Mickey Mouse Voice Actor Opens Up About the Constant Battle of Being the Iconic Character

The Voice Behind the Icon

As Disney celebrates its 100th anniversary, the legendary character Mickey Mouse is turning 95 on November 18. Mickey, one of Disney's most famous animated figures, made his debut in the film Steamboat Willie and has since become one of the most recognizable characters in history. But have you ever wondered who is the voice behind this iconic character?

A Constant Battle

Bret Iwan, the official voice of Mickey Mouse since 2009, recently spoke about the challenges of his role. He revealed that maintaining his vocal health is a constant battle and something he has to be aware of daily. Factors such as weather conditions, how much he has been talking, and the noise level of his environment can all affect his voice. Despite the difficulties, Iwan is committed to ensuring his vocal performance is always top-notch.

Rolling with the Punches

Like any other job, Iwan has his off days. Some days are better than others, and he acknowledges that it's simply a part of the job. He wishes there was a "magic Mickey pill" to help him perform at his best every time, but for now, he has to roll with the punches. Criticism from die-hard fans is also something he has faced, but he admits that he is his own worst critic and constantly strives to improve.

A Dream Come True

Despite the challenges, Iwan considers voicing Mickey Mouse a dream come true. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, he is proud to be the first in his community to voice the iconic character. Growing up, Iwan was fascinated by Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse, and his dream was to become a Disney animator. Although he pursued a different path in art school, he never imagined that he would have the opportunity to voice Mickey Mouse.

Always Striving for Excellence

Despite the cringe-worthy moments of listening to himself, Iwan remains dedicated to his role as the voice of Mickey Mouse. His commitment to maintaining excellent vocal health and continuously improving his performance is a testament to his passion for the character and the joy he brings to fans around the world.