Celebrities you didn't realize voiced popular TV and film characters

This legendary actor voiced the role of Memphis in the jukebox musical Happy Feet. It’s an early 2000s staple that collected over $380 million at the box office and is one of Jackman’s most recognized animated film characters. 

You may be surprised to know that the Academy Award-winning actor Tom Hanks lent his voice to the extremely popular film character Woody in Toy Story. This classic has been cherished by many since 1995, largely thanks to the loyal and compassionate cowboy. Woody and the rest of the gang's favor with the audience has led to three sequels. 

Starring alongside Beyoncé in The Lion King is Donald Glover — or, as others may know him, Childish Gambino. His role as Simba earned him his 12th NAACP Image award. 

Whoopi Goldberg is no stranger to playing iconic characters. From The Color Purple to Sister Act, this actress’ resume is stacked. But if there’s one role of hers we can’t get out of our minds, it’s Shenzi, the ruthless hyena in The Lion King. 

We can’t forget about Disney’s Kim Possible. The series ran from 2002 to 2007 and featured 87 episodes and two television films. 

You'd think with her own sitcom and The Cheetah Girls, this next celeb would be too busy for another job. However, Raven found time to voice the popular high-school cheerleader, Monique, alongside Christy in Kim Possible. 

In addition to her memorable performance in Charlie’s Angels, Cameron Diaz’s legacy exists in other franchises, like Shrek! She’s the voice behind Princess Fiona and has received much praise, including an MTV Movie + TV Awards nomination. 

Beyoncé has acted in films like Obsessed, Dreamgirls, and The Pink Panther. After spending time away from the camera to focus on her music career, Beyoncé returned to the big screen as Nala in Disney’s 2019 Lion King remake. 

In addition to Tim Allen’s role as Scott Calvin in The Santa Clause, he’s the voice behind one of animation’s biggest characters: Buzz Lightyear. Since ‘95, Tim has led Buzz on adventures in all four sequels and is expected to reprise his role in the franchise’s fifth movie.  

After her time as Maddie and Sharpay on Disney’s Suite Life of Zack and Cody and High School Musical, Ashley Tisdale began voicing the role of Candace Flynn on Phineas and Ferb. Her character is known primarily for her outrageous attempts at catching her brothers and singing a few musical numbers, too.  

Maybe you did realize Samuel L. Jackson played Frozone in The Incredibles, but it’s too epic of a performance for us not to mention. Thankfully, he returned with a more thorough storyline for the franchise's sequel. 

Drake has always been more than just a rapper. In addition to his appearance on Degrassi, the chart-topping rapper voiced the character Ethan in Ice Age. Ethan was a relaxed mammoth all about fun and having a good time — much like what we imagine Drake to be in real life.

Ice Age: Continental Drift was quite the moment for pop culture lovers. Not only did it feature Jennifer Lopez, Queen Latifah, and Drake — but the world's best female rapper, Nicki Minaj, also made her feature film debut. She played Steffie, Ethan's girlfriend and the alpha of her mammoth crew. 

Only one character keeps us returning to the Pixar film Cars, and it’s none other than Lightning McQueen. He’s a Disney staple played by the award-winning actor Owen Wilson. The movie’s popularity led to two additional sequels, with a fourth in the works. 

What can’t this woman do? If it’s not penning No. 1 albums, it’s voicing the role of Audrey in The Lorax. It’s a musical film based on the book of the same name. When promoting the movie in 2012, Taylor said she was drawn to the character and story because of Dr. Seuss’ rhyming skills. “I grew up and became a songwriter, and now I get to rhyme stuff all the time,” she said. 

Kung Fu Panda was a box office success, cashing in nearly $632 million after its release in 2008. The film stars the wildly hilarious Jack Black, who is on a mission to become The Dragon Warrior. Like some other films on this list, the critical acclaim led to three sequels, with a fourth scheduled to hit theatres in 2024. 

He wouldn’t be The Rock without a handful of iconic performances to his name. In 2016, the retired WWE Superstar voiced Maui, the easily irritable shapeshifting demigod in Disney’s Moana. He sang the song “You’re Welcome” on the movie’s soundtrack, which hit No. 2 on the Billboard 200. 

That ‘70s Show star Mila Kunis has had quite the ride over the last two decades. Since 1999, she’s voiced the role of Meg Griffin on Fox’s Family Guy while taking on a handful of other roles. 

He's not just known for playing the iconic role of Steve Urkel in the ABC sitcom Family Matters; he voiced the role of Sonic in the animated series from 1993 to 1994. He reprised his role in '99 and featured in a short film remake in 2013. 

Busta Rhymes has quite the resume, from thrillers to sitcoms to reality shows. Before his appearance as the Dragon on The Masked Singer, the New York City rapper played the role of Reptar Wagon in The Rugrats Movie in 1998. He reprised his role in a 1999 episode titled "Wrestling Grandpa/Chuckie Collects."