The OG Mario voice, particularly within the iconic video game series, is undoubtedly Charles Martinet. For over two decades, Martinet's distinctive, cheerful portrayal brought Mario, and many other beloved characters, to life, cementing his voice as synonymous with the Nintendo superstar.
Charles Martinet: The Definitive Game Voice
Charles Martinet's tenure as the primary voice of Mario began with the 1994 educational PC game Mario Teaches Typing, though he gained widespread recognition and cemented his legacy with the revolutionary Super Mario 64 in 1996. His energetic "It's-a me, Mario!" and other memorable catchphrases became instantly recognizable to millions of players worldwide.
Beyond just Mario, Martinet lent his versatile voice to a multitude of other iconic characters within the Mushroom Kingdom, including:
- Luigi: Mario's taller, often more timid brother.
- Wario: Mario's greedy, mischievous rival.
- Waluigi: Wario's equally lanky and conniving partner.
- Baby Mario: The infant version of the titular hero.
- Baby Luigi: The infant version of Luigi.
This extensive range of characters showcased Martinet's ability to imbue each with a unique personality while maintaining the playful tone characteristic of the Mario universe.
A New Chapter: Mario Ambassador
After an illustrious career spanning decades, Charles Martinet transitioned from his primary voice acting roles for Mario and his friends on August 21st, 2023. On the same day, Nintendo announced his new role as a dedicated "Mario Ambassador." In this capacity, Martinet continues to travel the world, meeting fans and celebrating the joy of Mario, further solidifying his enduring connection to the franchise.
Earlier Voices in Mario's History
While Charles Martinet is recognized as the "OG" in the context of the main video game series and the voice most fans associate with Mario, it's worth noting that the character had voices in earlier non-game media. For instance:
- Peter Cullen voiced Mario (then "Jumpman") in the Saturday Supercade animated series in the early 1980s.
- Captain Lou Albano, a professional wrestler, famously portrayed Mario in The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! live-action and animated series from the late 1980s.
However, it was Martinet's consistent and extensive work in the flagship video games that truly defined the character's voice for generations of players.
Notable Mario Voice Actors
To illustrate the different eras and media, here's a brief overview of key voice actors for Mario:
| Voice Actor | Primary Contribution | Medium | Notable Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Martinet | Iconic voice for Super Mario games | Video Games | 1994 – 2023 |
| Captain Lou Albano | Mario in The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! | Animation | 1989 – 1991 |
| Peter Cullen | Mario in Saturday Supercade | Animation | 1983 – 1984 |
Charles Martinet's contribution is undeniably the most impactful and widely recognized, making him the definitive "OG" voice for the beloved plumber in the gaming world.
