There are a monumental number of children’s cartoons available on television and on the internet. A lot of these cartoons have been turned into games as well, such as Tom and Jerry games and Batman games. These games and cartoons feature innovative and exciting graphics, intriguing story lines, and great sounds and voiceovers. The latter point is an area often overlooked. People hear the fantastic acting and voices, yet because they see cartoons on the screen they really seek to learn who was behind it.
Read on to discover seven actors you wouldn’t believe had voiced famous cartooncharacters. Prepare to be surprised:
Fergie as Sally Brown in Peanuts
Everyone knows Fergie best for being one fourth of the Black Eyed Peas and the 37-year-old also had a successful solo career, with Glamarous and Big Girls Don’t Cry being two stand out songs. However, you’d be surprised to learn that she also voiced the blonde girl Sally Brown in the cartoon show Peanuts!
Vin Diesel as The Iron Giant in The Iron Giant
Vin Diesel is well known for playing roles in films such as The Fast and the Furious, xXx, and Saving Private Ryan. However, this hard man was actually also the voice of The Iron Giant in the 1999 film with the same name. And, whilst The Iron Giant may sound like another tough role in theory, it is not. The giant robot played by Vin Diesel is actually an innocent and friendly character.
James Avery as the Shredder from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
You are likely to know James Avery from his role in the French Prince of Bel-Air as Uncle Phil (Philip Banks). However, you’d be surprised to learn that the American actor also starred in the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series. Avery provided the voice for Shredder – the arch enemy of the turtles.
Busta Rhymes as Reptar in The Rugrats Movie
In 1998 popular cartoon show The Rugrats hit our screens as a movie, and there was one shock addition; Busta Rhymes. Busta Rhymes is well known for his domination in the music industry. The successful rapper has had many hits and collaborated with some phenomenal artists, such as Mariah Carey. But in The Rugrats Movie he voiced the dinosaur Reptar.
Earle Hyman as Panthro from the Thundercats
Earle Hyman is best known for his role in the Cosby Show. The actor played Bill Cosby’s father in the serious and has been recognised for that part ever since. However, in the world of cartoons, Earle Hyman lent his voice to the Thundercats. The popular actor played Panthro who was the resident mechanic.
Jerry Orbach as Candlestick from Beauty and the Beast
Beauty and the Beast is one of the all time Disney greats. However, you wouldn’t usually associate Jerry Orbach with Disney films. In fact, the actor is best known for his role as a detective in popular television show Law & Order. Thus, you may be shocked to learn that Orbach voiced one of the viewers’ favourite characters in Beauty and the Best; the Candlestick.
Flea as Donnie from The Wild Thornberrys
Flea from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers is obviously best known for rocking it out on stage. However, the musician also landed a role as the voice over of Donnie in highly popular children’s carton show The Wild Thornberrys.
Were you shocked by the celebrities who played voiceover roles in cartoons? Next timeyou watch Powerpuff Girls or play Batman games you should seek to discover who provided the voiceover. You may be surprised!
Author bio: Piter Thomas is a freelance journalist. When writing this article he researched everything from Batman games to Powerpuff Girls cartoons.