Actors typically search for roles that provide them with the most exposure and screen time. However, famous people occasionally sit behind a microphone and let their personas come to life through their voices. Over the years, many Hollywood A-listers have provided voices for well-liked animated films, and many didn’t brag about the fact that it was them.
Some of the most recognizable animated films include Toy Story, The Lion King, Tarzan, and Shrek. While Futurama, The Simpsons, South Park, and Family Guy are among the top animated series. But do you know all the faces behind the voices in these critically acclaimed films and television programs? We can guarantee you’re in for some surprises!
Family Guy – Mila Kunis
Mila Kunis received her first significant television role at 14 when she was chosen to play Jackie Burkhart in That 70s Show. She was given a role in an animated series just one year later.
Meg Griffin, the teenage daughter in the Seth MacFarlane animated series Family Guy, was voiced by Kunis. Since the second season of the show, she has primarily played Meg. Films featuring Mila include Bad Moms, Friends with Benefits, and Black Swan. She eventually married Ashton Kutcher – one of her co-stars from That 70's Show.
The Berenstain Bears – Michael Cera
A popular children's animal series called The Berenstain Bears debuted on PBS Kids in 2003. Its cast included a young actor who would go on to become famous. Brother Bear, the eldest offspring of Mama Bear and Papa Bear, was voiced by Michael Cera.
Through 2005, Cera, who also starred in Arrested Development, continued to provide the bear's voice. It took a few years (and a breakout role as Paulie Bleeker in the film Juno) for Cera to achieve greater fame.
Charlie Brown – Fergie
Stacy "Fergie" Ferguson, the vocalist and songwriter for the Black Eyed Peas, began her career as a child star before turning to music. She starred in the Disney Channel program Kids Incorporated when she was in elementary school.
Young Stacy was the iconic voice of Charlie Brown's younger sister, Sally Brown, on three Peanuts animated television specials created in the 1980s. Watch "It's Flashbeagle, Charlie Brown," "The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show," and "Snoopy's Getting Married, Charlie Brown" if you want to check them for yourself.
Clifford the Big Red Dog – John Ritter
A popular kids' television program, Clifford the Big Red Dog, ran from 2000 to 2003. Each episode featured Clifford, who was indeed a big red dog. John Ritter voiced this titular character. Though he’s most remembered for his classic performance as Jack Tripper in Three's Company, Ritter also had a solid film career.
Despite his reputation as a comedic actor, John Ritter was a talented performer with a wide range and plenty of depth. In contrast to the other characters he has portrayed, Clifford shows a unique side to John’s personality. Unfortunately, after his untimely death in 2003, the series ended.
Toy Story – Tim Allen
Buzz first showed up in Andy's room, much to Woody's displeasure, but the two quickly grew close and are now two of our all-time favorite animated characters. Disney and Pixar collaborated on the Toy Story franchise, and Tim Allen mainly provided the voice of the fictional character Buzz Lightyear.
Based on the "Space Ranger" superhero, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, Lightyear is a conscious action figure. He is the sole member of the Toy Story cast to appear as the primary character in every animated movie.
Shrek – Cameron Diaz
Princess Fiona is a very different kind of princess. She was struck with a peculiar affliction at birth that caused her to change into an ogress every night. Poor Fiona was determined to lift the curse until she found love with Shrek.
Every young girl dreams of becoming a princess, and in 2001, Cameron Diaz got to live that dream. Princess Fiona was voiced by Cameron in the animated films Shrek, Shrek 2, Shrek the Third, and Shrek Forever After. Star of Austin Powers, Mike Myers, was the voice of Shrek in the four films.
Fantastic Mr. Fox – George Clooney
Wes Anderson's film Fantastic Mr. Fox represents a significant change from the eccentric director's usual fare. The children's book of the same name by Roald Dahl inspired the stop-motion animated film. George Clooney provided the voice of the movie's protagonist, Mr. Fox.
Known for roles like Danny Ocean from the Ocean's Eleven series and Dr. Doug Ross from ER, this animated film added a new dimension to Clooney’s career. Everything George Clooney touches turns to gold since the movie got two Academy Award nominations and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 93%.
Fantastic Mr. Fox – Meryl Streep
Streep has starred in some of the most recognizable movies, including The Devil Wears Prada, The Deer Hunter, and Sophie's Choice. Of course, fans are accustomed to seeing the great actress in her full and glorious form. However, she has also lent her voice to projects like the Fantastic Mr. Fox.
Unsurprisingly, Meryl Streep gave the Felicity Fox role far more than mere words. Mrs. Fox loves her husband and affectionately refers to him as Foxy, but she can also be scathing when she discovers that he has lied to her.
The Real Ghostbusters – Arsenio Hall
In the 1980s, Ghostbusters rose to international acclaim. A follow-up to the 1984 movie Ghostbusters, The Real Ghostbusters was an animated television series. It ran from 1986 through 1991, and various performers lent their voices to the characters.
In The Real Ghostbusters, Winston Zeddemore was portrayed by an actor who later rose to popularity as the presenter of his late-night TV show in the 1990s. Before all that, in the first three seasons of The Real Ghostbusters, Arsenio Hall delivered Winston Zeddemore's voice.
Tarzan – Minnie Driver
In the popular animated film Tarzan, British actress Minnie Driver provided the voice for the character of Jane. In addition, Minnie contributed her mannerisms and traits to the animation, giving a sense of reality to Tarzan's lead love interest.
Minnie transformed the scene in which Jane tells her father about first seeing Tarzan. To get this scene right, they dedicated seven weeks and 73 feet of film! Beyond Tarzan, Minnie is well-known for her work on Good Will Hunting and ABC's Speechless.
King of the Hill – Brittany Murphy
Brittany Murphy was a famous American actress and singer who appeared in several blockbuster films before passing away suddenly in 2009. It turns out that Murphy was a regular on the animated movie King of the Hill in addition to her career in films.
Brittany Murphy voiced the character of Luanne Platter. The expressive, carefree young woman makes an early appearance in the show's pilot episode and frequently appears in subsequent episodes. For her depiction of Luanne, Murphy received an Annie Award.
Hotel Transylvania – Adam Sandler
Over the years, many talented performers have played the legendary role of Dracula in various films. In one of the recent iterations, Drac was the primary character in the high-budget animated film Hotel Transylvania. Released in 2012, the film featured a well-known comedian in the role of Count Dracula.
In the movie Hotel Transylvania, Adam Sandler voiced Dracula. Like the actor who plays him, Drac is hilarious, and the character frequently embarrasses himself among people of the opposite sex. In the film's sequels, Sandler also brings life to the role.
Tangled – Mandy Moore
Disney has produced many new live-action versions of its vintage princess cartoons. So it follows that Tangled, the tale of Rapunzel, may soon be adapted as well. We’re not sure how well this will work out as these live-action remakes haven’t received much praise from critics. However, we’re sure kids of all ages will love it.
Back to the animated version of the story – Mandy Moore portrayed Rapunzel in Tangled. Moore sang songs like "Candy" and "I Wanna Be With You," which were popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s. A Walk to Remember, The Princess Diaries, and most recently, the popular series This Is Us all feature her as a leading lady.
Bolt – John Travolta
Bolt, a German shepherd dog with white hair who stars in a superhero television series, has the misconception that his character's superpowers are genuine. John Travolta provided the titular character's voice in the Disney film, which debuted in 2008.
Although John Travolta is more famous for his roles in films like Pulp Fiction, Grease, and Saturday Night Fever, his voiceover work in the movie showcases his skills. He acknowledged that he had previously declined a lot of voice acting opportunities, but after reading the script, he immediately connected with the character of Bolt.
Despicable Me – Russell Brand
Despicable Me is centered on Gru, a former supervillain, and his yellow-clad Minions. One of the main characters is Dr. Joseph Albert Nefario. He works gadgets for Gru and lives in his labs and underground lair. Russell Brand voices Dr. Nefario.
The movie achieved significant commercial success after its premiere in 2010. UK-based Brand had already found fame in the US after starring in the 2008 film Forgetting Sarah Marshall and the 2010 rock comedy spin-off Get Him to the Greek.
Shark Tale – Will Smith
Since we have grown accustomed to hearing Will Smith's voice in films such as Independence Day, Men in Black, and The Pursuit of Happiness, it was easy to recognize him in Shark Tale. Though he was playing an animated fish, there was no mistaking Smith’s voice.
Smith took on the central part of Oscar in the 2004 film Shark Tale. The film is a kid-friendly version of a gangster movie – think The Godfather, but with sharks and lots of singing.
Aladdin – Robin Williams
The Genie from the 1992 Disney classic Aladdin is one of the best characters ever created. Genie remains one of the most recognizable characters in all animation thanks to Robin Williams' vitality and enthusiasm, making his character seem to leap off the screen.
Williams provided the voice for the endearing Genie in the first animated feature film produced by Walt Disney Pictures. It was a role that no one could ever forget. The actor enjoyed an impressive career in comedy and stand-up before his untimely death in 2014.
Finding Nemo – Alexander Gould
Finding Nemo has become one of Disney's all-time top animated films since its premiere in 2003. So many people were moved by the story of a protective clownfish searching for his missing son Nemo, and it even inspired the sequel, Finding Dory.
Alexander Gould provided the voice of Nemo, who separated from his father and embarked on a tremendous quest to reconcile. Gould has a long list of other voiceover projects to his name, including Curious George, The Life & Times of Tim, and Bambi II, as well as an on-screen role in Weeds.
Finding Nemo – Ellen DeGeneres,
The endearing and forgetful Pacific Royal Blue Tang, Dory, was brought to life by the distinctive vocal abilities of Ellen DeGeneres. DeGeneres had other voice acting roles, including Doctor Dolittle and some episodes of The Simpsons. She later lent her voice to the spin-off film Finding Dory.
Dory, who brings humor to the touching movie, is a terrific match for Ellen. One of the world's most recognizable talk show hosts, Ellen is renowned for her comedic talent. Unfortunately, she has recently experienced some controversy, but that doesn’t make us love Dory or Finding Nemo any less!
Dinosaurs – Jessica Walter
Jessica Walter, an Emmy winner, passed away at 80. Walter was well-known for playing Malory Archer in the cartoon series Archer. She was also a regular on Arrested Development. But, as it turns out, Walter had another role that many people never knew was her.
The 1990s television sitcom Dinosaurs, featuring a family of dinosaurs who wear clothes and have modern conveniences, featured Walter’s voice as Fran Sinclair. In its initial form, it was available from 1991 until 1994. Her numerous film credits include memorable roles in The Flamingo Kid and Play Misty for Me.
Flushed Away – Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman, most known for his roles as Wolverine in the X-Men franchise, has also done voice-over work as Memphis in Happy Feet and Roddy St. James in Flushed Away. The Aussie actor certainly keeps himself busy!
Several nominations and awards were given to the 2006 computer-animated epic comedy film Flushed Away. The story starts when a sewer rat named Sid flushes a pet mouse named Roddy down the toilet in his apartment. Roddy makes friends with Rita Malone to find his way back home.
Transformers: The Movie – Orson Welles
There is no disputing that Orson Welles, one of the greatest directors of all time, had talent flowing through his blood. He was a writer, producer, director, and actor from the United States. Welles' career flourished after the release of Citizen Kane, which is frequently recognized as the best movie of all time. However, the cartoon lovers among us associate his name with another film.
Welles' final voice role came in Transformers: The Movie (1986). He completed the work just a few months before passing away in 1985. He portrayed the planet-sized villain Unicron, who was focused on obtaining supreme power.
Sonic the Hedgehog – Jaleel White
You might still recognize Jaleel White as the geeky but lovable neighbor Steve Urkel in the long-running ABC television sitcom Family Matters. However, the actor has undoubtedly developed far beyond that early role.
The famous Sonic the Hedgehog video game character was voiced by White in the animated movies, Sonic the Hedgehog, Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog, and Sonic Underground, which the now-defunct DIC Entertainment studio created. Later, in a 2013 Sonic fan film, he played Sonic again.
Captain Planet and the Planeteers – Meg Ryan
Actress and producer Meg Ryan first came to public attention for supporting parts in movies like Promised Land and Top Gun. Then, in 1989, she shot to global fame thanks to her romantic comedy movie When Harry Met Sally.
During the first season of Captain Planet and the Planeteers, Ryan had the opportunity to voice Dr. Blight, a criminal scientist with a plan to rule the globe through her experiments and plots. Ryan continued to work as a movie actor after the series, appearing in You've Got Mail and Sleepless in Seattle, among others.
The Lion King – Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg portrayed an endearing nun in the Sister Act films and has contributed significantly to Hollywood's comic landscape over the years. The actress played a very different role when she provided the voice of Shenzi, an annoying and trouble-making hyena in The Lion King.
Whoopi has made her mark in the performing world as one of the select few actresses who have won an Emmy, an Oscar, a Tony, and a Grammy Award. It is, therefore, no surprise that The Lion King producers wanted her to join the classic production.
The Lion King – Rowan Atkinson
In the 1994 Disney animated picture The Lion King, Zazu plays a significant role. The stuffy red-billed hornbill is the majordomo and royal advisor of the Pride Lands. Despite being tasked with maintaining order in the realm, Zazu is rarely taken seriously because of his small stature and frail temperament.
Rowan Atkinson provided his voice for Zazu, who, on the orders of Mufasa, always tried to stay by Simba's side. Though he’s most famous for playing the silent Mr. Bean, Atkinson stole the show as the flustered red-billed hornbill.
Garfield: The Movie – Bill Murray
Actor and comedian Bill Murray portrayed everyone’s favorite lasagna-loving cat in Garfield: The Movie. Murray first came to public attention on Saturday Night Live and has since won an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and been nominated for an Academy Award.
Groundhog Day, Ghostbusters, Hyde Park on Hudson, and Lost in Translation are among the movies in his portfolio. While he is well-known for his humorous sensibilities, his deadpan delivery makes him most recognizable. In addition to acting in films, he co-directed Quick Change in 1990.
Megamind – Brad Pitt
There is no missing Brad Pitt if he appears in a movie, but you may have missed him in this animation. In Megamind, Pitt voiced Metro Man, a retired superhero who still has his charm. Besides being a parody of Superman, Metro Man is Megamind's longtime nemesis. However, he’s more interested in pursuing a musical career than fighting villains.
Since he’s known for his onscreen charm, Brad is not usually a voiceover actor of choice. However, he could not pass up the chance to play an extraterrestrial refugee from the Glaupunk Quadrant.
Kung Fu Panda – Angelina Jolie
Perhaps Angelina Jolie intended to demonstrate her acting skills to her six children when she increased her family size. A role in a kid's animated movie like Kung Fu Panda would be the ideal way to accomplish this.
Head of The Furious Five, Tigress, is voiced by American actress Angelina Jolie. Jolie is most recognized for playing the lead roles in the Tomb Raider and Maleficent movie series. In addition, she won an Oscar for her role as Lisa in Girl, Interrupted, and played Thena in the MCU film Eternals.
Shrek – Mike Myers
Mike Myers is loved by many for his roles in Wayne's World and Austin Powers. He’s also appeared in classics like So I Married an Axe Murderer and Inglorious Basterds. Since he’s a Canadian actor, many people are surprised to discover that he’s the voice behind Scottish-sounding Shrek.
We’re not sure why the Shrek movie's creators chose Myers to provide the voice of the green Scottish ogre, but we’re glad they did. The film was such a hit that Myers returned for Shrek The Halls and Shrek Forever After.
Corpse Bride – Johnny Depp
Apart from creating controversy in the courts, Johnny Depp has enjoyed one of the most intriguing cinematic careers. From his screen premiere in Nightmare on Elm Street to his role as the villain in Fantastic Beasts, he has a reputation for devoting much of himself to every character he plays. The actor has ties to director Tim Burton but is perhaps most known for his work on Pirates of the Caribbean.
Tim Burton’s animated movie The Corpse Bride from 2005 is one of his most famous collaborations with Depp. As he stumbles through it, Victor, played by Depp, introduces the audience to a dark and unfamiliar world.
Toy Story – Tom Hanks
A fictitious pull-string cowboy rag doll named Sheriff Woody Pride appears in the Disney-Pixar Toy Story series. Tom Hanks provides most of Sheriff Woody’s vocal work in the Toy Story feature films, animated shorts, and television specials.
With roles in blockbuster movies like Philadelphia, Forrest Gump, Big, and Saving Private Ryan, Hanks is currently the fourth highest-earning actor in North America. In addition, the Oscar winner received a French Legion of Honor and a Presidential Medal of Freedom from former President Barack Obama.
Frozen – Idina Menzel
When it was released in 2013, Disney’s Frozen captivated audiences worldwide. Children and adults of all ages were enthralled by the catchy music, endearing characters, and gorgeous animation. Idina Menzel, a Broadway performer, and voice actor, played the lead character – brave princess Elsa.
After winning two Academy Awards, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and two Grammy Awards, Frozen became the highest-grossing animated picture of all time. Many of these awards were related to "Let It Go," which Menzel sang powerfully.
Up – Ed Asner
When the 2009 Pixar picture Up was released, the animated Carl Fredricksen captured the hearts of millions worldwide. Carl was played by his real-life doppelganger, Ed Asner. Although Mr. Fredricksen may have been irritable initially, you rapidly discover by the movie's finale that he has a soft spot for Russel, Kevin, and Dug.
Ed Asner has established himself as a Hollywood legend, and Up is yet another example of his prowess. The movie received an astounding five Academy Award nominations.
Moana – Nicole Scherzinger
One of the most successful female vocalists of all time, Nicole Scherzinger, has worked in the entertainment world for years. She is the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls, a well-known American pop group. Though you probably recognize her from Pussycat Doll performances, you may not know she also starred in a Disney film.
Nicole has also served as a judge on The Masked Singer and The X Factor. However, in 2016, she took a role that would earn her worldwide love – she appeared as the mother, Sina, in Moana.
Beauty and the Beast – Dame Angela Lansbury
Dame Angela Lansbury enjoyed a show business career of nearly seven decades. The Oscar-nominated actress gained international recognition for her leading performances in stage productions, motion pictures, and television. She eventually made the leap to voice acting when she portrayed Mrs. Potts in the animated movie Beauty and the Beast.
The film made history by becoming the first animated movie to be converted into a Broadway musical. It was also the first animated movie nominated for an Academy award. This happened at the 64th Academy Awards, and the nomination was for Best Picture.
The Little Mermaid – Jodi Marie Benson
American performer Jodi Marie Benson is best known for lending her voice to Princess Ariel in Disney's 1989 animated feature The Little Mermaid. Benson worked on several other films, including a sequel, prequel, and television series spinoff.
She also provided the voice of Barbie for Toy Story 2, Toy Story 3, and the Toy Story movie Hawaii Vacation. In 2011, Benson was recognized as a Disney Legend for her contributions to the company. As a voice actress, she has won worldwide praise from audiences and critics.
Elephant – Meghan Markle
The newest Disney original film, Elephant, follows Shani, an African elephant, and Jomo, her male offspring, as they travel across the Kalahari Desert in Botswana with their herd and its matriarch, Gaia. According to Disney Plus, Meghan Markle, The Duchess of Sussex, narrates the movie.
Meghan Markle decided to return to show business after returning to North America and leaving her royal obligations. Apparently, the nonprofit conservation organization Elephants Without Borders will benefit from the Disney project. We certainly hope the elephants gain the most from it.
The Princess and the Frog – Oprah Winfrey
By 2007, Oprah Winfrey had been listed as one of the most powerful women in the world. She is also a media executive, producer of television shows, actor, and philanthropist. Oprah is most known for The Oprah Winfrey Show – a talk show she hosted out of Chicago that was broadcast globally for 25 years.
Though she is most famous for her talk show, Oprah has appeared in many creative projects over the years. For example, she had a part in Disney's animated fantasy picture, The Princess and the Frog in 2009. Winfrey voiced Eudora, Princess Tiana's mother.
Sofia the First – Ariel Winter
Virginia-born actress Ariel Winter was 22 when she established a name for herself. She provided the voice of Gretchen in the animated children's program Phineas and Ferb before landing the regular part of Alex Dunphy in Modern Family.
Winter was chosen to play Sofia in the Disney animated series Sofia the First. The show aired on Disney Junior in 2012. She also provided voices for a few supporting roles in the animated movies Ice Age: The Meltdown and Bambi II.
Onward – Julia Louis-Dreyfus
In 1989, Julia Louis-Dreyfus made a name for herself as Elaine Benes on the popular series Seinfeld. She stuck with the role for nine seasons, appearing in almost every episode, including the show's conclusion.
Since then, Julia has maintained a busy acting schedule, including providing Laurel Lightfoot's voice in the 2020 fantasy-adventure Onward. Laurel Lightfoot is an elf with a light blue complexion and hair. She has pointy ears, dark eyes, and a squat, chubby appearance.