10 Voice Acting Roles You Never Knew Were Big Stars

Voice acting brings characters to life in a way that’s distinct from on-screen performances, often requiring big-name actors to stretch their talents in unexpected ways. When a familiar star voices a character, it can add a layer of charm or intrigue, especially when their role flies under the radar.

Here are 10 voice acting performances by major celebrities that might surprise you. From animated blockbusters to quirky TV cameos, these stars slipped into roles that many fans didn’t realize were theirs, showcasing their versatility in the recording booth.

10. Samuel L. Jackson – Stinky Pete in ‘Toy Story 2’ (1999)

Samuel L. Jackson’s commanding voice is usually tied to intense roles, but he voiced the bitter prospector Stinky Pete in this Pixar sequel. His gruff delivery adds depth to the toy’s deceptive charm, making the betrayal sting more.
It’s a subtle performance that blends seamlessly into the film, so you might not catch it’s him without checking the credits. Jackson’s knack for villainy shines through in this sneaky role.

9. Scarlett Johansson – Mindy in ‘The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie’ (2004)

Scarlett Johansson lent her voice to Mindy, the mermaid daughter of King Neptune, in this animated adventure. Her warm, playful tone fits the character’s optimism, but it’s not an obvious Scarlett role.
Before her Marvel fame, this early voice gig showed her range in a lighthearted family film. It’s a fun surprise for fans who revisit the underwater classic.

8. Jeremy Irons – Baraka in ‘The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride’ (1998)

Jeremy Irons, known for his chilling Scar in ‘The Lion King,’ returned to voice Baraka, a lesser-known lion in the direct-to-video sequel. His silky menace elevates the smaller role, echoing his iconic villain.
The performance is so understated that it often goes unnoticed, but Irons’ distinct cadence makes it a hidden gem for Disney fans. It’s a treat for those who catch it.

7. Kristen Bell – Lucy Stillman in ‘Assassin’s Creed’ (2007-2009)

Before ‘Frozen,’ Kristen Bell voiced Lucy Stillman in the first three ‘Assassin’s Creed’ video games. Her earnest delivery grounds the historical sci-fi saga, blending warmth with mystery.
Fans of the games might not connect her to this early role, as she’s better known for on-screen work. It’s a cool surprise for gamers and Bell enthusiasts alike.

6. J.K. Simmons – Mayor Lionheart in ‘Zootopia’ (2016)

J.K. Simmons brings his booming authority to Mayor Lionheart, the proud but flawed leader of Zootopia. His voice perfectly suits the pompous yet charismatic lion, adding humor to the role.
Simmons’ performance blends so well with the character that it’s easy to miss it’s him. His knack for larger-than-life figures makes this a delightful hidden role.

5. Emily Blunt – Tempest Shadow in ‘My Little Pony: The Movie’ (2017)

Emily Blunt’s gritty voice gives life to Tempest Shadow, a tough unicorn with a broken horn in this animated feature. Her intensity adds emotional weight to the character’s redemption arc.
It’s not a role you’d immediately associate with Blunt, known for live-action dramas, making it a surprising showcase of her versatility. Fans of the franchise will love this discovery.

4. Lance Henriksen – Kerchak in ‘Tarzan’ (1999)

Lance Henriksen, a staple in sci-fi and horror, voiced Kerchak, the stern gorilla leader in Disney’s ‘Tarzan.’ His deep, gravelly tone brings gravitas to the protective patriarch.
His subtle performance doesn’t scream “Henriksen,” which makes it a hidden gem in Disney’s catalog. It’s a powerful role that slips under the radar.

3. Freddie Prinze Jr. – James Vega in ‘Mass Effect 3’ (2012)

Freddie Prinze Jr. voiced James Vega, a tough soldier in this video game epic. His grounded, relatable delivery adds heart to the sci-fi adventure, fitting the character’s loyalty.
Known for teen rom-coms, Prinze’s dive into gaming is a surprise for fans. His performance makes Vega a standout in the expansive universe.

2. James Corden – Hi-5 in ‘The emoji Movie’ (2017)

James Corden’s energetic voice brings Hi-5, the high-fiving emoji, to life in this animated adventure. His enthusiasm matches the character’s goofy charm, stealing scenes with his humor.
Corden’s role isn’t heavily promoted, so it’s easy to miss amid the film’s mixed reception. It’s a fun, under-the-radar performance for fans of his lively persona.

1. Mark Hamill – Skips in ‘Regular Show’ (2010-2017)

Mark Hamill, famous as Luke Skywalker, voiced Skips, the immortal yeti groundskeeper in this quirky Cartoon Network series. His warm, wise tone gives the character surprising depth.
Hamill’s extensive voice work, like the Joker, overshadows this role, making it a delightful find for fans. It’s a testament to his ability to shine in unexpected places.

Which of these secret voice roles shocked you the most, or is there another star’s performance I missed? Share your thoughts in the comments!