Think your favorite stars only belong on stage or in the recording studio? Think again.
Over the years, some of the biggest names in music and entertainment have stepped behind the microphone to bring animated characters to life. From adventurous teenagers and lovable trolls to talking birds and mammoths, these celebrities have left their mark on animation in ways many fans never realized.
Here are 10 celebrities who voiced memorable cartoon characters:
1. Rihanna – Tip (Home)
Before building a business empire, Rihanna voiced Tip, the fearless teenage girl at the center of the animated adventure Home. She also contributed music to the film’s soundtrack.
2. Bruno Mars – Roberto (Rio 2)
Bruno Mars lent his voice to Roberto, a charming blue macaw whose arrival creates tension and competition in Rio 2.
3. Taylor Swift – Audrey (The Lorax)
Years before her record-breaking Eras Tour, Taylor Swift voiced Audrey, the optimistic and environmentally conscious teenager in The Lorax.
4. Selena Gomez – Mavis (Hotel Transylvania)
Selena Gomez became one of animation’s most recognizable voices through Mavis, Dracula’s fun-loving daughter in the hugely successful Hotel Transylvania franchise.
5. Justin Timberlake – Branch (Trolls)
Justin Timberlake voiced Branch, the cautious troll who eventually wins fans over in Trolls. He also delivered the massive hit “Can’t Stop The Feeling!”, which became one of the biggest songs of 2016.
6. Ariana Grande – Laura (Underdogs)
Before becoming one of pop music’s biggest stars, Ariana Grande voiced Laura in the English-language version of the animated football film Underdogs.
7. Jack Black – Po (Kung Fu Panda)
Jack Black’s energetic performance as Po helped turn Kung Fu Panda into one of animation’s most beloved franchises. His voice became almost inseparable from the character.
8. Kevin Hart – Snowball (The Secret Life of Pets)
Kevin Hart brought his trademark energy and humor to Snowball, the scene-stealing rabbit in The Secret Life of Pets films.
9. Beyoncé – Queen Tara (Epic)
Beyoncé took on royal duties in the animated fantasy adventure Epic, where she voiced Queen Tara, the protector of a magical forest kingdom.
10. Nicki Minaj – Steffie (Ice Age: Continental Drift)
Nicki Minaj joined the Ice Age universe as Steffie, a stylish mammoth with plenty of personality and attitude.
Celebrity voice casting has become a major part of modern animation, with studios regularly recruiting chart-topping musicians and high-profile entertainers to help bring characters to life.
Many viewers have watched these films countless times without realizing some of the voices belonged to Grammy winners, global superstars, and comedy icons.
The next time an animated character sounds strangely familiar, there’s a good chance a famous celebrity is hiding behind the microphone.