Top 10 Actors With Annoying Voices
Script written by Telly Vlachakis
Top 10 Actors with Annoying Voices
Strap on some earplugs; you might want to turn the volume down for this one. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 actors and actresses with annoying voices.
For this list, we’re taking a look at performers with less-than-desirable vocal talents. Whether they make you laugh or cringe, all we know is that these voices are… unique in Hollywood. Keep in mind that we’re excluding actors whose characters’ voices are annoying, but whose real speaking voices are normal. Sorry Janice, Urkel and Pee-wee; yours are a list for another day.
#10: Kristen Schaal
If she were a 10-year-old cartoon character, Kristen Schaal’s voice would seem totally natural – which is probably why she plays so many of them. Of course, when you’re a fully-grown woman, it comes off a bit differently. Schaal is a comedian, a satirist, a voice actress and an all-around funny lady, and she accomplished all of those things despite the lisp she feared would hold her back. But it’s not her speech impediment that landed her on this list; it’s the whole, squeaky, childlike vocal package. However, with her adorable personality that perfectly matches the timber of her voice, Schaal has been making it work for her – but there’s no denying: it can be annoying.
#9: Jennifer Tilly
Although our first entry is mostly known today for her recurring “Family Guy” role and her World Series of Poker stardom, any ‘90s kid will immediately recognize her voice. Having gained public attention in 1994 with an Oscar nod for “Bullets over Broadway,” Tilly began a successful streak of playing sultry and dangerous vixens. Her unique raspy baby doll voice and femme fatale look came in handy in films such as “Bound,” “Liar Liar,” and many “Child’s Play” sequels. Whether in live-action or animation, this woman’s voice sticks out like a sore thumb.
#8: Megan Mullally
The first of a few sitcom superstars on this list, Megan Mullally found her way into mainstream audience’s hearts thanks to her portrayal of spoiled, rich, drunken hot mess Karen Walker. Karen’s loud, abrasive voice was a hit because it contrasted so perfectly with her loud, sarcastic, dead-inside character. Although Mullally has built a steady career in television since the end of “Will & Grace,” she has had trouble finding that amount of success again, and it might be because of her voice. Biggest red flag: her failed talk show that lasted a couple of months. We’re guessing audiences just didn’t want to hear her…talk.
#7: Ben Stein
Say it with us: “Bueller…Bueller…Bueller.” It’s hilarious to think that a man with such a boring, monotonous voice was a very successful teacher, lawyer, and White House presidential speechwriter for Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. Ben Stein later moved in front of the cameras, playing a long string of background characters in comedies, usually a teacher, doctor, or psychiatrist. His droning voice can easily put you to sleep, and almost gives him a punching-bag quality. It has, however, been an integral part of his successful comedic persona, and is clearly what makes him memorable.
#6: Roseanne Barr
Our next sitcom star is one of the funniest and most controversial people on this list. Roseanne has been called many things whether it was during her stand-up beginnings or her more recent foray into politics. When her self-titled sitcom was on TV, millions of middle-class Americans happily welcomed her into their living rooms everyday. Her whiny, shrill voice, however, did not help her brash and abrasive public persona. Being hilarious seems to give you the right to speak to a public, otherwise we have to wonder who would allow this woman to hold a microphone…or sing the National Anthem, for that matter.
#5: Bobcat Goldthwait
Millennials know his bizarre voice as one of Hades’ minions in Disney’s “Hercules,” but Bobcat built his name as a stand-up comedian – and a darkly funny one at that. He developed the vocal personality for which he became famous in his youth when he was friends with and performing alongside Tom Kenny, better known as the voice of “SpongeBob SquarePants.” Since then, Goldthwait has brought his high, raspy and downright annoying sound to a variety of small and big screen roles. The real difference between his stage and screen persona and his real-life speaking voice seems to be volume, so whether or not his everyday tone is quite as annoying is up for debate.
#4: Chris Tucker
Despite having few credits to his name, Chris Tucker became a Hollywood powerhouse, mostly thanks to his hilarious performances alongside Jackie Chan in the “Rush Hour” films. His voice is certainly unforgettable, but many will have a hard time forgetting his piercing breakout performance alongside Bruce Willis, which was one of two movies that earned him a Razzie nomination for Worst New Star. Although his role in “The Fifth Element” was mostly exaggerated for laughs, this doesn’t mean his nails-on-a-chalkboard performance wasn’t annoying. Nevertheless, audiences seem to love his motor mouth brand of comedy and are demanding more Tucker.
#3: Ray Romano
Ray Romano is another stand-up comedian who ended up making it big by turning his life into a staple of American comedy television. This multiple award winner used his brand of self-deprecating humor to build an impressive career. Granted, the nasal way he speaks can make him sound like an annoying version of Kermit the Frog, but that cartoonish voice of his also made him a perfect fit to bring Manny the mammoth to life in “Ice Age.” As obnoxious as he can be, his pitch perfect delivery and comedic timing make it difficult not to love Raymond.
#2: Gilbert Gottfried
Talk about a man who knows what he’s got…or what he hasn’t got. In Gilbert Gottfried’s case, what he hasn’t got is a soothing voice. This character actor and comedian has crafted an impressive career, primarily using his voice as his calling card. Another “SNL” alum, Gottfried made his biggest career altering move when he exploded onto the silver screen in Disney’s “Aladdin.” His memorable role as the evil Iago cemented a humongous voice-acting career, while he continues to use his shrieking and unique pipes for comedic effect. We’d love nothing more than for him to provide a commentary track for “Fifty Shades of Grey.”
Before we pull out those earplugs with out top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
– Wallace Shawn
– Kat Dennings
– Yeardley Smith
#1: Fran Drescher
Say what you will about Fran Drescher: the often-parodied comedienne may have the most annoying voice in show business, and topping it off, the most annoying laugh you will ever hear, but her comedic persona will forever be known to the masses. Her cackling voice sounds like you’re slowly letting air out of a balloon, but it so perfectly fit her middle class Queens character, and helped create a successful sitcom. Drescher not only created “The Nanny,” but also allowed herself to be featured in front of the camera and become a superstar of the ‘90s, proving that you can’t let a little thing like this voice hold you back.
Do you agree with our list? Which actors’ voices make you cringe? For more hilarious top 10 lists published daily, don’t forget to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.