Over time, we get so used to seeing fictional characters like the ones listed below in cartoons or other quirky movies, TV shows, and even commercials that they start to seem like real beings all on their own.
That's thanks to the talented individuals who leant their bodies and voices to give each of the classic characters below such depth in their performances. It's also what makes it so jarring to see who's really hiding behind those fictional faces.
The list spans from veteran voice actors to Academy Award winners — and I have a feeling they'll all change the way you look at their fictional counterpart from now on.
I know I'll never think about Miss Piggy without remembering the drastically different face that gave her such a vibrant personality.
Take a look and be sure to SHARE the surprising folks behind these classic fictional characters with your friends on Facebook!
1. Miss Piggy
The notorious prima donna is known for her super feminine outfits and accessories, which makes the truth behind her voice all the more surprising.
Frank Oz
Jim Henson and Frank worked close together on several different projects with The Muppets, that latter voicing several of the characters including Fozzie Bear, Animal, and Miss Piggy until he passed his roles onto fellow puppeteer Eric Jacobson.
He also supplied the vocals for Yoda in the Star Wars franchise.
2. Big Bird
It's impossible to even think about the Sesame Street legacy without this bright yellow fella coming to mind.
Caroll Spinney
As you probably guessed, Caroll has also been the voice of Oscar the Grouch, performing both roles since the show began in 1969.
3. Bart Simpson
The troublemaking son of Marge and Homer hasn't lost his steam after almost 30 years on our TV screens.
Nancy Cartwright
Nancy is one of the few actors on the series who focuses only on one of the characters.
In contrast, Hank Azaria has voiced over 300 roles, both major and minor characters, throughout the show's run.
4. Winnie-The-Pooh
Veteran character actor Sterling Holloway originated the role of the honey-obsessed bear back in 1966 when Disney took over telling his stories, but he passed it on after about a decade.
Jim Cummings
Jim took over the role in 1988 and also performs as Pooh's pal Tigger. You can hear him in several other animated series and movies, most notably as the Tasmanian Devil in Looney Tunes.
5. Barney
The purple t-rex began entertaining kids with his treehouse adventures and super-catchy songs back in 1992.
David Joyner
He wasn't responsible for Barney's voice, but David was the man standing inside the (often overheated) dino-suit on the show and at public appearances for a decade.
6. Yellow M&M
When the candy jumped out of cartoon form to interact with humans in the now-classic commercials back in the 1990s, John Goodman was tapped for the peanut-filled chocolate before passing it along to an Oscar winner.
J.K. Simmons
Before winning the Academy Award for his role in Whiplash, J.K. started voicing the goofier of the M&M duo in 1996 and has continued ever since.
7. Lumière
The French candlestick was taken over by Ewan McGregor in the recent live-action remake of the classic Disney flick, but an unexpectedly versatile actor was the one asking Belle to "Be Our Guest" in the original animated version.
Jerry Orbach
Many of us think of the straight-laced Law & Order character when the late actor is mentioned, but Jerry also had an extensive background in musical theater and appeared in several Broadway plays.
8. The Joker
Batman: The Animated Series ran for just two seasons in the early 1990s but became an instant classic for kids and grown-ups alike.
Mark Hamill
The Star Wars alum moved into voice acting with several different roles, but the Batman villain continues to be his most prolific over the years in various TV series and video games.
9. Bugs Bunny
Arguably the most iconic character in the Looney Tunes roster made his first unofficial appearance back in 1938 and was simply known as "happy rabbit" in the short film Porky's Hare Hunt.
Mel Blanc
Known as the "man of a thousand voices," Mel was the man behind pretty much every Looney Tunes role you can think of: Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, Yosemite Sam, Pepé Le Pew, Foghorn Leghorn, and of course, Bugs Bunny for over 60 years.
Were you surprised by any of the faces responsible for these classic fictional characters? Be sure to SHARE with your friends on Facebook!
