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The Multi-Champion Voice: Who Is The Hercule Satan Voice Actor And What Are His Other Iconic Roles?

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The character known as Hercule Satan (or Mr. Satan in the original Japanese and most modern translations) is one of the most enduring and hilarious figures in the entire Dragon Ball franchise. His bombastic ego, combined with a surprising underlying heroism, requires a truly unique voice to pull off. As of December 2025, the most recognized voice in the English-speaking world belongs to the powerhouse voice actor Chris Rager, who has cemented the character's legacy across Dragon Ball Z, GT, and Dragon Ball Super.

The story of Hercule Satan’s voice, however, is a complex tapestry woven by multiple talented individuals across different dubs and a significant generational change in Japan. From the original Japanese legend who defined the role to the current English star who gives him his signature gravelly roar, this is a deep dive into the champions of the microphone who have brought the World Martial Arts Champion to life.

The Reigning Champion: Chris Rager's Biography and Other Iconic Roles

Chris Rager is the American voice actor most closely associated with Hercule Satan for fans of the Funimation English dub, which is the most widely distributed version in the West. Rager has voiced the character consistently through the majority of his appearances, capturing the perfect blend of bluster, cowardice, and occasional, surprising warmth.

Rager's career is marked by a specialization in large, loud, and often comedic characters, making him a fan-favorite in the anime and video game communities. His distinct, gravelly tone is instantly recognizable, transcending the world of *Dragon Ball* into other major franchises.

Chris Rager: Key Biographical Profile

  • Full Name: Christopher Franklin Rager
  • Born: July 5, 1973
  • Nationality: American
  • Primary Affiliation: FUNimation Entertainment (now Crunchyroll)
  • Signature Role: Hercule Satan / Mr. Satan (Dragon Ball Z, GT, Super)
  • Other Notable Roles: King Yemma (Dragon Ball Z), Arlong (One Piece), and Mr. Torgue (Borderlands 2 & 3)

List of Chris Rager's Other Iconic Voice Roles

Rager's work is not limited to the World Martial Arts Champion. He has lent his powerful voice to several other major characters, often sharing the same energetic and over-the-top personality as Hercule:

  • Mr. Torgue High-Fives Flexington: The explosive, muscle-bound, and perpetually shouting character from the Borderlands video game series. This role is arguably Rager's second most famous and showcases his incredible range for comedic intensity.
  • King Yemma: The giant, red-faced judge of the dead in the Dragon Ball franchise, a character Rager voices alongside Mr. Satan.
  • Arlong: The formidable Saw-Shark Fish-Man pirate in the anime One Piece.
  • Veldora Tempest: The powerful Storm Dragon in That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime.
  • Cementoss: The Pro Hero and faculty member at U.A. High School in My Hero Academia.

The Three Eras of the Japanese Voice (Seiyū)

While Western fans primarily know Chris Rager, the Japanese voice actors (known as seiyū) have a rich and evolving history that reflects the character's long tenure. The role of Mr. Satan has been passed down through three legendary voice actors, often due to tragic circumstances, making the character’s legacy one of reverence and continuity.

1. Daisuke Gōri: The Original and Definitive Voice (1992–2010)

The original voice of Mr. Satan was the late Daisuke Gōri, who defined the character's unique sound from his debut in Dragon Ball Z until his passing in 2010. Gōri was a prolific actor known for his deep, authoritative, and often gruff voice, perfectly suited for the World Martial Arts Champion's booming pronouncements.

  • Legacy Roles: Gōri was famous for portraying strong, authoritative figures. His other iconic roles include Heihachi Mishima (in the *Tekken* series before his passing), Dozle Zabi (*Mobile Suit Gundam*), and Franky (in the original run of *One Piece*).
  • Impact: His performance set the benchmark for all future portrayals, embodying the character's larger-than-life persona.

2. Unshō Ishizuka: The Interim Successor (2010–2018)

Following Gōri's death, the role was taken up by the equally respected Unshō Ishizuka, who continued to voice Mr. Satan through the early parts of Dragon Ball Super. Ishizuka was a veteran seiyū with a distinct, mature, and powerful voice that carried the legacy forward.

  • Legacy Roles: Ishizuka's passing in 2018 marked another sad moment for the voice acting community. His other globally recognized roles include Jet Black (*Cowboy Bebop*), Professor Oak (*Pokémon*), Old Joseph Joestar (*JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders*), and Kizaru (*One Piece*).

3. Masashi Ebara: The Current Japanese Voice (2020–Present)

The current Japanese voice actor for Mr. Satan is Masashi Ebara, who took over the role for more recent appearances and video games, continuing the tradition of casting a veteran with a powerful, commanding presence.

  • Legacy Roles: Ebara is a highly versatile actor, known for his narration work and for voicing characters like Might Guy (*Naruto*), and for being the official Japanese dubbing voice for actors like Tom Hanks and Will Smith.

The Different Voices of the English Dubbing Eras

The complexity of Hercule Satan’s voice extends beyond the Funimation cast, particularly for older fans who remember the various English dubs that aired in the 1990s and early 2000s. The character's name itself—Hercule Satan—is a direct result of the early dubs' attempts to censor the name "Mr. Satan," which was deemed too controversial for Western audiences.

The Ocean Dub: Don Brown

Before the Funimation dub became the standard, the Ocean Group (often referred to as the Ocean Dub) produced an English version of *Dragon Ball Z* that aired in Canada and parts of the US. In this dub, the role of Hercule Satan was voiced by Don Brown.

  • Legacy Roles: Don Brown is a Canadian voice actor who has voiced a wide array of characters, including King Piccolo and later Kami in the Ocean Dub of *Dragon Ball Z*, and roles in other anime like *Gundam Wing*.
  • Distinction: His portrayal gave the character a slightly different, often more straightforwardly gruff sound compared to Chris Rager's more overtly comedic, gravelly take.

Topical Authority: Why Hercule Satan's Voice is So Important

The voice of Hercule Satan is crucial to the character's appeal. He is a comedic relief character who is also essential to the plot, particularly during the Buu Saga, where his false bravado and genuine, albeit small, acts of courage save the world.

The voice actors, especially Chris Rager, have to walk a fine line: sounding boastful enough to be convincing to the populace, yet sounding terrified enough to be hilarious when facing a real threat like Cell or Majin Buu. Rager’s ability to shift from a booming, self-aggrandizing yell to a panicked whimper is a key component of the character's enduring charm. The continuous successorship in Japan, from Daisuke Gōri to Unshō Ishizuka and now Masashi Ebara, ensures that the character's legacy remains intact, bridging decades of anime history with a consistent, albeit evolving, vocal identity.

The Multi-Champion Voice: Who is the Hercule Satan Voice Actor and What Are His Other Iconic Roles?
hercule satan voice actor
hercule satan voice actor

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