Charles Martinet has been working for Nintendo since 1991, and voicing the character Mario ever since the release of the 1996’s Super Mario 64, but now he is retiring from that role and stepping into a new one with the company.
On Nintendo’s Twitter it says, “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.”
We have a message for fans of the Mushroom Kingdom. Please take a look. pic.twitter.com/U1ASicOuTO
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) August 21, 2023
In response to Nintendo’s statement, Martinet wrote, “My new Adventure begins! You are all Numba One in my heart! #woohoo !!!!!!!”
Martinet was also the voice actor for Luigi, Waluigi, and Wario. He even played a part in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, not as Mario or Luigi but as their father. Martinet made the terms such as “Mamma Mia,” “Wahoo,” “Let’s-a-go” and “It’s-a me, Mario” synonymous with Nintendo.
It has yet to be determined who will be the next actor to voice Mario, but make sure to look out for a special message coming soon from Shigeru Miyamoto and Charles Martinet!
Source: Nintendo of America X Account