From memorable catchphrases to compelling narration, these are the commercial voice actors leaving a lasting impression.
Ever wondered about the commercial voice actors behind your favourite ads? Commercial voice actors are the unsung heroes that bring ads to life, breathing personality, emotion, and charm into every script to captivate audiences for that small snippet of time.
From the soothing narrators that guide us through products to the quirky characters that steal the show, commercial voice actors play an important role helping bring brands to life.
So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of commercial voice over together.
🥇 Go Compare – Wynne Evans
Wynne Evans is the face and voice behind the beloved – or annoying – GoCompare adverts, embodying the essence of Gio Compario. Wynne is not just a commercial voice actor, behind the outlandish persona in the ad lies a professional operatic tenor.
Evans has even graced the stages of some of the UK’s leading opera houses, including the Royal Opera in London’s Covent Garden – wow!
Over a decade ago, Evans opera career took an unexpected turn when he became the face of GoCompare, catapulting him into the spotlight of commercial voice over. His portrayal of Gio Compario soon became synonymous with the comparison website, captivating the nation with his distinctive voice and comedic charm. Despite facing a love-hate relationship from audiences, his acting in these commercials thrusted him into fame.
However, Wynne’s talents go beyond commercial voiceover. Despite the overwhelming success of the ad, the Welshman continued to pursue his passion for music. He is an active member in the opera scene, representing Welsh Rugby during international games.
Today, Wynne is a shining example of the multifaceted abilities of commercial voice actors. From the opera stage to the world of funny commercials, his journey is inspiring to those with the talent and determination to become a commercial voice actor.
🥈 Skittles – Larry Kenney
Larry Kenney has a diverse voice acting career that spans radio, television, and games, but it’s his unmistakable voice in the Skittles commercial that we all know and love. With his distinctive voice urging audiences to “taste the rainbow,” Kenney has become synonymous with the candy brand’s ad campaigns.
The American voice actor’s ability to infuse humour and personality into his performance has undoubtedly contributed to the Skittles’ success and has left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
Larry began his voice acting career as a humble 15-year-old disc jockey at WIRL in Illinois and soon rose through the ranks, highlighting his talent at several radio stations across America. His comedic tones and impersonation skills propelled Larry into stardom as a regular cast member on a morning radio show where he impersonated iconic figures such as General George Patton and Ross Perot.
With a career spanning decades, Larry Kenney continues to captivate audiences with his talent, wit, and iconic voice. Whether he’s urging the world to “taste the rainbow” or leading as a famous animated hero, his contributions to the voice acting industry are legendary.
🥉 Churchill Insurance – Robert Webb
The iconic Churchill insurance adverts are beloved by the nation, thanks in part to the iconic bulldog character – Churchill the dog. Originally voiced by comedian Bob Mortimer, Churchill’s witty charm paired with his catchphrase “Oh yes!” managed to capture the hearts of audiences across the UK. As the campaign evolved, Simon Greenall was given the reins and breathed new life into the lovable bulldog.
The Churchill adverts, designed to promote insurance, relied heavily on Churchill’s personality to connect with audiences and convey a sense of trust and reliability. With each iteration, the presence of Churchill the dog became synonymous with the insurance company.
Since 2016, Robert Webb has voiced Churchill, bringing his own unique fusion and comedic flair to the character.
Through Bob Mortimer, Simon Greenall, and now Robert Webb, Churchill the dog continues to charm viewers across the UK with his endearing personality and quirky catchphrase – showing us all the power of a well-crafted commercial voice over.
4. Frosties – Thurl Ravenscroft
From 1954 up until his death in 2005, Thurl Ravenscroft was the iconic voice behind the beloved Tony the Tiger from Frosties. Ravenscroft catapulted the friendly tiger and the Frosties brand to fame with the iconic catchphrase, “They’re grrrrreat!” making it a key part of pop culture.
Before entering the world of commercial voice over, Thurl landed his first major voice acting role in the 1940s as the voice of the whale in Disney’s Pinocchio. However, shortly after this his career was put on hold due to World War II, where he served as a navigator for the U.S. Air Force. Despite this, his passion for acting persisted and upon his safe return he continued to search for work.
Throughout his career, Ravenscroft would go on to lend his voice to multiple Disney classics, such as Cinderella, 101 Dalmations, The Aristocats, and Alice in Wonderland. You may also recognise his voice from his popular rendition of ‘You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch’.
Thurl Ravenscroft is a true voice acting legend, with his distinctive voice he is a pioneer, inspiring generations of voice actors to follow in his footsteps. In 2005, the voice actor passed away at the age of 91, leaving behind a remarkable portfolio of work that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
5. GEICO – Jake Wood
Jake Wood, a well-known British actor, is the voice behind the iconic GEICO gecko. Wood’s role as the gecko – whose real name is Martin – brings a new form of charm and wit, making him synonymous with the insurance company. He is responsible for the memorable tagline, “Fifteen minutes could save you 15% or more on car insurance!”
Before Wood took on the role, several other talented actors voiced the beloved gecko, including Kelsey Grammer, Thomas Bromhead, and Richard Steven Horvitz. However, it is Wood’s portrayal that has resonated the best with audiences, contributing to the brands rising popularity.
British audiences will recognise Jake from his previous roles, such as Max Branning on the long-running TV show Eastenders, to which he bid farewell after an impressive 15 years with the show.
With his talent, versatility, and enduring charm, Jake Wood continues to leave a witty mark on the world of commercial voice acting.
6. Compare the Market – Simon Greenall
Simon Greenall is the voice behind the UK’s beloved Russian meerkat Aleksandr Orlov, in Compare the Market’s iconic insurance ads. Despite being born with a natural gift for mimicry and accents, Simon hadn’t discovered his love for voice acting until later in life – embarking on a journey that would lead him to become one of the most iconic commercial voice actors in Britain.
When approached with voicing Aleksandr, Greenall’s initial direction was to portray him as a tough, business-minded figure similar to Alan Sugar. However, the commercial voice actor had a different vision – he sought to embrace the character’s innate charm and humour. By infusing the beloved meerkat with a unique blend of wit and unseriousness, Simon captured the hearts of audiences, young and old alike.
Beyond his role as Aleksandr, Greenall has lent his voice to a multitude of beloved characters in Octonauts, Sackboy, and Final Fantasy. With a diverse fanbase spanning different age groups, Simon continues to leave a lasting impression on the world of commercial voice over.
Let’s not forget – Voquent!
Chuck Peterson is the fantastic voice behind Voquent’s commercial, voicing our super-cool space cowboy. Chuck has over three years of experience in the industry and is a versatile performer. He is noted for his authentic and natural tones, as well as his southern charm! Yeeee haww! 🛸🤠
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