Step into the captivating world of video game voice acting as we unravel the story of Charles Martinet – the man behind the iconic voice of Mario. From his humble beginnings to becoming a beloved ambassador for the gaming industry, Charles Martinet’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Join us on a visual walk through his diverse career and discover the joyous voice that has left an indelible mark on an entire era. Get ready to delve into the fascinating world of Charles Martinet and his legendary portrayal of everyone’s favorite plumber.
Things to know:
- Charles Martinet is the original voice actor for Mario, Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi in the Super Mario video game series.
- He has voiced Mario in more than 150 games, with his career as the character taking off with the acclaimed “Super Mario 64.”
- Charles Martinet got the role of Mario by arriving at an audition in the early 1990s just as the casting directors were about to leave.
- Kevin Afghani has taken over the role of Wario from Charles Martinet, while Martinet also voiced Mario’s father, Giuseppe.
- Charles Martinet has retired from his role as the voice of Mario and has taken on a new role as the Mario ambassador, traveling around the world sharing the joy of the Mario family.
Who is Charles Martinet?
For any avid fan of the Nintendo universe or anyone who has ever dived into the enchanting world of the Super Mario video game series, Charles Martinet is a name that echoes with nostalgia and joy. His voice has been the soul of Mario, Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi, characters that have become iconic in the gaming industry. But who is Charles Martinet beyond the voices that have immortalized him in the hearts of gamers worldwide?
The Man Behind the Voice
Charles Martinet is an American actor with a rich background in both on-screen and voice-over roles. His venture into the world of Nintendo began in the early 1990s, a twist of fate that has since led to a remarkable career. Martinet has not only voiced Mario in more than 150 games but also brought to life characters such as Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi, showcasing his impressive range and talent.
From Cinema to Video Games
Martinet’s journey into the world of acting wasn’t confined to the boundaries of video gaming. He has starred in cameo film roles, including appearances in Matlock (1989) in the episode “The Captain” and in films like The Dead Pool (1988) and Nine Months (1995). These roles, though less known than his voice work, are a testament to his versatility as an actor.
Martinet as Mario: A Legacy Begins
How did Charles Martinet get the role of Mario? It was a serendipitous moment when he arrived at an audition in the early 1990s just as the casting directors were packing up. Given the prompt, “You’re an Italian plumber from Brooklyn, a character in a video game for Nintendo called Mario,” Martinet seized the opportunity, and the rest is history.
The Rise to Fame with Super Mario 64
Martinet’s rendition of Mario came to the forefront with the release of “Super Mario 64.” This game is widely credited with revolutionizing 3D gaming, and Martinet’s voice became synonymous with the character, further cementing his position as a pivotal figure in the world of voice acting.
Transitioning Roles: From Voice to Ambassador
With the passage of time, Martinet has transitioned from his role as the voice of Mario to a new and equally important role as the Mario ambassador. In this capacity, he travels the globe, spreading the joy and magic of the Mario family, engaging with fans, and celebrating the impact that these characters have had on generations of players.
What is a Mario Ambassador?
The role of a Mario ambassador, as Martinet himself explains, involves “Traveling around the world sharing the joy of the Mario family.” This position allows him to connect with the community on a personal level, sharing stories, experiences, and the legacy of Mario with fans new and old.
The Legacy Continues: New Voices Emerge
As Charles Martinet steps back from his role as the voice of Mario, new talent has stepped in to carry on the legacy. Kevin Afghani now takes up the mantle, voicing not only Wario but also stepping into the roles of Mario and Luigi. While the credits in games like WarioWare: Move It! may be vague about the specific roles each voice actor plays, it’s clear that the torch has been passed on with care.
Voicing Mario’s Father, Giuseppe
Among the various characters Martinet has voiced, one of the most notable is Mario’s father, Giuseppe. This role added another layer to the Super Mario lore and showcased Martinet’s ability to create distinct and memorable voices for multiple characters within the same universe.
Charles Martinet’s Diverse Career in Voice Acting
While best known for his work with Nintendo, Martinet’s voice acting prowess extends beyond the realm of Mario. He has also lent his voice to characters such as Paarthurnax in Skyrim and roles in the Lord of the Rings series. His contributions to the industry have made him a beloved figure in the voice acting community.
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A Visual Walk Through His Career
A visual voices guide of Charles Martinet’s career would reveal a staggering 350 images of the characters he’s voiced, a testament to his extensive work and the impact he has had on video gaming and beyond.
Charles Martinet: The Joyful Voice of an Era
Charles Martinet’s retirement from his iconic role marks the end of an era but also the celebration of a legacy that will continue to live on in the hearts of gamers. At 67 years old, Martinet has provided joy and entertainment to countless individuals, and his work as the Mario ambassador ensures that his voice, though no longer in the games, will never be forgotten.
Charles Martinet’s story is a reminder of the power of perseverance, talent, and the magic that can happen when one arrives at just the right moment. His contribution to the gaming industry is indelible, and his work will continue to inspire and delight for generations to come.
Final Thoughts on Charles Martinet’s Journey
The tale of Charles Martinet is one of serendipity, talent, and enduring legacy. From a last-minute audition to becoming the definitive voice of some of the most beloved characters in video game history, Martinet has left an indelible mark on the industry. As he embraces his new role as an ambassador, his story continues to unfold, reminding us of the joy and wonder that video games can bring into our lives. For many, Charles Martinet will forever be remembered as the voice that said, “It’s a me, Mario!”—a simple phrase that encapsulated the happiness and adventure found within the virtual worlds he helped bring to life.
Who is the voice of Wario?
Voice actor Kevin Afghani has taken over for Charles Martinet in the roles of Mario and Luigi and, now, Wario.
How did Charles Martinet get the role of Mario?
Martinet originally got the role by arriving at an audition in the early 1990s just as the the casting directors were about to leave.
How many games has Charles Martinet voiced Mario?
Martinet has played Mario in more than 150 games, according to GamesRadar, dating back to the little-known “Mario Teaches Typing.”
Who is the voice of Mario’s father?
Charles Martinet: Mario’s Dad, Giuseppe
