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American animated films like Pocahontas often use prolific actors to enhance the narrative. The 1995 Disney feature film directed by Mike Gabriel and Eric Goldberg brought in a multitude of actors to help romanticize the tone of the film. The choice of vocal cast was deliberate – it became a tool for emphasizing the racial undertones of the story.
The musical historical drama is based on the dramatic life of a Powhatan woman captivated by the arrival of an English settler, John Smith. She falls in love with him, raising her eyebrows.
But a brewing battle between the natives, led by Chief Powhatan – Pocahontas’ father – and the settlers quickly threatens the romance. Inspired by her love, the courageous protagonist restores peace and unity between the two worlds.
The voice cast of the main characters in Disney’s “Pocahontas”
Irene Bedard is the voice behind the hero Pocahontas. But credit for the memorable vocals – including on the songs “Colors of the Wind” and “Just Around the Riverbend” – goes to Judy Kuhn, IMDb reports.
Hollywood star Mel Gibson voices John Smith, but Jess Harnell provides the voice for the vocal scenes.
Another prominent figure throughout the film is Pocahontas’ father, Chief Powhatan. Actor Russell Means voices the character and Jim Cummings provides the vocals for the sung parts.
David Ogden Stiers brings the character of Governor Ratcliffe to life. And the majestic voice of James Apaumut Fall is used for Kocoum, the mighty Powhatan warrior to whom Pocahontas was engaged.
Context of the main actors in ‘Pocahontas’
According to Indian Country Daily, Bedard has worked as a voice actor in several other animated productions. They understand Adventures of the Book of Virtues, 2003 What’s up, Scooby-Doo?, Young justice, and the rest Pocahontas II: journey to a new world. Bédard also does voiceovers for video games and theme park attractions.
Kuhn draws on his extensive musical theater experience singing as Pocahontas.
And Gibson also voiced Rocky in the DreamWorks 2000 animated film. Chicken coop. But the actor had already become famous for star tricks in the Mad Max and Deadly weapon franchisees and Brave Heart.
Decades before his role as Ratcliffe, Stiers was well known for playing Major Charles Winchester in the TV series MASH POTATOES. He had 168 acting credits under his belt before his death in 2018 at the age of 75.
Another important singing voice in the historic Disney musical is that of Cummings. The actor has worked on the voice for several animations, including Winnie the Pooh, rock, and Black wing duck. He is considered the most successful voice over artist, having played in more than 400 roles within the American animation scene.
Finally, Means is a recognized voice actor with credits for Turok: Sons of stones and Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World.
Notable voice actors who played smaller roles in the film
Legendary comedian Frank Welker plays Flit, Pocahontas’ companion hummingbird. Welker’s most recognized voiceover role is that of Fred Jones in the Scooby doo franchise. He has also lent his voice to at least 80 other movie and video game characters. They include Megatron in the Transformers franchise and Disney’s Cave of Wonders Aladdin.
An addition to the voice cast is John Kassir, who portrays Pocahontas’ pet raccoon, Meeko. The stand-up comedian is best known as the voice of the Cryptkeeper in the TV series Tales from the Crypt. Her voice was also featured on the off-Broadway show Reefer Madness.
Finally, Gordon Tootoosis portrays Kekata, the knowledgeable medicine man of the Powhatan tribe. When the character begins to sing, Cummings provides the singing voice. Tootoosis has enjoyed a long voiceover career, including roles in the first and second installations of Open season.
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