Iconic voice actor Charles Martinet, known for bringing Nintendo's beloved character Mario to life for over 30 years, has announced his departure from recording character voices for the gaming giant. However, his legacy will continue to flourish as he embarks on a new journey as a "Mario Ambassador."
The transition was revealed through an official statement from Nintendo, which detailed Martinet's new role of traveling the world and engaging with fans on behalf of the company. While Martinet won't be lending his voice to the upcoming Super Mario Bros. Wonder game, set to release on October 20 for the Nintendo Switch, the company expressed excitement about honoring his immense contributions and eagerly anticipates the impact he will have as a Mario Ambassador.
Martinet's association with Nintendo began in 1991. His defining moment arrived in 1996 with the release of Super Mario 64, a groundbreaking 3D platformer that introduced Mario's iconic voice to players worldwide. Voicing not only Mario but also characters like Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi, Martinet played a pivotal role in over 150 Nintendo games. His exuberant delivery of catchphrases like "Let's-a go!," "Mamma mia," and "Wahoo!" became synonymous with the beloved characters, enhancing titles such as Mario Kart, Super Mario Galaxy, and Mario Party.
Martinet's influence even extended to the big screen, where he made a cameo appearance in this year's "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," alongside actor Chris Pratt, who took over the role of Mario.
Nintendo of America commemorated Martinet's contributions with a statement posted on Twitter. The statement praised his enduring role as the original voice of Mario and affirming his move to the position of Mario Ambassador. T
Martinet took to Twitter to share his excitement about the transition, stating, "My new Adventure begins! You are all Numba One in my heart!" Fans can also look forward to a special video message from both Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario, and Charles Martinet himself, to be released at a later date.
As the man who played an integral role in shaping the audible identity of one of gaming's most recognizable characters, Charles Martinet's legacy is set to live through his new role as a Mario Ambassador, fostering continued connections with fans and players across the world.
