Keith David is an American actor. He is known for his deep voice and screen presence in over 300 roles across film, stage, television, and interactive media. In addition to many other film and television roles, he starred as Bishop James Greenleaf in the Oprah Winfrey drama Greenleaf (2016–2020). His Emmy-winning voice-over career includes work as the narrator of Ken Burns films such as The War (2007) and Muhammad Ali (2021).
Born and raised in New York City, Keith David is a classically-trained graduate of the New York High School of Performing Arts and The Juilliard School. Many know Keith from his work as an award-winning actor, but many may not know music is, in fact, his first love.
Combined with his talent as an actor, Keith’s work as a musician earned him a Tony Award nomination for his role as Chimney Man in Jelly’s Last Jam; he has also toured Too Marvelous for Words, portraying the legendary Nat King Cole. Keith is the voice behind “Friends on the Other Side,” one of the most popular songs in Disney’s expansive catalog, performing as Dr. Facilier in The Princess and the Frog.
This love of music is obvious to audiences as Keith performs live jazz all over the country. In December, Keith will record his debut album for a 2025 release.