Jean-Claude Montalban is a French actor primarily recognized for his extensive work in dubbing, where he has lent his voice to numerous animated series and films. He is also a director artistique, contributing to the production of dubbed content.

A graduate of the conservatory in 1964, Montalban initially built a career in live-action performance, appearing in approximately thirty plays, a dozen feature films, and around fifty television series. His transition to dubbing occurred in the 1980s, encouraged by fellow actor Gérard Hernandez, who noticed him during a theatrical performance.

His first major role in animation, and one for which he is best known, was providing the French voice for the titular character Cobra in the series Space Adventure Cobra. He later reprised this role for the feature film Space Adventure Cobra - The Movie and the 2010 series Cobra The Animation: Time Drive, demonstrating a lasting association with the character.

Beyond Cobra, Montalban voiced a wide array of characters in anime and animated series during the 1980s and 1990s. Notable roles include David Duchemin, the protagonist who transforms into the titular hero Wingman in Yume Senshi Wingman, and Johnny Tornade in Arrow Emblem Grand Prix no Taka. He was also the voice of the character Cachou (known as Sniff in English) in both Tanoshii Moomin Ikka and its sequel Tanoshii Moomin Ikka: Bōken Nikki. His filmography includes the role of Basile in the series Mori no Yōki na Kobito-tachi: Berufi to Rirubitto. He also performed narration and multiple character voices in various series, including the French dub of Kimagure Orange Road.

In addition to his anime voice work, Montalban became a highly familiar voice for his regular dubbing of American actors. He is the regular French voice for Jerry Seinfeld in the series Seinfeld and for Bob Saget in productions such as La Fête à la maison (Full House) and How I Met Your Mother. Later in his career, he became known as the recurring French voice for the cameo appearances of Stan Lee in numerous Marvel Cinematic Universe films.

Alongside his acting, Montalban has also worked as a directeur artistique (dubbing director). He served as a plateau director at Studio SOFI, a major French dubbing company, and has devoted more time to direction than to voice acting in his later career. His directing credits include the French versions of the anime series Moero! Top Striker and Super Grand Prix.