Voice-overs are important. They not only improve the mood of the visuals but are also an effective mode of storytelling that are being used by directors for a very long time. Despite being just the voice, there are many actors who have won accolades for doing the voice-overs.
Voice-over has brought to life some of the most memorable characters in film and television. Many of the voice-overs are done by specialised person or radio jockeys but at times, some of the actors also do them. They are not easy as these performances often require a unique set of skills, as actors must convey emotion and personality without the aid of physical presence. Here is a list of some of the best!
Robin William, our favourite actor has done some amazing work in movies. Even his cameos and special appearances were appreciated widely. His performance as the Genie in Disney's "Aladdin" is legendary. His energetic fast-paced delivery and ability to switch between various voices and impressions brought the character to life in a way that was both hilarious and heartwarming. Needless to say, his improvisational skills and comedic genius made Genie one of the most beloved animated characters of all time.
Now this is a movie that has gone a long way, thanks to amazing voice-overs people have done for it. The best however was of James Earl Jones as his deep resonant voice provided the perfect gravitas for Mufasa. The wise and noble lion king required that baritone and his performance added a layer of dignity and strength to the character, making Mufasa’s teachings and ultimate fate even more impactful.
Oh boy, we all love that film and it’s Tom Hanks who has done a good job. Tom Hanks brought perfect warmth, humour, and sincerity to Woody, the beloved cowboy doll in this series. We all know that his performance helped establish Woody as a loyal and caring leader among the toys.
Is there anything that she cannot do? Ellen DeGeneres portrayal of Dory, the forgetful but lovable fish, is a standout performance in animation. Her comedic timing and endearing delivery made Dory an instant favourite among audiences. DeGeneres' ability to balance humour with moments of genuine emotion contributed significantly to the character's charm and popularity.
He might have done Superman but he is part of Batman too. That is a little trivia for you. Now, Mark Hamill's voice work as The Joker in Batman: The Animated Series is widely regarded as one of the best portrayals of the character. Hamill's ability to convey The Joker's manic energy, unpredictability, and dark comedy brought a new dimension to the iconic villain.
A film that is an emotional rollercoaster ride for us. In the film Her, Scarlett Johansson voices Samantha, an advanced AI operating system. Johansson's performance is both intimate and engaging, capturing the nuances of Samantha's evolving relationship with the protagonist, played by Joaquin Phoenix.
These are some of the best voice-over performances by Hollywood actors that has made the right impact. Needless to say, they have contributed a lot to the success and popularity of these films and series.
