When Did Charles Martinet Voice Mario? Exploring the History of the Iconic Video Game Character’s Voice Actor
If you’re a fan of games, you know who Mario is. The iconic video game character is known for his adventurous spirit, entertaining personality, and his famous catchphrase “It’s-a me, Mario!” But have you ever wondered who provides the voice behind one of your favorite video game characters? This blog post will explore the history of Charles Martinet, the voice actor behind Mario, and answer the burning question: When did Charles Martinet voice Mario?
Who is Charles Martinet?
Before we dive into the history of Martinet’s involvement with Mario, let’s first take a moment to get to know the man behind the voice. Charles Martinet is a voice actor who has been working in the entertainment industry since the 1980s. Born on September 17, 1955, in California, Martinet was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. He attended the University of California at Berkeley, where he studied theater arts, and then went on to pursue acting as a career.
Martinet’s Involvement with Mario
Martinet first got involved with the Mario franchise in 1990 when he was hired by Nintendo of America to voice the character. At the time, Martinet was working at a trade show where Nintendo was showcasing their new game, Super Mario Bros. 3. Martinet caught the attention of Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of the Mario franchise, who asked him to audition for the voice of Mario. Martinet’s audition consisted of him imitating the voice of the character with all his energy and enthusiasm, which impressed Miyamoto.
When Did Charles Martinet Voice Mario for the First Time?
Martinet voiced Mario for the first time in the 1995 game, “Mario’s FUNdamentals.” In this game, Martinet not only voiced Mario but also his nemesis Wario and two other characters. Since then, he has continued to voice Mario in various video games and other media, including television shows and movies.
Notable Games Featuring Charles Martinet as Mario
Over the years, Mario has appeared in various games, but some are more notable than others. Here are a few of the most popular games featuring Martinet as Mario:
- Super Mario 64 (1996)
- Mario Kart 64 (1996)
- Super Mario Sunshine (2002)
- Mario Kart Double Dash!! (2003)
- Super Mario Galaxy (2007)
- Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010)
- Mario Kart 8 (2014)
- Super Mario Odyssey (2017)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Charles Martinet been voicing Mario?
Martinet has been voicing Mario for over 25 years, since 1995.
Is Charles Martinet the only voice actor for Mario?
Yes, Martinet is the only voice actor for Mario. However, there have been other voice actors for other characters in the Mario franchise.
How did Charles Martinet get involved with Mario?
Martinet was hired by Nintendo of America after he caught the attention of Shigeru Miyamoto while he was imitating the voice of Mario at a trade show.
What other characters has Charles Martinet voiced in the Mario franchise?
In addition to Mario, Martinet has voiced other popular characters in the Mario franchise, including Luigi, Wario, Waluigi, and Baby Luigi.
Conclusion
Charles Martinet’s contribution as the voice of Mario has undoubtedly cemented him into the history of video games. From his energetic catchphrases to his enthusiastic performances, Martinet’s portrayal of the iconic character has brought joy to gamers around the world for over 25 years. When did Charles Martinet voice Mario? It all started with a chance encounter at a trade show, and the rest, as they say, is history.
So, the next time you play a Mario game or hear his famous catchphrase, “It’s-a me, Mario!,” take a moment to appreciate the work of Charles Martinet, the man behind the voice.