The Voice Behind Hercules: Who Voiced the Hero?
Meet the Star of the Smurfs and Disney’s Next Disney Star
The 1997 animated film Hercules brought the Greek god of war to life, but did you know that the film’s voice talents were not limited to just the iconic character? Hercules was voiced by none other than Julia Roberts, who was not only a talented actress but also a singer. Roberts‘ voice acting career spanned over two decades, with a notable stint as a voice of Disney characters.
The Unlikely Voice
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Roberts revealed that she was approached by DreamWorks Animation to play Hercules. "I was surprised, because I thought I was just going to play a completely different kind of character," she said. "But I loved the script, and I loved the mythology of Hercules."
Roberts‘ Background in Music**
Before Hercules, Roberts had a successful music career, releasing several albums in the 1970s and 1980s. "I was making music and doing voiceovers at the same time," she recalled. "It was a fun way to combine my two passions."
Teaching and Voice Acting
After Hercules, Roberts went on to teach voice acting classes at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She also appeared in various TV shows and films, including the Beverly Hills, 90210 spin-off series Best Friends Whenever.
Disney’s Next Disney Star
In 2009, Roberts reprised her role as Hercules in Hercules (2014), a direct-to-video sequel to the original film. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $50 million worldwide.
Subscriptions to Your Favorite Voice
While Roberts‘ Hercules franchise may not be as widely popular as some other Disney films, her iconic role as the titular character remains a fan favorite. She has also had the opportunity to work with DreamWorks Animation, voicing other characters in films like Shrek and Kung Fu Panda.
Roberts‘ Unique Skills**
While Roberts‘ voice acting career may not be as closely associated with Disney as some other voices, she brings a unique set of skills to the role. "I’m not just a voice actress," she said. "I’m a person who loves acting and being in the spotlight."
The Future of Voice Acting
As Roberts continues to work in the film industry, her legacy as the voice of Hercules serves as a reminder that talented voices can bring characters to life from anywhere.
Significant Impact
- Hercules was the first Disney film to use digital audio post-production, with a mix of live-action and CGI elements.
- Roberts‘ performance as Hercules earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical.
- Hercules was one of the first films to use Roberts‘ iconic voice, which has become synonymous with the character.
Key Takeaways
- Roberts‘ role as Hercules is a significant contribution to the film industry.
- Hercules was a pioneering film in terms of digital audio post-production.
- Roberts‘ iconic voice has become a beloved part of Hercules‘ legacy.
Where to Catch Hercules
- Hercules (1997) – Disney
- Hercules (2014) – Disney XD
Julia Roberts: A Star in Her Own Right
- Julia Roberts is a talented actress, singer, and producer with a long list of iconic roles.
- Roberts‘ filmography includes classics like Pretty Woman, Erin Brockovich, and Ocean’s 8.
- Roberts has won numerous awards throughout her career, including an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Erin Brockovich.