Peter Kelamis
A versatile voice actor who brought explosive energy to the iconic hero Goku for a generation of English-speaking Dragon Ball Z fans.
Born 1967 (age 59)·Australian actor·Birthday: December 11·Generation X
Biography
Peter Kelamis built a career on vocal elasticity, shifting seamlessly from the world-saving screams of a Saiyan warrior to the deadpan humor of a cartoon dog. Born in Australia to Greek parents, he cut his teeth in stand-up comedy, a training ground that honed his timing and character work. His big break came when Ocean Productions cast him as the lead in their dub of *Dragon Ball Z*, following the departure of the original voice. Kelamis's take on Goku was distinctly his own—a blend of naive charm and raw, guttural power that defined the character for many fans in Canada and the UK. This high-profile role opened the door to a decades-long voiceover career, where he became a utility player for animated series, lending his pipes to heroes, villains, and comic relief alike. On screen, he balanced this with live-action roles, often playing scientists or everyman characters, proving his talent extended far beyond the sound booth.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Peter was born in 1967, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Peter Was Born
The biggest hits of 1967
#1 Movie
The Jungle Book
Best Picture
In the Heat of the Night
#1 TV Show
The Andy Griffith Show
Peter's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1967Born
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1972Started school
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1980Became a teenager
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1983Could drive
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1985Could vote
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1988Turned 21
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1997Turned 30
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2007Turned 40
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2017Turned 50
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 59 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Voiced Son Goku in the Ocean Group dub of *Dragon Ball Z* and related films, becoming the character's second English voice.
- Provided the voice of Rolf, the eccentric exchange student, on the long-running Cartoon Network series *Ed, Edd n Eddy*.
- Played the recurring role of Dr. Adam Brody on the sci-fi television series *Stargate Universe*.
- Voiced the Autobot Wing Saber in *Transformers: Cybertron*, a key role in the anime-influenced series.
Did You Know?
He is a seasoned stand-up comedian and has performed at comedy festivals across Australia and Canada.
Kelamis also voiced Goku's father, Bardock, in the *Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku* special.
He hosted the Australian version of the children's game show *Fleabag Monkeyface* in the early 1990s.
His live-action TV credits include guest spots on *The X-Files* and *Supernatural*.
“Voice acting is about finding the truth in the cartoon chaos.”
