Let’s give some overdue credit to the unseen legends of animation, the voices that made us laugh, cry, and quote lines endlessly. Voice acting isn’t just reading words into a mic; it’s full-on character transformation. These artists pour their souls into bringing hand-drawn and CGI creations to life, often becoming more iconic than the faces we see on screen. So, in genuine countdown style, these are 12 of the most unforgettable voice actors in animation history, starting at the bottom, because suspense makes all the difference.
12. Cree Summer
Not many have a voice as immediately recognizable as Cree Summer. She’s been the voice of fearless, inquisitive, and whip-bright characters for more than 30 years, from Susie Carmichael in Rugrats to Princess Kida in Atlantis: The Lost Empire. Her vocal talent, comedic sense, and sheer charisma make her one of animation’s most accomplished performers.
11. Phil LaMarr
Phil LaMarr is literally the embodiment of range. He’s Green Lantern on Justice League, Samurai Jack, Hermes on Futurama, and Static on Static ShockBeforeto that, he perfected his craft on Mad TV, demonstrating his gift for impressions and character acting. From action to comedy to sci-fi, LaMarr glides from role to role.
10. Sterling Holloway
If the soothing tones of Winnie the Pooh or the mischievous grin of the Cheshire Cat ring a bell, you’ve heard Sterling Holloway. His soft, whimsical voice became a Disney signature across decades, also gracing The Jungle Book and Dumbo. Holloway’s delivery radiated warmth and wonder; he practically is the sound of childhood nostalgia.
9. Mark Hamill
Yes, he’s Luke Skywalker on screen, but as animation, Mark Hamill is the ultimate Joker. His maniacal cackle and erratic cadence in Batman: The Animated Series helped redefine the character. Hamill has gone on to voice dozens of characters since, from Avatar: The Last Airbender villains to offbeat cameos in Regular Show, demonstrating that his vocal abilities are every bit as legendary as his lightsaber skills.
8. James Earl Jones
Few voices are as authoritative as James Earl Jones’s. Whether booming as Darth Vader or imparting fatherly advice as Mufasa, his voice demands immediate respect. Deep, resonant, and expressive, Jones’s performances have informed some of cinema’s most indelible moments. Certain voices are ageless; his is one of them.
7. Seth Green
Seth Green’s voice is ubiquitous. As Family Guy’s Chris Griffin, he’s the ideal cringeworthy teen, but that’s only the beginning. Via Robot Chicken, he’s voiced scores of characters, demonstrating remarkable comic timing and improvisational chops. He’s a bona fide multi-hyphenate actor, writer, producer, and voice chameleon.
6. Barbara Luddy
Another of Disney’s earliest gems, Barbara Luddy voiced some of the studio’s most beloved characters: Lady in Lady and the Tramp, Merryweather in Sleeping Beauty, and Kanga in Winnie the Pooh. Her soft, motherly voice could melt hearts, while her saucy tone brought warmth and humor wherever she appeared.
5. Tara Strong
You might not know her face, but you certainly know her voice. Tara Strong’s resume is a crash course in contemporary animation: Bubbles on The Powerpuff Girls, Timmy Turner on The Fairly OddParents, Raven on Teen Titans, and Harley Quinn on various DC productions. Her versatility is unparalleled. Kid, bad guy, good guy, or monster, she gets it all right.
4. Jim Cummings
Jim Cummings may be animation’s busiest voice. Since the 1980s, he’s lent his voice to everyone from Winnie the Pooh and Tigger to Darkwing Duck. He’s the actor who can switch from asaccharine to a sinister tone in one breath. If a studio is looking for a voice that’s both familiar and enchanting, Cummings is the one they typically call.
3. Kevin Conroy
To millions of viewers, Kevin Conroy is Batman. His signature deep, rich voice in Batman: The Animated Series set the standard for all that came after. He even reprised the role in video games and live-action crossover events, demonstrating his portrayal of the Dark Knight to be greater than iconic; it was definitive.
2. Mel Blanc
Monikered “The Man of a Thousand Voices,” Mel Blanc didn’t only establish voice acting, He created it. Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Tweety, Sylvester… the count continues. His unparalleled creativity and timing crafted the entire groundwork of cartoon comedy. All the voice actors on the job today owe him something.
1. Clarence Nash
Before anyone else coined the term Disney magic, Clarence “Ducky” Nash did. The first voice of Donald Duck, Nash forged one of the most recognizable and endearing voices in animation history. His half-intelligible quacks were immediately iconic, and they set the gold standard for vocal work for character purposes. He didn’t just voice a duck; he gave him a soul.
These 12 performers are behind-the-scenes builders of our cartoon universes. Their voices built childhoods, dictated genres, and demonstrated that great performance does not require a face—only a microphone, imagination, and a lot of heart.