Charles Brandon Potter, born on 28 July 1982, is an American voice and television actor celebrated for his powerful baritone and commanding yet empathetic delivery. Beyond anime, his work spans video games, audiobooks, commercials, and live-action acting. He’s also an accomplished ADR director, writer, and stage performer, making him one of the most versatile figures in modern dubbing and performance.
Potter’s theatre background includes starring roles at the Tony Award-winning Dallas Theatre Centre. In 2016, he was nominated for the BTVA Anime Dub Television/OVA Voice Acting Award for Best Male Lead Vocal Performance for his work as Nicolas Brown in Gangsta, a testament to his nuanced approach to characterisation and emotional delivery.
Voice Acting Style
Brandon Potter describes his voice as a “warm, textured baritone” suited to both grounded, reassuring tones and authoritative or intense performances. His dubbing philosophy emphasises respect for the original Japanese actors: while he brings his own emotional depth and cadence to a role, he’s careful to align his portrayal with the essence of the character as conceived in the original.
When discussing his long-running role as Shanks in One Piece, Potter explained that his goal isn’t to replace the Japanese voice but to interpret it faithfully for an English-speaking audience. This thoughtful balance between authenticity and originality defines his distinctive style.
Notable Anime Roles Voiced by Brandon Potter
- Shanks in One Piece
Potter’s portrayal of Shanks has become iconic among English-speaking fans. He captures the pirate’s calm confidence, quiet wisdom, and emotional gravitas. While Shanks doesn’t appear often, every line carries weight, and Potter’s measured delivery reinforces the character’s legendary status. In One Piece Film: Red, he explored new dimensions of Shanks, voicing more emotionally charged moments that revealed the captain’s vulnerability beneath his usual composure. - Sven Vollfied in Black Cat
As Sven, Potter blends dry wit with moral conviction, giving life to the former IBI agent turned bounty hunter. His tone balances world-weariness with warmth, embodying Sven’s role as both protector and comic foil to Train Heartnet. It’s a performance that captures the heart of a classic anime “cool uncle” archetype, sharp, tired, but endlessly loyal. - Nicolas Brown in Gangsta.
Potter’s Nicolas is a powerful yet tragic figure, a deaf mercenary navigating violence and vulnerability. The performance earned him award recognition for its emotional authenticity. His restrained tone and physical vocalisation give Nicolas a raw presence that conveys both exhaustion and quiet strength. - Kenji Harima in School Rumble
In contrast to his more stoic roles, Potter’s Harima bursts with energy and comedic chaos. His gruff voice turns unexpectedly endearing as Harima’s tough-guy exterior crumbles into awkward affection. It’s a testament to Potter’s range, from serious drama to romantic comedy without missing a beat. - Rhya in Black Clover
Potter’s portrayal of Rhya carries the seductive charm and lazy cunning of the character, laced with hints of melancholy. His smooth vocal tone softens Rhya’s more antagonistic traits, making him an oddly likeable presence despite his morally grey nature. - Yukinori Shinohara in Tokyo Ghoul √A
As the pragmatic but compassionate CCG investigator, Potter infuses Shinohara with a grounded sense of duty and humanity. His calm, mature tone anchors the emotional turbulence of the series, particularly in the arcs where Shinohara becomes a moral compass. - Fango in 91 Days
Potter’s work as Fango shows his ability to lean into eccentric and unsettling performances. His manic, unpredictable energy drives the tension in every scene, contrasting sharply with his typically reserved delivery in other roles. - Gazelle in Eureka Seven: AO
As Gazelle, Potter delivers a performance of charisma and leadership, embodying the rogue smuggler’s balance between independence and camaraderie. His tone gives Gazelle a cool, older-brother energy that complements the show’s adventurous spirit.
Brandon Potter’s Impact on the Voice Acting Industry
Brandon Potter’s contributions extend far beyond performance. As a voice actor, ADR director, and scriptwriter for Funimation (now Crunchyroll), NYAV Post, and OkraTron 5000, he has helped shape the tone and authenticity of English anime dubbing over the last two decades. His approach champions performance integrity, ensuring that emotional beats, humour, and intensity survive translation.
He’s known for bringing depth to supporting characters who might otherwise fade into the background, turning them into memorable, human figures. His body of work, hundreds of dubs across anime and games, represents the evolution of English dubbing from its early experimental years to today’s highly professional standard.
Where to Follow Brandon Potter
Fans can find Brandon Potter on:
- Instagram: @brandonpotterofficial
- Anime News Network: Brandon Potter Profile
- His website: nowpotternow.com
If you’ve ever found yourself recognising that deep, steady voice across different anime, from Karneval to Black Cat to One Piece, you’re not imagining it. Brandon Potter has one of the most distinctive and emotionally grounded voices in the industry. Once you hear him, you can’t unhear him; and that’s the mark of a true voice actor who leaves a lasting impression.
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