You’ve probably heard some voices in animated films or TV shows that sound strangely familiar, but you might not have realized just who’s behind them. It turns out, some of your favorite celebrities have lent their voices to animated characters, often in roles you wouldn’t expect. These surprising voice talents add another layer of fun to the characters we know and love, and sometimes, it’s hard to believe it’s really them.
From iconic cartoon roles to animated movie characters, many A-listers have stepped into the booth to bring these characters to life in ways you might not have imagined. Some of these voice performances are so good, you might not even recognize the star behind the character. Here are 20 celebrities who you didn’t know were the voices behind some of the most beloved animated characters.
Vin Diesel as Groot
Vin Diesel, renowned for his roles in action-packed films, also lends his voice to the beloved character Groot from Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Despite the limited vocabulary of “I am Groot,” Diesel manages to convey emotion and depth, making the tree-like alien a fan favorite. His deep, gravelly voice adds a unique charm to the character.
Diesel’s commitment to the role is evident, as he records the iconic line in various languages, allowing international audiences to enjoy Groot’s essence. His portrayal showcases the actor’s versatility, proving his talent extends beyond on-screen action.
Scarlett Johansson as Ash
Scarlett Johansson, known for her dynamic acting skills, voices Ash, the punk-rock porcupine in the animated film Sing. Her vocal performance showcases Ash’s rebellious spirit and musical talent, bringing the character to life with attitude and flair. Johansson’s singing adds authenticity to Ash’s performances.
Her involvement in Sing highlights her ability to adapt to different roles, whether on-screen or as a voice actor. Scarlett’s distinctive voice contributes significantly to Ash’s charm, making the character relatable and memorable for audiences of all ages.
Liam Neeson as Aslan
Liam Neeson’s commanding voice brings gravitas to the character of Aslan in The Chronicles of Narnia. His deep, authoritative tone perfectly complements the noble lion, a central figure in the film series. Neeson’s portrayal adds a layer of wisdom and strength to Aslan, enhancing the character’s impact.
The actor’s ability to infuse emotion into his vocal performance makes Aslan a memorable and revered figure. Neeson’s role as Aslan showcases his versatility, proving that his talent transcends traditional acting and resonates powerfully through voice work.
Mila Kunis as Meg Griffin
Mila Kunis, celebrated for her on-screen roles, has also voiced Meg Griffin in the animated series Family Guy since 1999. Her portrayal of Meg adds depth to the often overlooked character, bringing humor and relatability to the awkward teenage girl.
Kunis’s comedic timing and unique vocal delivery make Meg a standout character, despite her family’s constant teasing. Her contribution to Family Guy highlights her ability to excel in both voice acting and traditional roles, showcasing her versatility and dedication to her craft.
Mark Hamill as The Joker
Mark Hamill, famously known as Luke Skywalker, is also celebrated for his iconic voice portrayal of The Joker in Batman: The Animated Series. His chilling laugh and dynamic vocal range bring the villain to life, making The Joker a memorable character in animation history.
Hamill’s transition from hero to villain demonstrates his immense talent and adaptability as an actor. His performance has set the standard for future portrayals of The Joker, proving his voice acting prowess and leaving a lasting impact on fans and the industry alike.
Ellen DeGeneres as Dory
Ellen DeGeneres, known for her quick wit and humor, brings the forgetful fish Dory to life in Pixar’s Finding Nemo. Her comedic timing and warmth make Dory an endearing character, loved by audiences worldwide. DeGeneres’s vocal performance captures Dory’s quirky personality and charm.
The role showcases Ellen’s ability to connect with audiences through voice alone, making Dory an unforgettable character. Her portrayal has become synonymous with the film’s success, highlighting her talent and the power of voice acting in creating memorable animated characters.
Robin Williams as Genie
Robin Williams’s energetic and charismatic voice brought the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin to life. His rapid-fire comedic style and improvisational skills made Genie a standout character, blending humor and heart seamlessly. Williams’s performance is a masterclass in voice acting, captivating audiences with every word.
The actor’s ability to infuse his unique personality into the character elevates Genie’s appeal. Robin Williams’s portrayal remains iconic, setting a high bar for animated characters and showcasing the profound impact of talented voice actors in the world of animation.
Beyoncé as Nala
Beyoncé, a global music icon, lent her voice to Nala in Disney’s live-action adaptation of The Lion King. Her powerful voice adds depth and strength to the lioness, portraying Nala as a strong, independent character. Beyoncé’s singing talent enhances the film’s musical elements, enriching Nala’s presence.
Her involvement in the film underscores her versatility and ability to excel in various entertainment spheres. Beyoncé’s portrayal contributes significantly to the film’s success, proving her skillful transition from music to voice acting, delighting fans with her dynamic performance.
Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots
Antonio Banderas’s suave and charming voice breathes life into Puss in Boots, the adventurous cat from the Shrek series. His Spanish accent and playful delivery make Puss a beloved character, known for his daring escapades and heartwarming moments.
Banderas’s portrayal adds a layer of charisma and humor, capturing Puss’s essence perfectly. His performance highlights the importance of voice in bringing animated characters to life, showcasing Banderas’s ability to captivate audiences with his vocal talent and make Puss an enduring favorite.
Angelina Jolie as Tigress
Angelina Jolie, known for her commanding screen presence, voices Tigress in the Kung Fu Panda series. Her powerful and assertive voice brings the skilled martial artist to life, highlighting Tigress’s strength and determination. Jolie’s portrayal captures the character’s essence, making her a key figure in the series.
Her performance showcases Jolie’s ability to convey complex emotions through voice alone, enhancing Tigress’s depth and appeal. Angelina Jolie’s contribution to the series underscores her versatility, proving her talent extends beyond live-action roles and into the realm of animation.
Tom Hanks as Woody
Tom Hanks’s warm and friendly voice embodies Woody, the beloved cowboy from Pixar’s Toy Story series. His vocal delivery captures Woody’s leadership and loyalty, making the character a central figure in the animated films. Hanks’s performance adds depth and charm to Woody, endearing him to audiences.
The actor’s ability to convey emotion and humor ensures Woody remains a timeless character. Tom Hanks’s portrayal highlights the significant role voice acting plays in animation, with his work elevating Toy Story’s success and leaving a lasting impression on viewers of all ages.
Whoopi Goldberg as Shenzi
Whoopi Goldberg’s distinctive voice brings Shenzi the hyena to life in Disney’s The Lion King. Her comedic timing and expressive delivery add a menacing yet humorous edge to the character, making Shenzi a memorable villain in the film.
Goldberg’s performance highlights her talent in capturing complex personalities, enhancing Shenzi’s impact on the story. Her contribution to The Lion King underscores the importance of voice in animation, with Goldberg’s portrayal standing out as a testament to her skill and versatility as a performer.
Johnny Depp as Rango
Johnny Depp brings his unique flair to the role of Rango, the chameleon in the animated Western film Rango. His quirky and versatile voice captures Rango’s adventurous spirit, making the character a standout in the film. Depp’s performance adds depth and humor to Rango’s journey.
The actor’s ability to transform into various characters shines through his voice work, showcasing his adaptability and talent. Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Rango highlights his skill in creating memorable animated characters, adding to his diverse repertoire of roles.
Rashida Jones as Alva
Rashida Jones lends her voice to Alva, the passionate teacher in the animated film Klaus. Her warm and sincere vocal delivery adds depth to Alva’s character, highlighting her determination and kindness. Jones’s performance brings authenticity to the role, making Alva a relatable and endearing figure.
Her involvement in Klaus showcases her talent in voice acting, complementing her on-screen abilities. Rashida Jones’s portrayal of Alva enhances the film’s emotional impact, proving her skillful contribution to the world of animation and storytelling.
Idris Elba as Chief Bogo
Idris Elba’s commanding voice brings Chief Bogo, the no-nonsense buffalo in Zootopia, to life. His authoritative tone and charismatic delivery make Bogo a memorable character, adding depth to the animated film. Elba’s performance highlights Chief Bogo’s leadership and stern demeanor.
The actor’s involvement in Zootopia demonstrates his ability to excel in voice acting, complementing his on-screen presence. Idris Elba’s portrayal of Chief Bogo showcases the importance of voice in creating impactful animated characters, solidifying his place in the realm of animation.
Kristen Bell as Anna
Kristen Bell lends her lively and cheerful voice to Anna in Disney’s Frozen, capturing the princess’s adventurous spirit and warmth. Her vocal performance brings authenticity to Anna’s character, making her relatable to audiences of all ages. Bell’s singing adds an extra layer of charm.
Her portrayal of Anna showcases her versatility and ability to convey emotion through voice alone. Kristen Bell’s contribution to Frozen underscores her talent, enhancing the film’s success and leaving a lasting impression on fans, cementing Anna’s place in Disney’s animated legacy.
Patrick Stewart as Poop Emoji
Patrick Stewart’s iconic voice adds a humorous twist to the Poop Emoji in The Emoji Movie. His distinguished vocal delivery contrasts with the playful character, creating a memorable and amusing performance. Stewart’s involvement adds a touch of sophistication to the animated film.
The actor’s ability to embrace unconventional roles highlights his versatility and willingness to explore diverse characters. Patrick Stewart’s portrayal of the Poop Emoji showcases his talent in voice acting, contributing to the film’s humor and appeal, delighting audiences with his unexpected performance.
Cate Blanchett as Valka
Cate Blanchett’s enchanting voice brings Valka, the dragon rescuer in How to Train Your Dragon, to life. Her captivating vocal performance adds depth to Valka’s character, highlighting her bravery and connection with dragons. Blanchett’s portrayal enriches the film’s emotional complexity.
Her involvement in the series demonstrates her ability to convey powerful emotions through voice alone. Cate Blanchett’s contribution to How to Train Your Dragon showcases her talent and versatility as an actress, enhancing the film’s storytelling and resonating with audiences worldwide.
Hugh Jackman as Roddy St. James
Hugh Jackman’s charismatic voice brings Roddy St. James, the pampered rat from Flushed Away, to life. His engaging vocal delivery captures Roddy’s adventurous spirit and humor, making the character a standout in the animated film.
Jackman’s performance adds depth and wit to Roddy’s journey, showcasing his ability to excel in voice acting alongside his on-screen roles. Hugh Jackman’s portrayal highlights the importance of voice in creating memorable characters, contributing to Flushed Away’s charm and appeal.
Emma Thompson as Captain Amelia
Emma Thompson lends her sophisticated voice to Captain Amelia in Disney’s Treasure Planet. Her commanding vocal delivery brings the captain’s leadership and intelligence to life, making her a standout character in the film.
Thompson’s portrayal adds depth and wit to Captain Amelia, highlighting her strong presence and adventurous spirit. Her contribution to Treasure Planet showcases her versatility and ability to excel in voice acting, complementing her renowned on-screen performances and enriching the animated film’s storytelling.