What Happened To Charles Martinet? Did Charles Martinet Retire? Why Did Charles Martinet Retire?
by Alaguvelan M | Updated Aug 22, 2023
What Happened To Charles Martinet?
Charles Martinet, renowned for his iconic portrayal of Mario and various characters in the Super Mario video game series spanning over three decades, has recently made a significant announcement. He shared that he's gracefully stepping away from his role as the voice of Mario and embracing a new chapter as a Mario Ambassador for Nintendo. This exciting transition will see him embark on a global journey, connecting with fans through autograph sessions and character voice performances.
In expressing his sentiments, Martinet conveyed his heartfelt gratitude and eagerness to celebrate the legacy he has built and the contributions he's made to the series. As an ardent Mario fan himself, his connection to the character and the gaming community has been profound.
Notably, Martinet's voice won't be featured in the upcoming releases of Super Mario Bros Wonder and WarioWare: Move It, as well as the movie The Super Mario Bros, where he portrayed the roles of Mario and Luigi’s father, Giuseppe. Embracing the situation with grace, he acknowledged Nintendo's decision and conveyed his best wishes for their future endeavors.
With a touch of anticipation for what lies ahead, Martinet hinted at his readiness to explore new opportunities beyond his legendary portrayal of Mario. This move signifies not just an end of an era, but also the beginning of a new journey for the talented voice actor.
Did Charles Martinet Retire?
Charles Martinet, the beloved voice of Nintendo's iconic character Super Mario, has announced his retirement after nearly three decades of bringing the beloved plumber to life. At 67 years old, Martinet will transition into a new role as a Mario ambassador, where he'll continue to spread the "joy of Mario" at international events, as revealed by Nintendo.
In an official statement, Nintendo expressed their gratitude for Martinet's years of dedication, saying, "Charles is now moving into the brand-new role of Mario ambassador. With this transition, he will be stepping back from recording character voices for our games, but he'll continue to travel the world sharing the joy of Mario and interacting with you all!" They also hinted at an upcoming special video message featuring Charles Martinet and Shigeru Miyamoto, the renowned Mario designer and Nintendo executive.
Taking to social media, Martinet expressed his excitement for his new journey, thanking his fans for their unwavering support. He wrote, "My new Adventure begins! You are all Numba One in my heart! #woohoo!!!!!!!" Fans flooded the replies with messages of gratitude, reflecting on Martinet's unparalleled legacy in the gaming world. "Thank you for everything sir, it has been an honor to listen to your voice over my entire life as a gamer.
Your legacy is unparalleled," wrote one user. Another expressed, "Charles! You absolute Legend!! Thank you for all of the work you've done. Seriously. Thank you for everything." The outpouring of appreciation showcased the immense impact Martinet's portrayal of Mario has had on fans worldwide.
Why Did Charles Martinet Retire?
Nintendo has chosen the virtual megaphone of X, previously recognized as Twitter, to reveal an intriguing twist in the realm of gaming. Charles Martinet, a name synonymous with the endearing voice behind Mario's adventures since 1991, has decided to pass the torch of his iconic role as the video game virtuoso. His next venture, taking on the captivating mantle of a "Mario Ambassador," promises a fresh phase for this cherished figure.
Nintendo's communication conveyed via email to io9 stated that while Martinet won't be lending his voice to Super Mario Bros. Wonder, the forthcoming addition to the Super Mario saga, his legacy, and contributions will be upheld and celebrated in his newfound capacity as the Mario Ambassador. As an extra bonus, fans can anticipate hearing Martinet's distinctive voice in the upcoming HD re-release of Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon on the Nintendo Switch.
Starting as far back as the revolutionary Super Mario 64, Martinet has been an integral part of Mario's journey. His evolution into the role of Mario Ambassador marks a shift from directly lending his vocal talents to character voices within games. However, this transition doesn't signal a goodbye to his magnetic connection with the gaming world. In fact, he's embarking on a global voyage to share the exuberance of Mario and interact with fans.
Reflecting on the incredible journey of bringing Mario to life, Nintendo expressed heartfelt gratitude to Martinet and eagerly anticipates a special video message from the esteemed Shigeru Miyamoto and Martinet himself.
For decades, Martinet has been synonymous with Mario's voice, and his contributions extend beyond the plumber's realm to encompass characters like Wario and Waluigi. His global travels alongside Nintendo have lent unparalleled support to various Super Mario releases, including this year's highly anticipated Super Mario Bros. Movie, where Chris Pratt assumed the role of the beloved character. As part of his announcement on X, Martinet evoked his signature enthusiasm, heralding a "new Adventure" that awaits.
Who is Charles Martinet?
Charles Martinet, a versatile American talent, encompasses the roles of an actor, voice actor, writer, and comedian within his impressive portfolio. His luminous claim to fame resides in lending his voice to the beloved character Mario in the iconic Super Mario video game series.
Originating from the bustling heart of New York City in 1955, Martinet embarked on his artistic journey as a stage actor, gracing productions of timeless Shakespearean classics and other theatrical gems. The 1980s saw him making strides in the realms of television and film, with appearances in notable shows like Cheers and Friends.
A pivotal moment arrived in 1990 when Martinet's vocal prowess led to his casting as the voice of Mario in the groundbreaking game, Super Mario Bros. 3. This marked the inception of a remarkable journey spanning over 200 games, animated series, cinematic ventures, and captivating commercials, all enriched by the unmistakable resonance of his vocal cords. Beyond the virtual realm, Martinet's vivacious portrayal of Mario extended to live events, where his energetic rendition delighted audiences across the globe.
Martinet's dynamic and spirited performance as Mario has been a testament to his ability to infuse joy and exuberance into his work. He has earned a special place in the hearts of gaming enthusiasts, emerging as an adored figure in the world of voice acting.
Martinet's influence radiates beyond his portrayal of Mario, embracing a plethora of characters within the Mario universe, including Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi. His versatile vocal talents have also graced other prominent video game franchises, such as Rayman and Ratchet & Clank.
With a robust and fruitful career, Martinet has etched his mark as a voice actor par excellence. While he stands synonymous with Mario's iconic voice, his repertoire extends to an array of celebrated characters across various media. As a cherished luminary within the gaming community, Martinet's enduring charm is poised to captivate audiences for years to come.
Charles Martinet Career
Charles Martinet is an American actor and voice actor who is best known for his work as the voice of Mario in the Super Mario video game franchise. Martinet was born on September 17, 1955, in San Jose, California, and has been active in the entertainment industry since the late 1980s.
Martinet's career began in the theater, where he worked as an actor and director. He also did some television and film work, appearing in shows like "The X-Files" and movies like "The Game." However, it was his work as a voice actor that ultimately led him to fame.
Martinet's big break came in 1990 when he auditioned for the role of Mario for the upcoming video game "Super Mario Bros." He was chosen for the role and has been providing the voice for the character ever since. In addition to Mario, Martinet has also voiced numerous other characters in the Super Mario franchise, including Luigi, Wario, Waluigi, and others.
Outside of his work in the Super Mario games, Martinet has also done voice work for a variety of other video games, including "Skylanders," "Minecraft," and "Star Wars." He has also done voice-over work for television shows and movies, including "The Fairly OddParents" and "The Legend of Tarzan."
Throughout his career, Martinet has won numerous awards and accolades for his voice acting work, including several nominations and wins at the Spike Video Game Awards. He is widely regarded as one of the best voice actors in the industry and has become a beloved figure among fans of the Super Mario franchise.
Charles Martinet's career has been defined by his iconic portrayal of Mario and his work as a voice actor in the video game industry. He has left an indelible mark on the entertainment world and will always be remembered as one of the greatest voice actors of all time.
What Happened To Charles Martinet - FAQs
The news of Charles Martinet retiring from his role as Mario's voice actor has sparked discussions.
Charles Martinet lent his voice to Mario for nearly 30 years, from 1991 to 2023.
Charles Martinet is becoming a Mario Ambassador, where he will engage with fans and share the "joy of Mario" at international events.
Charles Martinet has voiced characters like Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi within the Mario franchise, as well as characters from other video game series.
Charles Martinet's energetic and spirited portrayal of Mario has made him a beloved figure among gaming enthusiasts, contributing to the character's iconic status.