Who voices Doc Hudson in Pixar’s original Cars film?

Paul Newman voices Doc Hudson in Pixar’s original Cars film.

Doc Hudson is the stern local physician of Radiator Springs, but the story later reveals that he was once the Fabulous Hudson Hornet, a celebrated race car and three-time Piston Cup champion. His racing career ended after a crash and an indifferent return from the racing world.

Newman’s voice gives Doc a reflective, experienced presence that contrasts with Lightning McQueen’s youthful confidence. Newman had also been a professional race car driver and co-founded the Newman/Haas Racing team, making his connection to a retired champion especially fitting.

Cars was Newman’s final voice performance in a feature film released during his lifetime. He died in 2008. Doc Hudson does not appear as a speaking character in Cars 2 because Newman had died before production, although the character’s legacy remains important to Cars 3.