Tessyo Genda (玄田 哲章, Genda Tesshō, born May 20, 1948 in Okayama Prefecture) is a Japanese voice actor and ballet dancer. He began his acting career in high school and attended Toho Performing Arts Academy. After being rejected by theater companies Bungakuza and Gekidan Kumo, he joined Gekidan Baraza in 1970 and remained there for 17 years. Genda is known as "Pirouette Genda" to fans. At the suggestion of director Nachi Nozawa, he tried voice acting in Science Ninja Team the Gatchaman. Despite his initial difficulties, he became more comfortable with the medium and won the Merit Awards during the 4th Seiyu Awards.
Genda's deep bass pitch makes him the standard go-to for strong manly characters. He usually serves as the official Japanese voice for actors like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stalone, and Samuel L. Jackson. His roles include Action Mask in Crayon Shin-chan, Professor D'Artagnan in Zatch Bell!, and Optimus Prime in the Transformers films.
Works[]
- Ieyasu Tokugawa - Kessen
- Zhang Fei - Kessen II, Shin Sangokushi
- Beggur - Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana
- Gengai - Ar tonelico Qoga: Knell of Ar Ciel
- Dozle Zabi - Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 3, Dynasty Warriors: Gundam Reborn
- King of Orenka - Dragon Quest Heroes II
- Ganishka - BERSERK 2016 TV series, BERSERK and the Band of the Hawk
- Tadakatsu Honda - Nioh
- Yang - Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia
- Dong Zhuo - Shin Sangokushi
- Kaido - One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4; reprise of his role in the anime