Such behind-the-screen crossovers are countless once you start searching for them. While a physical performer can be typecast or limited by looks, the vocalist is free to transform at will. Good guy or bad guy? Cartoon mascot or lethal assassin? Greek general or Jedi warrior? Human or lombax?
As these 21 strange and surprising matches prove, the best voices can do all of the above.
Common voice: Jen Taylor
The games: Halo, Halo 2, Halo 3, Super Princess Peach, Mario Kart, Mario Tennis, Mario Golf, Mario Party, Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, Paper Mario, Mario & Luigi
Also known as: Zoey (Left 4 Dead), Cate Archer (No One Lives Forever 2), Toad (Mario series), Princess Daisy (Mario series)
Common voice: Reuben Langdom
The games: Street Fighter IV, Devil May Cry 4, Devil May Cry 3
Common voice: James Arnold Taylor
The games: Final Fantasy X, Final Fantasy X-2, Ratchet & Clank (every entry but the original)
Also known as: Obi Wan (Star Wars: Clone Wars), Spider-Man (Friend or Foe), Gabe Logan (Syphon Filter), Fezzik (The Princess Bride Game), Jack Sparrow and Timon (Kingdom Hearts II)
Common voice: Jon St. John
The games: Duke Nukem 3D, Duke Nukem Forever (ahem), Sonic Heroes, Sonic Adventure
Common voice: Armin Shimerman
The game: BioShock
The TV show: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Also known as: Toad (X-Men Legends), Dr. Nefarious (Ratchet & Clank), Raz’s Father (Psychonauts), The Emperor (Jade Empire)
Common voice:Carlos Alazraqui
The game: Spyro the Dragon (PS1 original)
The TV commercials: Taco Bell, obviously
Also known as: Deputy James Garcia (Reno 911), Rocko (Rocko’s Modern Life), Grim Reaper (Maximo: Ghost to Glory), Dr. No (GoldenEye: Rogue Agent)
Common voice: Fred Tatasciore
The games: Gears of War, Gears of War 2, Mass Effect
Also known as: Hulk (The Incredible Hulk), Beast (Metal Gear Solid 4), Loz (Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children), Frost Tiger (Viewtiful Joe), Atlas and Poseidon (God of War)
