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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 15: Voice actor Charles Martinet poses backstage after the "Super Smash Bros Ultimate" challenge during the Seventh Annual Amazing Las Vegas Comic Con at the Las Vegas Convention Center on June 15, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images for Amazing Comic Conventions

‘You are all Numba One in my heart’: Super Mario voice actor Charles Martinet steps down after 32 years

Thank you for your service, Charles!

Nintendo announced Monday that Charles Martinet, the actor behind the iconic voices of Mario and Luigi in the Super Mario franchise is stepping down from the role after 32 years.

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A statement, shared by the Japanese video game company, revealed that Martinet, who is 67 years old, will move on to the role of Mario Ambassador as he “travels the world sharing the joy of [the beloved franchise] and interacting with [fans].” Nintendo also described working with the multifaceted actor as “an honor,” and promised a special video message from him, as well as Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto, in the near future.

There has been no information on who will replace Martinet as yet, but fans have raised the possibility of Nintendo using Artificial Intelligence to fill the role, or turning toward actor Chris Pratt, who voiced the character in the 2023 smash-hit film The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

As for Martinet, he shared the love for the community that has welcomed him for over three decades. “You are all Numba One in my heart,” the actor commented on Twitter/X, adding that now is the time for new adventures and closing the post with a fitting “#woohoo.”

Martinet made his video game debut in the 1994 CD version of Mario Teaches Typing, eventually stepping into the role fully after 1996’s Super Mario 64. He’s responsible for the tone of Mario’s voice as well as several of his catchphrases. Martinet lent his voice to the famous Italian plumber in over 100 different titles, his last being 2022’s Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope. He also voiced Mario and Luigi’s father in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.


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Author
Image of Francisca Tinoco
Francisca Tinoco
Francisca is a pop culture enthusiast and film expert. Her Bachelor's Degree in Communication Sciences from Nova University in Portugal and Master's Degree in Film Studies from Oxford Brookes University in the UK have allowed her to combine her love for writing with her love for the movies. She has been a freelance writer and content creator for five years, working in both the English and Portuguese languages for various platforms, including WGTC.