William Frederick Knight
Voice ActorWilliam Frederick Knight was an American actor who provided voices for many English-language anime and game dubs, remembered by Naruto fans as the voice of the Leaf Village elder Danzo Shimura in Studio Pierrot's series.
Naruto Role
In the English dub of Naruto: Shippuden, Knight voices Danzo Shimura, the bandaged, scheming elder who leads the Root division of the ANBU and maneuvers for control of the Hidden Leaf. The part fit his frequent casting as stern, powerful older men, giving Danzo a dry authority that masks his ruthless ambition. It stands among his later anime credits before his death.
Career and Notable Roles
Knight spent decades acting across television, film, and voice work, often playing the wise or commanding elder. In anime dubbing his roles included Daisuke Aramaki in Ghost in the Shell, Gordon Rosewater in The Big O, and one of the Sages in Eureka Seven. He also appeared in live-action sketches and series and kept working steadily until his death in North Hollywood in 2022 at the age of eighty-eight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was William Frederick Knight known for?
William Frederick Knight was frequently cast as wise or commanding elder men, with anime dubbing credits including Daisuke Aramaki in Ghost in the Shell alongside his Naruto work.
Who voices Danzo in Naruto?
William Frederick Knight voices Danzo Shimura in the English dub of Naruto: Shippuden, the bandaged elder who leads the Root division of the ANBU and maneuvers for control of the Hidden Leaf.
What other anime roles did William Frederick Knight play?
Knight also voiced Gordon Rosewater in The Big O and one of the Sages in Eureka Seven.
Did William Frederick Knight work outside of voice acting?
Yes, he spent decades acting across television, film, and voice work, including appearances in live-action sketches and series.
When did William Frederick Knight pass away?
Knight, born in 1933, died in North Hollywood in 2022 at the age of eighty-eight, having worked steadily since 1966.
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Sources & Information
This content is original writing by Daddy Jim Anime based on the Naruto anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Rights holders
- Created byMasashi Kishimoto
- Published byShueisha
- Animated byStudio Pierrot
All rights belong to their respective owners.
Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Anime, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:
- Movie pages: theatrical posters and key visuals, credited to Studio Pierrot and Toho.
- Game pages: official box art for the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm games, credited to Bandai Namco.
- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Masashi Kishimoto.
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