The world of animated movies is more fascinating than it appears, especially when you consider the famous voices that bring beloved cartoon characters to life. Behind the enchanting performances of animated characters are some of the most well-known celebrities. This article takes a closer look at the stars who lend their voices to these animated personas, offering viewers a deeper appreciation of their talent.
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Many might recognize Susan Bennett as the voice behind the virtual assistant Siri. She initially found the experience unsettling but eventually welcomed the role wholeheartedly. From Angelina Jolie as the fierce Tigress in “Kung Fu Panda” to Scarlett Johansson’s mesmerizing portrayal of Kaa in “The Jungle Book,” these artists bring unique charm and depth to their characters.
Ellen DeGeneres brings humor and emotion to Dory in “Finding Dory,” while Beyoncé, Rihanna, Dwayne Johnson, Ariana Grande, and Selena Gomez also contribute their distinctive voices to other animated roles, showcasing their versatility and ability to captivate audiences.
How Iconic Voices Transform Animated Characters
Animated films have an unmatched ability to transport audiences into magical worlds, and much of this enchantment comes from the voices that bring beloved characters to life. Beyond the vibrant animation, the personalities of these characters are shaped by some of the most well-known celebrities. Each voice carries a distinct charm, infusing animated personas with depth and relatability. From the regal tones of Beyoncé as Queen Tara in Epic to the humor and heart Ellen DeGeneres brings to Dory in Finding Dory, these performances elevate the storytelling experience.
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What makes these collaborations extraordinary is the range of skills these celebrities bring. Celebrities like Dwayne Johnson and Selena Gomez also display their versatility, adding humor and emotion to characters like Maui in Moana and Mavis in Hotel Transylvania.
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These stars not only captivate audiences but also redefine how animated films connect with viewers of all ages. Their performances remind us that great storytelling relies on the perfect harmony between visuals and voice, creating unforgettable cinematic experiences.
Voice of Siri: Susan Bennett
Susan Bennett is widely recognized as the voice behind Apple’s Siri. At first, Susan found the idea quite unsettling but gradually embraced this unique role. She often jokes about her friendship with Siri and shares lighthearted moments with “her” digital friend. Susan’s voice work has made her an integral part of many users’ daily lives. Despite the initial awkwardness, she feels connected to the world through her voice, which helps people accomplish everyday tasks.
Source: Business Insider
Voice of Tigress: Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie brings a strong presence to the character of Tigress in the Kung Fu Panda series. With her assertive and powerful voice, Jolie makes Tigress seem both tough and compassionate. Her voice acting captures the essence of Tigress’s personality—brave, disciplined, and caring for her friends.
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In one memorable scene, Tigress is on a mission with her friends. They need to reach a tower without being noticed by their enemies, the wolves. Tigress shows her leadership skills, determined to succeed while keeping her friends safe. Jolie’s voice performance plays a key role in making this character inspiring and memorable.
Scarlett Johansson as the Voice of Kaa
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Scarlett Johansson lends her voice to Kaa in The Jungle Book. This was a surprising choice for many, as it showcased a different side of her acting abilities. Her voice as Kaa is both captivating and mysterious, enhancing the character’s mystical aura.
In her performance, she captures Kaa’s unsettling yet alluring presence with unique vocal tones. The delivery of her lines adds an extra layer of intrigue to Kaa’s character, making it memorable for audiences. Scarlett Johansson’s contribution as Kaa stands out as a key part of the film’s voice cast.
Source: Disney
Ellen DeGeneres: Voice of Dory
Ellen DeGeneres brings the character Dory to life in the film Finding Dory. Known for her energetic and optimistic personality, Ellen perfectly captures Dory’s fun and forgetful nature. The character says, “I really miss them,” reflecting deep emotions, which Ellen voices brilliantly. Despite Dory’s memory challenges, she is always ready for adventure, showing resilience and warmth, traits Ellen portrays with ease.
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Ellen DeGeneres’s performance as Dory showcases her talent in voice acting, as she effortlessly portrays both humor and emotion through her voice.
Queen Tara’s Voice: Beyoncé
In the animated film Epic, Beyoncé lends her voice to Queen Tara, bringing a regal presence to the character. Her portrayal is noted for its strong and graceful tone that matches the character’s leadership in the enchanted world. Beyoncé’s commitment to her role is evident as she captures Queen Tara’s essence with warmth and authority.
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One memorable line showcases her character’s light-hearted yet decisive personality. Her voice adds depth and charm to Queen Tara, a true reflection of Beyoncé’s versatile talent.
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Voice of Tip: Rihanna
In the animated film “Home,” the character Tip is brought to life through the voice of pop superstar Rihanna. Her performance as Tip is both lively and heartfelt, capturing the spirit of a young girl on a journey with an alien named Oh. The interplay between her character and Oh adds humor and emotion to the story.
Source: DreamWorks Animation
Rihanna’s involvement in “Home” underlines her versatility, showing that her talents extend far beyond music into acting and voiceover work as well.
Maui’s Voice by Dwayne Johnson
Maui from Moana is brought to life by the voice of Dwayne Johnson. He gives a vibrant and energetic performance that captures the adventurous spirit of the movie. A memorable moment occurs when Maui realizes the gods have blessed him with a boat. He exclaims enthusiastically, weaving his identity into the humor by correcting Moana’s introduction of him.
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Maui proudly claims his title, the “shapeshifter, demigod of the wind and sea, hero of men.” This mix-up leads to a playful back-and-forth exchange between him and Moana. Johnson’s voice work injects charm and humor into the character, making Maui one of the standout figures in the film.
Source: Disney Movies
Laura’s Voice by Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande showcases her talent by lending her voice to the character Laura in the animated movie Underdogs. Known for her incredible singing abilities, Ariana surprises audiences with her vibrant portrayal of Laura. Her performance features a scene where Laura cleverly discards a frisbee, only to correct herself by calling it a discus, highlighting her wit and charm with a lighthearted touch.
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This character brings a fun and engaging energy that perfectly complements the film’s playful narrative. With Ariana’s contribution, Laura becomes a memorable part of the Underdogs experience, blending humor and personality to delight viewers.
Voice of Mavis: Selena Gomez
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Selena Gomez brought life to the character Mavis in Hotel Transylvania. Her voice acting captured Mavis’s spirited personality and emotions perfectly. Selena expressed joy in being part of the project and felt a connection with her character. The process allowed her to explore the playful and tender side of Mavis, especially in scenes with her father, Count Dracula.
Favorite Lines:
- “Holy rabies, this looks like a blast!”
- “I love you, Dad, but we don’t even know if the kid’s gonna be a vampire.”
Source:Sony Pictures Entertainment
Selena’s role as Mavis contributed to the film’s charm, making it enjoyable for audiences of all ages. Her performance showed her versatility as an artist, transitioning seamlessly from music to voice acting.
Redefining Animation Through Star-Studded Voices
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The world of animation is enriched by the star power of talented celebrities who breathe life into animated characters. Their unique voices transform these roles into unforgettable personalities, leaving a lasting impact on audiences. From Susan Bennett’s surprising role as Siri to Dwayne Johnson’s charismatic Maui, each celebrity brings their distinctive style, adding depth and relatability to the characters they portray.
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As animated films continue to inspire and entertain, the contributions of these celebrities remind us of the power of collaboration between voice artists and animators. Together, they create worlds filled with humor, emotion, and imagination, captivating audiences of all ages. Their work not only elevates the stories but also proves that behind every iconic animated character is a voice that defines its spirit.
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