In 2019, Charles Martinet won the Guinness World Record for the most video game voiceover performances as the same character.
ADVERTISEMENTCharles Martinet, the original voice of Mario in Nintendo games since the 1990s – dating back to 'Super Mario 64' in 1996 - is stepping down.
Nintendo of America confirmed that Martinet will now serve in the role of “Mario Ambassador," traveling around the world to promote the beloved plumber, signing autographs and performing Nintendo character voices.
“It’s been a privilege working with Charles to help bring Mario to life for so many years and we want to thank and celebrate him,” Nintendo said in a statement. "He'll continue to travel the world sharing the joy of Mario and interacting with you all!”
In addition to being the original voice of the beloved Italian plumber, he’s also voiced Luigi, Wario and Waluigi in the video games. While he did not voice Mario in the recent film, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, he did have a small role as Mario’s dad, Giuseppe.
In 2019, he won the Guinness World Record for the most video game voiceover performances as the same character.
In a question and answer session at a Canadian gaming and comics expo two years ago, Martinet told the audience “I want to voice Mario until I drop dead” in response to a fan's question, according to gaming blog The Game Crater. But he added “if someday I think I am no longer capable of doing it, I will tell Nintendo to look into finding someone else.”
Nintendo did not give say why Martinet is stepping down or who would replace him as Mario's voice. 'Super Mario Bros. Wonder' - the next game in the series - set to be released in October.
