Top 10 Best Celebrity Voice Actor Performances In Cartoons
#10: Jeff Goldblum
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“Captain Planet and the Planeteers” (1990-96) People aren’t shy about their attraction to Jeff Goldblum, but we don’t think it was this role that initiated their infatuation. At least, we hope not. In the first season of the environmentally themed superhero series, Goldblum played the grotesquely named-and-looking Verminous Skumm, a human-rat hybrid who can command rats to do his bidding. Oh, and did we mention he has a helicopter? Called the “Scum O’Copter,” of course. Whether he's teaming up with the other Eco-Villains or engaging in his own dastardly plot, like using acid rain to wipe a city off the map, Skumm lives up to his name. And Goldblum once again proves how versatile his brand of charisma truly is.
#9: Will Forte
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“Clone High” (2002-03) Anyone who’s watched him on “Saturday Night Live” knows how expressive and hilarious of a performer Will Forte is. That also applies to his voiceover work. The same year he debuted on “SNL,” Forte also starred as a young, cloned Abraham Lincoln on MTV’s short-lived cult cartoon, “Clone High.” The gawky Abe isn't exactly the kind of teen who seems destined for greatness. But like he does with all of his characters, Forte makes Abe as lovable as he is awkward. Series creators Phil Lord and Christopher Miller certainly didn’t forget about Forte after the show ended. He also played a Lego Abraham Lincoln in the first and second “Lego” movies. Daniel Day-Lewis, you’ve been warned.
#8: Brittany Murphy
“King of the Hill” (1997-2010) There’s a difference between playing ditzy and playing dim-witted, and Brittany Murphy understood this. As Hank and Peggy Hill’s niece, Luanne Platter, the late Murphy gave this young woman from small town Texas the perfect blend of sweetness and moxie. With interests ranging from cosmetology to automotive repair, Luanne is a truly well-rounded character, and her more emotional nature makes her the perfect foil to Hank’s rigid masculinity. Murphy’s death in 2009 was shocking and tragic, and hearing her work on “King of the Hill” always reminds us of what a talent she truly was.
#7: James Avery
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“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (1987-96) If your image of James Avery comes from his role as Uncle Phil on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” one of the best father figures in sitcom history, it might stun you to learn he voiced one of animation’s biggest baddies at the same time. As Oroku Saki, better known as “The Shredder,” Avery gave the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles a true foe and gave generations of young viewers a villain equally theatrical and menacing. Although he departed the series halfway through season 7, the late Avery gave a performance as Shredder so impressive, we never forgot his presence.
#6: Kristen Schaal
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“Bob’s Burgers” (2011- ) Great voiceover work involves plenty of expressive line readings, but few can match Kristen Schaal when it comes to pure animated energy. As the hilarious and, at times, maniacal child of the Belcher clan, Louise, Schaal is always a treat to hear. Don’t let her age, stature, or pink bunny ears fool you: Louise is a true firecracker, stepping over whoever she can in order to get her way, even her own family. But Louise is also capable of tenderness and childhood imagination, and Schaal knows how to give her the right mix of sweetness, mixed with spunk.
#5: Mila Kunis
“Family Guy” (1999-2003; 2005- ) It’s tough being a teenage girl, and it’s even tougher when you’re Meg Griffin. The oldest child of Peter and Lois on “Family Guy,” Meg’s experiences normal teenage issues like hopeless crushes to less-normal ones, such as having her father light her scalp on fire. Although the role originated with Lacey Chabert, Kunis, then best-known for her work as Jackie on “That 70s Show,” soon gave Meg a new sense of character. Meg might not exactly be popular among her peers or family, but Kunis’ great voice work earns her a spot on this list.
#4: Adam West
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“Batman: The Animated Series” (1992-95) Adam West made his mark on multiple different “Batman” series, decades apart from each other. First, there was his work as the Caped Crusader in the classic 60s series. Then, he played Simon Trent, better known by his television alter ego, The Gray Ghost, on “Batman: The Animated Series.” Although West only made a single-episode appearance, he made it count. Playing an idol to Bruce Wayne who teams up with Batman to stop an explosive plot from unfolding, the episode and West’s nuanced performance show how even heroes have heroes, and how West was truly the best. We also shouldn’t forget his work as Mayor Marion Grange on “The Batman.”
#3: Tim Curry
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“The Wild Thornberrys” (1998-2004) Few actors relish their line deliveries quite like Tim Curry does, which made him the perfect choice to play Nigel Thornberry, father on Nickelodeon’s “The Wild Thornberrys.” Although many of Curry’s most-famous roles involve him playing villains or just generally unsettling characters, he effortlessly makes Nigel into a totally lovable, if eccentric, presence, whose appearance and laugh both defy description. Without Nigel's free-spirited nature and can-do attitude, his family wouldn't get to go on so many amazing adventures, and without Curry's inimitable presence behind him, "The Wild Thornberrys" just wouldn't be the same.
#2: Phil Hartman
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“The Simpsons” (1989- ) He might’ve not played any of the family members, but Phil Hartman was one of the most important cast members on “The Simpsons.” The late “SNL” star, who also played Mr. Wilson and Henry Mitchell in the first season of the “Dennis the Menace” cartoon - could make anything funny. He played numerous characters on the series, but his most-frequent were washed-up movie star and video host Troy McClure and hilariously incompetent attorney Lionel Hutz. Many consider the era of McClure and Hutz to also be the show’s finest, and given Hartman’s talents, we don’t think this is a coincidence. The loss of Phil Hartman left a void on “The Simpsons” that can - and should - never be filled. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Michael Cera, “The Berenstain Bears” (2003-04) Before Stardom, Michael Cera Played Brother Bear Aisha Tyler, “Archer” (2009- ) The Comic Plays Archer's Ex & Co-worker, Lana Kate McKinnon, “The Magic School Bus Rides Again” (2017- ) McKinnon Is Fiona Frizzle on “The Magic School Bus Rides Again” Gina Rodriguez, “Carmen Sandiego” (2019-21) Gina Rodriguez Voices Carmen Sandiego Linda Cardellini, “Regular Show” (2009-17) The “Freaks and Geeks” Actress Played CJ on This Cartoon
#1: Mark Hamill
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“Batman: The Animated Series” (1992-95) The Joker is one of the most iconic villains of all-time, so your first bet to voice him wouldn’t be the guy who also played Luke Skywalker. Yet, the sci-fi hero ended up being the perfect choice for the Clown Prince of Crime. Hamill’s portrayal captures both the Joker’s madness as well as his love for showmanship. Although the Joker isn’t Batman’s only foe, whenever he shows up, we’re doubly excited thanks to Hamill’s performance. His laughter is enough to cause nightmares, and his incredible voice acting is more than enough to get our number-one spot.
