Top 10 Moments We Found Out An Actor Was a Great Voice Actor
#10: James Earl Jones “Star Wars” (1977)
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Darth Vader was actually played by two actors. David Prowse provided the body, but James Earl Jones provided the voice. There’s no mistaking Jones’ booming voice. He was a prominent stage actor and had already appeared in several films throughout the 1960s and ‘70s by the time he voiced the asthmatic Sith Lord. However, outside of narrating a documentary about Malcolm X, this would be the first time he would play a role entirely in voiceover. This endeavor also went uncredited for a while. Even though it’s not his own broad and imposing frame filling out Vader’s costume, Jones forever owns the role of Darth Vader.
#9: Steve Carell “Despicable Me” (2010)
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Between “The Office” and some raunchy comedies like “Anchorman” and “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” Carell had voiced characters in some family friendly movies. He hit his stride with Gru, a middle-aged supervillain who suddenly becomes the guardian of three little girls. The character’s distinctive Eastern European accent and quickness to anger was a departure from Carell’s usual roles. The risk earned him good reviews, and he even received an Annie Award nomination for his work. Some fans might have been shocked when he began taking on more dramatic roles, but his work as Gru probably should have been the giveaway that he can do anything.
#8: Dwayne Johnson “Moana” (2016)
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Who would’ve thought the Rock could be a music man? Even if he didn’t get to show off his god-like physique on screen, Dwayne Johnson was the perfect casting choice for the demigod Maui. Although Johnson had proven he could lead a live action adventure film, “Moana” was only his second foray into animated features after 2009’s “Planet 51.” The great thing about this performance is how much it lets him have fun. Coming from his pro wrestling background, Johnson has played a hypermasculine caricature for a long time. Maui is a role that lets him parody himself, and it’s a delight from start to finish.
#7: Donna Murphy “Tangled” (2010) Many musical theater actors have crossed over into voice acting, but “Tangled” was Donna Murphy’s first credited voice role, and that’s shocking. The singing is, of course, top notch and what else would you expect from a Broadway veteran? Mother Gothel is one of Disney’s greatest and most complex villains and much of that is due to Murphy’s exquisite performance. She volleys between humor and total evil with ease. It makes sense. Gothel is a role that would rival some of the best on any Broadway stage. So, it’s not surprising that a performer who has played some of the greatest musical theater roles ever would be up to the task.
#6: Ellen DeGeneres “Finding Nemo” (2003)
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After her controversial and near career-ending coming out in 1997, Ellen DeGeneres was at the beginning of a career resurgence in 2003. Her performance as Dory was a huge part of that. It’s a perfect match of character to performer. DeGeneres’s established persona as a charming and lovable scatterbrain played well against the story of this memory-challenged blue tang fish. Dory’s irrepressible energy and constant shifting between extremes could make her tiresome pretty fast. It’s a testament to the host’s skill that she can modulate it enough to make her not only really funny, but totally loveable.
#5: Eartha Kitt “The Emperor’s New Groove” (2000)
With her distinctively rich growl of a voice, it’s a wonder actress, singer, and activist Eartha Kitt didn’t have a more prolific career in animation. “The Emperor’s New Groove” was by no means her first venture into voiceover, but it was the role that re-introduced her to the younger generation. As Yzma, the treacherous advisor (or ex-advisor) to Emperor Kuzco, Kitt’s delight in being evil is infectious. Her refined accent and shrill howling make for something truly brilliant. For instance, lines as simple on paper as “pull the lever, Kronk!” are made instantly unforgettable. As played by Eartha Kitt, Yzma is a Disney villain that made being bad look so good.
#4: Tom Hanks “Toy Story” (1995)
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Granted, the “Forrest Gump” star had already won two Best Actor Oscars by the time “Toy Story” was released, so it was fair to say everyone knew Tom Hanks could act. But, the way he fully embodied Woody, the toy cowboy, revealed an entirely new level of talent. Hanks was known for playing good guys. Woody is actually one of Hanks’s more nefarious characters – at least in the first installment, given the lengths he goes to to make sure Buzz Lightyear doesn’t usurp him as Andy’s favorite toy. He found a way to balance Woody’s smug sense of humor with some genuine pathos, and it’s probably his ability to create good-hearted characters that made that possible.
#3: Eddie Murphy “Mulan” (1998)
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Donkey from “Shrek” is an unforgettable sidekick, but it wasn’t the first stellar voice performance from Eddie Murphy. That distinction belongs to Disney’s “Mulan.” Murphy voices Mushu the dragon, a family guardian assigned to watch over the main character. As Mushu, Murphy sputters out comedy gold like a leaky faucet, with free rein to be as charming, sarcastic, and hilarious as audiences know him to be. Some critics felt the character was distracting, but we disagree. If anything, he makes the story more accessible to younger viewers. Thanks to Murphy, Mushu is one of the funniest and most memorable parts of Mulan’s story.
#2: Jeremy Irons “The Lion King” (1994)
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For an actor with a resumé as prestigious and adult-oriented as his, it’s kind of amazing that Jeremy Irons would even agree to be in an animated movie for children. But when you remember that “The Lion King” is a riff on “Hamlet,” it makes a lot of sense. Irons is an absolute monster as Scar, the traitorous sibling who rivals any Shakespearean villain in cruelty and eloquence. The actor’s resonant tone is a great match for his co-star and on-screen rival, James Earl Jones. His voice can still send chills down the spine of any ‘90s kid. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Amy Poehler, “Inside Out” (2015) This Wasn’t Her First Voice Acting Role, But It Just Might Be the Most Heartbreaking Kathleen Turner, “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” (1988) The Smoky-Voiced Actress Brought the Heat to This Iconic Toon Scarlett Johansson, “Her” (2013) She Almost Makes You Believe an Operating System Can Feel Things Josh Gad, “Frozen” (2013) This Broadway Vet Stole the Show as the Lovable Snowman Mark Hamill, “Batman: The Animated Series” (1992-95) In This Galaxy, the Joker Sounds an Awful Lot Like Luke Skywalker
#1: Robin Williams “Aladdin” (1992)
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Apart from the performer’s unparalleled talent for improvisation, what makes this one so special is that the animators worked so closely with him. Robin Williams’ Genie is a marvel of voice acting, animation, and collaboration. The filmmakers allowed him creative freedom over the character, which was perfect for Williams’ ability to bounce between jokes, impressions, and accents at a rapid pace. His success in the role also marked a shift in how animated films were cast, leading to more celebrities being asked to take on voice roles. Still, no one’s even come close to its greatness.
