Roger Craig Smith, the iconic voice behind Sonic the Hedgehog, has stopped the party after a 10-year stint as everyone’s favourite spikey speedster.
Classic video game fans are a sentimental bunch. Characters such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Mario have introduced generations of young people to the joys of video games. Even when their titular series have struggled to live up to expectations, fans have held the characters themselves in high regard.
This love and affection has often led to special bonds forming between the fans and the actors who portray these characters.
Therefore, let the record state that as of the 29th of January 2021 a part of Sonic history, while not forgotten, is no longer with with us. Smith provided the voice for Sonic himself during a 10-year run that included games such as Sonic Generations, Sonic Lost World, and Sonic Mania.
While perhaps not the most successful period in Sonic’s storied history, Smith’s tenure did coincide with a period of rejuvenation and redirection. Sonic Mania, released in 2017, gave the series a much-needed shot in the arm; reminding an audience that had grown tired of numerous half-baked attempts to bring Sonic into the next generation why they fell in love with the series in the first place.
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.
🦔 pic.twitter.com/7Rn9PVA92m— Roger Craig Smith (@RogerCraigSmith) January 28, 2021
Roger Craig Smith is an accomplished voice actor whose career extends past his relationship with Sonic the Hedgehog. He has voiced other popular video game characters such as Chris Redfield (Resident Evil) and Ezio Auditore da Firenze (Assasin’s Creed). However, a list of his full credits demonstrates an impressive work ethic that has seen him contribute to numerous other successful franchises. He has also lent his voice to numerous animated series and features such as Regular Show, Bleach, and Superman: Red Son.
We salute you Roger! May your hills forever be green and rolling and piled high with many a gold coin!
