# Charles Martinet

> American actor and voice actor (born 1955)

**Wikidata**: [Q703384](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q703384)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Martinet)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/charles-martinet

## Summary
Charles Martinet is an American actor and voice actor, best known for his iconic role as the voice of Mario in Nintendo's *Super Mario* franchise. Born in 1955, he has contributed to video games, animation, and television, leaving a lasting impact on pop culture.

## Biography
- **Born**: September 17, 1955
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**: University of California, Berkeley (BA in Drama)
- **Known for**: Voice of Mario, Luigi, Wario, and other characters in Nintendo's *Super Mario* series
- **Employer(s)**: Nintendo (long-term voice acting role)
- **Field(s)**: Voice acting, television acting, writing

## Contributions
Charles Martinet has provided the voice for Mario since 1990, starting with *Super Mario World* and continuing through numerous games, including *Super Mario 64*, *Super Mario Sunshine*, and *Super Smash Bros.* His work has defined the character’s personality and made Mario one of the most recognizable voices in gaming. Beyond Mario, he has voiced Luigi, Wario, and other characters in the franchise. He has also appeared in television shows and films, contributing to both live-action and animated projects.

## FAQs
**What is Charles Martinet best known for?**
Charles Martinet is best known as the voice of Mario in Nintendo’s *Super Mario* video game series, a role he has held since 1990.

**When did Charles Martinet start voicing Mario?**
He began voicing Mario in 1990 with *Super Mario World* and continued for over three decades.

**What other characters has Charles Martinet voiced?**
In addition to Mario, he has voiced Luigi, Wario, and other characters in the *Super Mario* universe.

**Where was Charles Martinet educated?**
He earned a BA in Drama from the University of California, Berkeley.

**What is Charles Martinet’s nationality?**
He is American.

## Why They Matter
Charles Martinet’s voice work has shaped the identity of Mario, one of the most iconic characters in video game history. His performances have influenced generations of gamers and set a standard for character voice acting in the industry. Without his contributions, Mario’s personality and cultural impact might have been vastly different.

## Notable For
- **Iconic Voice Role**: The definitive voice of Mario in Nintendo games since 1990.
- **Long-Term Influence**: Over three decades of voicing Mario, Luigi, and other characters.
- **Cultural Impact**: Helped make Mario a globally recognized figure in pop culture.
- **Versatility**: Voiced multiple characters in the *Super Mario* franchise.
- **Education**: Trained in drama at UC Berkeley, bringing theatrical expertise to voice acting.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Charles Martinet was born on September 17, 1955, in the United States. He pursued a career in acting, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Drama from the University of California, Berkeley. His education provided a foundation for his later work in voice acting and performance.

### Career in Voice Acting
Martinet’s breakthrough came in 1990 when he was cast as the voice of Mario in *Super Mario World*. His energetic and distinctive portrayal became synonymous with the character, leading to a long-term collaboration with Nintendo. Over the years, he expanded his roles within the franchise, voicing Luigi, Wario, and other characters. His work spans multiple games, including *Super Mario 64*, *Super Mario Sunshine*, and the *Super Smash Bros.* series.

### Television and Film Work
Beyond video games, Martinet has appeared in television shows and films, showcasing his versatility as an actor. His contributions extend to both live-action and animated projects, though his voice work remains his most recognizable achievement.

### Legacy and Influence
Martinet’s voice acting has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. His portrayal of Mario has become iconic, influencing how characters are voiced in video games. His work has contributed to the enduring popularity of the *Super Mario* franchise and its cultural significance.

### Personal Brand and Recognition
Martinet is also known by the nickname "Nugget" and maintains a personal website (*charlesmartinet.com*). His autograph and public appearances at conventions have made him a beloved figure among fans. His career spans decades, with a sitelink count of 32 on Wikidata, reflecting his widespread recognition.

### Notable Works and Roles
- *Super Mario World* (1990) – First appearance as Mario.
- *Super Mario 64* (1996) – Pioneering 3D voice acting.
- *Super Mario Sunshine* (2002) – Continued role as Mario.
- *Super Smash Bros.* series – Voiced multiple characters.
- Television and film appearances – Expanded his acting repertoire.

### Impact on Pop Culture
Martinet’s voice has become synonymous with Mario, making the character instantly recognizable worldwide. His work has helped Nintendo’s franchises achieve global success, and his influence extends to aspiring voice actors in the gaming industry. His contributions have been celebrated by fans and critics alike, solidifying his place in entertainment history.

## References

1. MusicBrainz
2. Discogs
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. The Movie Database