Cree Summer, one of the most prolific and influential voice actors in television history, is reminding audiences just how deeply her work is woven into pop culture.
Speaking in a recent chat with Entertainment Tonight, the 56-year-old actress revealed she has voiced more than 700 characters, a staggering body of work that spans generations of animated television and film.
“Over 700 voices I’ve done. It’s crazy,” Summer said, laughing at the scope of her career. “At some point, you were listening to this woman over and over.”
For many viewers, Summer’s voice defined childhood—even if they didn’t always know her name. Her credits include beloved classics such as Rugrats, Tiny Toon Adventures, The Proud Family, Animaniacs, and A Different World, where she also made a lasting impact on live-action television.
Among her personal favorites is Elmira Duff from Tiny Toon Adventures, the overly affectionate character known for declaring, “I’m gonna love you and hug you and squeeze you.” Summer recalled immediately connecting with Elmira during the audition process. “She had a durable skull in her bow and I thought, this chick is crazy—and I love her,” she said.
Another role close to her heart is Susie Carmichael from Rugrats. Summer described Susie as groundbreaking, not just for the show, but for representation in animation.
“That was the first time I think I’d seen an animated character that really looked like us,” she explained. As the level-headed child who often looked after the babies and stood up to Angelica, Susie became a cultural touchstone for many viewers.
Summer’s legacy also includes a historic milestone: voicing Princess Kida in Disney’s Atlantis: The Lost Empire.
“I was the first Black Disney princess,” she said, a distinction that continues to resonate with fans who grew up seeing themselves reflected in her characters.
Today, that legacy feels especially personal at home. Summer shared that when she watches television with her daughters, Brave and Hero, they often recognize her voice before she does.
“Something will come on and they’ll say, ‘That’s you, Mommy,’” she said. “And I listen, and I say, ‘Oh, it is me.’”
Beyond nostalgia, Summer’s career highlights the often-unseen labor of voice acting and its power to shape identity, imagination, and culture. With hundreds of characters and decades of work behind her, Cree Summer remains not just a familiar voice but a foundational presence in modern entertainment. Click here to watch a short clip from her interview with @entertainmenttonight.
