Many famous actors don’t just shine on screen. They also lend their voices to beloved animated characters. You might be surprised to learn which stars have secret voice-acting careers.
Voice acting lets celebrities show off their talents in new ways. It’s a chance for them to take on fun roles without being seen. Some actors you know and love have voiced characters in popular movies and TV shows without you even realizing it.
1. Mark Hamill
You might know Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker from Star Wars. But did you know he’s also a talented voice actor?
Hamill has voiced many famous characters in cartoons and video games. His most well-known voice role is the Joker in Batman: The Animated Series.
He’s brought the Joker to life in movies, TV shows, and games for almost 30 years. Many fans think his version of the Joker is the best.
Hamill has voiced other villains too. He played Fire Lord Ozai in Avatar: The Last Airbender and Skips in Regular Show.
In video games, you may have heard him as Master Eraqus in Kingdom Hearts. He also voiced characters in games like Wing Commander and Batman: Arkham.
Hamill’s voice work goes beyond evil characters. He’s played heroes and funny roles too. You might recognize him as Skips in Regular Show.
His talent for voices has earned him many fans. Some people even prefer his voice acting to his on-screen roles.
Next time you watch a cartoon or play a game, listen closely. You might just hear Mark Hamill’s voice bringing a character to life.
2. Seth MacFarlane
You might know Seth MacFarlane as the creator of popular animated shows like Family Guy and American Dad. But did you know he’s also a talented voice actor?
MacFarlane brings multiple characters to life on Family Guy. He voices Peter Griffin, the lovable but dim-witted dad. He also plays Stewie, the diabolical baby, and Brian, the witty family dog.
His vocal range is impressive. MacFarlane switches effortlessly between these distinct personalities. Each character has a unique voice and mannerisms.
On American Dad, MacFarlane voices Stan Smith, the patriotic CIA agent. He also plays Roger, the sarcastic alien living with the Smith family.
Beyond his own shows, MacFarlane has lent his voice to other projects. You may have heard him in movies like Ted and Sing.
MacFarlane’s talent goes beyond just doing funny voices. He infuses each character with depth and emotion. This makes them feel real and relatable to viewers.
His work shows how voice acting can bring animated characters to life. Next time you watch Family Guy or American Dad, listen closely. You’ll hear the many voices of Seth MacFarlane bringing the stories to life.
3. Tara Strong
You might not recognize her face, but you’ve likely heard Tara Strong’s voice many times. She’s a powerhouse in the world of voice acting, with over 600 credits to her name.
Strong has brought life to many beloved characters. You’ve probably heard her as Raven in Teen Titans, Twilight Sparkle in My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, and Bubbles in The Powerpuff Girls.
Her talent isn’t limited to cartoons. Strong has also lent her voice to video games and anime. She’s played roles in popular games like Final Fantasy X and Batman: Arkham City.
One of Strong’s recent roles was Miss Minutes in the Marvel series Loki. This shows her range extends beyond just children’s entertainment.
Strong’s career spans decades, starting in the 1980s. She’s won several awards for her work, including an Emmy Award.
You might wonder how she creates so many unique voices. Strong uses different accents, pitches, and speech patterns to bring each character to life.
Her favorite role? She’s said it’s Melody from The Little Mermaid II. This shows how even voice actors have special connections to certain characters.
4. Frank Welker
Frank Welker is a voice acting legend you might not recognize by face, but you’ve surely heard his voice. Born in 1946, he’s been in the business for over 50 years.
You’ve probably heard Welker as Fred Jones in Scooby-Doo. But did you know he also voices Scooby-Doo himself? His talent for animal sounds and creature noises is unmatched.
Welker has played Megatron in many Transformers shows and movies. His deep, menacing voice brings the villain to life. He’s also voiced Curious George, Garfield, and many Disney characters.
With over 860 credits to his name, Welker is one of the most prolific voice actors ever. His range is incredible. He can do anything from cute animals to scary monsters.
You might be surprised to learn Welker started as a stand-up comedian. He even released a comedy album. But his unique vocal talents led him to focus on voice acting.
Welker’s work isn’t just in cartoons. He’s also done voices for live-action movies like Gremlins and Aladdin. His animal sounds have been used in countless films.
Despite his long career, Welker keeps a low profile. You won’t see him in the spotlight often. But his voice work continues to entertain audiences of all ages.
5. Hank Azaria
You might know Hank Azaria from his on-screen roles, but did you know he’s also a prolific voice actor? Azaria has lent his vocal talents to many beloved characters.
He’s most famous for his work on “The Simpsons.” Azaria voices multiple characters on the show, including Moe Szyslak, Chief Wiggum, and Apu Nahasapeemapetilon.
But that’s not all. Azaria has also voiced characters in movies. You may have heard him as Gargamel in “The Smurfs” or Kahmunrah in “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian.”
Azaria’s voice acting isn’t limited to animation. He’s also done voice work for video games. His vocal range and ability to create distinct characters make him a sought-after talent in the voice acting world.
Interestingly, Azaria trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. This training likely helped him develop his impressive vocal skills.
When he’s not voice acting, Azaria still appears on screen. You might have seen him in shows like “Ray Donovan” or “Brockmire.”
Azaria’s career shows how versatile actors can be. He moves easily between on-screen roles and voice work, bringing characters to life in both mediums.
6. Nancy Cartwright
You might know Nancy Cartwright’s voice better than you think. She’s the talented actress behind Bart Simpson’s iconic “Eat my shorts!” catchphrase. But Cartwright’s skills go far beyond just one character.
Did you know she also voices other Simpsons characters? Ralph Wiggum’s innocent charm and Nelson Muntz’s famous “Ha-ha!” laugh are all thanks to Cartwright’s vocal range.
Her voice acting career started in 1978 when she moved to Hollywood. She trained with Daws Butler, a famous voice actor himself. This training helped shape her unique talent.
Cartwright’s abilities aren’t limited to The Simpsons. She’s lent her voice to other popular cartoons too. You might have heard her as Rufus in Kim Possible or Chuckie Finster in Rugrats.
Her work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Cartwright has won both a Primetime Emmy Award and an Annie Award for her voice acting. These awards show just how much skill goes into bringing animated characters to life.
Beyond acting, Cartwright wears many hats. She’s a producer, author, and philanthropist. Her talents extend far beyond the recording booth.
Next time you hear Bart Simpson, remember it’s Nancy Cartwright bringing him to life. Her voice has been a part of pop culture for decades, entertaining millions without ever being seen on screen.
7. Billy West
You might not recognize Billy West’s face, but you’ve likely heard his voice many times. He’s a talented voice actor who has brought life to countless beloved characters.
West is best known for his work on the animated series Futurama. He voices multiple main characters, including Philip J. Fry, Professor Farnsworth, and Dr. Zoidberg.
But his talents don’t stop there. You may remember him as the voice of Stimpy from Ren and Stimpy. West took over voicing both title characters after the show’s creator left.
His versatility is impressive. West has lent his voice to commercials, video games, and other popular cartoons. He’s played Rocket Raccoon in Ultimate Spider-Man and Skeets in Justice League Unlimited.
West’s journey to voice acting is unique. He started as a musician before finding his calling in voice work. His ability to create distinct voices for different characters has made him a standout in the industry.
Next time you watch an animated show or play a video game, listen closely. You might just hear Billy West’s voice bringing a character to life.
8. Tress MacNeille
You might not recognize her face, but you’ve probably heard Tress MacNeille’s voice many times. Born on June 20, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, MacNeille has become one of the most prolific voice actors in the industry.
Have you ever watched Animaniacs? MacNeille voices Dot Warner, the witty and adorable sister. She’s also the voice behind Babs Bunny in Tiny Toon Adventures, bringing charm and humor to the character.
But that’s not all. MacNeille has lent her voice to many Disney characters too. You’ve heard her as Daisy Duck in various Disney media since 1999. She’s also voiced Chip and Gadget Hackwrench in Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers.
MacNeille’s talent doesn’t stop there. She’s worked on popular shows like The Simpsons, Futurama, and Rugrats. Her ability to create unique voices for each character has made her a valuable asset in the animation world.
With over 1000 voice acting credits to her name, MacNeille has proven herself as a versatile and skilled performer. Her work has brought joy to audiences of all ages for decades.
9. Maurice LaMarche
You might know Maurice LaMarche’s voice without realizing it. He’s the man behind many cartoon characters you love. LaMarche has lent his voice to shows like “Futurama” and “Pinky and the Brain.”
Did you ever watch “Futurama”? LaMarche voiced Kif Kroker and Calculon. His range is impressive. He can do both high-pitched and deep voices with ease.
LaMarche is also famous for playing The Brain in “Pinky and the Brain.” His take on the genius mouse is unforgettable. You’ve probably heard his catchphrase: “The same thing we do every night, Pinky. Try to take over the world!”
But LaMarche’s talents go beyond cartoons. He’s also known for his spot-on impressions. His Orson Welles impression is particularly praised. You can hear it in some of his voice work.
LaMarche has won two Emmy Awards for his voice acting. His work in “Futurama” earned him these honors. It shows just how talented he really is.
You might be surprised to learn LaMarche started as a stand-up comedian. He later found his true calling in voice acting. It’s a career that has spanned decades.
10. Cree Summer
You might recognize Cree Summer’s face, but her voice is even more famous. This talented actress has lent her vocal skills to countless animated characters.
Summer started voice acting as a child. She played Penny in the original “Inspector Gadget” cartoon. This role launched her impressive career in animation.
Her voice brought life to Susie Carmichael in “Rugrats” and Elmyra Duff in “Tiny Toon Adventures.” You’ve probably heard her as Numbuh 5 in “Codename: Kids Next Door” too.
Summer’s range is amazing. She voiced Foxxy Love in “Drawn Together” and Kida in Disney’s “Atlantis: The Lost Empire.” Her talent isn’t limited to kids’ shows.
You can hear her in video games too. She played characters in “Mortal Kombat X” and “Final Fantasy X-2.” Her distinctive voice adds depth to every role.
Summer’s work goes beyond animation. She’s acted in live-action shows and movies. You might have seen her in “A Different World” or “Better Things.”
Her impact on voice acting is huge. Summer has over 400 voice credits to her name. She’s one of the most prolific voice actors in the industry.
You can still hear Summer’s voice in new projects today. She continues to bring characters to life with her unique vocal talents.
11. Phil LaMarr
You might know Phil LaMarr from his live-action roles, but did you know he’s also a prolific voice actor? LaMarr has lent his voice to countless animated characters over the years.
LaMarr’s voice acting career took off in the late 1990s. He’s best known for voicing Hermes Conrad in “Futurama” and Samurai Jack in the show of the same name.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. LaMarr has also voiced Green Lantern in “Justice League” and Static in “Static Shock.” His range is impressive, from deep and heroic to quirky and comedic.
You’ve probably heard LaMarr’s voice in video games too. He’s played characters in popular titles like “Metal Gear Solid” and “Mortal Kombat.”
LaMarr’s talent isn’t limited to long-running roles. He’s also known for his quick-hit characters, like Ollie Williams in “Family Guy.”
What makes LaMarr stand out is his versatility. He can jump from serious roles to silly ones with ease. His background in improv comedy helps him bring spontaneity to his voice work.
LaMarr’s success in voice acting has made him a regular at fan conventions. He often shares stories about his experiences and demonstrates different character voices for fans.
12. Grey DeLisle
You might know Grey DeLisle’s voice without realizing it. She’s a prolific voice actor who has brought life to nearly 1,000 characters in cartoons and video games.
Born on August 24 in Fort Ord, California, DeLisle didn’t start out in voice acting. She was a singer first. But her talent for voices soon took center stage.
You’ve probably heard DeLisle as Azula in “Avatar: The Last Airbender” or Catwoman in various Batman games. She’s also the voice of Daphne Blake in many Scooby-Doo productions.
DeLisle’s versatility is impressive. She can switch between different voices with ease, making each character sound unique. This skill has made her one of the most in-demand voice actors in the industry.
Her work spans over 20 years, and she claims to have voiced more characters than any other woman in history. That’s quite an accomplishment!
You can find DeLisle’s voice in popular shows, movies, and games. Her talent adds depth to characters and brings stories to life in ways you might not have noticed before.
Next time you’re watching a cartoon or playing a video game, listen closely. You might just hear Grey DeLisle’s voice bringing a character to life.
13. Kevin Conroy
You might know Kevin Conroy’s voice without realizing it. He was the iconic voice of Batman for over 30 years. Conroy started voicing the Dark Knight in 1992 with Batman: The Animated Series.
His deep, gravelly tone became synonymous with Batman for generations of fans. Conroy voiced the character in countless animated shows, movies, and video games.
You’d be surprised to learn that Conroy wasn’t just a voice actor. He had a successful career on stage and in live-action TV shows. But it was his work as Batman that made him a legend.
Conroy’s talent went beyond just speaking in a gruff voice. He brought depth and emotion to Batman and Bruce Wayne. You could hear the pain and determination in his performance.
Sadly, Conroy passed away in 2022. But his impact on Batman and voice acting will live on. Fans still consider him the definitive voice of the Caped Crusader.
Did you know Conroy also helped others after 9/11? He volunteered as a cook for firefighters and rescue workers at Ground Zero. This shows he was a real-life hero too.
14. John DiMaggio
You might know John DiMaggio as Bender from Futurama. But did you know he’s voiced many other characters too? Born on September 4, 1968, DiMaggio has become a big name in voice acting.
DiMaggio’s deep, gruff voice is perfect for tough characters. He’s the voice of Jake the Dog in Adventure Time. You’ve also heard him as Dr. Drakken in Kim Possible.
His talent goes beyond cartoons. DiMaggio has voiced characters in video games too. He played Marcus Fenix in the Gears of War series. You might have heard him in Batman: Under the Red Hood as the Joker.
DiMaggio’s work isn’t just about acting. He was an executive producer for a documentary called “I Know That Voice.” It shows what goes on behind the scenes in voice acting.
You can find DiMaggio’s voice in over 1,000 different roles. His range is amazing. He can do accents, change his pitch, and create unique voices for each character.
Voice acting is a big part of DiMaggio’s life. He often goes to comic conventions to meet fans. He loves talking about his work and sharing stories from the recording booth.
15. H. Jon Benjamin
- Jon Benjamin is a voice acting powerhouse you might not recognize by face. He’s the man behind some of the most iconic animated characters on TV.
You’ve probably heard Benjamin’s distinctive voice as Sterling Archer in the spy comedy “Archer.” His deadpan delivery brings the egotistical secret agent to life.
But that’s not all. Benjamin also voices Bob Belcher, the lovable dad in “Bob’s Burgers.” His talent shines as he switches between these vastly different roles.
Did you know Benjamin started his career in live-action comedy? He appeared in shows like “Parks and Recreation” before focusing on voice work.
Benjamin’s other notable roles include Coach McGuirk in “Home Movies” and Ben in “Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist.” His versatility is truly impressive.
You might be surprised to learn that Benjamin doesn’t use different voices for his characters. He relies on his natural speaking voice, making his talent even more remarkable.
In addition to acting, Benjamin has tried his hand at writing and producing. He co-created the animated series “Lucy, the Daughter of the Devil.”
Benjamin’s work has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. His unique style and comedic timing make him a standout in the voice acting world.
16. Rob Paulsen
You might not recognize Rob Paulsen’s face, but you’ve likely heard his voice many times. He’s a talented voice actor who has brought life to countless animated characters.
Paulsen is the voice behind Raphael from the original “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” series. He later voiced Donatello in the 2012 reboot. This shows his range and adaptability as a voice actor.
You’ve probably laughed at his portrayal of Yakko Warner from “Animaniacs.” Paulsen’s quick-witted delivery made Yakko a fan favorite. He also voiced Pinky in “Pinky and the Brain,” another beloved character from the same show.
Carl Wheezer from “Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius” is another character you might remember. Paulsen’s distinct voice for Carl added humor and charm to the series.
His talent goes beyond just doing voices. Paulsen has also worked as a voice director, helping other actors bring characters to life. He’s been in the industry for decades, lending his voice to hundreds of projects.
Paulsen’s work has earned him several awards, including Daytime Emmys. His contributions to voice acting have made him a respected figure in the animation world.
17. Jim Cummings
Jim Cummings is a voice acting legend you might not know by name. He’s the man behind many beloved characters from your childhood.
You’ve likely heard Cummings as Winnie the Pooh and Tigger in Disney’s animated series. His talent for bringing these lovable creatures to life is remarkable.
But Cummings’ range goes far beyond the Hundred Acre Wood. He’s also the voice of Darkwing Duck, the caped crusader of St. Canard.
You may remember Pete, Mickey Mouse’s nemesis. That’s Cummings too. His ability to switch between good guys and villains is impressive.
In the world of video games, Cummings has left his mark. He voices characters in popular games like “Kingdom Hearts” and “Baldur’s Gate.”
Did you know Cummings is also the voice of the Tasmanian Devil in “Looney Tunes” projects? His versatility is truly amazing.
Cummings has over 700 voice credits to his name. That’s a lot of characters you’ve probably heard without realizing it was him.
His career spans decades, starting in the 1980s. You’ve grown up listening to Cummings without even knowing it.
Next time you watch an animated show or play a video game, listen closely. You might just hear the unmistakable talent of Jim Cummings.
18. Tom Kenny
You might know Tom Kenny’s face, but you definitely know his voice. He’s the man behind SpongeBob SquarePants, the cheerful yellow sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea.
Kenny’s voice acting career is huge. He’s been in countless cartoons and video games. You’ve probably heard him as the Ice King in Adventure Time or Spyro the Dragon.
Born in New York, Kenny started doing stand-up comedy before moving into voice work. His talent for creating unique voices has made him one of the most sought-after actors in animation.
Kenny’s range is impressive. He can do high-pitched, squeaky voices like SpongeBob, or deeper, gruffer tones for other characters. This versatility keeps him busy in the recording booth.
You might be surprised to learn that Kenny also voices other SpongeBob characters. He’s the voice of Gary the Snail and the French narrator. Talk about a one-man show!
Kenny’s work goes beyond TV. He’s lent his voice to many movies and video games too. His ability to bring characters to life with just his voice is truly amazing.
Next time you watch a cartoon, listen closely. You might just hear Tom Kenny’s voice bringing a new character to life.
19. Pamela Adlon
You might recognize Pamela Adlon’s face, but did you know her voice is equally famous? This talented actress has a secret life as a voice actor.
Adlon is best known for voicing Bobby Hill on the popular animated show “King of the Hill.” Her raspy voice brought the lovable 11-year-old boy to life for 13 seasons.
But Bobby isn’t her only animated role. Adlon also lent her voice to Spinelli on “Recess” and Pumyra in “ThunderCats.” Her unique vocal talents have made her a go-to choice for animators.
What makes Adlon stand out? It’s her ability to truly become the characters she voices. She doesn’t just read lines – she embodies the personalities she plays.
Voice acting isn’t just a side gig for Adlon. It’s a major part of her career. She’s voiced characters in over 100 projects, from TV shows to video games.
You might wonder how Adlon got into voice acting. She started young, doing voice work for commercials and cartoons as a child actress. This early experience set the stage for her later success.
Adlon’s voice acting skills have earned her critical acclaim. She won an Emmy for her work on “King of the Hill,” proving that voice actors can be just as respected as on-screen talent.
20. Jennifer Hale
You might recognize Jennifer Hale’s face, but her voice is even more famous. This Canadian-American actress has lent her talents to countless video games and animated shows.
Did you know Hale voiced the female version of Commander Shepard in the Mass Effect series? Her performance brought the character to life for many players.
She’s also the voice behind Samus Aran in the Metroid Prime games. Hale’s range is impressive, covering both heroic and villainous roles with ease.
In the world of animation, you’ve likely heard her as Princess Morbucks and Ms. Keane in The Powerpuff Girls. She’s also voiced Gladys in The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy.
Hale’s work extends to popular franchises like Star Wars and Marvel. Her versatility has earned her the title of “most prolific female video game voice actor” by some fans.
With over 600 roles to her name, Jennifer Hale’s voice has been part of many childhoods and gaming experiences. Her talent proves that sometimes the most recognizable stars are the ones you never see on screen.
The Art of Voice Acting
Voice acting transforms celebrities into characters through the power of sound. It requires unique skills and offers both challenges and rewards.
Understanding The Skill
Voice acting demands more than just speaking into a microphone. You need to convey emotions, personalities, and entire worlds using only your voice. Actors must create distinct characters without visual cues.
Key skills include:
- Vocal range and control
- Character creation
- Improvisation
- Script interpretation
Voice actors often work alone in recording booths. This means you have to imagine the scene and other characters. You also need to match your voice to pre-existing animations or video game actions.
Many celebrities find voice acting lets them explore new roles. It frees them from typecasting based on looks.
Challenges And Rewards
Voice acting can be physically demanding. You might spend hours in a small booth, repeating lines over and over. Your voice is your instrument, so you must take care of it.
Some challenges include:
- Long recording sessions
- Strain on vocal cords
- Creating unique voices for multiple characters
- Working without visual cues
But the rewards can be great. Voice acting offers flexibility and the chance to be part of beloved franchises. You can play characters of any age, gender, or species.
Many voice actors find joy in bringing animated characters to life. Your work can inspire and entertain people around the world. Plus, you get to be part of creating magical worlds and stories.
Impact On Pop Culture
Celebrity voice actors have changed movies and TV shows in big ways. Their famous voices bring characters to life and make shows more popular.
Movies And TV Shows
Many hit movies and shows use celebrity voices. Toy Story had Tom Hanks as Woody. The Lion King starred James Earl Jones as Mufasa. These voices make characters memorable.
You might not know it’s a star talking. But their talent shines through. It adds depth to animated films. TV shows like The Simpsons use lots of guest stars too. Their voices bring fresh energy to episodes.
Some actors become known for voice work. Mike Myers voiced Shrek in all the movies. Now it’s hard to think of Shrek without his voice.
Influence On Audiences
Celebrity voices grab your attention. You may watch a movie just to hear your favorite star. This helps films reach more people.
Kids often connect with cartoon characters. When they learn a famous person voices that character, it can spark new interests. They might check out the actor’s other work.
Voice roles let actors show new skills. It can change how you see them. Will Arnett became a comedy star partly thanks to BoJack Horseman.
These performances create shared experiences. People quote lines and do impressions. It brings fans together and shapes pop culture in fun ways.
Final Thoughts
Voice acting remains an often overlooked but incredibly impactful art form. The celebrities featured in this article have demonstrated that their talents extend far beyond what we see on screen.
By lending their voices to some of the most beloved animated characters, they have left an indelible mark on pop culture, proving that true versatility in acting knows no bounds.
Whether you recognize them or not, these stars have enriched the world of animation and gaming, creating unforgettable experiences for audiences of all ages.
Next time you hear a familiar voice in a cartoon or video game, you might just discover one of these hidden voices bringing a character to life.
