Voice actress Samantha Kelly learned her 18-year run voicing Super Mario's Princess Peach and Toad had ended unexpectedly - discovering her absence when Mario Kart World launched alongside Nintendo Switch 2.
While not widely recognized by name, Kelly has embodied these iconic characters across 70+ Nintendo titles since her 2007 debut in Mario Strikers Charged, spanning DS, 3DS, Wii, Wii U and Switch platforms.
From core Mario adventures to spinoffs like Luigi's Mansion and Super Smash Bros., Kelly brought life to two of gaming's most beloved personalities - even headlining games like Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker and 2023's Princess Peach: Showtime!
Her vocal work extended beyond first-party titles to Peach and Toad's appearances in third-party Nintendo releases, including Ubisoft's Mario + Rabbids and Sega's Mario & Sonic Olympic collaborations.
The actress even voiced these characters for LEGO's interactive Mario toys, Super Nintendo World theme park attractions, and (as various Toads) in Nintendo's blockbuster Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Kelly's absence became undeniable when fans noted her missing from Mario Kart World's credits, prompting her confirmation that Nintendo had recast both roles.
"Thank you for years of joy and companionship," Kelly shared on Instagram. "While heartbroken this chapter has closed, I'll forever cherish voicing these strong, beautiful characters. May Peach and Toad thrive regardless of who portrays them."
Nintendo maintains tight control over prerelease credit information - often withholding developer acknowledgments until launch, as seen with upcoming titles like Donkey Kong Bananza.
Kelly's situation reflects this secrecy strangely extended, with her replacement only confirmed upon the game's public release.
The identities of Peach and Toad's new voice actors remain undisclosed, suggesting these performers may continue across future Mario titles.
Mario Kart World: Best Tracks Ranked
Mario Kart World: Best Tracks Ranked
Observant fans noted another veteran absence - Takashi Nagasako, Donkey Kong's voice since 2004's Mario Power Tennis. Interestingly, Koji Takeda (DK's Japanese movie voice) appears credited, suggesting Nintendo may align game characters with their cinematic counterparts.
IGN has reached out to Nintendo for clarification.
This follows Nintendo's 2022 retirement of Charles Martinet after nearly three decades voicing Mario, Luigi, Wario and Waluigi. While appointed "Mario Ambassador," Martinet later admitted uncertainty about the role's actual responsibilities.
