Charles Martinet, the beloved voice behind the iconic character Mario for over three decades, has announced his retirement from recording character voices for Nintendo.
Here’s why Charles Martinet retired from voicing ‘Mario’
Martinet’s journey with Nintendo began in 1991, and his inaugural performance as Mario captivated players with the groundbreaking title Super Mario 64 in 1996.
His exuberant and distinctive portrayal of Mario breathed life into the character, making him an integral part of gaming culture.
Martinet’s contribution extended beyond Mario, as he lent his vocal talents to a host of Mushroom Kingdom characters including Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi, according to reports from Variety.
His voice graced over 150 Nintendo games, imbuing each title with the unique charm and enthusiasm that players came to associate with Mario’s catchphrases.
From Let’s-a go! to Mamma Mia and Wahoo!, Martinet’s delivery of Mario‘s signature lines became an indelible part of gaming history.
He left his mark on a plethora of Nintendo classics, including Mario Kart, Super Mario Galaxy, and Mario Party, elevating these titles with his distinct vocal artistry.
In a surprise move, Martinet has taken on a new role as a Mario Ambassador.
This role will see him traverse the globe, connecting with fans and representing Nintendo in a different capacity. While he steps away from recording character voices, his influence on the world of gaming will continue.
Nintendo of America expressed their gratitude to Martinet in a heartfelt statement, acknowledging his significant contribution to bringing Mario to life.
“Please keep an eye out for a special video message from Shigeru Miyamoto and Charles himself, which we will post at a future date,” Nintendo wrote.
Fans, fellow voice actors, and gaming enthusiasts have taken to social media to express their appreciation and admiration for his dedication to the character.
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Martinet shared the news of his retirement on his Twitter account, emphasising his excitement for the new adventure that lies ahead.
“My new Adventure begins! You are all Numba One in my heart! [woohoo] !!!!!!!,” he tweeted.
