Isaac Hayes, a renowned musician and composer, successfully brought his charisma and unmistakable baritone voice to both the big and small screen.

Among his most iconic roles, undoubtedly stands out the vocal role of **Chef** in the animated series *South Park* (1997-2006), where his portrayal as a wise and ironic mentor left an indelible mark. On the cinematic front, Hayes appeared in films such as *Blues Brothers 2000* (1998) as Reverend Morris "The Duke" James, leveraging his connection to soul music. He also played Arnel in *Hustle & Flow* (2005), a more dramatic role that showcased his versatility.

His characters were often figures of authority, mentors, or guides, characterized by profound wisdom, an unflappable calm, and, of course, by his imposing screen presence and penetrating voice. While primarily known for his groundbreaking music and the *Shaft* soundtrack, Hayes proved himself to be an actor capable of adding depth and character to his characters.