Rodney Saulsberry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rodney Saulsberry
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Saulsberry in Glendale, California
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| Occupation | Voice-over artist, actor, vocalist, announcer, author |
| Years active | 1979–present |
| Spouse(s) | Helen Montgomery (m. 1980) |
| Children | 1 |
Rodney Saulsberry is an American voice-over artist, actor, singer, announcer, and author. He is famous for lending his voice to many commercials, like those for Twix and Zatarain's.
He has also written three books: You Can Bank on Your Voice, Step Up to the Mic, and Rodney Saulsberry's Tongue Twisters and Vocal Warm-Ups. Rodney also hosts a popular podcast called Success Talks With Rodney Saulsberry. Many people know him as the voice of Robbie Robertson in the 1994 animated TV series Spider-Man.
Rodney Saulsberry also released an R&B music album called Rodney Saulsberry. Two songs from this album, "I Wonder" and "Look Whatcha Done Now", became popular on the Billboard music charts.
Contents
What Rodney Saulsberry Does
Rodney Saulsberry has worked in many different areas of entertainment. He is known for his acting, singing, and especially his voice-over work.
Acting in Movies and TV
As an actor, Rodney has appeared in movies like The Philadelphia Experiment (1984) and Tango & Cash (1989). He also voiced a character in the animated movie The Invincible Iron Man (2007).
On television, he has had guest roles in many popular shows. These include The Bold and the Beautiful, Law & Order: LA, Taxi, M*A*S*H, and Monk. He was also a regular cast member on the show Capitol, playing the character Jeff Johnson.
Voice-Over Work
Rodney Saulsberry is very well-known for his voice-over work. He has narrated many film trailers, including those for How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Finding Forrester. He also narrated documentaries like Ax Handle Saturday: 50 Years Later and Michael Jackson: Life of a Superstar.
He was the radio announcer for the New Orleans Pelicans Basketball Team in 2012. Upscale Magazine once called him "a voice to be reckoned with," meaning his voice is very powerful and important. Black Enterprise magazine said he was "the voice of choice for behind-the-scenes-narration."
Music and Other Projects
Rodney Saulsberry has also composed original music for different productions. In 2011, he created a website called Tomdor Music. This website helps place music in films, TV shows, and commercials.
Voice Roles in Animation and Games
Rodney Saulsberry has lent his voice to many animated shows and video games, bringing characters to life.
Animated TV Shows
- Skeleton Warriors (1994): Provided additional voices.
- Aaahh!!! Real Monsters (1994–1997): Voiced characters like Ufwapo and Galoth.
- Spider-Man (1994–1998): Voiced Robbie Robertson and other characters.
- Rugrats (2002): Voiced a Security Guard and Harry Halibut.
- Static Shock (2003): Voiced Philip Rollins / Sparky.
- Avatar: The Last Airbender (2006): Provided additional voices.
- Dee & Friends in Oz (2024): Voiced Ozzie.
Animated Movies
- Look Who's Talking Now! (1993): Voiced Dogs.
- The Animatrix (2003): Voiced Chyron in the "Matriculated" segment.
- The Invincible Iron Man (2006): Voiced Jim Rhodes.
- The Little Engine That Could (2011): Voiced Freight Train and Bud.
Video Games
- Star Trek: Starfleet Command III (2002): Voiced a Klingon Officer.
- Driver: Parallel Lines (2006): Voiced Bishop.
- CSI: Hard Evidence (2007): Voiced Everett Bower and Eddie Tillis.
- G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009): Voiced Heavy Duty.
- Grand Theft Auto V (2013): Voiced "The Local Population."
Public Appearances and Teaching
Rodney Saulsberry has made many public appearances. He performed on the TV show Soul Train. He was also the announcer for the 34th NAACP Image Awards and the 2003 Essence Awards.
He has shared his knowledge by teaching voice-over workshops. These workshops have been held in cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. He has also given talks at universities, including Western Michigan University. Rodney often speaks and teaches at events for the SAG Foundation, supporting the Don LaFontaine Voice-Over Lab.
Music Contributions
Rodney Saulsberry has contributed to many music projects, both as a writer and performer.
- Midnight Crossing (1988): Wrote and performed "Alone."
- Night and the City (1992): Performed "Love Doesn’t Matter."
- The Lion King (1994): Provided background vocals for "Hakuna Matata" and "Circle of Life".
- Sprung (1997): Wrote and performed "We Are Love."
- The Prince of Egypt (1998): Provided background vocals for "Playing with the Big Boys."
- Michael Jordan: An American Hero (1999): Wrote and performed "I'm So Glad You're Mine."
- Adventureland (2009): Wrote and performed "I Need to Know."
- The Bold and the Beautiful (2010): Wrote and performed several songs, including "Miracles."
- Paranormal Activity 3 (2011): Wrote and performed "Who Do You Love."
Awards and Recognition
Rodney Saulsberry has received nominations for his acting work.
- In 2011, he was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. This was for his role as Anthony on The Bold and the Beautiful.
- In 2012, he received a second NAACP Image Award nomination for the same role.
He also played the main character in the short film Violet (1981). This film won an Academy Award!
