She Played Freddie on “A Different World.” See Cree Summer Now at 52.

Cree Summer: From “A Different World” to Voice Acting Legend

Introduction

Cree Summer is a versatile and talented actor who has made a significant impact in both live-action and voice acting roles. While her portrayal of Freddie Brooks in the beloved sitcom “A Different World” introduced her to the world of live-action acting, Summer has truly become a legend in the world of voice work. With her distinctive and versatile voice, she has given life to numerous iconic characters in animated series and films. Let’s explore her journey from her early days on “A Different World” to her current status as a voice acting powerhouse.

Early Career and Breakthrough

Summer’s first major live-action role came in the form of Freddie Brooks, a quirky and good-natured college friend of Denise Huxtable on the NBC Cosby Show spinoff, “A Different World.” However, even before her onscreen debut, she had already made her mark in the world of animation. Her first credit was playing Penny in the animated series “Inspector Gadget.” The role of Freddie allowed Summer to showcase her acting skills, and she quickly became a fan favorite among viewers.

A Voice Acting Legend

Summer’s true prowess lies in her exceptional voice acting abilities. Since she began her voice acting career in 1983, she has lent her voice to hundreds of characters in TV shows, movies, and video games. Her most well-known roles include Susie Carmichael in “Rugrats,” Elmyra Diff in “Tiny Toon Adventures,” and Peabo in “The Proud Family,” among many others. Summer’s voice has become a familiar presence to anyone who has watched cartoons in the past two decades.

Currently, Summer is actively involved in “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder,” a reboot of the early 2000s Disney channel series. She also lends her voice to Madame Xanadu, Mary West, and Mattie Harcourt in “Young Justice.” Additionally, she has two upcoming voice projects: “The Magician’s Elephant,” set to be released in 2023, and the TV series “Star Wars: Detours.”

Cree Summer in 1991

Representation Matters

Summer understands the importance of voicing Black characters in the world of animation. In a 2018 interview with Great Big Story, she expressed her commitment to ensuring that these characters are portrayed authentically. She emphasized the significance of her role as Susie Carmichael in “Rugrats,” stating that it was essential for Susie to sound smart and well-spoken, as there were not many brown girls represented in cartoons at the time.

Cree Summer in 2001

Return to Live-Action

While Summer’s career has predominantly revolved around voice acting, she has also made notable appearances in live-action roles. One such role is Lenny, one of Pamela Adlon’s character Sam’s friends, on the series “Better Things.” Adlon, who is also the showrunner, specifically sought out Summer for the part. Adlon described the experience as pulling Summer out of mothballs, as she had not worked in front of the camera for 25 years.

Summer’s recent live-action roles include two episodes of “Queen Sugar” in 2019 and 2020, as well as a guest role as a vampire aerobics instructor/cult leader in “What We Do in the Shadows” in 2021.

Cree Summer in 2022

Personal Life and Motherhood

For the past 10 years, Summer was married to Angelo Pullen, co-founder of the financial services app Able. However, in a May 2022 interview with StyleLikeU, she revealed that they had recently separated. Together, they have two daughters named Brave (born in 2011) and Hero (born in 2013). Summer now embraces the role of a single mother, which she describes as both challenging and rewarding.

On her Instagram account, Summer frequently shares moments with her daughters. In one funny video, her daughter Brave playfully scolds her for throwing away some of her kindergarten artwork, showcasing the loving and humorous bond between mother and child.

Cree Summer in 2022

Music and Activism

Aside from her acting career, Summer is also a talented rock and soul musician. She has a close relationship with Lenny Kravitz, the former co-star and ex-husband of Lisa Bonet, with whom she collaborated on her 1999 album “Street Faërie.” She even toured with Kravitz as an opening act. One of her music videos for the song “Savior Self” features Bonet and Kravitz’s daughter, Zoë.

Summer’s social media platforms reflect her activism and commitment to important causes. She uses her voice to support movements like Black Lives Matter and advocate for abortion rights and other progressive initiatives.

Conclusion

Cree Summer has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry through her diverse talents as an actor and musician. From her breakout role as Freddie Brooks on “A Different World” to her iconic voice work in animated series, she has captivated audiences with her unique voice and versatile performances. As she continues to pursue her passions and advocate for important causes, Summer remains a true inspiration in the world of entertainment.

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