Samantha Kelly Departs as Princess Peach and Toad Voice Actor After 18 Years: Nintendo Switch Franchise Voice Casting Update

After nearly two decades as the iconic voice behind Princess Peach and Toad, Samantha Kelly has officially stepped down from her roles in Nintendo’s beloved Mario franchise.

The transition was quietly revealed following the release of Mario Kart World, where new credits confirmed a change in voice talent for these classic characters.

Samantha Kelly first took on the roles of Peach and Toad in the mid-2000s, contributing her voice to major Nintendo Switch and previous platform hits, including the acclaimed Super Mario Bros.

Wonder released in 2023, as well as the recent Princess Peach: Showtime! Though Kelly reprised her role for Showtime!, Nintendo opted for a casting change shortly after the game’s launch.

This shift follows a series of updates to the voice cast of Nintendo’s flagship franchises, highlighted by Charles Martinet’s retirement as the celebrated voice of Mario and his succession by Kevin Afghani in 2023. In an emotional Instagram statement, Kelly expressed her deep gratitude to fans and the Nintendo team: "I am thankful for the years filled with friendship and joy brought by voicing these characters.

It saddens me to see it end, as I truly wished I could voice Peach and Toad forever.

Nintendo informed me yesterday of their decision to recast, but I treasure the time spent bringing these iconic personalities to life.

I hope Peach and Toad continue to inspire, no matter who voices them.

With much love, #princesspeach #toad," she wrote. Unlike Martinet, who was publicly honored as "Mario Ambassador" by Nintendo and continues to represent the franchise at global events, Kelly’s departure has unfolded with minimal fanfare.

Nevertheless, her nearly 20-year tenure leaves a significant impact on both the characters’ development and the broader Mario universe. This recasting arrives alongside further Nintendo voice talent shifts, including the reported departure of Takashi Nagasako, who voiced Donkey Kong for over 20 years.

These changes underscore a period of transition for Nintendo’s Mario series, spanning titles available on Nintendo Switch, recent eShop releases, and future projects detailed in Nintendo Direct showcases. As Nintendo moves forward, fans can expect a new era of voice performances across beloved franchises.

While longtime players may feel nostalgia for the familiar voices that shaped their gaming memories, the legacy of Samantha Kelly's work—particularly as Princess Peach and Toad—will continue to influence the series for years to come.

Nintendo Switch Peach Nintendo Mario Switch Toad Princess Peach Samantha Kelly Super Mario Bros. Wonder Princess Peach Showtime Mario Kart World Charles Martinet Kevin Afghani Takashi Nagasako