Professor Ozpin is one of the most mysterious and pivotal characters in the RWBY universe. As the Headmaster of Beacon Academy, he plays a central role in guiding Ruby Rose and her team through the early volumes of the show. Calm, collected, and endlessly cryptic, Ozpin is more than just an academic leader — he is a centuries-old warrior carrying the burden of a never-ending reincarnation cycle.
Ozpin is one of the key figures in the struggle against Salem, the immortal antagonist of the series. His presence shapes the early volumes of RWBY and lays the foundation for many of the show's central conflicts and mysteries.
Ozpin is:
Wise and articulate, always speaking with care and purpose
Mysterious, often withholding key information until necessary
Strategic, orchestrating grand plans across lifetimes
Burdened, carrying the trauma and responsibility of countless past lives
Despite his calm demeanor, Ozpin is a tragic character. His soul is fused with the soul of a young farm boy named Oscar Pine after his physical body is lost, continuing his cycle of reincarnation — a fate tied to an ancient punishment by the Gods of Remnant.
Ozpin is not just a headmaster — he’s the reincarnation of an ancient warrior known as Ozma, who was cursed to be reborn again and again to try to stop Salem. His powers include:
Immense magical knowledge, including the use of the Relics
Incredible combat skills, hinted at in earlier volumes
Leadership of the secretive group known as the Inner Circle, including Ironwood, Qrow, and Glynda
He is also the original wielder of one of the four Relics: the Relic of Knowledge, guarded by the spirit Jinn.
Ozpin’s journey spans across multiple volumes:
Volume 1–3: Headmaster of Beacon, guiding Team RWBY
Volume 3 Finale: Battles Cinder Fall and disappears
Volume 4–5: Reincarnated in Oscar Pine; the two share a body and mind
Volume 6–8: Oscar and Ozpin navigate their shared destiny, while trust in Ozpin’s secrecy begins to erode
Volume 9: Ozpin remains absent as Oscar steps into his own identity
Ozpin is a figure of immense influence in RWBY, even when he’s not physically present.
Shannon McCormick is the talented voice actor who brings Professor Ozpin to life with a voice that blends gravitas, mystery, and warmth. His performance helped establish Ozpin as a pillar of authority and wisdom in the series.
Shannon McCormick Bio:
Full Name: Shannon Lee McCormick
Born: August 19, 1971
Hometown: Atlantic, Iowa, USA
Profession: Voice Actor, Writer, Improviser
Best Known For:
Agent Washington in Red vs. Blue
Professor Ozpin in RWBY
Professor Arthur Watts in later RWBY volumes
Appearances in Camp Camp, Gen:LOCK, and Day 5
Career Highlights:
Veteran member of the Rooster Teeth voice acting family
Known for his deep, authoritative voice and strong delivery
Active in live improv, teaching, and hosting panels at conventions
Became the voice of both a hero (Ozpin) and a villain (Watts) in RWBY
Shannon McCormick’s portrayal of Ozpin added emotional depth to a character who carried the weight of many lifetimes. His performance, filled with nuance, helped anchor the moral center of RWBY's earliest arcs.
Professor Ozpin remains a compelling and complex figure in RWBY for many reasons:
His aura of mystery makes him endlessly intriguing
His tragic backstory adds weight to the show’s themes of sacrifice and legacy
His mentorship of Ruby Rose sets the tone for the series
His reincarnation arc with Oscar Pine provides one of RWBY’s most unique character dynamics
Shannon McCormick’s voice gives the character presence, even when off-screen
Ozpin represents the idea that wisdom often comes with great cost — and that true leaders sometimes work in the shadows.
You can experience Ozpin’s full journey in RWBY on:
Rooster Teeth's official site
Crunchyroll
YouTube
Amazon Prime Video
Professor Ozpin is one of the most powerful and thought-provoking characters in RWBY. His long battle against Salem, his tragic curse, and his stoic leadership form a cornerstone of the show’s mythology. Brought to life by the skilled voice of Shannon McCormick, Ozpin is the kind of character that lingers in your mind — a man of many lives, many secrets, and one unending mission.
Whether he’s guiding heroes from behind the scenes or wrestling with his own mistakes, Ozpin is always fighting — for Remnant, for hope, and for redemption.