Norio Wakamoto is a celebrated Japanese voice actor and narrator, renowned for his distinctive, powerful voice and compelling performances across anime, video games, and dubbing for over five decades. He is affiliated with the talent agency Sigma Seven.

Born on October 18, 1945, in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, and raised in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, Wakamoto's path to voice acting was unconventional. He graduated from the prestigious Waseda University with a law degree. Following his education, he joined the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, where he served in the riot squad. After leaving the police force, he eventually transitioned to voice acting, making his debut in 1972 with a role in the American television series The F.B.I..

Wakamoto's voice is characterized by its sharp, resonant quality and a unique, almost musical intonation that commands attention. This has made him a frequent and memorable choice for authoritative figures, particularly villains, emperors, and narrators, though his range extends to comedic and gentle roles as well. His intense preparation and distinctive delivery have led to instances where animators adjusted character movements to match his performance.

He holds black belt ranks in martial arts, including Shorinji Kempo (3-dan) and kendo (2-dan), and has studied various other disciplines, which inform the physical authenticity in his action-oriented roles. On adult-oriented works, he sometimes uses the pseudonym Kyōnosuke Hiruma.

Among his vast and diverse filmography, which includes many of the roles specified by the user, his most iconic performances are:

Cell in the Dragon Ball Z series, including Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Z Kai, and the film Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (as Cell Max).
Oskar von Reuenthal in the Legend of the Galactic Heroes series and its film, My Conquest is the Sea of Stars.
Charles zi Britannia in Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion.
Oda Nobunaga in the Sengoku Basara franchise, including the series Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings and the film The Last Party, as well as the comedy spin-off Gakuen Basara: Samurai High School.
Vicious in Cowboy Bebop.
Katakuriko Matsudaira in the Gintama anime series and its final film.
Hol Horse in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.
The Narrator in series such as Hayate the Combat Butler and Spelunker Sensei.
Kagato in the Tenchi Muyo! franchise.
Shapiro Keats in Dancouga - Super Beast Machine God.
Deus Ex Machina in Mirai Nikki (The Future Diary).
Biagio Busoni in A Certain Magical Index II and III.
Game Master in I'm Standing on 1,000,000 Lives.
His Excellency in Planet With.
Pipimi in Pop Team Epic.
Paul Radhabinod in Muv-Luv Alternative.
Goro Otaki in the Detective Conan franchise.
Robert T. Sturgeon in Ninja Ryūkenden.
Onsokumaru in Ninja Nonsense.
Father Alexander Anderson in Hellsing Ultimate.
Gargoyle in Gargoyle of Yoshinaga House.
Enma Daiou in Ghastly Prince Enma Burning Up.
General Godwin in Dog Days.
Youzou Torii in Ghost Slayers Ayashi.
Chief Ilita in Space Pirate Captain Herlock The Endless Odyssey.
Serge Echigo in Heat Guy J.
Sabu in Stop! Hibari-kun.
Tama in Kiddy Girl-AND.
Will in Jūsō Kikō Dancouga Nova.
Ganzack in One Piece: Defeat The Pirate Ganzak!.
David Rockford in Makyū Senjō 2 (Dark Warrior).
Nagamimi in Requiem from the Darkness.
Scarl in Cyborg 009 The Cyborg Soldier.
Miroku in Madara.
Commander Wakamoto in Virgin Fleet.
Vidmenir "Knu" Knume in They Were 11.
Susanoh in Guardian of Darkness.
Oswald Lisker/Guyver II in The Guyver: Bio-Booster Armor.
Taisou in Giant Robo.
Juzo Hasegawa in Cyber City Oedo 808.
Capt. Mitsuru Konishi in 801 T.T.S. Airbats.
Hirooka in Mezzo Forte.
Kaosu in Legendary Armor Samurai Troopers (Ronin Warriors).
Suikakujū in Urotsukidōji: Legend of the Overfiend.
Araki Mataemon in Ninja Resurrection.
Yasaburo Manajiri in Puppet Princess.
Matoi Shinkai in Kishin Corps.
Balder in Bayonetta: Bloody Fate.
Gyalo in Tibetan Dog.
Kōichirō Ōta in Gunbuster vs Diebuster Aim for the Top! The GATTAI!! Movie.
Kyle in Once Upon a Time (Windaria).
Garuda in Quiz Magic Academy - The Original Animation 2.
Iron Kiba in Shootfighter Tekken.
Genji Hakuryu in Goku: Midnight Eye.
Otokichi Nakane in Ushiro no Shōmen Daare.
Youji Yagami in Yagami-kun's Family Affairs.

Norio Wakamoto's legacy is that of a once-in-a-generation talent whose voice has become synonymous with power, villainy, and unforgettable character work, leaving an indelible mark on the anime industry.