Animated movies and TV shows have captivated audiences for decades, but often, the magic stems not just from the visuals but from the voices behind the characters. These actors not only lent their voices but brought their characters to life with unique nuances, improvisations, and dedicated performances. Their contributions highlight the artistry of voice acting, proving it’s as integral to storytelling as any other element of filmmaking. Here are 20 famous actors who lent their voices to unforgettable animated roles, along with fascinating behind-the-scenes details and insights.
Robin Williams as Genie (“Aladdin”)
Behind the Scenes: Robin Williams’s improvisational genius brought the Genie to life. Reportedly, Williams recorded over 16 hours of improvised material, much of which was too adult for the final cut.
Impact: His performance redefined voice acting by elevating it with celebrity personality, blending comedy, warmth, and charisma.
Walt Disney/ Courtesy: Everett Collection; Jon Furniss/WireImage
Tom Hanks as Woody (“Toy Story”)
Behind the Scenes: Tom Hanks’s dedication included recording sessions that captured his natural storytelling tone. The animators even modeled some of Woody’s expressions on Hanks himself.
Impact: Woody’s heartfelt speeches owe their authenticity to Hanks’ emotional depth.
Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage; Disney/Pixar
Ellen DeGeneres as Dory (“Finding Nemo”)
Behind the Scenes: Ellen’s knack for humor and her unique voice rhythm made Dory’s forgetfulness both endearing and hilarious.
Trivia: Director Andrew Stanton wrote the part specifically for DeGeneres after watching her TV show.
Disney/Pixar; Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
James Earl Jones as Mufasa (“The Lion King”)
Behind the Scenes: James Earl Jones’s deep, resonant voice brought gravitas to Mufasa. The actor himself described the role as one of his most meaningful.
Impact: His iconic delivery of lines like “Remember who you are” continues to resonate.
Mark Hamill as The Joker (“Batman: The Animated Series”)
Behind the Scenes: Mark Hamill’s transformation into the Joker is legendary. He used vocal exercises to achieve the Joker’s high-pitched, sinister laugh.
Insight: Hamill’s voice acting career rejuvenated his popularity post-“Star Wars.”
Frazer Harrison/Getty; / Courtesy of Everett Collection
Scarlett Johansson as Samantha (“Her”)
Behind the Scenes: Though not traditional animation, Johansson’s performance as an AI voice required her to emote without physical presence, crafting an intimate, layered character.
Trivia: She replaced another actor midway through production, re-recording all dialogue.
Eddie Murphy as Donkey (“Shrek”)
Behind the Scenes: Eddie Murphy’s energetic improvisation added a dynamic layer to Donkey’s humor.
Impact: Donkey’s comedic timing and charm became a cornerstone of the “Shrek” series.
Jon Kopaloff/Getty, Moviestore/Shutterstock
Nancy Cartwright as Bart Simpson (“The Simpsons”)
Behind the Scenes: Nancy Cartwright initially auditioned for Lisa but landed Bart’s role due to her tomboyish delivery.
Trivia: She wrote a memoir, “My Life as a 10-Year-Old Boy,” sharing insights into voicing Bart.
Courtesy of Fox
Idina Menzel as Elsa (“Frozen”)
Behind the Scenes: Idina’s Broadway background was instrumental in creating Elsa’s powerful ballads like “Let It Go.”
Trivia: Menzel originally auditioned for Rapunzel in “Tangled” but didn’t get the role.
Mike Myers as Shrek (“Shrek”)
Behind the Scenes: Myers initially recorded Shrek’s lines with his natural Canadian accent but later switched to a Scottish one, doubling production costs.
Insight: His creative choice gave Shrek a relatable, earthy personality.
Dia Dipasupil/Getty, Moviestore/Shutterstock
James Spader as Ultron (“Avengers: Age of Ultron”)
Behind the Scenes: Spader’s performance combined voice work with motion capture, lending Ultron a uniquely menacing charisma.
Trivia: He described voicing Ultron as “a delicious villainous playground.”
Marvel Entertainment; Steve Granitz/WireImage
Tom Kenny as SpongeBob (“SpongeBob SquarePants”)
Behind the Scenes: Kenny’s vocal range gave SpongeBob his signature high-pitched laugh and boundless energy.
Trivia: He also voices other characters, including Gary the Snail.
Greg Doherty/Getty
Ming-Na Wen as Mulan (“Mulan”)
Behind the Scenes: Wen’s performance balanced strength and vulnerability, embodying Mulan’s duality.
Trivia: She returned to voice Mulan in cameo appearances for other Disney properties.
FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images
Patrick Warburton as Kronk (“The Emperor’s New Groove”)
Behind the Scenes: Warburton’s deadpan delivery brought endless humor to Kronk’s naive yet lovable character.
Trivia: Kronk’s spinach puffs became a running gag thanks to his delivery.
Youtube
John Goodman as Sulley (“Monsters, Inc.”)
Behind the Scenes: Goodman’s warm voice perfectly matched Sulley’s big-hearted personality.
Insight: His chemistry with Billy Crystal (Mike) was a highlight of the recording sessions.
Pixar/Disney
Will Arnett as BoJack (“BoJack Horseman”)
Behind the Scenes: Arnett’s gravelly voice gave depth to BoJack’s cynicism and vulnerability.
Impact: The show’s exploration of mental health owes much to Arnett’s nuanced performance.
Benedict Cumberbatch as Smaug (“The Hobbit”)
Behind the Scenes: Cumberbatch used motion capture to physically embody Smaug’s movements while delivering his chilling lines.
Trivia: His commitment included crawling on all fours during recording.
Youtube
Kristen Bell as Anna (“Frozen”)
Behind the Scenes: Bell’s bubbly voice perfectly contrasted Menzel’s powerful performance, embodying Anna’s optimism.
Trivia: She sang live during her audition, impressing Disney execs.
Phil Harris as Baloo (“The Jungle Book”)
Behind the Scenes: Harris’s jazz background inspired Baloo’s laid-back vibe and iconic songs like “The Bare Necessities.”
Trivia: Disney encouraged him to improvise during recording sessions.
variety
Tara Strong as Multiple Roles (“The Powerpuff Girls,” “Teen Titans,” “Rugrats”)
Behind the Scenes: Tara Strong’s versatility has made her a legend in voice acting, playing characters like Bubbles, Raven, and Timmy Turner.
Insight: Strong’s dedication to vocal variety keeps her performances fresh and engaging.
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