Samantha Kelly, the longtime voice behind Princess Peach and Toad, is officially stepping away from her iconic roles, not by choice, but by decision from Nintendo. The 57-year-old actress confirmed on Instagram that she’s been recast, ending a run that began in 2007 with Mario Party 8.
In her emotional post, Kelly thanked fans for their years of support and expressed disappointment over the decision. “Thank you for so many years of friendship and joy. I’m sad that it’s over. I truly would have wanted to voice Peach and Toad forever,” she wrote. “Nintendo let me know yesterday that they decided to recast these roles. I’m grateful that I got to do these voices for so many years. Peach and Toad are such strong and beautiful characters that I pray they live forever no matter who voices them. So much love.”
Kelly has been a steady presence in the Mario universe, voicing Peach across dozens of titles from Mario Kart to Super Smash Bros. and Super Mario Galaxy. Her portrayal helped define the modern version of Peach, sweet but strong, whimsical but wise.
The news comes not long after Nintendo also made a major change with another legendary voice. Charles Martinet, who had voiced Mario, Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi for over three decades, stepped down in late 2023. Nintendo gave him a new title, “Mario Ambassador,” and said he would no longer be voicing characters but would still appear at events and connect with fans.
Martinet’s departure was announced with a lighthearted video message. “Today is a very big day for Nintendo, the Mushroom Kingdom and for me,” he said. “You may know me from voicing characters from Nintendo’s games like Super Mario, Luigi, Wario and Waluigi, and today I’m happy to share with all of you that I’m stepping into a brand new role as the Mario Ambassador.”
Unlike Martinet, Kelly’s exit wasn’t voluntary, which has sparked conversation among fans. Many are surprised that Nintendo chose to move on from such a well-loved voice, especially since Kelly herself made it clear she wanted to continue.
Nintendo hasn’t officially announced who will be replacing Kelly in the upcoming titles, but the move is clearly part of a broader shift in how the company handles its characters’ voices. Whether it’s to freshen up the cast or align with future plans, the decision to recast major roles like Peach and Toad is significant.
For now, fans are showing their appreciation for Kelly’s work over the past 17 years. Her performances have become part of gaming history, and her connection to the characters she voiced is something fans won’t forget. While it’s the end of her time as Princess Peach and Toad, her legacy in the Mario franchise remains strong.
Ethan Cross is a tech journalist and analyst with a passion for gaming, AI, and emerging innovations. With years of experience covering hardware, software, and industry trends, he breaks down complex tech topics into engaging, accessible insights. Whether it’s the latest gaming hardware, smartphone innovations, AI breakthroughs, or startup disruptions, Ethan delivers sharp, in-depth coverage that keeps readers ahead of the curve. His expertise spans gaming reviews, software updates, blockchain, and industry shake-ups, ensuring that no major tech development goes unnoticed.
