Since 1999,SpongeBob SquarePantshas delighted audiences with ever-increasing degrees of ridiculousness. While the usual cast ofSpongeBobis amusing enough, the show’s celebrity guests elevate it to a higher level. Numerous well-known people have provided their voices for one-off or recurringSpongeBobcharacters, and some of these cameos are quite unexpected.
The Moth, for example, is portrayed by Mark Hamill ofStar Warsfame. Does this imply that the Moth is a Jedi in disguise? It’s a fun fan theory, but likely not true. Other significant celebrity appearances inSpongeBobinclude Master Udon, played by formerHappy Daysactor Pat Morita, and Beatrice, portrayed by the late great Betty White ofThe Golden Girls.
There are numerous guest voices onSpongeBobfrom a variety of backgrounds who lend their voices to fascinating cameos. Perhaps a favorite celebrity of yours made a surprise appearance on the program. Here are some of the most memorable legendary voices to guest star onSpongeBob SquarePants.
12Ernest Borgnine as Mermaid Man
American actorErnest Borgninehad a career that lasted for more than six decades. He was known for his grin and rugged yet laid-back tone. He was not only a well-known performer, but also a frequent guest on talk shows and a panelist on game shows. In addition to his roles in the moviesThe Vikings,The Wild Bunch,The Poseidon Adventure, andEmperor of the North Pole, Borgnine has also starred in the television seriesAirwolf,The Single Guy, and, obviously,SpongeBob SquarePants. The actor played Mermaid Man in the Nickelodeon show, a superhero who resides in Bikini Bottom and is semi-retired. He and his sidekick Barnacle Boy star in a show inside the series calledThe Adventures of Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy, but in theSpongeBob SquarePantsreality, they are also actual superheroes. Although Borgnine tragically passed away in 2012 at the age of 95, his legacy will endure as new generations come to adore and value his acting abilities.
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11Tim Conway as Barnacle Boy
Tim Conwaywas an American actor, comic, author, and filmmaker. He completed more than 100 TV shows and movies between 1966 and 2012. He appeared inMcHale’s Navy,The Carol Burnett Show, various films from 1975 through 1980 co-starring Don Knotts, and theDorfseries. Additionally, Conway provides the voice of Barnacle Boy inSpongeBob SquarePants. He is a hero and spoof of Robin and Aqualad. He is more rational and self-aware than Mermaid Man because he is the youngest of the two, but Barnacle Boy is also more grumpy. Often, he refers to Mermaid Man as an old coot. Conway, whotragically passed in 2019at the age of 85, will be remembered for his long list of professional accomplishments.
10John O’Hurley as King Neptune
John O’Hurleyis best known for his roles in the filmSwing Awayand the television seriesSeinfeld, in which he starred from 1989 to 1998. In addition, he is praised for his work as aFamily FeudandNational Dog Showhost. In an interview withPet Age, when asked about his dog show hosting, O’Hurley even admitted he “side[s] with the audience. They watch the show and can’t help but predispose themselves to look for cuteness.” OnSpongeBob SquarePants, he voiced King Neptune, a recurring character who is married to Queen Amphitrite. They are the supreme rulers of the ocean, essentially, the gods within the show.
9Marion Ross as Grandma SquarePants
American actressMarion Rossis now retired. She featured in the ABC television showHappy Daysfrom 1974 until 1984, as Marion Cunningham, for which she was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards. Prior to her popularity onHappy Days, Ross had roles inThe Glenn Miller Story,Teacher’s Pet, andOperation Petticoat. She also made appearances in other films such asSabrina,Lust for Life,Some Came Running, andHonky. OnSpongeBob SquarePants, Ross voiced SpongeBob’s ‘Dear Grandmama,’ as he called her, a sweet old lady who loves SpongeBob more than anything and bakes the best cookies.
8John Rhys-Davies as Man Ray
Welsh actorJohn Rhys-Daviesis primarily known for his roles as Gimli in theLord of the Ringsfilms and Sallah in theIndiana Jonesmovies, which he might be set toreprise inIndiana Jones 5if all goes well, but he’s had over 270 roles in film and television. InSpongeBob SquarePants, Rhys-Davies voices the villainous Man Ray, Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy’s biggest adversary. He is a spoof of Black Manta, Aquaman’s main antagonist. Man Ray is an anthropomorphic figure with a red bodysuit and a blue helmet with the head of a manta ray on it. He wears a deep blue Speedo, gloves, and boots. Man Ray has no head under his helmet, which is unexpected.
7Pat Morita as Master Udon
Actor and comedianPat Moritawas of Japanese descent. He was well-known for his work onHappy Days,MAS*H,Sanford and Son,The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo, andMulanandMulan II, where he provided the voice of The Emperor of China. He appeared in two television programs that made history for having Asian-American series leads,Mr. T and TinaandOhara. As Mr. Miyagi inThe Karate Kid, Morita was nominated for an Academy Award in 1984 for Best Supporting Actor, andDen of Geekreported that director Kevin Derek will be producing a documentary honoring the life of Morita. InSpongeBob SquarePants, Mortia voiced Master Udon, a real estate scam artist who serves as the primary adversary throughout the episode “Karate Island.” In the episode, Master Udon invites SpongeBob to Karate Island, kidnaps him, and tries to force him to buy property. Morita, who was 73 years old, passed away in 2005.
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6Mark Hamill as The Moth
The iconicMark Hamillis most recognized for his portrayal of Luke Skywalker in theStar Warsfilm series, for which he received three Saturn Awards.Corvette SummerandThe Big Red Oneare two of his further significant cinematic roles. Hamill has also performed on stage, mostly in plays from the 80s. Most recently, Hamill provided the voice of a character in theNetflix dramaThe Sandman. InSpongeBob SquarePants, Hamill voices The Moth, one of Mermaid Man’s arch-enemies that he’s been hunting for 57 years. The Moth is an underwater, minuscule insect that, despite wearing a regular superhero suit, is a truly evil bug.
5David Bowie as Lord Royal Highness
David Bowie, an English singer-songwriter and actor, is recognized as one of the 20th Century’s most notable musicians. He received high praise from writers and artists, especially for his avant-garde work in the 70s. Bowie, who was always primarily a musician, also took on acting roles throughout his career, making appearances in more than 30 movies, television series, and stage productions.The Man Who Fell to Earth,Labyrinth,Zoolander, andThe Prestigeare among Bowie’s best-known acting roles. David Bowie plays Lord Royal Highness, the Emperor of the legendary city of Atlantis, in theSpongeBob SquarePantsepisode “Atlantis SquarePantis.” In the episode, Lord Royal Highness becomes the main antagonist after SpongeBob and his companions accidentally smash the most revered object in Atlantis, prompting the locals to attack them. Although David Bowie passed away in 2016 at the age of 69, his contributions to entertainment will endure for a very long time.
4Johnny Depp as Jack Kahuna Laguna
Johnny Deppis an American actor, producer, and musician. He has appeared in more than 100 films and television shows, includingBlack Mass,Edward Scissorhands,Finding Neverland,Nightmare on Elm Street, and twoFantastic Beastsmovies. However, Depp is most recognized for his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in thePirates of the Caribbeanmovies, which helped him become one of the most financially successful movie stars. In addition, he, Alice Cooper, and Joe Perry established the rock band Hollywood Vampires. In theSpongeBob SquarePantsepisode “SpongeBob SquarePants vs. The Big One,” Depp voices Jack Kahuna Laguna, a.k.a. JKL, a legendary surfer who resides on a deserted island distant from Bikini Bottom. He looks like a person even though he is technically a water creature. In the episode, SpongeBob, Patrick, and Squidward are learning how to surf from Jack. Jack eventually rescues Mr. Krabs, giving his life to save Cashy (Mr. Krabs' treasured cash register), but he survives, and a dance celebration concludes the episode.
3John Goodman as Santa Claus
John Goodmanearned a Golden Globe Award for his portrayal of the family patriarch Dan Conner in the ABC comedy seriesRoseanne, for which he attained widespread popularity. He gained notoriety as a dramatic actor by starring in movies likeSpeed Racer,Inside Llewyn Davis,The Big Lebowski,O Brother, Where Art Thou?, and many more. Additionally, he provided the voices for many characters, including roles inThe Emperor’s New Grooveseries, theMonsters Inc.series,The Jungle Book 2, andThe Bee Movie. Goodman performs the voice of Santa Claus in theSpongeBob SquarePantsepisode “It’s a SpongeBob Christmas!” This spectacular holiday episode was the series' first full-length episode produced in stop-motion animation.
