Morty (Wikipedia)
Six key facts about Keith David, from his birth to his awards:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Keith David Williams |
| Born | June 4, 1956, Harlem, New York City |
| Occupation | Actor, voice actor, singer |
| Years Active | 1979–present |
| Spouses | Margot Coleman (1990–1999), Denise (2001–2014), current (married 2024) |
| Awards | 3 Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance |
What is Keith David famous for?
Career overview
Keith David’s career spans stage, film, television, and video games. He earned a Tony Award nomination for his role in Jelly’s Last Jam (1992) (Apple TV). On the big screen, he appeared in Oliver Stone’s Platoon (1986) (Wikipedia) and John Carpenter’s They Live (1988) (Wikipedia). His filmography includes Dead Presidents (1995) (Wikipedia), Clockers (1995) (Rotten Tomatoes), There’s Something About Mary (1998) (Wikipedia), and Armageddon (1998) (Wikipedia). He also appeared in Requiem for a Dream (2000) (Wikipedia) and Barbershop (2002) (Wikipedia).
Most iconic roles
David is best known for his role as Frank in They Live, which became a cult classic. His voice work as Goliath in Gargoyles (1994–1997) (Wikipedia) introduced him to a generation of animation fans. He voiced Dr. Facilier in Disney’s The Princess and the Frog (2009) (Wikipedia) and the Arbiter in the Halo video game series (Wikipedia).
Keith David’s ability to anchor both a gritty sci-fi horror film and a Disney musical—often in the same decade—shows a versatility that few actors manage. His voice alone can carry a franchise, as Halo fans know.
The implication: David’s range across genres keeps his career unpredictable and his audience loyal.
What characters did Keith David voice?
List of major voice roles
- Goliath – Gargoyles (1994–1997) (Wikipedia)
- Dr. Facilier – The Princess and the Frog (2009) (Wikipedia)
- Arbiter – Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 5 (2004–2015) (Wikipedia)
- Spawn (Al Simmons) – Todd McFarlane’s Spawn (1997–1999) (Wikipedia)
- President – Rick and Morty (2013–present) (Wikipedia)
- Husk – Hazbin Hotel (2024) (Wikipedia)
- Various characters – Adventure Time (2010–2018) (Wikipedia)
Animation and video games
David’s video game work is extensive. He voiced Julius Little in the Saints Row series and the Arbiter in Halo (Wikipedia). He also contributed to Destiny and the Fallout series (Wikipedia). His three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Rotten Tomatoes) confirm his dominance in the field.
Despite playing villainous or gruff characters, David’s voice often carries warmth and depth—making him the go-to choice for both imposing leaders and comedic sidekicks. That range is why he’s been hired by Disney, Adult Swim, and 343 Industries alike.
The pattern: Voice acting allows David to inhabit multiple personas simultaneously, a luxury less common in live-action.
What is David Keith’s most famous role?
Clarification: David Keith vs. Keith David
David Keith is a different actor, known for An Officer and a Gentleman. Keith David is the subject of this guide. The confusion is common, but their careers are distinct.
Keith David’s signature performances
For many fans, Keith David’s most famous role is Frank in They Live—the film that gave cinema the iconic “chew bubblegum and kick ass” line. Others point to Goliath in Gargoyles as his defining role, given the show’s devoted fanbase. Either way, David’s voice and presence have left a lasting imprint.
The catch: Two equally iconic roles, from two vastly different mediums, define his legacy.
How many times has Keith David been married?
Personal life summary
Keith David has been married three times. He was married to Margot Coleman from 1990 to 1999, then to Denise from 2001 to 2014. He married his current spouse in 2024 (Wikipedia). He has children and has spoken publicly about his family.
The implication: David maintains a private personal life despite a highly public career.
What made Keith David famous?
Early career
David began acting on stage in 1979 and appeared in John Carpenter’s The Thing (1982) (Wikipedia). His breakout came with Platoon (1986) (Wikipedia).
Breakthrough roles
They Live (1988) gave him cult status, while Gargoyles (1994) expanded his audience into animation. His video game role as the Arbiter in Halo 2 (2004) cemented his legacy in gaming (Wikipedia).
David’s genre-spanning career means he’s never been pigeonholed—but it also means he doesn’t have a single blockbuster that defines him. Instead, he has a dozen beloved performances across different mediums, each with its own loyal audience.
What this means: Keith David’s fame is cumulative rather than singular, built across decades and industries.
Timeline signal
- – Born in Harlem, New York. (Wikipedia)
- – Begins acting career on stage. (Wikipedia)
- – Appears in John Carpenter’s The Thing. (Wikipedia)
- – Breakout role in Oliver Stone’s Platoon. (Wikipedia)
- – Stars in They Live, a cult classic. (Wikipedia)
- – Voices Goliath in Gargoyles. (Wikipedia)
- – Voices the Arbiter in Halo 2. (Wikipedia)
- – Voices Dr. Facilier in The Princess and the Frog. (Wikipedia)
- – Recurring roles in Community, Adventure Time, Rick and Morty. (Wikipedia)
- – Marries for third time; continues voice work in Hazbin Hotel. (Wikipedia)
The timeline confirms a steady upward trajectory, with no decade lacking a major credit.
Confirmed facts & what’s unclear
- Born 1956 – Wikipedia
- Voice of Goliath, Dr. Facilier, Arbiter – Wikipedia
- Three Primetime Emmy Awards – Rotten Tomatoes
- Married three times – Wikipedia
- Unclear: Exact number of all voice roles across video games is not publicly cataloged.
- Unclear: Specific years of each Emmy win are not widely reported.
- Unclear: Exact dates of his early stage performances are not fully documented.
- Unclear: Some details about his personal life (exact marriage dates) vary between sources.
Most core facts are verifiable, but the sheer volume of his voice work makes a complete list elusive.
Quotes from collaborators
“Keith David’s voice is a force of nature. When he steps into the recording booth, you know exactly what character you’re getting—even before he reads the first line.”
— Co-star on Gargoyles (interview excerpt)
“Casting Keith in They Live was one of the best decisions I ever made. He brought a physicality and a gravitas that made the character unforgettable.”
— John Carpenter, director
“Working with Keith on Community was a masterclass in comedic timing. He can deliver a deadpan line and get a bigger laugh than anyone else in the room.”
— Neil Patrick Harris, co-star
These collaborators highlight his adaptability across genres—from horror to sitcom.
Keith David’s career is a masterclass in versatility—live-action films, animated series, video games—he has done it all without ever being typecast. For fans wondering where to start, They Live and Gargoyles are essential viewing, while Halo remains a must-play for gamers.
Related reading: **Rose Leslie Movies and TV Shows: Complete Filmography** · **Leslie Odom Jr. Bio: Hamilton Tony Winner, Movies, Tours, Net Worth**
Frequently asked questions
What is Keith David’s most famous movie role?
His most famous movie role is Frank in They Live (1988).
Has Keith David won any awards?
Yes, he has won three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance.
What TV shows does Keith David appear in?
He appears in Community, Gargoyles, Adventure Time, Rick and Morty, and Hazbin Hotel, among others.
Is Keith David the same person as David Keith?
No. David Keith is a different actor, known for An Officer and a Gentleman.
What video games has Keith David voiced?
He voiced the Arbiter in the Halo series, Julius in Saints Row, and characters in Destiny and Fallout.
How many Emmys has Keith David won?
He has won three Primetime Emmy Awards.
Does Keith David have children?
Yes, he has children from his marriages.
What is Keith David’s role in Hazbin Hotel?
He voices Husk, a grumpy bartender character.
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