Cartoon Characters That Were Voiced by Their Creators, Ranked

When a cartoon's voice is lent by the creator themselves, it captures the essence of the character in a way no other actor possibly could.

On the broad spectrum of animation, cartoons stand on the side that dominates television and is a constant source of joy and optimism. And while the animation itself plays a massive role in making a show beloved, almost every great cartoon character has a distinct voice that makes them so memorable and endearing. When that voice is lent by the creator themselves, it captures the essence of the character in a way no other actor possibly could.

Voice acting may seem like a simple task, but when you’re also writing episode after episode, overlooking the animation, and whisking the narrative, then working on your vocal cords and bringing a character to life requires pure talent. These creators/voice actors first work on the early concepts and storyboards, and they envision just how their characters would sound, move, and interact with one another. Which is why, when they stand in the recording booth, spilling that vision into the mic becomes a second habit.

After all, acting your own creation is fairly popular (countless actors have written a movie and starred in it). While their professional title may be animator, creator, or director, these skilled individuals are also gifted vocal artists. Their tone and subtext alone are enough to make us fall in love with the cartoon characters they create. In this list, we’re celebrating not just the animated characters but also the gifts of these creators who made them perfect.

Big Mouth reminds you of everything about growing up that you wish to forget. The show follows three friends, Andrew, Nick, and Jessi, as they navigate the many trials and tribulations of puberty. From the awkwardness of adolescence to the softness of first love, their experiences come to live through the stunning performances by the show’s creators.

Nick Birch’s journey is backed by the incredibly talented Nick Kroll. He voices this anxious yet hilarious boy and also grasps the physical and emotional changes that he goes through with uncanny accuracy. Apart from the perfect comedic timing, Kroll’s voice conveys just how young adulthood can be equal parts messy and complex. Moreover, he voices additional Big Mouth characters like Maurice (the Hormone Monster), Coach Steve, Lola Ugfuglio Skumpy, and a bunch of others.

Introducing us to the Land of Ooo through a band of eccentric characters like Finn the Human and Jake the magical Dog, Adventure Time does right by its title. It centers around an evil Ice King who wants to marry Princess Bubblegum, while Finn and Jake go to extreme lengths to protect her and stop that from happening. Program creator Pendleton Ward guides the vocals of Lumpy Space Princess, who floats about sassy and cloud-like through the land of Ooo.

Related: Explained: Here's How Adventure Time Helped Change the Cartoon Landscape

An interesting fact about how the voice birthed, one day at the office, Ward was cursing in a valley girl accent and everybody thought that it had just the right amount of erratic energy needed for the character of LSP. Ward imbues the lumpy cosmic candy with a voice that is a mix of valley girl and a helium balloon, ultimately beguiling the audience.

With thirteen seasons, this hilarious animated sitcom created by Mike Judge and Greg Daniels still continues to spin its wonder. Set in Texas, the series follows a simple-minded but opinionated salesman Hank who lives a peaceful life with Peggy, his wife, Bobby, the aspiring comedian son, and Luanna, his niece.

King of the Hill’s deadbeat wisdom and longevity comes packaged in the forever relaxed character of Hank Hill, which is brought to life by Mike Judge himself. Judge slips effortlessly into Hank’s you-don’t-even-notice-it’s-there Texas accent.

Moreover, as a family man and provider, Hank carries a small town sensibility and life lessons, which Judge conveys with nuance. But that’s not all. Judge’s character is also traditional and stubborn, and only a performer would understand the weight that comes with hiding it all.

A classic ‘90s cartoon that is also created by Mike Judge, Beavis and Butt-Head weaves absolute chaos on the screen through both of its titular characters, who aren’t just obsessed with rock and metal but also nasty and awkward troublemakers. In the show, they display their talents by commenting on reality TV and the hype created by the internet. Mike Judge voices both the best friends Beavis and Butt-Head. Judge switches between the distinct, dimwitted personalities with ease.

Of the two, Beavis is truly something. Judge lends his signature snickering chuckle and lower lip biting to him. And Butt-Head, a rather chill one gets light laughter and drawn-out grunts. Beyond the humor, Judge also tries to ground their energy by showing a multitude of their traits with voice alone.

Adult Swim has blessed its viewers with some of the most phenomenal cartoons. The Venture Bros., in particular, is a proud project from creators Christopher McCulloch and Doc Hammer and it surrounds the many misadventures of teenagers Hank and Dean Venture, living under the guardianship of their ethically corrupt and emotionally insecure scientist father, Dr. Thaddeus "Rusty" Venture.

Unparalleled in blending various elements of action and drama, the show also has some of the coolest characters seen in the cartoon landscape. While both McCulloch and Hammer voice over 20 characters on the show, it is important to mention The Monarch and Dr. Girlfriend, lending them a supervillain bravado and a high-pitched sultry attitude respectively. McCulloch and Hammer’s voices morph into the character’s offbeat personalities and make Ventureland even more fun.

It goes without saying that Walt Disney is a legend. And who better to voice Mickey Mouse than its creator himself? He may be known for his animation innovations and pioneering a whole new art for the entertainment industry to devour for generations, but his own warm and enthusiastic vocals make Mickey Mouse what he is today. Walt extends his creative genius through his characters like a true artist.

Initially, it was Carl W. Stalling who spoke for Mickey, but by the 1940s Disney had patented the character with a distinct, bubbly, cheerful tone. When the 1950s rolled in with The Mickey Mouse Club, the cartoon character had already become the global ambassador of joy and wonder and adventure, thanks to Walt’s own charm.

The adorable but fearsome main characters of Gravity Falls are two teenagers, Dipper and Mabel Pines. Hungry for adventure and always ready for creating trouble, the duo lands in the suspicious town of Gravity Falls in Oregon to spend their summer vacation blissfully, only to find out that the place is nothing like they expected. One of the anti-hero of the series is a greedy and childish salesman, Stanley Pines, or Grunkle Stan as the kids call him.

Related: Gravity Falls: The 10 Most Relatable Characters in the Series, Ranked

Gruff and good-hearted in nature, he hides his complex traits beneath a tough exterior. However, only the program creator Alex Hirsch has the ability to unearth his secrets with his deadpan vocal delivery. Stan’s voice, as best expressed, is like a favorite, worn-out pair of slippers. And because Hirsch took inspiration for the character from his own grandfather, it makes his strengths and flaws natural for him to understand and convey.

Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, South Park is a satirical, darkly comedic animated television comedy. With 26 fantastic seasons, it is also one of the longest running shows of all time. It follows four foul-mouthed troublemakers – Stan, Kyle, Eric and Kenny – who go around causing discomfort and getting involved in supernatural hijinks. Parker and Stone have a lot on their plate. They write each new episode, work on the animation, and practically voice every male character on the show.

However, an unmistakable favorite of fans and Parker himself is Eric Cartman. Through Parker’s vocals, Cartman earns his signature whine and verbal vomit. The comedic timing is always perfect and beyond sounding like an evil eight-year-old, Parker taps into Cartman’s hateful habits such as scheming and manipulating. While others many try, none can do justice to his twisted logic and bigotry like Parker does.

Whether it is American Dad or Cleveland Show, Seth MacFarlane has created a benchmark with holding his characters close to the heart and voicing them himself. Family Guy is no different. The animated sitcom isn’t just a family drama but a clear-cut, deep-rooted commentary on politics and satire using harmless jokes and absurd situations. The Griffin family is at the center of the show, and while MacFarlane speaks for a dozen other characters, his particular voice of three Griffin members – Peter, Brian and Stewie – gets a noteworthy mention.

First, he has a natural affinity for showing Peter’s brand of lowest level of humor through occasional grunts and verbal mishaps. Then, he brings to life Peter’s canine partner–in-crime Brian and the maniacal toddler Stewie, each owning layers of childlike vulnerabilities. Clearly, through his many endeavors, McFarlane has showcased his range of vocals.

Rick and Morty is another beloved animated series, and this one combines science fiction and adventure in the most bizarre ways. Created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, the cartoon features the titular grandpa and grandson as two interdimensional wanderers going on various weird trips and bestowing both their knowledge and wits along their way.

Justin Roiland brings to the screen, through slurred rants and meek stammers, both the main characters of the show. Because Rick is more of a nihilist, Roiland makes his voice gravelly and unsympathetic. Morty is dimwitted and hence always plaintive and wistful, so Roiland imbues his voice with apprehension and concern. Switching between the two is a piece of cake for the creator.

An avid cinephile and self-proclaimed cat lady, Soniya adores watching films that move and transform and broaden her perspective. When she isn't busy working, you'll find her immersed in an arthouse film, catching up on stand up specials, discovering new music, gazing at the moon, and earning quality time to ponder it all.