Longtime ‘Mario’ Video Game Voice Actor Charles Martinet to Step Down

August 21, 2023 @ 7:48 AM

It’s the end of an era in the Mushroom Kingdom as Charles Martinet, the original voice of Mario, will step back from recording dialogue for the iconic Italian plumber.

“Charles is now moving into the brand new role of Mario Ambassador,” Nintendo said in a statement posted on X on Monday. “With this transition he will be stepping back from recording character voices for our games, but he’ll continue to travel the world sharing the joy of Mario and interacting with you all!”

“It has been an honor working with Charles to help bring Mario to life for so many years and we want to thank and celebrate him,” the message continued. “Please keep an eye out for a special video message from Shigeru Miyamoto and Charles himself, which we will post at a future date.”

Martinet shared the post, writing: “My new Adventure begins! You are all Numba One in my heart! #woohoo!!!!!”

Martinet has portrayed Mario since 1991. Other roles he’s voiced in the video game franchise include Luigi, Wario, Waluigi, Toadsworth, Baby Mario and Baby Luigi.

Additionally, he had a cameo role in this year’s “Super Mario Bros. Movie” as Mario and Luigi’s dad Giuseppe.

A replacement for Mario’s voice actor has not been announced.

More to come…