Unlock the Hidden Voices: 8 Celebs Behind Disney Characters That’ll Totally Surprise You!

Have you ever been deep into a Disney movie, staring at the screen, when suddenly you think, “Hey—that voice sounds way too familiar!”? Then you do that cheeky little internet plunge, and BAM! That “Aha!” moment hits you like a kettlebell to the forehead. Turns out, some of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars have lent their voices to our favorite animated characters—sometimes so seamlessly, you’d never guess it. From timeless Pixar masterpieces to fresh animated hits, these voices pack so much star power it’s almost like a secret workout for your ears! Ready to flex those recognition muscles and discover which A-listers brought these iconic Disney characters to life? Let’s dive in! LEARN MORE

Ever tuned into an animated film and thought the voice behind the character on the screen sounded awfully familiar? And then, after the obligatory internet deep dive, the euphoric feeling of, “Aha! I knew it!” When it comes to Disney films, the voices behind the most iconic characters are often some of the most famous faces in Hollywood—and half the time, you probably didn’t even realize it! From Pixar classics to newer animated films making a splash, find out which of your favorite Hollywood actors and actresses have voiced Disney characters!

Mandy Moore as Rapunzel in Tangled (2010)

The famous blonde princess took us on an epic adventure in the 2010 animated film, where she learns to live life on her own terms and seeks the help of a handsome thief to get where she needs to go, but you might be surprised at who brought this iconic character to life! None other than singer and actress Mandy Moore is the voice behind the character, and we have her talents to thank for songs like “I See the Light” and “When Will My Life Begin.”

Minnie Driver as Jane in Tarzan (1999)

Minnie Driver is beloved for her work in films like Good Will Hunting (1997), but did you realize she was also the voice behind Tarzan’s love interest, Jane, in the 1999 animated film? 

Jason Bateman as Nick Wilde in Zootopia (2016)

Jason Bateman is an actor with a range like no other. From comedies like Arrested Development and Horrible Bosses (2011) to dramas like Ozark and The Outsider, the actor has proven over the years that he can do it all. And, in 2016, he showed the world that voice acting was another walk in the park when he brought to life the main character in the beloved film Zootopia. 

Samuel L. Jackson as Frozone in The Incredibles (2004)

Yes, folks—The man behind the iconic, “Honey! Where’s my super suit?!,” is none other than Samuel L. Jackson! 

Jerry Orbach as Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Jerry Orbach, known for roles in Law & Order and Dirty Dancing (1987), is the famous face behind the beloved candelabra, and it was his Broadway origins that lent themselves quite well to his character’s musical numbers!

Moira Kelly as Nala in The Lion King (1994)

Did you put the pieces together that One Tree Hill’s Moira Kelly was the voice behind Nala in The Lion King? Though Kelly does have a voice that’s rather distinct, you might have missed this one!

Demi Moore as Esmerelda in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)

The raven-haired Substance (2024) star brought to life the raven-haired animated Esmerelda in this beloved 1996 classic.

Willem Dafoe as Gill in Finding Nemo (2003)

Who knew that the voice behind the striped tank-dwelling swimmer was Willem Dafoe? Known for his darker characters, hearing him bring to life a Disney character is sure something!