After nearly 30 years, Charles Martinet will no longer be voicing Mario.
In a post on social media on Monday, Nintendo announced that Martinet will be leaving his position as the voice of Mario and into a new role with the company.
“Charles Martinet has been the original voice of Mario in Nintendo games for a long time, as far back as Super Mario 64,” the statement says. “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.”
In response to the announcement, Martinet posted on the site formerly known as Twitter.
“My new Adventure begins,” he said. “You are all Numba One in my heart!”
Martinet began his work as the voice of Mario for Super Mario 64. It was a role he got after he auditioned by talking about how he was going to make a pizza, and he used the now famous voice.
In addition to Mario, Martinet has voiced other characters such as Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi. And though he didn’t voice the character he’s best known for in the recent The Super Mario Bros. Movie, he did have a cameo as Mario’s Dad, Giuseppe.
What do you think about Charles Martinent no longer being the voice of Mario after nearly 30 years? For more Insider Gaming, check out what game was the best-selling for July 2023, and what game surged up the charts.
