Charles Martinet's Legacy: The Iconic Voice Behind Nintendo's Mario Franchise

Charles Martinet's Legacy: The Iconic Voice Behind Nintendo's Mario Franchise For three decades, Charles Martinet has been synonymous with the voice of Mario, one of the most recognizable characters in gaming history.

From the debut of Super Mario 64 in 1996 to scores of mainline entries and spinoffs on platforms such as the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo eShop, Martinet’s vocal performances brought beloved Nintendo characters like Mario, Luigi, Wario, Waluigi, Baby Mario, and Baby Luigi to life.

His infectious energy and signature catchphrases have helped define Nintendo's flagship franchise, making him a legend among fans and peers in the broader esports and gaming industry. Martinet's tenure as Mario began when Nintendo sought to revitalize its mascot's image for the transition to 3D gaming.

His audition left such a lasting impression that, by 2016, he was reassuring fans through personal social media channels: "I'm still the voice of Mario, Luigi, Wario, Baby Mario, and Baby Luigi...

And Waluigi too!" Martinet thanked fans for their ongoing support and playfully noted that sometimes, updates on employment profiles can be misunderstood, but confirmed his continued involvement at the time with a warm "Have a fun day! WooHoo!" Throughout his career, Martinet’s contributions spanned countless games, from core platformers such as Super Mario Odyssey on the Nintendo Switch to party favorites like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Super Mario games have sold over 400 million copies worldwide as of 2024, cementing Martinet’s performances into the fabric of popular culture.

In recognition of his longstanding work, Nintendo recently honored him with the title of Mario Ambassador, acknowledging his legacy as the voice actor who defined the characters in the video game series, even as the role evolves for future projects. While earlier media such as cartoons and the 1993 film featured other voice actors, Martinet became the defining voice for Mario and his companions in the interactive realm, marking a significant milestone in Nintendo’s history.

As of 2023, his social media bio reads: “Mario Ambassador and original Voice of Mario, Wario, Luigi, Waluigi, & the Babies!”—a fitting tribute to the impact he continues to have on gamers worldwide. Martinet’s enduring legacy underscores how a single voice can shape the identity of a brand as storied as Nintendo’s Mario franchise.

With every “WooHoo!” and “Let’s-a go!”, Martinet has not only entertained generations of players but also helped fuel Nintendo’s incredible success on platforms like the Nintendo Switch and through recurring Nintendo Direct presentations.

His work remains a gold standard for character voice acting in gaming.

Nintendo Mario Luigi Charles Martinet Mario series Franchise Wario Baby Mario Baby Luigi Waluigi Super Mario Nintendo Switch Nintendo Direct Nintendo eShop