1. Scooby-Doo – Don Messick’s Legendary “Ruh-Roh!”
If you’ve ever tried to imitate Scooby-Doo’s voice, you’re not alone. That signature deep, wobbly “Ruh-roh!” has been part of pop culture for decades, and we have Don Messick to thank for it. Messick wasn’t just a voice actor—he was a vocal magician who could bring anything to life, from space-age robots to cowardly Great Danes. But when he first auditioned for Scooby-Doo in 1969, he didn’t know he was about to create one of the most famous cartoon voices ever.
Messick gave Scooby that perfect mix of goofy charm and nervous energy, making him more than just a talking dog—he was a character with personality. The way he stretched out his vowels, mixed in those iconic “R” sounds, and laughed in that deep, throaty chuckle made Scooby instantly lovable. Messick voiced Scooby for nearly three decades, solidifying the dog detective’s place in animation history. And just like Scooby himself, Messick was a master of surprises, which made him perfect for another legendary talking animal.
2. Bugs Bunny – Mel Blanc, The Man of 1,000 Voices
Bugs Bunny isn’t just a cartoon character—he’s a cultural icon. And behind that smooth, Brooklyn-accented “What’s up, Doc?” was one of the greatest voice actors of all time: Mel Blanc. Known as “The Man of 1,000 Voices,” Blanc didn’t just voice Bugs—he was Bugs. His ability to inject personality, mischief, and wit into a single voice made the wisecracking rabbit feel alive, as if he were a real person just messing with Elmer Fudd for fun.
But Bugs was just the beginning. Blanc also voiced Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Tweety, Sylvester, Yosemite Sam, and practically every major Looney Tunes character. He could switch between voices in a heartbeat, sometimes even holding full conversations between characters he was voicing. His secret? Absolute dedication. When he was in a car accident in 1961, doctors had to wake him from a coma by asking, “Bugs, can you hear me?” Blanc, still unconscious, responded as Bugs Bunny. If that’s not legendary, what is? And speaking of legends, there’s one little mouse who owes his voice to a very familiar name.
3. Mickey Mouse – Walt Disney Himself
Before Mickey Mouse became the most famous cartoon character in the world, he needed a voice. And who better to bring him to life than Walt Disney himself? That’s right—when Mickey first appeared in Steamboat Willie (1928), it was Walt who gave him that cheerful, high-pitched voice that kids and adults alike grew to love. Disney wasn’t a professional voice actor, but he had a knack for making Mickey sound playful, energetic, and just mischievous enough to keep things interesting.
Walt continued voicing Mickey for over two decades, making sure his creation had just the right amount of heart. But as the company grew, so did his responsibilities, and by the late 1940s, he passed the torch to Jimmy MacDonald. Even so, Disney’s voice remains the foundation of Mickey’s personality—pure, joyful, and full of wonder. But if Mickey was the king of the animated world, there was another voice actor ruling the jungle.
4. The Lion King’s Scar – Jeremy Irons’ Chilling Performance
Some voices don’t just speak—they slither. Jeremy Irons’ performance as Scar in The Lion King (1994) was so deliciously sinister that it made the villain one of Disney’s most memorable. His deep, velvety tone mixed with a chilling sense of arrogance made Scar feel like a Shakespearean villain dropped into the African savanna. From the sarcastic way he sneered, “I’m surrounded by idiots,” to the way he practically purred through “Be Prepared,” Irons turned Scar into a masterclass in villainy.
Irons’ performance was so powerful that animators even tweaked Scar’s facial expressions to match his delivery. His voice was rich, theatrical, and dripping with menace—so much so that when it came time to record the more powerful singing parts of “Be Prepared,” he strained his voice. Disney brought in Jim Cummings (the voice of Winnie the Pooh, believe it or not) to finish the song, but the transition is so seamless that most people never noticed. And speaking of unexpected voices, there’s a certain honey-loving bear who’s had quite a surprising history.
5. Winnie the Pooh – Sterling Holloway’s Gentle Magic
If warmth had a sound, it would be Sterling Holloway’s voice. As soon as you hear his soft, comforting “Oh, bother,” you know you’re listening to Winnie the Pooh. Holloway’s gentle, slightly raspy voice gave Pooh a dreamy, childlike quality, making him one of the most beloved animated characters ever. It was a voice that felt like a hug, wrapping audiences in the simple, innocent world of the Hundred Acre Wood.
Holloway, who also voiced Kaa in The Jungle Book and the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland, had a gift for making his characters sound whimsical yet wise. His Pooh wasn’t just a silly bear obsessed with honey—he was thoughtful, kind, and endlessly lovable. When Jim Cummings later took over the role, he did such a flawless job that many fans never realized there had been a change. But there was one voice in animation history that nobody could ever replace.
6. Darth Vader’s Simba’s Father? James Earl Jones’ Legendary Voice
Few voices command attention like James Earl Jones’. Deep, powerful, and rich, his voice has defined two of the most legendary characters in film history: Darth Vader and Mufasa. As the wise and noble king in The Lion King, Jones gave Mufasa a sense of strength, warmth, and authority. When he delivered lines like, “Remember who you are,” you felt them in your soul.
But before Mufasa, Jones terrified audiences as the voice of Darth Vader. With just a few words, he could send shivers down your spine. His booming presence gave Vader the gravitas of an unstoppable force (pun intended). And while actors come and go, Disney knew that some voices are irreplaceable—when they remade The Lion King in 2019, they brought back Jones as Mufasa. Some voices just are the character, and Jones’ legendary tone will echo across generations.
6. Ellen DeGeneres – The Unforgettable Voice of Dory
Ellen DeGeneres didn’t just voice Dory; she became her. With her signature charm, rapid-fire delivery, and just the right amount of cluelessness, she turned a forgetful blue tang fish into one of Pixar’s most beloved characters. The role in Finding Nemo (2003) was practically written for her—except it wasn’t. In fact, the original script had a completely different take on Dory. But after hearing Ellen ramble on her talk show, the creators reimagined the character to fit her naturally bubbly (and slightly scatterbrained) persona. When Finding Dory came out in 2016, it proved one thing: audiences still loved hearing Ellen’s voice paired with a fish who couldn’t remember what she had for breakfast.
Dory’s appeal comes from her warmth and relentless optimism—qualities that Ellen effortlessly delivers. Her “Just keep swimming” mantra has become a life philosophy for many, and her comedic timing makes even the simplest lines hilarious. But what’s even more impressive? Ellen’s ability to add depth to Dory’s personality, making us laugh one second and cry the next. That’s not just good writing—that’s a voice actor who truly understands their character.
7. Mike Myers – The Scottish Twist That Made Shrek Iconic
Shrek was originally supposed to have a regular American accent—until Mike Myers decided to experiment. After recording nearly the entire movie with his natural voice, he had a realization: a Scottish accent would make the character way funnier. So he asked DreamWorks if he could redo all his lines. That decision wasn’t cheap—it cost the studio millions to re-record everything. But as soon as the world heard Shrek’s grumpy-yet-lovable Scottish brogue, it was clear: money well spent.
The accent gave Shrek a unique personality, making him sound both rough around the edges and surprisingly endearing. Myers infused the character with humor, sarcasm, and just the right amount of heart, turning Shrek (2001) into an instant classic. And let’s be honest—can you even imagine Shrek without his Scottish twang? It’s as much a part of him as his green skin and swamp-loving attitude.
8. Eddie Murphy – The Fast-Talking Genius Behind Donkey
If there’s one thing that makes Donkey unforgettable, it’s his mouth. The character never stops talking, and that’s exactly what makes Eddie Murphy’s performance so perfect. With his rapid-fire delivery, hilarious one-liners, and over-the-top enthusiasm, Murphy turned what could have been a forgettable sidekick into one of the funniest animated characters of all time. His energy in Shrek (2001) is unmatched, and the way he bounces off of Mike Myers’ grumpy Shrek is pure comedy gold.
What’s even more impressive is how much Murphy improvised. Many of Donkey’s funniest moments weren’t even in the script—he just went for it, making up lines on the spot. And somehow, it all worked. His voice brought life to the character in a way that no one else could. The result? A talking donkey that’s as iconic as the ogre himself.
9. Tom Kenny – The Unmistakable Voice of SpongeBob SquarePants
SpongeBob SquarePants is one of the most recognizable cartoon voices ever, and we have Tom Kenny to thank for that. His high-pitched, hyper-enthusiastic delivery gave life to the world’s most famous sponge, making SpongeBob SquarePants (1999) one of the most successful animated shows of all time. But the real magic? That unmistakable laugh. You know the one—high-pitched, dolphin-like, and utterly infectious.
Kenny’s performance is full of childlike wonder, making SpongeBob a character that appeals to kids and adults alike. His voice captures everything we love about the character—his boundless optimism, his goofy charm, and his ability to turn even the smallest task into the greatest adventure ever. The best part? Tom Kenny is just as energetic and fun-loving in real life, proving that sometimes, the perfect voice actor and the perfect character are one and the same.
