Exploring The Voice Behind Tenpenny: Samuel L. Jackson's Iconic Performance

Mrs. Lauryn Mohr 16 Aug 2025

When you think about the most memorable characters in video game history, there's a pretty good chance Frank Tenpenny from Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas comes to mind. This character, a crooked police officer, really stands out for his manipulative ways and overall villainous presence. You see, the person who gives life to such a figure, the tenpenny voice actor, plays a truly important role in how we perceive them. It's almost as if their vocal performance shapes our entire experience with the game, making the character feel incredibly real.

Finding out who voices these characters can be a bit like uncovering a secret, you know? It adds another layer to our appreciation for the game. For Tenpenny, the voice work is a big part of why he's so impactful. His dialogue, the way he delivers those lines, it just sticks with you. So, naturally, people often wonder about the talent behind that distinctive sound.

We're going to take a look at the voice actor who brought Frank Tenpenny to life, someone whose work is quite recognizable. This discussion will cover the impact of that performance and, in a way, show how a voice can really define a character. It's a fascinating subject, especially when you consider how much goes into making a video game character feel authentic, actually.

Who is the Voice Behind Frank Tenpenny?
Biography and Personal Details of Samuel L. Jackson
The Impact of a Distinctive Voice in Gaming
Samuel L. Jackson's Career Beyond Tenpenny
Understanding "Tenpenny" in Different Contexts
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tenpenny Voice Actor

Who is the Voice Behind Frank Tenpenny?

So, the big question for anyone curious about the tenpenny voice actor is, who is it? Well, Frank Tenpenny, the main bad guy in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, is voiced by none other than Samuel L. Jackson. This is a fact that often surprises some folks, but for many, it just makes perfect sense, you know? His voice has a certain quality that really fits the character's personality.

Samuel L. Jackson's involvement gave the character a lot of weight. His delivery brought out Tenpenny's menacing and manipulative traits. You could say, the choice of such a well-known actor really added to the game's overall feel. It's not every day you get a performer of his caliber lending their voice to a video game character, is that right?

His performance as Tenpenny is often talked about by fans of the game. It shows how a voice can make a character truly unforgettable. The way he delivered those lines, the tone he used, it all contributed to Tenpenny being a truly memorable villain. Basically, it was a casting choice that paid off big time.

Biography and Personal Details of Samuel L. Jackson

Let's take a closer look at the person who is the tenpenny voice actor. Samuel L. Jackson is a widely recognized American actor and producer. He has been in a great many films, and his career spans several decades. Born in Washington, D.C., he grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and later attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. He actually got involved in acting during his college years.

His early career saw him performing in various stage productions and smaller film roles. He slowly built a reputation for his strong performances. A big turning point for him came in the early 1990s. From that point on, his presence in movies became much more noticeable. He has worked with many respected directors and acted alongside many famous people, too.

His voice, as we know, is quite distinctive. It's a voice that carries authority and, at times, a clear sense of danger, which worked perfectly for Frank Tenpenny. His ability to deliver lines with a certain intensity has made him a favorite for many roles. So, it's pretty clear why he was chosen for such a pivotal character in a game like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

Personal Details & Bio Data

Detail	Information
Full Name	Samuel Leroy Jackson
Date of Birth	December 21, 1948
Place of Birth	Washington, D.C., U.S.
Occupation	Actor, Producer
Years Active	1972–present
Notable Voice Roles	Frank Tenpenny (GTA: San Andreas), Frozone (The Incredibles), Mace Windu (Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

The Impact of a Distinctive Voice in Gaming

Having a recognizable voice actor like Samuel L. Jackson for a character like Tenpenny really makes a difference. When players hear that voice, there's an immediate connection, you know? It adds a layer of depth to the character that might not be there otherwise. The voice itself becomes a part of the character's identity, which is pretty powerful.

A voice actor brings emotions, intentions, and personality to a character simply through their vocal delivery. For Tenpenny, Samuel L. Jackson's voice conveyed authority, cunning, and a very real threat. It made the character feel more alive and, in a way, more terrifying. This kind of vocal performance is essential for making players truly believe in the world they are experiencing, honestly.

Think about it: a character can look great, but if their voice doesn't match, or if it lacks conviction, the whole illusion can break. The tenpenny voice actor ensured that Tenpenny felt consistent and believable, even when he was doing terrible things. This level of quality in voice work is something that helps a game stand the test of time, too.

Samuel L. Jackson's Career Beyond Tenpenny

While his role as the tenpenny voice actor is certainly notable, Samuel L. Jackson's career goes far beyond that one character. He has been in an incredible number of films, playing a wide range of roles. From action heroes to dramatic figures, he has shown a great deal of versatility. His presence on screen is often quite commanding, which is something many people appreciate.

You might recognize his voice from other animated projects or even commercials. He has lent his vocal talents to characters in popular animated movies, bringing a distinct charm or gravitas to them. This shows his range as a performer, how he can adapt his voice for different kinds of characters. He's not just a live-action actor; his voice work is a big part of his legacy, you know?

His career is a clear example of sustained success in the entertainment world. He continues to take on new projects, keeping his work fresh and interesting for audiences. It's pretty amazing how long he has been at the top of his field. So, while Tenpenny is a great example of his voice acting, it's just one piece of a much larger body of work, basically.

For those interested in his extensive filmography and other voice roles, you can learn more about Samuel L. Jackson's career and many projects on IMDb, which is a great resource for entertainment information.

Understanding "Tenpenny" in Different Contexts

It's interesting to note that the name "Tenpenny" appears in different contexts, not just as a character in a video game. For instance, in "My text," there's mention of "Ten Penny Sports Bar & Grill located in Leavenworth." This place sounds like a local spot for good food, drinks, and good times. Their menu offers a mix of classic favorites and modern dishes, too. They even host fantasy football drafts, which is kind of neat.

Then, there's the "Ten Penny Restaurant & Bar in Leavenworth, KS," which has a good average rating, according to what other diners have said. It seems like a popular American restaurant. This shows how a name can have multiple meanings, you know? It's not just about the character; it can also refer to a business or a place where people gather.

And, if you look at the meaning of the word itself, "tenpenny" can mean "amounting to, worth, or costing 10 pennies." So, the term has roots in currency and value. This just goes to show how words and names can pop up in all sorts of places with different significances. It's a bit like how different tools help in big projects, whether it's managing construction with software like Procore, or crafting character voices; each piece matters. We often discuss various tools and methods, like how "Procore is the best construction project management software," or how some users "switch from Buildertrend to Procore," or even "what does Procore suck at doing." These discussions, like the name "Tenpenny," show how varied our topics can be, actually. You can learn more about project management solutions on our site, and also find details on how different systems compare for various tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Tenpenny Voice Actor

Who is the actor for Frank Tenpenny in GTA San Andreas?

The actor who provides the voice for Frank Tenpenny in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is Samuel L. Jackson. His performance really helped define the character, giving him a memorable and truly villainous presence, you know? It was a very fitting choice for the role.

What other famous characters has Samuel L. Jackson voiced?

Samuel L. Jackson has voiced several other well-known characters in addition to Frank Tenpenny. For example, he is the voice of Frozone in Disney Pixar's "The Incredibles" movies. He also voiced Mace Windu in "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" animated series. His voice work is pretty extensive, actually.

Is Frank Tenpenny the main antagonist in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas?

Yes, Frank Tenpenny is indeed the primary antagonist in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. He is a corrupt police officer who causes a great deal of trouble for the main character, Carl "CJ" Johnson, throughout the game's story. His actions drive much of the plot, so he's very central to the story, basically.

Voice Actor - GORILLA VS. BEAR

Voice Actor Requirements: Everything You Need to Get Started

The Simpsons Voice Actor Pamela Hayden Leaving After 35 Years - WireFan

VeriScope News

Exploring The Voice Behind Tenpenny: Samuel L. Jackson's Iconic Performance

Table of Contents