Charles Martinet, voice of Super Mario, retires

By Alvin Wu
Arts and Entertainment
Charles Martinet, voice of Super Mario, retires

Charles Martinet, voice actor for Super Mario, Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi, waves to fans at the end of Nintendo of America's video message posted Aug. 21, 2023. NINTENDO OF AMERICA/Video

Sept. 23 (ZFJ) — Charles Martinet, known as the voice of Super Mario, Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi, is retiring from voice acting.

“It’s been such an honor, and such a joy, for so many years, that I look forward to continuing to bring that joy and help us all remember our innocence, and our happiness, and our joy, through great games,” Martinet said in a video message posted by Nintendo of America on Sept. 7, 2023.

He announced that he would be taking up the new position of Mario Ambassador, allowing him to travel the world and meet with Mario fans.

Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo game designer and creator of Super Mario, profusely thanked Martinet for his work.

“Whenever we’d meet, you would always call me ‘Papa!’ and I also remember filming PR videos together,” he said.

“I am deeply grateful for your thoughtfulness when bringing our characters to life with your voice.”

The first time Martinet voiced Mario was in Super Mario 64 in 1996.

Mario will have a new voice, starting with Super Mario Bros. Wonder, which is set to release on Oct. 20.

Martinet’s retirement was first announced on X (formerly Twitter) on Aug. 21.

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