15 Famous Actors Behind Beloved Cartoon Characters

15 Famous Actors Behind Beloved Cartoon Characters

Have you ever wondered who brings your favorite cartoon characters to life? Many of the voices you hear in animated movies and TV shows belong to famous Hollywood actors you already know and love. These talented performers step into recording booths to create memorable personalities that make us laugh, cry, and cheer. Get ready to discover which celebrities voiced some of the most beloved animated characters of all time!

1. Ellen DeGeneres as Dory in Finding Nemo

When Pixar needed someone to voice a forgetful blue tang fish, they struck gold with Ellen DeGeneres. Her natural comedic timing and warm personality made Dory one of animation’s most lovable characters. Ellen brought such heart to the role that audiences couldn’t imagine anyone else saying “Just keep swimming.”

The character became so popular that Pixar created a sequel focused entirely on Dory’s journey. Ellen’s improvisational skills added spontaneous moments that made it into the final film. Her portrayal taught millions of kids that being different is something to celebrate, not hide.

Dory’s success proved that the right voice can transform a supporting character into a cultural icon.

2. Jack Black as Po in Kung Fu Panda

Jack Black’s boundless energy found its perfect match in Po, the clumsy panda who dreams of becoming a kung fu master. His enthusiastic delivery captured Po’s childlike wonder and determination flawlessly. Every line radiates with Jack’s signature humor and surprising emotional depth.

The role required someone who could balance comedy with genuine heart, and Jack nailed it. His performance made audiences believe that a noodle-selling panda could become the Dragon Warrior. Recording sessions often featured Jack performing physical movements to match Po’s actions.

This character became one of DreamWorks’ most successful franchises, spanning three films and multiple TV series.

3. Angelina Jolie as Master Tigress in Kung Fu Panda

Angelina Jolie brought strength and discipline to Master Tigress, the fierce warrior of the Furious Five. Her voice conveyed years of training and hidden vulnerability beneath a tough exterior. Angelina perfectly captured Tigress’s journey from skeptical warrior to loyal friend.

The role required subtle emotional layers that Angelina delivered masterfully. She made Tigress feel real despite being an animated tiger doing martial arts. Her performance showed that cartoon characters can have complex personalities and meaningful character development.

Working alongside Jack Black, Angelina created memorable chemistry that elevated the entire Kung Fu Panda series to new heights.

4. Johnny Depp as Rango in Rango

His distinctive voice brought eccentricity and charm to this identity-confused lizard. Johnny’s theatrical background helped him create a character that felt both strange and relatable.

Director Gore Verbinski had the actors perform in costume on a soundstage, not in typical voice booths. This unusual approach let Johnny physically embody Rango’s awkward movements and exaggerated expressions. The method resulted in one of animation’s most unique performances.

Rango won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, with Johnny’s voice work receiving widespread praise.

5. Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona in Shrek

Cameron Diaz shattered fairy tale expectations as Princess Fiona, a character who wasn’t your typical damsel in distress. Her voice gave Fiona sass, strength, and surprising fighting skills. Cameron made audiences fall in love with a princess who could burp louder than any ogre.

Fiona’s transformation between beautiful princess and ogre required Cameron to maintain the same personality across different appearances. She succeeded brilliantly, proving that true beauty comes from within. Her chemistry with Mike Myers created one of animation’s greatest love stories.

The Shrek franchise became a billion-dollar success, with Cameron voicing Fiona across four feature films and various specials.

6. Dwayne Johnson as Maui in Moana

The Rock surprised everyone by singing and charming his way through Moana as the demigod Maui. His larger-than-life personality matched Maui’s boastful yet lovable character perfectly. Dwayne even performed the catchy song “You’re Welcome,” which became an instant hit with kids everywhere.

The role connected Dwayne to his Polynesian heritage, adding personal significance to the performance. His comedic timing balanced Maui’s arrogance with genuine vulnerability and growth. Recording sessions captured both his powerful voice and his surprising vocal range.

Maui became one of Disney’s most popular modern characters, with Dwayne’s performance earning critical acclaim worldwide.

7. Mila Kunis as Meg Griffin in Family Guy

The deadpan delivery makes Meg’s constant misfortunes somehow hilarious and sympathetic. Mila started this role when she was only fifteen years old, growing up alongside the character.

Playing the least popular Griffin family member requires perfect comedic timing, which Mila provides effortlessly. She makes Meg feel authentic despite the absurd situations surrounding her. The role has become one of television’s longest-running voice performances.

Mila’s work on Family Guy spans over two decades, proving her incredible consistency and talent in voice acting.

8. Vin Diesel as The Iron Giant in The Iron Giant

Vin Diesel spoke only a handful of words as The Iron Giant, yet created one of animation’s most emotional performances. His deep, gentle voice made a giant robot feel innocent and childlike. Despite minimal dialogue, Vin conveyed curiosity, fear, joy, and ultimate sacrifice through simple phrases.

The character’s most famous line, “Superman,” brings tears to audiences even decades later. Vin’s voice work proved that less can definitely be more in animation. His performance turned a metal giant into a symbol of friendship and heroism.

The Iron Giant remains a cult classic, with Vin’s touching portrayal at the heart of its enduring appeal.

9. Brad Pitt as Metro Man in Megamind

Brad Pitt had a blast voicing Metro Man, the overly confident superhero who protects Metro City. His smooth voice perfectly captured the character’s self-absorbed charm and hidden insecurities. Brad made Metro Man feel like a celebrity superhero who loves his own reflection a bit too much.

The role parodied traditional superhero tropes, with Brad leaning into the comedy brilliantly. His performance included both heroic declarations and surprisingly vulnerable moments. Metro Man’s twist in the story wouldn’t work without Brad’s layered vocal performance.

Though not the main character, Brad’s Metro Man stole scenes and became a fan-favorite part of Megamind’s success.

10. Scarlett Johansson as Kaa in The Jungle Book

Scarlett Johansson brought a hypnotic quality to Kaa, the seductive python in Disney’s 2016 live-action Jungle Book. Her sultry voice made the serpent both mesmerizing and menacing. Scarlett replaced the traditionally male character with a female version that added new dimensions to the classic story.

Her performance during “Trust in Me” created an unsettling atmosphere that captivated audiences. The role required vocal control that could lull listeners into a trance-like state. Scarlett succeeded in making Kaa one of the film’s most memorable moments.

This casting choice sparked conversations about reimagining classic characters, with Scarlett’s performance justifying the creative decision completely.

11. Christian Bale as Thomas in Pocahontas

Before becoming Batman, a teenage Christian Bale voiced Thomas, the young settler who befriends Pocahontas in the Disney classic. His youthful voice brought innocence and curiosity to the character. Christian was only fifteen when he recorded the role, making his performance genuinely authentic.

Thomas represented the possibility of understanding between different cultures, and Christian’s earnest delivery sold that message. His British accent added authenticity to the colonial setting. Few people realize that the actor who would later become a Hollywood leading man started in animation.

This early voice role showcased Christian’s talent before his transformation into one of cinema’s most versatile actors.

12. Miley Cyrus as Penny in Bolt

At the same time she was lighting up TV screens in Hannah Montana, Miley Cyrus voiced Penny, Bolt’s kindhearted owner. Her voice brought sweetness and determination to the young actress character. Miley perfectly captured a girl’s love for her pet and her desire to protect him.

The role required both speaking and singing, showcasing Miley’s versatility as a performer. Her genuine affection came through in every scene with Bolt. Recording took place during her peak Disney Channel fame, making it a natural fit.

Bolt became a critical and commercial success, with Miley’s heartfelt performance connecting with audiences who knew her from television.

13. Geoffrey Rush as Nigel in Finding Nemo

Geoffrey Rush brought his theatrical expertise to Nigel, the helpful pelican who befriends Marlin and Dory. His Australian accent and warm delivery made Nigel instantly likable and trustworthy. Geoffrey gave the character a quirky personality that balanced the film’s emotional moments with lighthearted humor.

As an Academy Award-winning actor, Geoffrey elevated what could have been a minor role into something memorable. His expressive voice work made audiences care about a pelican with a dentist office obsession. The character provided crucial help during the rescue mission.

Geoffrey’s performance added another layer of quality to Pixar’s already impressive cast of talented voice actors.

14. Allison Janney as Peach in Finding Nemo

As the voice of Peach, the sharp-tongued starfish glued to the aquarium glass, Allison Janney brought both wit and elegance to the role. Her expressive delivery turned a stationary character into one of the film’s most insightful narrators.

The role required creating personality through voice alone since Peach couldn’t move around like other characters. Allison succeeded brilliantly, making every line count. Her performance showed that even small parts in Pixar films receive top-tier talent and attention.

Peach became a fan favorite despite limited screen time, thanks entirely to Allison’s engaging vocal performance and perfect delivery.

15. Brad Garrett as Bloat in Finding Nemo

Brad Garrett used his recognizable deep voice to play Bloat, the pufferfish with anger management issues. His gruff delivery made Bloat both intimidating and hilarious when he inflated. Brad brought the perfect combination of toughness and vulnerability to the aquarium’s resident hothead.

Known for his comedy work, Brad made Bloat’s frustrations relatable and funny rather than scary. His timing elevated simple lines into laugh-out-loud moments. The character’s physical comedy matched perfectly with Brad’s vocal performance.

Bloat joined the memorable ensemble of tank gang characters, with Brad’s contribution helping make Finding Nemo an instant classic beloved worldwide.