The worlds of Hollywood and video games are increasingly colliding, leading to unexpected appearances by well-known actors. Some stars simply lend their image to promote games, while others provide voice acting that many players don’t even realize is famous. These performances enhance the quality and emotional impact of games, making them more immersive. Whether it’s a sprawling adventure or a fast-paced action game, these recognizable voices help create believable characters, often without receiving the public recognition they deserve.
Mark Hamill
Mark Hamill, famous for his role as Luke Skywalker, also gave an unforgettable performance as the Joker in the ‘Batman Arkham Asylum’ video game. He brought a chilling intensity and madness to the iconic villain, and many players were surprised to learn it was the veteran actor providing the character’s terrifying laugh. He continued to voice the Joker in several sequels, ultimately creating a defining interpretation of the character. His work in these games helped elevate voice acting in video games and showed how film actors could excel in interactive entertainment.
Rami Malek
Before becoming famous and winning an Oscar, this actor played Josh in the horror game ‘Until Dawn’. He not only voiced the character but also physically performed the role using motion capture technology, making the performance incredibly realistic. The game really showcased his ability to express fear and emotional turmoil. Many fans are surprised to learn about this early role after seeing him star in popular movies and TV shows. It’s a great example of a now-famous actor contributing to a significant video game.
Samuel L. Jackson
A famous Hollywood voice actor brought the villainous Frank Tenpenny to life in the popular game ‘Grand Theft Auto San Andreas’. Tenpenny, a corrupt police officer, became a truly memorable antagonist thanks to the actor’s powerful and commanding performance. His scenes created real tension for players, and the role showcased the growing star power the game series attracted in the early 2000s.
Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves played a huge part in the game ‘Cyberpunk 2077’ as the character Johnny Silverhand. He not only voiced the character but also provided the motion capture performance, bringing the digital ghost to life. While he was heavily featured in the game’s marketing, players were still impressed by how much he appeared and how important he was to the story. Johnny Silverhand is a key figure throughout the entire game, and Reeves’ distinctive voice perfectly captures the character’s rebellious and cynical personality.
Gary Oldman
The actor skillfully voiced the character Viktor Reznov in ‘Call of Duty: World at War’ and subsequent games. He gave a strong, realistic performance as a Russian soldier in key battles. Fans particularly appreciated the depth of emotion he brought to the role, which was unusual for a fast-action shooter. His voice acting significantly enhanced the game’s story and helped make Reznov a beloved character. Many consider his performance a prime example of how a well-known actor can greatly improve a game’s narrative.
Kiefer Sutherland
Kiefer Sutherland, famous for his role in ’24’, took over as the voice of Venom Snake in ‘Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain’. This was a big change for the series, giving the character a quieter, more world-weary feel. He used motion capture technology to create a detailed and realistic performance in the game’s cutscenes. Though some longtime fans disagreed with the choice, his performance added a cinematic feel to the story and effectively showed how much the character was struggling with his past.
Liam Neeson
I’ll never forget hearing his voice in ‘Fallout 3’! He played the main character’s dad, and that moment really kicked off the whole adventure. It was so comforting and inspiring to hear him as you were leaving the vault. Honestly, I think having such a well-known actor involved instantly made the game feel more polished and immersive. It just drew you in and made you care about the story right from the start. It’s a performance that really stuck with me, and it felt so real amidst all the post-apocalyptic craziness.
Matthew Perry
The beloved comedian lent his voice to the character Benny in ‘Fallout: New Vegas’ because he was a big fan of the first game. He played a charismatic villain who famously shoots the player at the beginning of the story. His performance added a unique blend of charm and menace to the role. Fans were thrilled to hear his recognizable voice—known from a classic sitcom—in a video game. Benny has become one of the most memorable characters in the role-playing game world.
Patrick Stewart
The well-known actor voiced Emperor Uriel Septim VII in ‘The Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion’. His performance at the game’s beginning instantly made the fantasy world feel grand and historically significant. Even though the character doesn’t appear for long, his portrayal was memorable, lending a sense of wisdom and authority to the opening moments and establishing the scope of the game’s conflict. His contribution helped the game gain considerable recognition when it was first released.
Sean Bean
This well-known actor lent his voice to Martin Septim in ‘The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion’, playing the hidden heir to the throne. He gave a moving performance as a man grappling with his fate as a leader during a difficult time. Players spent a lot of time with his character throughout the main story, witnessing his development. His voice acting made the story’s challenges feel immediate and impactful. It’s unusual for his character to play such a crucial role in how the entire story concludes.
Martin Sheen
The acclaimed actor famously voiced the Illusive Man in ‘Mass Effect 2’ and the following game. He played the leader of a group prioritizing humanity, bringing a cool, calculating presence to the role. The character’s distinctive look – often seen smoking in a high-tech office – combined with the actor’s calm and clear voice, made the Illusive Man both intriguing and someone you couldn’t quite trust. Many fans consider this performance to be among the greatest voice acting in science fiction gaming history.
Yvonne Strahovski
The actress brilliantly brought Miranda Lawson to life in ‘Mass Effect 2’, providing both the voice and appearance for the character. She played a genetically engineered officer who became an important part of the team and a possible romantic partner. The character was meant to be strong and professional, and the actress perfectly conveyed that through her performance. Her work helped create a believable and relatable team dynamic, and she later returned for the last game in the series to finish Miranda’s story.
Seth Green
The actor and comedian provided the voice for Jeff Moreau, the pilot in the ‘Mass Effect’ games. He played the character with a lot of humor, which helped lighten the mood during tense moments on the spaceship. Jeff Moreau has a condition that causes fragile bones, adding both vulnerability and resilience to his personality. Many players specifically sought him out in the game to enjoy his funny comments and insights about the galaxy. His performance made the pilot a fan favorite, even though he wasn’t a fighter.
Carrie-Anne Moss
The actress famous for her role in The Matrix also lent her voice to Tilda van der Meer in Horizon Forbidden West. She portrayed a clever, futuristic woman from the past who plays a key role in the story. Her voice acting brought a sense of intrigue and sharp intelligence to the character, perfectly matching the game’s intense, sci-fi setting. Tilda was an important addition to the sequel, connecting players to the world’s backstory, and her performance heightened the drama in the game’s final moments.
Kristen Bell
This well-known actress was the voice of Lucy Stillman in the first few ‘Assassin’s Creed’ games. She played a researcher who helped the main character explore his ancestors’ lives using a special device. Lucy was a key part of the game’s present-day story, which provided context for the historical adventures. Fans particularly liked how realistically she portrayed her character within the game’s complicated plot. When she left the series, many players were surprised and disappointed, as they had become fond of her character.
Ray Liotta
The beloved actor, known for his films, famously voiced the main character, Tommy Vercetti, in the hugely popular game ‘Grand Theft Auto Vice City’. He perfectly captured the character’s drive and ruthlessness as he climbed the ranks of the criminal world. This was a groundbreaking moment, as it was one of the first times a well-known actor played such a central role in an open-world game. His performance was key to creating the game’s iconic 1980s atmosphere and its cinematic quality, and it continues to be remembered as a pivotal moment for celebrities working in the video game industry.
Burt Reynolds
The famous actor made a memorable appearance in ‘Saints Row The Third’ by voicing a character based on himself. He played the city’s mayor, helping players through the game’s crazy missions. It was a funny nod to his own celebrity, and he delivered his lines with a great sense of humor. Players were delighted to unexpectedly encounter such a well-known face amidst all the wild action. This cameo perfectly fit the game’s over-the-top style and its playful obsession with celebrity culture.
Giancarlo Esposito
The actor known for playing compelling villains starred as Antón Castillo in ‘Far Cry 6’. He played a brutal dictator fighting to stay in power in a made-up Caribbean country. Trailers prominently featured his performance, establishing him as the intimidating face of the game’s revolution. He expertly portrayed a character with cold command and hidden anger, making the villain feel genuinely threatening. The game used cutting-edge motion capture technology to accurately recreate his nuanced facial expressions.
Elliot Page
This well-known actor played Jodie Holmes in the adventure game ‘Beyond Two Souls’, providing both her voice and appearance. The game tells Jodie’s life story as she navigates a connection to a strange, supernatural force. The actor delivered a powerfully emotional performance, portraying the character across many years. ‘Beyond Two Souls’ was created to feel like a movie you play, and strong acting was central to its success. The project showed how video games could deliver complex, character-focused stories.
Willem Dafoe
The talented actor signed on to play Nathan Dawkins in ‘Beyond Two Souls’, a government scientist focused on the main character. He skillfully portrayed a character who was both a caring father figure and intensely dedicated to his work. Alongside a well-known cast, he helped make the game’s fantastical story feel realistic and believable. His unique voice and powerful acting style also elevated the overall quality of the production. The game’s impressive cast was a major highlight when it was released.
Norman Reedus
The actor known for his role in ‘The Walking Dead’ starred as Sam Porter Bridges in the game ‘Death Stranding’. He contributed both his appearance and voice to the game, bringing to life a challenging journey across a broken and dreamlike America. The game emphasizes the physical demands on the character, and his vocalizations of effort and fatigue were key to the performance. Working closely with the director, he helped create the game’s distinctively lonely and atmospheric world. His participation was a major factor in attracting players to this unique and artistic title.
Mads Mikkelsen
The highly-regarded Danish actor portrayed the enigmatic character Cliff in ‘Death Stranding’. He featured in both unsettling flashbacks and gripping action scenes, leaving players uncertain about his intentions. Critics lauded his performance for its physicality and the emotional nuance he brought to the role of a complicated father. The game’s stunning graphics allowed every detail of his face and expressions to be captured beautifully. He was recognized with awards, demonstrating the increasing appreciation for acting talent in video games.
Kit Harington
The actor famous for his work on ‘Game of Thrones’ also played the main villain in ‘Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare’. He played Salen Kotch, a cold and determined commander of a rebel group in space. This role was different from the heroic characters he usually plays, letting him showcase a more intense and aggressive side. Though he mostly appeared in video transmissions and cutscenes, his character drove the game’s story and helped make it a major success.
Peter Dinklage
The well-known actor originally voiced the Ghost in the sci-fi game ‘Destiny’. He played the little robot that helps players navigate the game’s world and understand its story. While some thought his voice lacked emotion, it became a distinctive part of the game’s beginning. Eventually, another actor re-recorded the part, but his original voice lines are still remembered by fans as a classic piece of gaming history, with many recalling specific phrases from the first year of the game.
Nathan Fillion
This beloved actor was the voice of Cayde-6 in the ‘Destiny’ games, bringing a funny and endearing personality to the robot leader, who often provided comic relief. The character became incredibly popular, appearing prominently in marketing and story expansions thanks to his performance. He’s also been a long-time voice actor in the ‘Halo’ series. His talent for delivering humor even during intense moments made him a great addition to both franchises.
Bill Nighy
A well-known British actor voiced the character of High King Emeric in ‘The Elder Scrolls Online’. He portrayed the leader of a major faction with a refined but tired tone, helping to distinguish the game’s different cultures and political conflicts. Players frequently interact with his character as they explore the intricate diplomacy of the fantasy world. His contribution enhanced the game’s storytelling with professional voice acting and added depth to its many characters.
John Goodman
This character actor was well-known for playing many different roles, and he brought Dan Hagar to life in the video game ‘Rage’. Hagar is the leader of a small community and saves the player early on. His comforting voice created a feeling of security in a dangerous world overrun by mutants and bandits. He acts as a guide and gives the player missions, helping them learn how to survive. His performance brought a much-needed sense of humanity to the game’s harsh and mechanical setting.
Susan Sarandon
The Academy Award-winning actress voiced the character Granny Rags in the game ‘Dishonored’. She played a secretive and quirky elderly woman, formerly of high society, now living a hidden life. Her performance perfectly captured the character’s strange and enchanting qualities, as Granny Rags offers players optional missions. The role demanded a blend of sophistication and instability, which the actress portrayed exceptionally well. This surprising appearance enhanced the immersive world and atmosphere of the game’s city.
Chloë Grace Moretz
This actress brought the character Emily Kaldwin to life in the first ‘Dishonored’ game. She played the young princess who is taken hostage after her mother is killed. Her voice acting beautifully captured the character’s vulnerability and fear as she’s caught up in a dangerous power struggle. The connection between Emily and the main character is the heart of the story, and her performance made the player truly care about rescuing her throughout the game.
Michael Fassbender
The celebrated actor lent his voice to the character Logan in ‘Fable III’, where he played the ruthless King of Albion. He was the older brother of the main character, and his strict rule sparked a rebellion. The actor perfectly captured the character’s cold, calculating nature – a leader convinced his actions were for the good of the kingdom. Players initially worked to defeat him, but later learned the motivations behind his choices. His performance brought a surprising depth and moral ambiguity to the game’s otherwise lighthearted fantasy world.
Stephen Fry
This well-known writer and actor is a familiar voice in gaming, most notably as Reaver in the ‘Fable’ series and the narrator of the ‘LittleBigPlanet’ games. He perfectly captured Reaver’s arrogant and ageless personality, often acting as a playful obstacle for players. He’s also celebrated for his friendly and informative narration in other games, becoming a key figure in the platforming world. His unique and instantly recognizable British voice enhances any project he’s a part of, making him a prominent mainstream star who frequently works in the gaming industry.
Christopher Walken
The famous actor played a seasoned police officer in the video game ‘True Crime New York City.’ He voiced the character Gabriel Caselle, who guides the player. The game perfectly recreated his distinctive way of speaking, making the dialogue feel authentic. Including such a well-known actor helped the game stand out against other popular open-world crime titles, and his performance made the police station feel like a scene from a classic crime film.
Vin Diesel
This popular action movie star is a big gamer and famously voiced the character Richard B. Riddick in multiple video games. He played a key role in creating ‘The Chronicles of Riddick Escape from Butcher Bay,’ making sure the game accurately reflected the films. His distinctive, deep voice was a perfect fit for the sneaky and dangerous main character, who is trying to break out of a maximum-security prison. Many consider these games to be among the best based on movies, largely due to his dedication. He’s also started his own game development studio to create top-notch interactive experiences.
Jack Black
Jack Black starred as the main character, Eddie Riggs, in the action-adventure game ‘Brutal Legend’, which was heavily influenced by heavy metal music. He not only voiced the character—a roadie pulled into a fantastical world inspired by album art—but also provided his appearance. His enthusiastic performance and genuine love of rock music shone through in every line he delivered. While the game boasted a huge cast of famous musicians and actors, he was central to the story. Everyone working on the project felt his dedication transformed it into something truly special.
Hayden Panettiere
The actress, recognized for her work on TV and in movies, starred as Sam in the horror game ‘Until Dawn’. She was a key character, struggling to survive a terrifying night in a remote mountain cabin. The game creators used her appearance and voice, making players care about protecting her from danger. Her performance involved a lot of physical acting, captured through motion capture technology, to convincingly portray fear and effort. This helped give the game a movie-like feel that resonated with fans of teen horror.
Timothy Olyphant
I was really surprised to hear this actor voicing Sergeant First Class Grinch in ‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’! He played this super skilled delta force operative, always going on these intense, global missions. Honestly, his voice was perfect – really calm and professional, exactly what you’d expect from someone operating under that kind of pressure. Even though it was an ensemble cast, his voice really stood out, especially if you know him from westerns or crime shows. It’s cool how the game uses well-known actors to make the military units feel more real.
Idris Elba
The well-known actor starred as Solomon Reed in the ‘Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty’ expansion. He played a secret agent who helps and guides players through a new part of the city. His performance captured a sense of weariness and experience, fitting the story’s focus on espionage. He did a lot of voice acting and facial motion capture work to make the character feel believable. His contribution was a standout part of the game’s updates after its initial release and received a lot of positive attention from reviewers.
Emma Stone
Before becoming a global superstar, this actress had a role in the video game ‘Sleeping Dogs’. She voiced Amanda Cartwright, an American student who has a short romantic connection with the main character. While a small part of the game’s immersive Hong Kong setting, it’s a delightful surprise for fans to discover. The game boasted a talented cast overall, helping to make the city feel truly alive. Even in this early role, her natural charisma and acting ability were clear.
Lucy Liu
A well-known actress voiced the character Vivienne Wu in the action game ‘Sleeping Dogs’. She played a glamorous singer and socialite who crosses paths with the game’s main character, an undercover cop. Her performance brought a touch of celebrity and sophistication to the game’s criminal underworld, and her confident energy helped create the unique atmosphere of the city. This role was just one example of how she used her skills to make the game’s story feel more like a movie.
Mila Kunis
Before becoming a well-known star, this actress lent her voice to a character in the first ‘Saints Row’ game. She played Tanya Winters, a key figure in a gang the player has to take down. The role allowed her to showcase a tougher, more villainous side than fans were used to seeing in her comedy work. Though she wasn’t in the later games, her performance was important in creating the rough, realistic feel of the original ‘Saints Row’.
Keith David
This well-known actor, famous for his rich, powerful voice, has lent his talent to popular game series like ‘Halo’ and ‘Mass Effect’. He’s best remembered as the Arbiter in ‘Halo’, transforming a once-formidable foe into a compelling and honorable character. In ‘Mass Effect’, he played Admiral David Anderson, a trusted advisor and father figure to the player. He even playfully referenced himself as a voice acting legend in ‘Saints Row IV’. When you hear his voice in a game, you know it’s going to have a strong story and a serious tone.
Lance Reddick
The actor, who recently passed away, was beloved for voicing iconic characters like Sylens in the ‘Horizon’ series and Commander Zavala in ‘Destiny’. He brought a distinctive calmness and clarity to his performances, making his characters feel wise and powerful. In ‘Horizon’, he played a complex character who wasn’t always clearly on one side. And for almost ten years, he was a central figure in the ‘Destiny’ community thanks to his consistent work on the game. Many consider his contributions to be vital to the feel and identity of both of these large science fiction universes.
Elijah Wood
This well-known actor was the voice of Spyro the Dragon in ‘The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning’ and the following games. He gave the character a more grown-up and courageous voice, as the series tried to reimagine Spyro with a more complex storyline. Alongside other talented actors, he helped turn Spyro into a hero ready for a grand adventure. His voice acting brought a feeling of excitement and resolve, perfectly matching the series’ new, more dramatic style. This role demonstrated his versatility as an actor and his openness to working in different forms of entertainment.
Snoop Dogg
The popular rapper joined the ‘Call of Duty’ game series as a special voice pack available for download. He recorded custom lines of dialogue for the multiplayer mode, replacing the usual announcer. His relaxed and funny style added a new vibe to the fast-paced action. Players heard his commentary on what was happening in the game as they played online. This pairing was a big moment, bringing together the worlds of hip hop and video games.
Gary Busey
The quirky actor made appearances as himself in video games like ‘Saints Row 2’ and ‘Hitman’. In ‘Saints Row’, he delivered funny lines that matched the game’s over-the-top and chaotic style. His distinctive personality created memorable and unusual moments for players. He even starred in a marketing stunt where players could hunt him down in a secret mission. His involvement helped contribute to the game’s playful atmosphere and its tendency to poke fun at celebrity culture.
Ice-T
The rapper and actor voiced the character Griffin in ‘Gears of War 3’. Griffin was a leader of a survivor group who often clashed with the game’s main soldiers. His strong, no-nonsense voice was a perfect match for the game’s dark and violent atmosphere. As a long-time fan of the ‘Gears of War’ series, he clearly enjoyed the project, and that passion came through in his performance. This role let him bring his unique personality to a very popular video game franchise.
Rosario Dawson
This talented actress is known for her voice work in video games, notably as Meagan Foster in ‘Dishonored 2’. She voiced the captain of the player’s ship, a key character who felt both tired and mysterious, adding richness to the game’s story. She’s also lent her voice to the ‘Ratchet & Clank’ series and other popular games, demonstrating her passion for the storytelling possibilities within gaming.
Cameron Monaghan
Cameron Monaghan brilliantly brought Cal Kestis to life in ‘Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order’ and its sequel, providing both the voice and all of the character’s movements. He played a young Jedi trying to reconnect with the Force while evading the Empire, and his performance was lauded for making the character feel real and relatable within the ‘Star Wars’ universe. He fully committed to both the action and emotional depth of the role, shaping Cal into a unique character. The games’ popularity has solidified his place as a key part of the ‘Star Wars’ franchise today.
Lena Headey
Lena Headey, best known as the queen from ‘Game of Thrones,’ lent her voice to the character Callista Curnow in the game ‘Dishonored.’ She portrayed a kind and dignified noblewoman who helps the main character and looks after the young prince. Her performance added depth and a touch of quiet emotion to the gritty world of Dunwall. Working with a talented cast of voice actors, she helped create a compelling audio experience that brought the game’s complex story of politics and personal struggles to life.
Michelle Rodriguez
The popular action movie star lent her voice to a marine in the famous video game ‘Halo 2’. She delivered the game’s combat dialogue with her signature toughness and energy. While many players didn’t realize it, her character was one of several soldiers who appeared during gameplay. Her participation highlighted a growing trend of well-known actors taking on smaller, but memorable roles in big video game series. It’s a little-known detail that fans of the iconic ‘Halo’ franchise still enjoy discovering.
Tell us about your favorite celebrity video game cameos in the comments.
Read More
- 2025 Crypto Wallets: Secure, Smart, and Surprisingly Simple!
- Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection launches on March 13, 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC
- Here Are the Best TV Shows to Stream this Weekend on Paramount+, Including ‘48 Hours’
- 🚨 Kiyosaki’s Doomsday Dance: Bitcoin, Bubbles, and the End of Fake Money? 🚨
- 20 Films Where the Opening Credits Play Over a Single Continuous Shot
- 39th Developer Notes: 2.5th Anniversary Update
- 10 Hulu Originals You’re Missing Out On
- 10 Underrated Films by Ben Mendelsohn You Must See
- Target’s Dividend: A Redemption Amidst Chaos
- ‘The Substance’ Is HBO Max’s Most-Watched Movie of the Week: Here Are the Remaining Top 10 Movies
2026-02-12 09:21