Within the entertainment sphere, there is a group of voices that have truly left a mark on our hearts and culture. These legendary voices have voiced lovable characters, created unforgettable ad campaigns and iconic narrations. This post is going to explore some of the most iconic voice overs that have led memorable performances, and set a true standard for years to come.
Morgan Freeman
If you haven’t heard of Morgan Freeman in relation to voice over, you must be living under a rock. This man’s undeniable talent has mesmerised generations of audiences for decades with his unique, calming, commanding voice.
Being nothing short of remarkable, Morgan Freeman has been involved in various projects such as the voice of Vitruvius in the Lego Movie, as well as Scooby Doo’s Mystery Inc’s nemesis: “Mr. E moreover”, and Batman’s infamous Lucius Fox.
There’s very few people in this world who can even scratch the surface of Morgan Freeman’s voice over legacy.
The late Don Lafontaine
The reason why the trailer voice is as it is today is due to the work of the late Don Lafontaine, legend who passed back in 2008, dubbed “the voice of god”. Unparalleled in his delivery and infamous for his catchphrase “in a world”, he’s dominated the world of trailer narration for years, recording over 5,000 trailers in his lofty career.
A true standard set, he’s able to convey emotion, drama and suspense through his voice, he’s set a true legacy that many have drawn inspiration from. We have a voice over on our roster that can also emulate the “trailer voice” in question here, his name’s Boet, and you can hire him today!
Tara Strong
A name on the list for her versatility, especially in depicting male character voices, Tara Strong is a voice over that’s worked as a voice for Dil Pickles from Rugrats, Timmy Turner from Fairly Odd Parents, and even Meg Griffin from Family Guy.
Her ability to embody Timmy Turner’s youthful male voice in the cartoon is unparalleled, going to show how incredibly talented this voice over artist is. Her contributions to these iconic shows have left a lasting mark on the hearts of many children (and adults), one legacy that is hard to shake indeed.
David Attenborough
One of the most truly iconic voice overs in British television history, Sir David Attenborough is known for being the voice of the average nature documentary as we know it in the UK. If you grew up in Britain, you’d know that nature documentaries just aren’t the same without his unique voice telling the story.
A voice you simply can’t imitate; whether it’s the passion, the personality or simply the art form he’s mastered, David Attenborough’s a true national treasure, the world simply doesn’t make voices like his anymore.
James Earl Jones
James Earl Jones is a household name that has left a true mark on the cinema world with his unique, deep voice. Known for his commanding presence, he has been the genius behind various iconic characters, including Mufasa from Lion King as well as Darth Vader from the Star Wars franchise.
Not only has he played his part in breathing life into two of the most legendary villains in cinema history, he’s also shown versatility in the comedy classic “Coming to America”, as the King Jaffe Joffer. Though not playing the voice over role in that film, his resonating voice was truly a legacy set for years to come.
Nancy Cartwright
Yet another example of an iconic female voice over who has voiced male cartoon characters. Considered a specialist in the game, her claim to fame is none other than Bart Simpson himself, from the popular cartoon “The Simpsons” (right?!).
Not only that, but she’s also the voice of Rufus from Kim Possible, as well as Chuckie’s voice from Rugrats! Her talent is truly unparalleled, setting a standard for voice artists for years to come, especially when it comes to embodying iconic male character voices. A true legend of the voice over world.
Seth Macfarlane
A man who’s pioneered and pushed the limits of the adult cartoon world, Seth Mcfarlane is a legend for the voicing of characters Peter, Brian and Stewie Griffin.
Not only has he voiced various Family Guy voices, but he’s also the main character voice for the Ted movie franchise, though he does use his “Peter” voice, his voice is known for its versatility and ability to embody the characters he plays.
Walt Disney
One of the pioneers of animation as we know it, the late Walt Disney left a legacy like no other, leading to the classic Disney cartoon movies such as Jungle Book, Lion King and the projection of Pixar studios.
What you may not have known is that he was also a very talented voice actor, providing the original voice for the iconic Mickey Mouse character, before his untimely death in 1966. A voice actor who set the scene for years to come, it would be wrong to leave him out of this list.
We’ve also covered Disney’s content strategy in more detail in a past post, for those interested in reading more about his legacy.
Robin Williams
There’s very few people in this world who can even scratch the surface of the energy, raw talent and overall impression this man has left on the world.
The beloved actor, known for his roles in Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji and Good morning Vietnam, Robin Williams, sadly passed away in 2014. The late Robin Williams was also the talented voice behind the infamous Genie in Aladdin, Fender Pinwheeler from Robots, as well as Ramon & Lovelace from Happy Feet.
Iconic voice overs
These iconic voice-over artists have left an untouchable mark on the entertainment industry, captivating audiences and bringing characters to life with their extraordinary skills. Let’s recap the incredible contributions of these legendary voices:
Morgan Freeman: With his commanding presence, Freeman brought depth and authority to characters like Vitruvius in The Lego Movie and Lucius Fox in Batman Begins, a legend as legendary as they come.
Don LaFontaine: Known as the “Voice of God,” LaFontaine revolutionised trailer narrations and created a captivating cinematic experience with his deep and resonant voice.
Tara Strong: With her versatile range, Strong breathed life into characters like Dil Pickles in Rugrats, Meg Griffin in Family Guy, and Timmy Turner in The Fairly OddParents.
David Attenborough: His smooth and buttery voice has truly left a mark on British culture, being the literal only memorable voice of nature documentaries, a national treasure, and unforgettable narrator.
James Earl Jones: His majestic voice embodied characters such as Mufasa in The Lion King and Darth Vader in Star Wars, leaving a lasting legacy.
Nancy Cartwright: Her portrayal of Bart Simpson in The Simpsons and Chuckie Finster in Rugrats showcased her exceptional talent for crafting memorable and beloved characters.
Seth MacFarlane: The creator of Family Guy, MacFarlane’s vocal talents brought characters like Peter Griffin and Stewie Griffin to life, solidifying his reputation as a master of comedic voice acting.
Walt Disney: The man who brought Disney to the world, and was the original voice artist for Mickey Mouse, setting a standard for the world of cartoon and voice over.
Robin Williams: With his captivating energy and unmatched talent, the late Robin Williams truly left a lasting legacy for years to come.
These iconic voice-over artists have gifted us with timeless performances, unforgettable catchphrases, and a magical world of animated and cinematic experiences.
