Sad news today for Sonic fans, as longtime Sonic The Hedgehog voice actor Roger Craig Smith announced via Twitter that he would be stepping down from the role. Roger said “Welp, 10 years was an amazing run. Onward to new zones! Much love to the fans who’ve been so kind. It’s been an honor.”
Roger began his career as Sonic not in games, but as the voice of a Sonic themed hotel room in the UK Alton Towers resort. Roger made his video game debut as Sonic in the Xbox 360 Kinect exclusive Sonic Free Riders and appeared soon after in Sonic Colors. From there, Roger voiced Sonic in a variety of roles, from video games to the multi-media project Sonic Boom to both Wreck-It Ralph films to LEGO Dimensions. Between all his Sonic work, Roger was and is undoubtably the most prolific Sonic voice actor to date who has portrayed more versions of the character than any other actor before. His work will be fondly remembered by generations of fans and his work as Sonic, alongside his nemesis Eggman voiced by Mike Pollock, will be sorely missed.
It is unknown at this time if Roger is stepping down on his own, or if he has been replaced. It is also unknown who that replacement is. We also do not know at this time if other voice actors from the series are leaving. More news as we hear it. In the meantime, we wish Roger all the best and thank him for his excellent work. After the break, check out our classic Swinin’ Report Show interview with Roger.
Related posts:
Christine Cavanaugh, voice actress of Bunnie Rabbot in ABC’s Sonic the Hedgehog, has passed away
Celebrating Sonic the Hedgehog’s 25th anniversary with 25 great underrated moments
SEGA News Bits: Roger Craig Smith Will No Longer Voice Sonic The Hedgehog
Swingin’ Report Show #66: Interview with Roger Craig Smith, voice of Batman, Sonic the Hedgehog, and many more!
Swingin’ Report Show #75: Interview with Lisle Wilkerson – Shenmue II, Virtua Fighter and Crazy Taxi voice actress
That is a shame if this is true. He was just getting good too.
Really can’t understand why they want to replace Sonic’s voice actor for the third time while in Japan it’s the same guy since Sonic Adventure (1998).
Honestly, I’m glad. It’s nothing against him personally, I just didn’t enjoy the way Sonic has been portrayed in general since he started. I know a lot of that is the fault of bad writing, but I found his Sonic voice mildly obnoxious. Actually, I would love if Sonic just stfu to be honest. And just made noises like Mario. Sometimes it’s better left to the imagination. I would hope this voice actor change might signal a refresh for the series as a whole. Good luck to Roger he is talented and nothing personal against him or the people who enjoyed him as Sonic. I’m personally ready for something new.