Dee Bradley Baker
Actor
About Dee Bradley Baker
Dee Bradley Baker is a prolific American actor who has become one of the most versatile and sought-after voices in modern entertainment history. Born in Bloomington, Indiana, and raised in Greeley, Colorado, he began performing at the age of nine, eventually honing his craft through musicals, operas, and stand-up comedy. After graduating with a degree in philosophy from Colorado College, he moved to Los Angeles in 1993, where he quickly established himself as a premier talent in the voice-over industry. His career reached a major turning point with his role as the voice of Olmec in the Nickelodeon game show 'Legends of the Hidden Temple' and his feature film debut in 'Space Jam' (1996). Baker is uniquely celebrated for his extraordinary ability to create realistic animal and creature vocalizations, often performing non-human roles that require immense physical and vocal control. Over his three-decade career, he has voiced hundreds of characters across iconic franchises, most notably portraying the entire clone army in the 'Star Wars' animated universe.
The Craft
On Screen
Baker is renowned for his 'chameleon-like' vocal ability and his specialization in creature work. He utilizes a technique that involves physicalizing the movements of the animals or monsters he portrays to achieve realistic, non-verbal communication. His style is characterized by a deep understanding of phonetics and anatomy, allowing him to produce sounds that range from delicate chirps to guttural, otherworldly roars without the use of digital manipulation.
Milestones
- Voiced the iconic stone god Olmec on 'Legends of the Hidden Temple' (1993-1995)
- Portrayed Daffy Duck and the Tasmanian Devil in the feature film 'Space Jam' (1996)
- Voiced the entire Clone Trooper army in 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' and 'The Bad Batch'
- Created the unique vocalizations for Perry the Platypus in 'Phineas and Ferb'
- Voiced Appa and Momo in the acclaimed series 'Avatar: The Last Airbender'
- Earned an Emmy Award nomination for his role as Klaus the goldfish in 'American Dad!'
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Behind the Voice Actors Award for Best Vocal Ensemble in a Television Series (2013)
- Behind the Voice Actors Award for Best Male Vocal Performance in a Television Series in a Supporting Role (2012)
Nominated
- Primetime Emmy Award Nomination for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (2011)
- Annie Award Nomination for Voice Acting in an Animated Television Production (2012)
- Daytime Emmy Award Nomination for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program (2012)
Special Recognition
- Recognized by 'Behind the Voice Actors' as the actor with the most credited voice roles in history
- Inducted into the 'Voice Acting Hall of Fame' by various fan organizations
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Dee Bradley Baker has redefined the role of the 'creature performer' in the digital age. By providing soulful and expressive performances for non-speaking characters like Appa or Perry the Platypus, he proved that vocalizations are as vital to storytelling as dialogue. His work on the 'Star Wars' prequel-era animation is particularly significant, as he successfully gave distinct personalities and voices to thousands of genetically identical characters, a feat widely considered a masterclass in voice acting.
Lasting Legacy
Baker's legacy is rooted in his status as the 'voice of the voiceless.' He is often cited as the successor to legendary voice artists like Frank Welker. His comprehensive resource website, 'I Want To Be A Voice Actor,' serves as a definitive guide for the industry, ensuring that his technical knowledge and professional ethics influence generations of performers to come.
Who They Inspired
He has influenced the industry by elevating the standards for creature vocalizations, moving away from generic library sounds toward bespoke, character-driven performances. Modern voice actors often look to his 'Clone Wars' work as the gold standard for vocal differentiation and range.
Off Screen
Baker is married to Michelle Baker, and the couple has two daughters. He is known for his intellectual pursuits outside of acting, including a passion for biology, photography, and astronomy. He maintains a highly regarded educational website for aspiring performers, reflecting his commitment to the craft and the community.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Colorado College (1986)
Family
- Michelle Baker (1994–present)
Did You Know?
- He provided the sounds for the 'Gravemind' in the Halo video game series.
- Baker does not use electronic pitch-shifting for his creature voices; they are all produced naturally.
- He is a skilled photographer and often shares nature photography on his social media.
- He voiced the character 'Max Von Nitrate' in The Powerpuff Girls, a character who was a former silent film star.
- He moved to Los Angeles just one day before the 1994 Northridge earthquake.
- He has voiced over 50 different alien species in the 'Ben 10' franchise.
- His first movie experience as a child was seeing 'Dr. Dolittle' (1967).
In Their Own Words
Voice acting is acting. It’s not just making funny voices; it’s finding the truth of the character.
The best creature sounds come from a place of physical truth. You have to become the animal.
I've always been fascinated by the things that don't speak, but still have a story to tell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dee Bradley Baker?
Dee Bradley Baker is a legendary American voice actor known for his incredible range and specialization in creature vocalizations. He has voiced iconic characters in 'Star Wars', 'Phineas and Ferb', and 'Avatar: The Last Airbender'.
What films is Dee Bradley Baker best known for?
He is best known for his work in 'Space Jam' (1996) as Daffy Duck, 'The Boxtrolls' (2014) as Fish and Wheeler, and the 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' (2008) feature film.
When was Dee Bradley Baker born?
He was born on August 31, 1962, in Bloomington, Indiana.
What awards has Dee Bradley Baker won?
He has won multiple Behind the Voice Actors Awards and has been nominated for both Primetime and Daytime Emmy Awards for his outstanding vocal performances.
What is Dee Bradley Baker's acting style?
His style is highly physical and versatile, focusing on creating realistic, organic sounds for creatures and animals without digital assistance, while also maintaining distinct personalities for human characters.
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Films
1 film
