Top 10 Voice Actors Who Replaced the Original
#10: Mila Kunis Replaced Lacey Chabert as Meg Griffin
“Family Guy” (1999-)
The sardonic teen of the Griffin family rose to prominence thanks to Kunis’ excellent dry-delivery. But she wasn’t the first actor to take a crack at the role. For the show’s first season, Lacey Chabert lent her voice to Meg. When the actress had scheduling conflicts with school and other projects, she was recast. Kunis has remained in the part ever since. The show still winks at it’s oft-forgotten past with Chabert in the role. She may not have originated the part, but we can’t imagine saying “Shut up, Meg” to anyone other than Kunis.
#9: Katie Griffin Replaced Katie Leigh as Alex
“Totally Spies!” (2001-13)
Recasts are never easy, especially when a show hinges upon the casts’ chemistry like this children’s spy series did. When production moved from L.A. to Toronto for the show’s third season, Leigh was unable to continue her role as the hyperactive agent, Alex. That’s when Katie Griffin joined the team. While slotting into an established ensemble is no small task, Griffin added enough spazz, earnestness, and energy to her performance to make the transition feel seamless. It’s a testament to Griffin’s portrayal that the chemistry between the lead characters was still strong after this major change.
#8: Chad Lowe Replaced Rob Lowe as Billy Batson / Shazam / Captain Marvel
“Young Justice” (2010-)
Rob Lowe’s infectious energy and pitch-perfect comedic timing made him expertly cast as this preteen boy who can transform into a buff superhero. But when scheduling conflicts prevented him from returning to the role, this superhero show didn’t go too far to find a new vocal talent. Rob’s younger brother Chad, captured the same lovable energy that the character had in his first appearances. He quickly proved why he should continue to take the reign as Captain Marvel, or Shazam. It’s safe to say that both Lowes have acting superpowers.
#7: Candi Milo Replaced Christine Cavanaugh as Dexter
“Dexter’s Laboratory” (1996-2003)
The bespectacled protagonist of this legendary animated series is known for his distinct nasally voice. So, it’s surprising that the person behind Dexter actually changed halfway through the series. Cavanaugh, who originated the role, retired from voice acting early into production of the show’s third season. Milo was then brought in to symbolically put on the glasses of the genius. Despite Cavanaugh’s extremely recognizable voice, Milo did an admirable job replicating Dexter’s aloof attitude and nasally vocals. Milo would stay with the show until its conclusion. Even Dexter’s biggest fans may have not noticed this scientist was ever recast.
#6: Henry Corden Replaced Alan Reed as Fred Flintstone
Various (1960-)
Our favorite prehistoric patriarch of the Flintstone family was played to perfection by Reed. It was great to hear his voice while watching Fred’s dimwitted yet well-meaning hijinks. During his tenure, there was one Mr. Flinstone scene that needed another voice. When Fred was scripted to do a musical number in the special “The Man Called Flintstone,” Reed revealed he couldn’t sing. Corden was brought in to provide the vocals for Fred’s song. And after Reed sadly passed in 1977, Corden took over the role full-time. He imbued the character with the good-spirited attitude we’d come to know and love while becoming an important part of prehistoric cartoon history.
#5: Dan Castellanta Replaced Robin Williams as Genie
Various (1992-)
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It’s impossible to imagine anyone besides Williams playing Aladdin’s blue and wish-granting friend. The comedy legend delivered an iconic, unforgettable performance that elevated the material to make the Genie one of the most recognizable characters in Disney’s catalogue. But disputes over the marketing of the first film led to a fallout between Williams and the studio. This conflict led to Castellanta being brought in for the direct-to-video sequel and television series. While living up to William’s defining performance was a daunting task, Castellanta proved more than capable of stepping up to the plate. He offered a take that felt fresh and exciting while being respectful to what came before. Castelllanta was simply magical in the role.
#4: Greg Baldwin Replaced Mako Iwamatsu as Iroh & Aku
“Avatar: The Last Airbender” (2005-08)
Uncle Iroh is one of “Avatar: The Last Airbender’s” most beloved characters. A major reason why he charmed us was because of Iwamatsu’s effortlessly genuine performance as the wise mentor. When Iwamatsu passed away after production wrapped on season two, the show paid tribute to him with an onscreen memorial. Baldwin finished Iroh’s journey in the third season with an emotional and layered performance that honored the actor who came before. This wouldn’t be the last time Baldwin took over a role originated by Iwamatsu. Aku was originally voiced by Iwakmatsu in “Samurai Jack”. When the show returned after a long hiatus, Baldwin stepped into the role of the big bad.
#3: Jim Cummings Replaced Sterling Holloway as Winnie The Pooh
Various (1966-)
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Despite his longevity, this honey-loving bear hasn’t gone through many voice actors. Holloway was the first to voice the role in the 1966 featurette “Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree”. He kept playing the bear for over a decade until his retirement. When the 1988 series “The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” rolled around, Cummings took up the mantle. He has held down the role ever since. Both actors invoke the lovable bear with the sweet sincerity and gentleness that defines the character. Cummings remained in the role long after Sterling Holloway passed away. Whether it’s an animated film, cartoon series or the live action Christopher Robin, Cummings made sure Pooh’s voice sounded comforting and familiar.
#2: Mel Blanc Replaced Joe Dougherty as Porky Pig
Various (1935-)
Top 10 Best Looney Tunes Voice Acting Performances
Many “Looney Tunes'' fans remember that Porky Pig tended to stutter while speaking. He shared this trait with the original voice actor, Joe Dougherty. While this vocal pattern became an iconic part of the character, it also caused production costs to spike. Doughtery’s recording sessions were lengthy and often filled with retakes of certain lines. Since the studio found his sessions too expensive, Blanc was brought in to replace Dougherty. It was unfortunate that the actor wasn’t able to continue the role he helped make so famous. Thankfully, Blanc honored the original actor by making sure Porky continued to stutter.
#1: Wayne Allwine Replaced Walt Disney as Mickey Mouse
Various (1928-)
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If anyone was destined to step into these mouse-shaped shoes, it was Allwine. He had the responsibility of taking over the role from Walt Disney himself. Disney had begun to phase out of the role in the later years of his life. However, it was only after his passing in 1966 that Allwine fully took up the mantle as the mascot’s official voice. He’s responsible for some of Mickey’s classic moments. And if that weren’t enough, he married Russi Taylor, the voice for Minnie Mouse at the time. If that doesn’t prove that Allwine was the perfect fit for this iconic mouse, we don’t know what does.
