17 Actresses With Memorably Raspy Voices

A raspy, smoky voice can lend an actress intrigue and distinction. Let’s look at 17 talented actresses who have capitalized on their uniquely raspy vocal qualities:

1. Kathleen Turner

Kathleen Turner’s famously husky voice matched her sultry film noir persona in Body Heat and other 80s hits.

2. Lauren Bacall

A original Hollywood femme fatale, Lauren Bacall spoke with a deep, raspy purr that enchanted audiences.

3. Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson often puts her recognizably raspy voice to use in sultry roles like Sing 2 and Her.

4. Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe’s breathy, delicate rasp remains iconic. She once said, “I learned to pitch my voice lower. A deep voice makes more impression.”

5. Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie’s famously raspy voice complements her action heroine and femme fatale roles.

6. Demi Moore

Demi Moore’s smoky rasp brought distinction to her 80s and 90s dramatic performances.

7. Kim Cattrall

Kim Cattrall’s portrayal of Samantha on Sex and the City was aided by her signature throaty, raspy voice.

8. Toni Collette

Chameleon-like actress Toni Collette adjusts her naturally raspy voice to inhabit diverse characters.

9. Bette Midler

Singer and actress Bette Midler’s powerful, raspy vocals match her larger-than-life stage persona.

10. Joan Cusack

Comedic actress Joan Cusack’s idiosyncratic rasp has enhanced zany portrayals in School of Rock and more.

11. Jennifer Tilly

Jennifer Tilly’s high-pitched rasp makes her a natural at voicing cartoon bombshells like Family Guy’s Bonnie.

12. Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Julia Louis-Dreyfus can go from a raspy purr as Elaine on Seinfeld to her higher-pitched Veep character.

13. Gina Gershon

Gina Gershon’s distinctive vocal rasp helped make her a gay icon in films like Showgirls and Bound.

14. Judy Garland

Judy Garland’s singing had a noticeable rasp that injected her vocals with feeling and vulnerability.

15. Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt’s memorably exotic, raspy purr catapulted her to stardom in the original Batman and as Catwoman.

16. Janeane Garofalo

Comedian Janeane Garofalo’s deadpan, raspy delivery has served her well in snarky supporting roles.

17. Bebe Neuwirth

Bebe Neuwirth’s raspy voice accentuates the allure she brings to glamorous Fraiser character Lilit Crane.

Standout Voices of Distinction

These actresses demonstrate how a uniquely raspy vocal quality can become an asset. Their smoky, gravelly voices leave a powerful sonic imprint.