Discover Khary Payton, the versatile American actor currently popular for his powerful voice work as Cyborg in DC animations and his memorable live-action role as King Ezekiel in AMC's The Walking Dead. Born in 1972, Payton, 54, continues to captivate audiences with his dynamic performances, cementing his status as a beloved figure in Hollywood. Explore his iconic roles, career journey, and recent projects that keep him a trending topic among U.S. entertainment enthusiasts, highlighting his enduring appeal in both animation and live-action genres.

Khary Payton continues to be a vibrant and influential force in American entertainment, captivating audiences with his iconic voice work as DC's Cyborg and his unforgettable live-action portrayal of King Ezekiel in The Walking Dead. His consistent presence in beloved franchises, coupled with his engaging personality, keeps him at the forefront of pop culture conversations, showcasing an enduring appeal that transcends genres and generations.

People Also Ask About Khary Payton

Here are some of the latest trending questions about Khary Payton among U.S. audiences:

Is Khary Payton still voicing Cyborg?

Yes, Khary Payton very much continues to be the voice of Cyborg across numerous DC animated projects, including recent series, movies, and video games. He has become synonymous with the character for a generation of fans, a testament to his consistent and beloved portrayal.

What happened to King Ezekiel in The Walking Dead?

King Ezekiel, portrayed by Khary Payton, underwent significant character development in The Walking Dead. While he faced many losses and personal struggles, including a battle with cancer, he survived the main series, evolving into a council member and eventually the governor of the Commonwealth, demonstrating resilience and leadership.

How did Khary Payton get into voice acting?

Khary Payton began his acting career in the 1990s, quickly finding a niche in voice acting due to his distinctive voice and versatility. He landed early roles in shows like 'Street Sharks' and 'The Proud Family,' which paved the way for his breakout role as Cyborg in 'Teen Titans,' establishing him as a prominent voice talent.

Does Khary Payton appear at conventions?

Yes, Khary Payton is well-known for his active participation in fan conventions and comic cons across the United States. He frequently attends events like San Diego Comic-Con and various 'Walking Dead' conventions, where he enjoys meeting fans, signing autographs, and participating in panels.

What type of roles does Khary Payton typically play?

Khary Payton is known for his versatility, often playing characters with strong moral compasses, a sense of humor, and leadership qualities. He frequently voices powerful heroes like Cyborg and Aqualad, as well as complex, charismatic leaders in live-action such as King Ezekiel, demonstrating his wide-ranging talent.

Is Khary Payton active on social media?

Yes, Khary Payton is quite active on social media platforms like Twitter (X) and Instagram. He uses these channels to engage with his fans, share updates on his projects, offer behind-the-scenes glimpses, and express his views, maintaining a vibrant and accessible online presence.

What is Khary Payton's most recognizable voice?

Khary Payton's most recognizable voice is arguably that of Cyborg, especially the version from 'Teen Titans' and 'Teen Titans Go!' His enthusiastic, often comedic, and deeply empathetic portrayal of the cybernetic hero has left an indelible mark on pop culture and is instantly identifiable to millions of viewers worldwide.

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Last updated: 2026-06

Who is Khary Payton? The Voice Behind Cyborg and King Ezekiel

Khary Payton is an esteemed American actor whose versatile career spans both iconic voice acting roles and memorable live-action performances, making him a household name in the entertainment industry. He is most widely recognized for lending his voice to Cyborg in various DC animated projects, including the popular Teen Titans series, and for his captivating portrayal of King Ezekiel in AMC's hit zombie drama, The Walking Dead.

Quick Facts About Khary Payton

Who is Khary Payton?

Khary Payton is a highly respected American actor known for his extensive work across animation, video games, and live-action television. He has built a formidable career on the strength of his distinctive voice and compelling on-screen presence, becoming particularly beloved by fans of superhero franchises and post-apocalyptic dramas alike. Payton's ability to imbue characters with depth and charisma has cemented his status as a prominent figure in pop culture.

How old is Khary Payton / date of birth?

Khary Payton was born on May 16, 1972. As of June 2026, he is 54 years old. His birth date places him as a Taurus, a sign often associated with determination and a strong work ethic, traits that are clearly reflected in his long and successful career.

What is Khary Payton known for?

Khary Payton is primarily known for two major roles that highlight his incredible range: voicing Cyborg in numerous DC Comics animated productions since the early 2000s, and his acclaimed live-action portrayal of King Ezekiel, the charismatic leader of The Kingdom, in The Walking Dead. Beyond these iconic characters, his impressive filmography includes hundreds of voice roles across popular cartoons like Teen Titans Go!, Young Justice, and Transformers, making him a staple in animation for a generation of fans.

What is Khary Payton net worth in 2026?

As of 2026, Khary Payton's net worth is estimated to be between $4 million and $8 million. This figure reflects his decades-long career in Hollywood, encompassing consistent work in lucrative voice acting roles for major franchises, significant earnings from his prominent role in The Walking Dead, and various other acting and appearance fees. While precise figures are rarely disclosed, his sustained success across multiple high-profile projects contributes significantly to his estimated wealth.

Who is Khary Payton dating / married to?

Khary Payton is married to Stacy Reed Payton. The couple shares a loving relationship and are parents to their children. He occasionally shares glimpses of his family life on social media, often celebrating his wife and kids, though he maintains a relatively private personal life outside of his professional endeavors. Stacy Reed Payton is a talented artist and frequently collaborates with Khary on creative projects.

What are Khary Payton most popular works/achievements?

Khary Payton's most popular works and achievements include:

• Cyborg (DC Animated Universe): His voice work as Victor Stone/Cyborg across multiple series (Teen Titans, Teen Titans Go!, Justice League Action, Young Justice) and direct-to-video films has made him the definitive voice for the character for many fans.
• King Ezekiel (The Walking Dead): His performance as the flamboyant yet compassionate leader, King Ezekiel, earned him critical praise and a dedicated fanbase in the live-action realm from 2016 to 2022.
• Aqualad/Kaldur'ahm (Young Justice): Another beloved DC voice role, where he brought depth and leadership to the character of Aqualad.
• Grimlock (Transformers: Robots in Disguise): Showcasing his versatility, Payton voiced the powerful Dinobot Grimlock in the popular Transformers animated series.
• Video Game Roles: He has lent his voice to numerous popular video games, including Kingdom Hearts III, Marvel's Midnight Suns, and the Injustice series, further expanding his reach within the gaming community.

What is Khary Payton doing now (latest news)?

As of 2026, Khary Payton remains incredibly active in the entertainment industry. He continues to voice Cyborg in ongoing and new DC animated projects, ensuring his beloved character's presence endures. Fans can also look forward to his consistent presence at comic conventions and fan events across the U.S., where he frequently engages with his loyal audience. While The Walking Dead series concluded its main run, his impact on the franchise is still celebrated, and he often participates in related discussions and retrospective content. He is also actively involved in various independent voice acting projects and exploring new live-action opportunities, always seeking fresh creative challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Khary Payton?

Khary Payton stands at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) tall. His height is considered average, and he carries himself with a commanding presence that often belies his stature, particularly in his live-action roles where his personality shines brightly.

Does Khary Payton have kids?

Yes, Khary Payton has children with his wife, Stacy Reed Payton. While he generally keeps details about his family private, he occasionally shares heartwarming moments with his kids on social media, demonstrating his devotion as a father.

What awards has Khary Payton won?

While Khary Payton hasn't won major individual industry awards like Emmys for his roles, he has been recognized and celebrated by fans and specific animation communities. His work on Teen Titans and The Walking Dead has garnered immense popularity and critical appreciation, cementing his iconic status among dedicated viewers.

Is Khary Payton still involved with The Walking Dead universe?

While the main series of The Walking Dead concluded, Khary Payton's character, King Ezekiel, remains a significant part of its legacy. Payton continues to engage with the Walking Dead fanbase at conventions and interviews, reflecting on his time in the post-apocalyptic world and the impact of the show.

What other voice roles has Khary Payton had besides Cyborg?

Beyond Cyborg, Khary Payton has an extensive list of voice roles, including Aqualad in Young Justice, Grimlock in Transformers: Robots in Disguise, Blade in Marvel Future Avengers, and roles in various Ben 10 and Justice League animated series. His range allows him to embody heroes, villains, and comedic characters with equal skill.

What is Khary Payton's ethnicity?

Khary Payton is African American. He often speaks about his background and experiences, contributing to broader discussions about representation and diversity within the entertainment industry, using his platform to promote positive change.

Where does Khary Payton live?

While Khary Payton maintains a degree of privacy regarding his specific residence, he is based in the United States, likely residing in the Los Angeles area, given his extensive work in the film and television industry centered there. This allows him easy access to recording studios and production sets.

What are Khary Payton's upcoming projects?

Khary Payton consistently has new voice acting projects in development, particularly within the animation and video game spheres for major studios. Fans can anticipate more announcements from DC animated properties and potentially new live-action roles as scripts and productions continue to evolve in the industry. He often hints at new work via his social media channels.

Conclusion

Khary Payton stands as a true titan in entertainment, celebrated for his indelible contributions to both animation and live-action television. His enduring popularity is a testament to his talent, versatility, and ability to connect with audiences through a diverse array of memorable characters. Keep an eye on his social media and official news outlets for his latest exciting ventures.

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Related Entities: DC Universe, Teen Titans Go!, The Kingdom, Robert Kirkman, Greg Cipes, Tara Strong, Scott Menville, Lauren Cohan, Norman Reedus, Jeffrey Dean Morgan

External Authority Keywords: DC Comics Official, AMC The Walking Dead Official

Long-Tail Keyword Variations: 'Khary Payton voice acting career timeline', 'What is Khary Payton's family life like', 'Khary Payton King Ezekiel quotes', 'Where to watch Khary Payton voice roles', 'Khary Payton charity work and advocacy'

Khary Payton is renowned for his dual impact in Hollywood, excelling as a prolific voice actor, most notably as Cyborg in various DC animated projects since 2000, and gaining significant mainstream recognition for his live-action portrayal of King Ezekiel in The Walking Dead. His career also spans numerous video games and animated series, showcasing his incredible vocal range and versatility. Payton is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts and active engagement with his fanbase.