Charles Martinet Clarifies Mario Voice Role Choices

Charles Martinet, the iconic voice behind Mario for nearly three decades, has clarified how he performs in character during fan meetings—and the reasoning behind it—after recent convention appearances sparked confusion online.

Now officially recognized by Nintendo as a Mario Ambassador, Martinet is renowned for energetically delivering his Mario voices when greeting fans in person. However, a recent social media post by YouTuber Ricky Berwick raised concerns that Nintendo had restricted Martinet's performances—until the voice actor himself stepped in to clear the air.

Following Martinet's appearance earlier this month at Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025 in Arizona, a post by Berwick—who has millions of followers on YouTube and TikTok—claimed the legendary voice actor "wasn't even allowed to do the voice of Mario or any of his iconic characters" at the event. "It's a f**king shame," Berwick added.

The post quickly gained traction online, arriving just hours after news broke that Martinet's former colleague Samantha Kelly had been replaced as the voice of Princess Peach and Toad. Kelly reportedly learned of the change on the same day the Nintendo Switch 2 launch title Mario Kart World released without her involvement.

Nintendo officially retired Martinet from voicing Mario in 2022, though the company honored him with a farewell video featuring Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto and assured fans that Martinet would continue collaborating with Nintendo as a Mario Ambassador. Martinet later admitted he wasn't entirely sure what the role entailed but has remained active with numerous convention appearances in the years since.

In response to Berwick's post, Martinet explained that the issue in question revolved around improvising dialogue as his former Nintendo characters—which, aside from Mario, include Luigi, Wario, Waluigi, Baby Mario, and Baby Luigi.

"Oh Ricky, I do the voice for every fan I meet," Martinet replied. "I just don't improvise non-Mario phrases or dialogue."

Martinet added that this was his personal choice, stemming from his desire not to have Nintendo's characters say anything outside established game content.

"That's my choice to be sure," Martinet continued. "I always maintain the integrity of the character. But come and visit me at any Comic Con or fan expo and you'll hear Super Mario for sure! #woohoo"

Mario's voice in all current Nintendo games is now provided by Kevin Afghani—while Chris Pratt voices the character in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, whose sequel is set for release next year.