If you grew up watching TV in the 80s or 90s, you know Bumper Robinson. You just might not realize it. Honestly, the guy is everywhere. He’s the ultimate "hey, it’s that guy" actor who transitioned from being a prolific child star to a literal voice-acting titan.
Most people remember him as the kid who could go toe-to-toe with legends, but his resume is a wild ride through Hollywood history. From playing a young alien in a sci-fi cult classic to voicing a billionaire in the latest noir Batman reimagining, the breadth of Bumper Robinson movies and TV shows is actually kind of staggering when you look at it all at once.
The Child Star Who Never Burned Out
Let’s go back to 1985. Bumper—born Larry Clarence Robinson II—landed a role that would traumatize and touch an entire generation: Zammis in Enemy Mine. He played the offspring of Louis Gossett Jr.’s alien character. It was a heavy, emotional role for a kid, and he nailed it. He even had his birth date, June 19th, hidden on a football jersey in the film.
Funny thing about the name "Bumper." His dad gave it to him because he kept running into things while learning to walk. It stuck. And it worked. By the time he was a teenager, he was a staple on sitcoms like Amen and Night Court.
He wasn't just a guest star. He was a presence. He played the son of O.J. Simpson in Cocaine and Blue Eyes and then, a decade later, played O.J. himself in The O.J. Simpson Story. Talk about a full-circle moment that probably feels a bit surreal in hindsight.
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Sitcom Royalty and 90s Heartthrob Status
If you weren't watching sci-fi, you were definitely watching him on A Different World. His role as Dorian Heywood is legendary, especially the episode featuring Tupac Shakur. It’s one of those "if you know, you know" moments of 90s Black television.
He stayed busy. Like, really busy.
- Living Single (playing Ivan Ennis)
- Sister, Sister
- The Steve Harvey Show
- Hangin' with Mr. Cooper
Basically, if a show was a hit in the 90s, Bumper Robinson probably walked onto the set at some point. He even joined the cast of Sabrina the Teenage Witch later on. He was the quintessential utility player—reliable, charismatic, and always working.
The Voice Behind Your Favorite Heroes
Then something shifted. While he never stopped doing live-action—appearing in things like Bones or the 2020 series #blackAF—he became a absolute powerhouse in the world of animation.
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If you’ve watched a superhero cartoon in the last twenty years, you’ve heard him. He’s Sam Wilson (Falcon) in Avengers Assemble. He’s Cyborg in Justice League: Doom. He’s even voiced War Machine.
But for many fans, his crowning achievement is Transformers: Animated. He didn't just voice one character; he voiced Bumblebee, Blitzwing, and Blackout. Playing three distinct characters in one show is a flex. It’s the kind of range that keeps you employed for decades.
Why Rook Blonko Matters
In the Ben 10: Omniverse era, Bumper took on Rook Blonko. It wasn't just another voice job. Rook became a fan favorite because of the dry, logical delivery Bumper brought to the character. It’s a testament to his skill that he can take a literal alien and make him the most relatable guy in the room.
Modern Success: 2024 and Beyond
Fast forward to right now. In 2024 and 2025, Bumper hasn't slowed down a bit. He recently took on the iconic role of Lucius Fox in Batman: Caped Crusader on Amazon Prime. It’s a noir-heavy, 1940s-inspired take, and his voice fits that gritty, sophisticated vibe perfectly.
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He’s also popping up in:
- Spidey and His Amazing Friends (as The Lizard)
- Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur
- Max & the Midknights
- Interior Chinatown
He’s also a massive name on the convention circuit. He’s scheduled for TFcon Orlando in late 2026, where he’ll likely be swamped by Transformers fans. It’s a long way from being the kid who "bumped" into furniture.
The Bumper Robinson Movies and TV Shows You Should Rewatch
If you want to appreciate the evolution, start with Enemy Mine. See the raw talent. Then jump to A Different World for the charm. Finally, put on Transformers: Animated or Justice League: Doom and try to wrap your head around the fact that it’s the same guy.
Most actors are lucky to have one "era." Bumper Robinson has had about four. He survived the child star curse, dominated the sitcom world, and then reinvented himself as a voice acting legend.
Next Steps for the Bumper Superfan:
- Track down "The Deacon Street Deer": It’s a 1986 Disney TV movie where Bumper became the first African-American child actor to star in a Disney film. It’s a piece of history that’s often overlooked.
- Listen for the range: Watch an episode of Transformers: Animated and try to spot the moment he switches from the high-energy Bumblebee to the chaotic, triple-personality Blitzwing.
- Check out the video games: He’s the voice of the male Tourist in The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners and has roles in Starfield and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.