Keith David: After 400 roles, first lead in 'President Curtis'

Keith David, known for his deep, resonant voice that has graced everything from 'The Thing' to 'Rick and Morty,' has finally secured his first leading role. The spinoff 'President Curtis' casts him as the U.S. president, allowing him to showcase his full vocal range – from press room speeches to shower singing and fight scenes. 'It's the kind of stuff you can laugh at for days,' David told The Guardian.

David’s journey began in a Harlem boys' choir and continued at Juilliard. His first film role was in John Carpenter's 1982 sci-fi horror 'The Thing,' but a four-year drought followed. To make ends meet, he worked as a shiatsu masseur, charging $30 a session. His career turned with Oliver Stone's 'Platoon,' where he reportedly saved Charlie Sheen's life during a helicopter scene.

As a Black actor in the 1980s and 1990s, David consciously avoided being typecast. 'I want you to understand Black men as full-scope human beings,' he explains. He sought humanity in every role, from hustlers to bishops. Key credits include 'Community' (as Elroy Patashnik), 'Greenleaf' (as Bishop James Greenleaf), and numerous voice roles in 'Rick and Morty.'

Now 70 and recovering from a gym injury, David shows no signs of slowing. He credits his longevity to discipline and selectiveness, learned during lean years. 'My grandmothers lived into their 80s and 90s; my father is about to be 90,' he notes. His advice: 'Don't quit before the blessing.'