Iconic Mario voice actor "didn't know anything about video games" in his audition, so he did what anyone would do and "just made things up about food and started talk…

After securing the role, Charles Martinet decided that Mario was "going to be optimistic, loving, respectful, and comedic" ...
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Mario’s legendary voice actor admits he winged his audition by talking about food

Upon landing the role, Charles Martinet envisioned Mario as a character embodying optimism, love, respect, and humor.