The voice actor behind the iconic character Mario has announced he is stepping down after 27 years.
Charles Martinet has voiced the Italian plumber since Super Mario 64 was released in 1996. He has not however been the only voice of Mario, with Chris Pratt taking the role for the recent The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Writing on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Nintendo said it had been an “honour” to work with 67-year-old Martinet. It also said he would continue to play a role in Mario’s future.
He will now work as a “Mario ambassador”, travelling the world meeting Mario fans. He welcomed the news on social media.
A Nintendo spokesman said: “Charles Martinet has been the original voice of Mario for a long time, as far back as Super Mario 64. Charles is now moving into the brand-new role of Mario ambassador.
“With this transition, he will be stepping down 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.
“It has been an honour working with Charles to help bring Mario to life for so many years and we want to celebrate him.”
Martinet added: “My new Adventure begins! You are all Numba One in my heart! #woohoo !!!!!!!
As well as voicing Mario, Martinet has played Wario, Luigi, Waluigi, and the baby versions throughout the series. However, in the recent film he was heard performing as Giuseppe and Mario’s dad.
It is currently unclear who will voice Mario in the future. Although social media users were suggesting Pratt could take on the job full-time after the movie’s success.
The film made over $1 million at the box office.
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