Roger Craig Smith Celebrates 35 Years of Sonic the Hedgehog

Roger Craig Smith, the voice behind Sega's iconic character Sonic the Hedgehog, is celebrating the 35th anniversary of the franchise this year. Smith has voiced Sonic for 16 years, contributing to the character's enduring popularity. He reflects on the impact of Sonic on fans, noting that many now in their 30s regard him as "the voice of my childhood." Smith's career spans over two decades, during which he has voiced numerous beloved video game characters, including Ezio Auditore from "Assassin’s Creed" and Chris Redfield from "Resident Evil."

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As part of the anniversary celebrations, Smith is set to appear at IGN Live, a gaming event taking place in Los Angeles on June 6-7, 2026. He expressed enthusiasm about participating in the event, hinting at exciting announcements related to Sonic's birthday. "I’m extremely excited to be a part of this," Smith stated, emphasizing the energy of the event and his eagerness to engage with fans. While he refrained from disclosing specific details, he conveyed a sense of anticipation for what is to come.

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In addition to his work as Sonic, Smith is also known for narrating TLC's "Say Yes to the Dress." He humorously noted that while many may not recognize his voice from video games, they often connect with him through this popular television show. Smith remarked on the show's ongoing relevance, particularly as clips from it continue to gain traction on social media platforms like TikTok. Despite his association with wedding dresses, he humorously claimed, "I assure you, I know nothing about wedding dresses."

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Smith's reflections on his career highlight the surreal nature of his journey in the voice acting industry. He acknowledges the unique position he holds in the lives of fans and the joy of connecting with them through conventions and events. "It never gets old," he remarked, emphasizing the rewarding aspects of his work.

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While Smith's contributions to Sonic and other projects have been widely celebrated, there are voices in the gaming community that question the longevity of voice actors in the industry. Some critics argue that the reliance on established voices may hinder opportunities for new talent. However, Smith's continued success suggests a strong appreciation for his work among fans and industry peers alike.

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• “And so I have to pinch myself every day to think, it’s one thing to have somebody like yourself want to talk to me about something that I’ve done for 20 years in a very cutthroat and challenging industry, to have had a career of over 20 years and still be staying busy is lightning striking more than once, in that regard.” — Roger Craig Smith, Voice Actor

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• “There couldn’t be a better time to be a part of something like that.” — Roger Craig Smith, Voice Actor

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• “They had the Atlanta show and all these different spinoffs that they had done. And it was a blast. And to this day, I think people think I know things about wedding dresses, and I assure you, I know nothing about wedding dresses.” — Roger Craig Smith, Voice Actor

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As Sonic the Hedgehog continues to thrive, Roger Craig Smith's role in shaping the character's legacy remains significant, marking a notable chapter in the history of video game voice acting.

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