Episode 171: Martinet vs. Mario: After 29 Years, Why Did Nintendo Surprise-Retire Charles Martinet, the World-Recognized Voice Actor?

For nearly 29 years, Charles Martinet had provided Nintendo's Super Mario with his iconic voice. All the "wahoos" and "mama mias" came courtesy of the actor's style and invention. In a very real sense, Martinet was Mario; he'd become the face of the world-recognized star. And that, perhaps, was exactly the problem. In 2023, The Big N "retired" Martinet in favor of an unknown performer with little experience...leaving fans sad and plenty baffled. Why did Nintendo drop its long-running celebrity? The reasons are one of jealousy and money; as this episode explores, no servant shall rise above his master.Please visit www.lostnostalgia.com for more critical thought and retrospection on all things vintage.Thanks to Decktonic for the music.