Charles Martinet, iconic voice of Mario, retires from performing as the character in video games

Charles Martinet, iconic voice of Mario, retires from performing as the character in video games

Charles Martinet, the iconic voice of the video game Mario for decades, is “stepping back from recording character voices” for Nintendo as he transitions into a new role.

Now a “Mario Ambassador,” Martinet will travel the world and interact with fans on behalf of the gaming company.

Martinet started at Nintendo in 1991, and his first major performance as the mustachioed plumber was in 1996’s Super Mario 64, the landmark 3D platformer that introduced much of the world to Mario’s enthusiastic Italian intonation.

He’s credited for voicing Mario — and a handful of other Mushroom Kingdom adventurers including Luigi, Wario and Waluigi — in over 150 Nintendo games. Bringing to life Mario’s unforgettable catchphrases like “Mamma mia,” “Wahoo!” and “Let’s-a go!” Martinet left his mark on some of Nintendo’s biggest properties, including Mario Kart, Super Mario Galaxy and Mario Party.