Charles Martinet, Mario’s original voice actor who has voiced the character since 1991, has revealed that he will be “stepping back from recording character voices for our games” and will now serve as a “Mario Ambassador.” Nintendo made the announcement on Twitter/X, adding that a special video message from Shigeru Miyamoto and Martinet will be available at a later date.
“Charles Martinet has been the original voice of Mario in Nintendo games for a long time, as far back as Super Mario 64,” Nintendo wrote. “Charles is now moving into the brand-new role of Mario Ambassador. 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. 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 quote tweeted Nintendo’s post, saying, “My new adventure begins! You are all Numba One in my heart! #woohoo !!!!!!!”
Charles Martinet’s journey
Martinet got the position when a buddy told him about an audition at a tradeshow where he’d have to “talk to people as a plumber.” He certainly got the job, and he first voiced Mario at tradeshows for a 3D version of the character that could speak with attendees.
His first appearance as Mario in a video game was in 1994’s Mario Teaches Typing, but many people came to know and adore him in 1996’s Super Mario 64. He continued to voice not only Mario, but also Luigi, Wario, Waluigi, Metal Mario, Shadow Mario, Baby Mario, and others for Nintendo.
Martinet stated in 2021 that he wanted to “voice Mario until I drop dead.” While that appears to be over, it’s reassuring to know he will still be spreading joy and happiness across the world with that iconic voice.