Disney is arguably one of the biggest media moguls out there, and this comes at no surprise with their focus on creating quality content for children and adults alike, at a level that has set a true standard.
With the iconic Disney productions, from both their cartoon movies to their Pixar creations, there’s been iconic voice overs helping to truly breathe life into those characters.
Let’s go through some of the best ones now.
James Earl Jones (Mufasa – Lion King 1994)
One who has made it on many a list, James Earl Jones truly has an iconic voice that is hard to imitate.
Encapsulating somewhat of a “god” like voice, he perceived the king of the land, Mufasa, perfectly. One of the many examples of a voice chosen perfectly for the role.
Jim Cummings (Winnie – Winnie the Pooh 1983)
Though Winnie has been voiced by many, the most iconic interpretation is undoubtedly by Jim Cummings, voiced from 1983 onwards.
Winnie wasn’t the only one that he voiced, he also voiced Tigger from 1989 onwards. A true virtuoso in the game, Jim Cummings is a true iconic voice of the list.
Eddie Murphie (Mushu – Mulan 1998)
Eddie Murphy, having been notorious for his role in Dreamworks’ Shrek as the beloved Donkey, was also the voice talent behind the first Mulan’s character Mushu, the colourful dragon from the movie.
In the sequel he was replaced by another voice actor, but it’s fair to say that the next voice actor was trying to fill in the shoes that Eddie Murphy already perfectly executed. Even before his role as Donkey, he was embodying characters 3 years earlier, and left a lasting impression on people’s hearts.
Ellen Degeneres (Dory – Finding Nemo/Dory 2003-14)
Did you know this fun fact? Ellen Degeneres was and has been the voice for Dory in the Pixar classic, Finding Nemo.
It shocked me when I first found out too – who knew show hosts also voiced animated characters?
She did so well in fact, that she had another film dedicated to the Dory character 11 years later.
Billy Crystal (Mike wazowski – Monster’s inc 2001)
Another character worth mentioning, when it comes to the iconic Mike Wazowski’s voice from Monster’s Inc, this is embodied perfectly by none other than Billy Crystal.
A loveable character, and unforgettable voice, Billy Crystal actually competed with the likes of Robin Williams and Jack Black for this role!
Idina Menzel (Elsa – Frozen 2013-2019)
The iconic Else voice was provided by none other than Idina Menzel, being the one and only animated voice character she’s done in the past.
Both Frozen movies were among the highest-grossing animated films of all time, pretty good for her first voice acting gig.
Tom Hanks (Woody – Toy story 1995-2019)
The Toy Story franchise is arguably one of the best things to come from the Disney Pixar studio, and the main protagonist of the speaking-toy-world being Woody, the cowboy toy.
Woody, known for his lively and energetic personality, was voiced by none other than Tom Hanks, a wacky character in most of his performances.
Robin Williams (Genie – Aladdin 1992-1996)
Aladdin’s genie is likely one of the most memorable performances in the modern animation world, even having debuted in 1992!
The genie from Aladdin was voiced by none other than childhood favourite, the legendary late Robin Williams, who sadly passed away in 2014, may he rest in peace.
Walt Disney (Mickey mouse 1929-1946)
Last, and certainly not least, Walt Disney himself.
It wouldn’t be right to mention iconic Disney voices without naming the late Walt Disney himself, as the original inspiration and iconic voice of Mickey Mouse in Disney’s earliest days.
As the saying goes, legends never die, the case being true with Walt Disney’s legacy, as even the Mickey Mouse voices to this day imitate his rendition even back from the 1920’s.
A true legend, who birthed nothing but gold in the world of animation.
Some of the most talented voices, ever.
Disney has undoubtedly birthed some of the best voice actors ever, whether we’re talking about heroes or villains, Disney’s proven to deliver exceptional content, every time.
There must be something in the water over there at Disney’s studios.
