Top 10 Best Celebrity Voice Actor Performances in Disney Movies
#10: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Maui “Moana” (2016)
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The animation choices behind this character stirred up some controversy, but ultimately he became one of the most memorable and beloved figures from the film. “Moana” is one of Disney’s latest offerings, and tells the story of a young girl who has to take up a quest to restore a goddess to her former greatness. Helping her along the way is Maui, a Polynesian demigod voiced by Dwayne Johnson, better known as “The Rock.” Considering Maui’s over-the-top size and strength, who was better to play him than someone who's real life stature isn’t totally dissimilar?
#9: Vincent Price as Professor Ratigan “The Great Mouse Detective” (1986)
One of Disney’s most criminally underrated films features a villain who is voiced by one of the horror genre’s greats. “The Great Mouse Detective” was released during a lull in Disney’s animated feature films and its relative success was one of the factors which reinvigorated the studio. In this Sherlock Holmes themed tale, Vincent Price plays the role of Professor Ratigan, the Moriarty-esque foil to Basil. This legendary actor gives a performance that won’t soon be forgotten, and just his voice can send a shiver down your spine.
#8: Eartha Kitt as Yzma “The Emperor’s New Groove” (2000)
There aren’t many Disney films where the villain totally outshines the protagonists in terms of popularity, but this one is a notable example. The power-hungry Yzma is voiced by music and movie legend, Eartha Kitt, who sadly as of 2008 is no longer with us. Dale Baer, who was the supervising animator for Yzma, said that he was inspired by Eartha Kitt’s movement and body language when designing the character. Kitt’s gravelly voice and passionate delivery are present in her hit songs, and also in this phenomenal performance.
#7: Idina Menzel as Elsa “Frozen” (2013)
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In modern Disney animated movies, the voice casts are often packed with well known actors, musicians and celebrities. In “Frozen,” which holds the title of most successful animated film of all time, the cast is predictably star-studded, with actors like Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff, and Josh Gad in prominent roles. The most vital player, however, is Idina Menzel, who was a Broadway darling before being cast as Elsa, but arguably became a household name due to the role. Her powerhouse voice is what makes the performance ring true, and it’s hard to imagine anyone else giving it quite the same gravitas.
#6: Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Potts “Beauty and the Beast” (1991)
Younger generations may not be familiar with this actress’ name, but as soon as you see her, you’ll inevitably say, “of course that’s Mrs. Potts.” Angela Lansbury is known for her role in Disney’s “Bedknobs and Broomsticks” and the detective show, “Murder, She Wrote,” and her motherly British accent is exactly what this character needed to make viewers feel her humanity. Jerry Orbach’s role as Lumiere was similarly notable, with his over-the-top French accent standing out as one of the most memorable parts of the film (xref).
#5: Eddie Murphy as Mushu “Mulan” (1998)
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Eddie Murphy’s voice is one of the most distinctive in Hollywood, and he’s managed to make a name for himself in recent years doing voice acting for animated films, as well as family comedies. While his most famous role as an animated sidekick is probable Donkey from the “Shrek” franchise, one of his lesser credited parts is just as hilarious. As Mulan’s best friend, Mushu, a small red dragon with a lot of personality, Murphy brings a note of levity to one of Disney’s more serious films.
#4: Nathan Lane as Timon “The Lion King” (1994)
There are a lot of big names in this popular 1994 movie, but this spunky meerkat is voiced by one of our favorites. Young Simba is played by 90s heartthrob Jonathan Taylor Thomas while Matthew Broderick plays him when he’s all grown up, and at his side throughout his journey are his newfound friends, Timon and Pumbaa. Nathan Lane, who is known primarily for his work on Broadway, is behind Timon, and worked alongside another theatre actor, Ernie Sabella, who played Pumbaa. Lane’s signature snark comes through in this portrayal, and it’s tough to separate the character from his notable voice.
#3: James Woods as Hades “Hercules” (1997)
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This Academy Award nominee is known for playing villains, so his role in this Disney film of mythological proportions is definitely fitting. James Woods plays the primary antagonist in 1997’s “Hercules,” the king of the underworld, Hades. In traditional Greek mythology, Hades isn’t necessarily a bad guy, but in this rendition, he is our hero’s main adversary. Woods has said that he had such a good time acting as the voice of Hades that he’d take up the role again anytime. He went on to voice the character in an animated series, as well as several video games.
#2: James Earl Jones as Mufasa “The Lion King” (1994)
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James Earl Jones' emblematic, soulful voice gave birth to a legendary performance. Simba’s wise and powerful (though ill-fated) father is played by this distinguished actor, and his brother, the villainous Scar, is portrayed by Jeremy Irons in a similarly memorable performance. Fans of the original classic rejoiced when it was announced that Jones would reprise his role in the 2019 remake of “The Lion King.” Honestly, there isn’t another actor in the business who could do Mufasa justice. Before we reveal our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions: Mandy Moore as Rapunzel “Tangled” (2010) Patrick Warburton as Kronk “The Emperor’s New Groove” (2000) Danny DeVito as Phil “Hercules” (1997)
#1: Robin Williams as The Genie “Aladdin” (1992)
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Comedic actor Robin Williams had many quintessential roles in his career, from “Mrs. Doubtfire” to “Good Will Hunting” to “Dead Poets Society.” There may not be any which captured his full range and spirit as well as this one, though. As Aladdin’s Genie, Williams was able to showcase all of his greatest skills, from his impressions, to his improvisation, to even his singing voice. For many who saw the film when they were young, this role remains the one for which Williams is most recognizable, even though his likeness doesn’t even appear in it.
