Keith David, the veteran American character actor known for his instantly recognisable deep voice, has amassed more than 400 screen credits over a five-decade career spanning film, television, animation and video games. Now 70, he continues to work prolifically, having recently wrapped the comedy My Friend Jim opposite Rob Lowe, while also appearing in the series The Lowdown and The Hawk, and taking on his first standalone lead role in President Curtis, a Rick and Morty spinoff.

David spoke to the Guardian shortly before heading to San Diego Comic-Con to promote President Curtis, reflecting on a body of work that includes The Thing, Platoon, There's Something About Mary and Nope, as well as documentary narration and voice roles in Rick and Morty and Call of Duty games. Despite recently injuring his arm in a gym accident around his Hollywood Walk of Fame induction in June, he says he is on the mend and shows no sign of slowing down, describing work as what motivates him to keep going.