The 7 Famous Actors Behind Iconic 90s Cartoon Characters
Have you ever watched an animated movie or TV cartoon and thought, “Boy, does that voice sound familiar”?
Tons of celebrities have boosted their bank accounts by voicing iconic cartoon characters. Here’s a list of actors who have lent their talents to the most beloved animated works of the 90s. You won’t believe the star power behind these adorable, adventure-seeking, and just plain quirky characters.
1. Matthew Broderick
He knows how to skip school without getting in trouble and his wife is the hugely famous star of Sex In The City, but did you now that Matthew Broderick was also the voice of Simba in The Lion King? While baby Simba was played by a child actor, once the lion grows up, he’s played by Matthew Broderick who even sings Simba’s part in “Hakuna Matata.”
2. Mila Kunis
Mila Kunis made a name for herself as the stuck-up Jackie in That 70’s Show, where she acted opposite her now real-life husband Ashton Kutcher, but she’s also the voice behind the serially mistreated Meg Griffin in Family Guy.
3. Mel Gibson
Actor, director, cartoon leading man? Mel Gibson may play a rogue cop in the Lethal Weapon franchise, but this legend was all about the love when he voiced Capt. John Smith in Disney’s 1995 animated hit Pocahontas.
4. Michael J. Fox
Forget going back to the future — Michael J. Fox’s most adorable role was as furry Stuart Little in the film of the same name. This family-friendly flick, which came out in 1999, was a fascinating combo of live action, animatronic props, CGI, and of course the vocal talents of Marty McFly.
5. Robin Williams
Comedian Robin Williams was known for both his improv skills and his talent for dramatic acting, but he was definitely all about the laughs when he voiced the zany, bright blue Genie in Disney’s Aladdin. Rumor has it that Williams was so funny on set that the film’s lead animator had to excuse himself from the recording stage because he was laughing so hard it was making it difficult for the crew to keep going.
6. Tom Hanks
There’s a new sheriff in town — at least there was way back in 1995 when Tom Hanks, one of the world’s most decorated actors, stepped into the cartoon boots of Toy Story’s Woody. Hanks would go on to star in a whole slew of Toy Story films, including a few shorts now found exclusively on Disney+.
As a bonus, Tim Allen of Tool Time fame did the voice for Woody’s rival and eventual sidekick Buzz Lightyear.
7. Mark Hamill
It’s not often an actor gets to take on a truly iconic role, let alone two historic characters, but that’s just what Mark Hamill has done. Hamill is of course best known as Luke Skywalker, the young Jedi who helps save the galaxy in Star Wars, but he also voiced the evil, cackling Joker character in Batman: The Animated Series.