Ryuk, the mischievous Shinigami who drops the Death Note into the human world, is voiced by two distinct actors across versions. In the Japanese version, Ryuk is voiced by Shidō Nakamura. In the English dub, the character is voiced by Brian Drummond.
Below is a complete profile of Shidō Nakamura, the original Japanese voice of Ryuk.
Shidō Nakamura (Japanese Voice Actor)
Date of Birth
September 14, 1972
About Shidō
Shidō Nakamura is a renowned Japanese actor and kabuki performer who has also contributed to voice acting in select high-profile projects. Coming from a prestigious kabuki lineage, he is known for blending traditional Japanese theater techniques with modern film and anime performances. His deep, textured voice and theatrical delivery made him an ideal choice for Ryuk, giving the character a playful yet ominous presence.
Unlike many full-time voice actors, Nakamura’s anime roles are relatively few, but they are often significant and memorable.
Hometown
Tokyo, Japan
Career Highlights
Shidō Nakamura’s portrayal of Ryuk in Death Note is one of the most iconic Shinigami performances in anime history. His delivery captures Ryuk’s detached amusement, curiosity about humans, and underlying menace.
Other notable work includes:
- Kabuki performances across major theaters in Japan
- Film roles in Red Cliff (as Gan Ning)
- Voice role as Ryuk in Death Note Relight specials
- Appearances in various Japanese television dramas and films
His crossover between traditional kabuki and modern media has earned him widespread recognition both in Japan and internationally.
Full Current Filmography
The following list reflects documented credits from publicly available sources and may not be exhaustive.
Anime
- 2006–2007 – Death Note (Ryuk)
- 2007–2008 – Death Note Relight 1 & 2 (Ryuk)
Film (Selected)
- 2008–2009 – Red Cliff (Gan Ning)
- Various Japanese live-action films and historical dramas
Theater
- Extensive kabuki stage performances (ongoing career; specific productions vary by season and theater)
Critical Reception
Shidō Nakamura’s performance as Ryuk has been widely praised for its theatrical flair and distinctive tone, which sets the character apart from typical anime antagonists or supernatural beings.
- Anime News Network profile: https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=59591
- Wikipedia overview: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shid%C5%8D_Nakamura
Critics often note that his kabuki background enhances his vocal delivery, giving Ryuk a unique cadence and presence that feels both playful and otherworldly.
Brian Drummond (English Voice Actor)
Date of Birth
August 10, 1969
About Brian
Brian Drummond is a Canadian voice actor, director, and acting coach with decades of experience in animation, anime dubbing, and video games. Known for his powerful, gravelly voice and commanding delivery, he has portrayed a wide range of villains, antiheroes, and authoritative figures.
As the English voice of Ryuk in Death Note, Drummond delivers a performance that emphasizes the character’s eerie detachment and dark humor, while maintaining an engaging and almost playful tone that mirrors the original Japanese portrayal.
Hometown
Salmon Arm, British Columbia, Canada
Career Highlights
Brian Drummond’s role as Ryuk is one of his most recognized anime performances, praised for capturing the Shinigami’s sinister amusement and curiosity about human behavior.
He is also widely known for:
- Vegeta (Ocean dub) in Dragon Ball Z
- Copycat / various roles in X-Men: Evolution
- Roles in Inuyasha, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, and Black Lagoon
- Dr. Claw (later portrayals) in Inspector Gadget
Beyond voice acting, Drummond is a respected voice director and mentor in the industry.
Full Current Filmography
The following list reflects documented credits from publicly available sources and may not be exhaustive.
Anime (English Dub)
- 2006–2007 – Death Note (Ryuk)
- 1990s–2000s – Dragon Ball Z (Vegeta – Ocean dub)
- 2000s – Inuyasha (various roles)
- 2004–2005 – Mobile Suit Gundam SEED (various roles)
- 2006 – Black Lagoon (supporting roles)
Western Animation
- 2000–2003 – X-Men: Evolution (various roles including Copycat)
- Inspector Gadget (Dr. Claw – later adaptations)
Video Games (Selected)
- Numerous roles across anime-based and Western game titles (specific credits vary by release and region)
Critical Reception
Brian Drummond’s portrayal of Ryuk has been well received for its balance of menace and humor. His deeper vocal tone compared to the Japanese version gives Ryuk a slightly more ominous edge while still preserving the character’s mischievous personality.
- Anime News Network profile: https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=1281
- Behind The Voice Actors profile: https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Brian-Drummond/
Fans frequently cite his performance as one of the standout elements of the Death Note English dub, particularly for how naturally it aligns with Ryuk’s on-screen presence.
Social Media
Twitter/X: @BrianDrummondVO (https://x.com/BrianDrummondVO)
