Superman: The Animated Series gave viewers definitive portrayals of Superman and his world, brought to life by an impressive roster of voice talent. Superman: TAS is a beloved entry in the DC Animated Universe, praised for its nuanced storytelling, iconic art style, and cast of memorable characters. Many big names lent their voices to the series, portraying heroes, villains, and everything in between—sometimes so subtly that audiences may not have realized their involvement.
Superman: TAS (1996-2000) followed the success of Batman: The Animated Series, expanding the DC Animated Universe (DCAU). While focusing on Superman’s battles against his rogues’ gallery and larger-than-life threats, the series also explored the Man of Steel’s humanity, relationships, and dual identity. The show’s voice cast brought these characters to life with performances that ranged from deeply emotional to delightfully villainous. The voice talent extended beyond the main cast, with guest stars who later became – or already were – recognizable faces in Hollywood.
20 Billy West As Lex Luthor’s Henchman #2
Superman: TAS Season 3, Episode 9 “A Fish Story”
Billy West is best known for his work on Futurama as Fry, Zoidberg, and Professor Farnsworth, but has a swathe of celebrated credits. West briefly appeared in Superman: TAS as Lex Luthor’s unnamed henchman in “A Fish Story,” credited as Lexie #2. The episode concerned marine life being manipulated by technology, leading to a thrilling team-up with Aquaman. West’s distinctive voice stands out in the DCAU, making Lex’s henchman a more entertaining character than your typical goon.
19 Lisa Edelstein As Mercy Graves
Appeared In 14 Superman: TAS Episodes
Lisa Edelstein is famous for her role as Dr. Cuddy in House. Prior to this, Edelstein voiced Mercy Graves, Lex Luthor’s fiercely loyal assistant and bodyguard in Superman: TAS. Mercy became an iconic addition to Superman’s rogues’ gallery, embodying a mix of professionalism and cold-blooded efficiency. Edelstein’s smooth yet menacing voice brought an air of authority to the character, making Mercy a standout even when she wasn’t in the spotlight.
18 Brad Garrett As Bibbo and Lobo
Bibbo Appeared In 7 Episodes; Lobo In Season 1, Episodes 9-10 “The Main Man”
Brad Garrett, known for his role in Everybody Loves Raymond, voiced two wildly different characters in Superman: TAS. He played Bibbo Bibbowski, a kindhearted dockworker and Superman’s biggest fan who appeared throughout, as well as Lobo, the intergalactic bounty hunter. Garrett’s deep, gravelly voice suited both roles perfectly. As Bibbo, he brought a lovable charm, while his portrayal of Lobo was hilariously over-the-top in one of the best Superman: TAS episodes. His versatility demonstrated his range, making both characters memorable in their own right.
17 Michael Ironside As Darkseid
Appeared In 5 Superman: TAS Episodes
Michael Ironside, a veteran of sci-fi and action films (Total Recall, Starship Troopers), delivered one of the most chilling performances in the series as Darkseid, the tyrannical ruler of Apokolips. Ironside’s voice exuded menace, perfectly capturing Darkseid’s cold, calculating demeanor and godlike authority. Darkseid’s confrontations with Superman remain some of the most intense moments in the DCAU. Ironside’s commanding performance made Darkseid one of the most iconic villains in animated superhero history.
Appeared In 6 Superman: TAS Episodes
Malcolm McDowell, best known for his role in A Clockwork Orange, played John Corben, a criminal turned cyborg known as Metallo. His portrayal of the kryptonite-powered villain added layers of bitterness and tragic humanity, making him a recurring threat to Superman. McDowell’s distinctive voice lent an air of sophistication to Corben, even as he became increasingly monstrous. His nuanced performance elevated Metallo from a physical adversary to a deeply compelling character.
15 Michael Dorn As Kalibak And Steel
Kalibak Appeared In 3 Super: TAS Episodes; Steel In 2 Episodes
Michael Dorn, beloved as Worf from Star Trek: The Next Generation, voiced two characters in Superman: TAS. He played Kalibak, Darkseid’s brutish son, as well as Steel, a heroic ally of Superman. Dorn brought a commanding presence to both roles, though they were vastly different in tone. As Kalibak, Dorn’s growling voice captured the character’s brute strength and inferiority complex. Meanwhile, his portrayal of Steel highlighted the character’s intelligence and noble spirit, spotlighting Dorn’s impressive range.
14 Ron Perlman As Jax-Ur
Appeared In 2 Superman: TAS Episodes
Ron Perlman is celebrated for his roles in Hellboy and Sons of Anarchy. In Superman: The Animated Series, Perlman voiced Jax-Ur, a Kryptonian criminal banished to the Phantom Zone. Jax-Ur’s cold pragmatism and sinister plans make him a particularly memorable antagonist. Perlman’s deep, resonant voice gave Jax-Ur a commanding presence, adding weight to the character’s machinations. His performance made Jax-Ur a standout among Superman’s lesser-known rogues.
13 Christopher McDonald As Jor-El
Appeared In 5 Superman: TAS Episodes
Christopher McDonald had numerous memorable roles, including Happy Gilmore and Thelma & Louise. McDonald played Jor-El in Superman: TAS, Superman’s father and one of Krypton’s greatest scientists. His portrayal of Jor-El combined intellect, courage, and warmth, making his tragic story even more poignant. McDonald’s performance captured the essence of a father willing to sacrifice everything for his son. His voice brought Jor-El’s wisdom and resolve to life, ensuring his legacy endured throughout the series.
12 Miguel Ferrer As Aquaman, De’Cine, & Weather Wizard
Aquaman Appeared In Superman: TAS Season 3, Episode 9 “A Fish Story,” De’Cine In Season 2, Episode 24 “Warrior Queen,” & Weather Wizard In Season 2, Episode 4 “Speed Demons”
Miguel Ferrer is recognized for his appearances in RoboCop and NCIS: Los Angeles. Ferrer played multiple roles in Superman: TAS, including Aquaman, De’Cine, and Weather Wizard. Ferrer’s distinctive voice added depth to every character he portrayed, proving why he was one of Hollywood’s most reliable character actors. As Aquaman, Ferrer embodied the famed Justice League member with a regal air. In “Warrior Queen,” De’Cine fought Maxima in the opening, projecting a smug arrogance. In “Speed Demons,” Ferrer played the villainous Weather Wizard whose extortion scheme brings him into conflict with both Superman and the Flash.
11 Gilbert Gottfried As Mr. Mxyzptlk
Appeared In 2 Superman: TAS Episodes
Comedian Gilbert Gottfried lent his unmistakable voice to Mr. Mxyzptlk, the mischievous fifth-dimensional imp who loved tormenting Superman in two memorable Superman: TAS episodes. His energetic and exaggerated delivery perfectly captured Mxyzptlk’s chaotic personality and his ability to transform into different guises. Gottfried’s portrayal made Mxyzptlk even more infuriating yet strangely endearing, adding a humorous twist to Superman’s challenges.
10 Ted Levine As Sinestro And Karkull
Sinestro Appeared In Superman: TAS Season 3, Episode 7 “In Brightest Day…”; Karkull In Season 2, Episode 20
Ted Levine is known for his portrayals of Buffalo Bill in The Silence of the Lambs and Captain Stottlemeyer in Monk. Levine played two roles in Superman: TAS: Sinestro, the rogue Green Lantern, and Karkull, a monstrous demon capable of hurting Superman. Both characters were menacing in different ways, and Levine’s deep voice amplified their intensity. Levine’s commanding presence elevated Sinestro’s brief appearance in particular, hinting at the character’s larger role in the DC Universe and subsequent DCAU shows.
9 Peri Gilpin As Volcana
Appeared In 2 Superman: TAS Episodes
Peri Gilpin is best remembered for playing Roz Doyle in Frasier. Concurrently, Gilpin voiced Volcana in Superman: The Animated Series, a pyrokinetic villain with a fiery temper invented for the DCAU. Her performance balanced vulnerability and rage, making Volcana one of the series’ most sympathetic antagonists. Gilpin’s nuanced delivery added layers to Volcana, highlighting the character’s tragic backstory and conflicted nature, becoming a staple of the DCAU.
8 Lori Petty As Livewire
Appeared In 2 Superman: TAS Episodes
Lori Petty is known for bringing distinctive characters to life in movies and series such as Tank Girl and Orange Is the New Black. Petty brought her edgy personality to Livewire, a shock-jock turned supervillain in Superman: TAS. Her snarky delivery and rebellious energy made Livewire an unforgettable addition to Superman’s rogues’ gallery. Petty’s performance captured Livewire’s irreverence and volatility, making her one of the most distinctive villains in the series.
7 William H. Macy As A Director
Superman: TAS Season 3, Episode 1 “Where There’s Smoke”
William H. Macy has become one of the most celebrated performers in Hollywood thanks to his roles in Fargo, Shameless, and Magnolia. Before this, Macy voiced a film director in Superman: TAS “Where There’s Smoke.” Though a minor role, Macy’s unmistakable voice added gravitas to the character, even in a comedic context. His appearance is a testament to the high-caliber talent the show attracted, even for smaller parts.
6 Robert Hays As Luminus
Appeared In 2 Superman: TAS Episodes
Robert Hays is best known for his leading role in Airplane!. Years later, Hays voiced Luminus in Superman: The Animated Series, a villain who used light-based technology to challenge Superman. Hays has voiced numerous comic book characters, including in Spider-Man: TAS, but his performance as Luminus captured the character’s arrogance and obsession with his own genius. Luminus was a unique addition to Superman’s villainous line-up, and Hays’ portrayal made him stand out.
5 Melissa Joan Hart As Saturn Girl
Superman: TAS Season 3, Episode 3 “New Kids In Town”
Melissa Joan Hart rose to fame by playing the title role in Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. Hart voiced Saturn Girl, a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes sent back in time to protect a young Clark Kent from Brainiac’s attempts to destroy the Man of Steel. Hart’s warm and encouraging tone suited the character’s supportive nature. Indeed, Hart’s portrayal of Saturn Girl was a highlight of the episode, introducing a new generation to the Legion.
4 Michael York As Kanto
Superman: TAS Season 1, Episode 12 “Tools of the Trade”
Michael York is a revered English actor best known for his appearances in Logan’s Run, Cabaret, and the Austin Powers movies. Yori played Kanto in Superman: The Animated Series, Darkseid’s suave assassin. York’s refined voice gave Kanto a sinister elegance, making him a compelling villain despite his limited screen time. His performance added sophistication to Kanto, contrasting neatly with Darkseid’s brute force.
3 Al Roker As A Weatherman
Superman: TAS Season 2, Episodes 27-28 “Little Girl Lost”
Al Roker, the famous weatherman and television personality, made a tongue-in-cheek cameo in Superman: TAS. Fittingly, Roker played a weatherman in “Little Girl Lost,” who encourages the residents of Smallville to enjoy the good weather, which is disrupted by the arrival of Superman’s sister, Supergirl. Roker’s appearance added a touch of humor to the episode, playing off his real-life persona in a fun real-world Easter egg.
2 Brian Cox As Dr. Earl Garver
Superman: TAS Season 1, Episode 13 “Two’s A Crowd”
Brian Cox is an acclaimed actor with numerous connections to the superhero genre, including the villainous William Stryker in X2: X-Men United, and is also known for his roles such as Succession. Cox voiced Dr. Earl Garver in Superman: TAS, a scientist whose unstable mind becomes a danger to Metropolis. Cox’s intense performance brought out the character’s inner turmoil and menace.
1 Stephen Root As Unity
Superman: TAS Season 3, Episode 10 “Unity”
Stephen Root is an actor known primarily for his comedic roles, such as Dodgeball, Office Space, and Barry. Root voiced Unity in Superman: TAS, a parasitic alien that poses a grave threat to Smallville. Root’s unsettling delivery made Unity one of the series’ creepiest antagonists. Root’s talent for voice work shone through, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the episode, demonstrating the breadth of impressive vocal talent in Superman; The Animated Series.
