Princess Peach’s Longtime Voice Actor Replaced After 18 Years
▼ Summary
– Samantha Kelly, the long-time voice actor for Princess Peach and Toad, confirmed she will no longer voice these characters in Nintendo games.
– Kelly first voiced Peach in 2007’s *Mario Strikers Charged* and most recently in 2024’s *Princess Peach Showtime*.
– Nintendo informed Kelly of its decision to recast the roles, which she shared in an emotional Instagram post.
– The recasting news came on the same day Nintendo announced the Switch 2 and *Mario Kart World*.
– This follows Nintendo’s 2023 decision to replace Charles Martinet as Mario’s voice actor, with Kevin Afghani taking over the role.
The iconic voice behind Princess Peach and Toad has officially changed hands after nearly two decades of service. Samantha Kelly, who brought these beloved Nintendo characters to life since 2007, recently announced she will no longer voice the roles moving forward.
Kelly first stepped into Peach’s royal shoes for Mario Strikers Charged on the Wii and continued through this year’s Princess Peach Showtime. Through an emotional Instagram post, she revealed Nintendo’s decision to recast both characters. “It’s been an incredible journey, but Nintendo informed me they’re moving in a new direction,” she shared. “While I’m heartbroken, I’ll always cherish the years spent voicing these amazing characters.”
Her departure follows a similar shift for Mario’s longtime voice actor, Charles Martinet, who transitioned to a brand ambassador role last year. Kevin Afghani, a Los Angeles-based performer, now voices Mario and Luigi in Super Mario Bros. Wonder, signaling a broader refresh of the franchise’s vocal talent.
Kelly’s announcement coincided with Nintendo’s unveiling of the Switch 2 and its flagship title, Mario Kart World, though no official connection between the events has been confirmed. Fans have flooded social media with tributes, celebrating her contributions to gaming history. “Peach and Toad will always carry a piece of Samantha’s spirit,” one supporter wrote.
While the new voice actors remain undisclosed, Kelly expressed hope that the characters continue thriving. “They deserve to shine forever, no matter who speaks for them,” she added. The change marks the end of an era but opens a new chapter for Nintendo’s iconic roster.
(Source: Video Games Chronicle)
