Fans of The Incredible Hulk: The Animated Series may be surprised to discover that the 1990s animated series featured an impressive roster of voice talent, including several famous faces from Hollywood and beyond. The Incredible Hulk: TAS brought a swathe of classic Marvel characters to life as part of Marvel’s animated universe. These were played by actors, many of whom were already household names or rising stars, bringing depth and charisma to the characters they portrayed.
Airing from 1996 to 1997, The Incredible Hulk: The Animated Series followed Bruce Banner’s tragic struggle to control his monstrous alter ego. With its darker tone, the series explored themes of isolation, redemption, and identity, often featuring guest appearances by Marvel superheroes and villains. Alongside its gripping narratives, the show boasted an ensemble of voice actors whose performances elevated the storytelling. Many of these made huge contributions to the very best episodes of The Incredible Hulk: The Animated Series.
10 Lou Ferrigno As The Hulk
Appeared In 21 The Incredible Hulk Episodes
Lou Ferrigno famously played the Hulk in the 1970s live-action The Incredible Hulk TV series. Ferrigno played the transformed Hulk, using his mighty frame to play the imposing, rage-fueled hero. Ferrigno reprised his role vocally in The Incredible Hulk: TAS. His deep, guttural growls and roars gave the Hulk a menacing yet familiar presence. Ferrigno’s portrayal in the cartoon paid homage to his earlier work, solidifying his connection to the character across mediums.
Batman: The Animated Series boasted some pretty impressive voice talent, with many famous faces including rock stars and legendary television hosts.
Outside of the Hulk, Ferrigno is known for his bodybuilding career, including winning Mr. Universe titles, and his guest appearances on shows like The King of Queens. His performance in the animated series brought authenticity and nostalgia to the character, connecting viewers of the original series to this new iteration. Ferrigno’s Hulk remained a force of nature, embodying raw power and vulnerability, and his involvement added credibility to the animated adaptation.
9 Mark Hamill As Gargoyle
Appeared In 11 The Incredible Hulk Episodes
Mark Hamill is best known for playing Luke Skywalker throughout the Star Wars saga. Hamill voiced the diminutive and grotesque Gargoyle in The Incredible Hulk, a genius scientist with a tragic backstory. Gargoyle’s schemes often placed him in opposition to the Hulk, though the series explored his internal conflict and yearning for acceptance. Hamill’s performance underscored the series’ theme of misunderstood outsiders, making Gargoyle one of its standout antagonists.
Mark Hamill brought a unique blend of menace and pathos to Gargoyle. His vocal range and ability to convey layers of emotion transformed the character from a typical villain into a deeply sympathetic figure. Mark Hamill has played numerous comic book characters but is especially celebrated for his legendary portrayal of the Joker in Batman: The Animated Series - and a litany of subsequent media. This solidified him as a heavyweight in the superhero genre.
8 Luke Perry As Rick Jones
Appeared In 10 The Incredible Hulk Episodes
Luke Perry is beloved for his role as Dylan McKay on Beverly Hills, 90210 and his performance in the divisive original Buffy the Vampire Slayer movie. Luke Perry lent his voice to Rick Jones in The Incredible Hulk, the Hulk’s loyal sidekick and confidant. Rick served as the emotional anchor for Bruce Banner, often stepping into dangerous situations to help his friend.
Luke Perry’s portrayal of Rick highlighted the character’s youthful energy and unwavering loyalty. Known for playing brooding and charismatic roles, Perry brought a sense of relatability and warmth to Rick, balancing the show’s darker elements. His performance resonated with audiences, exploring the bond between Rick and Banner while emphasizing the humanity at the heart of the Hulk’s story. The narrative in which Rick himself is transformed into a Hulk-like monster is particularly compelling.
7 Kathy Ireland As Ogress
Appeared In 5 The Incredible Hulk Episodes
Supermodel and actress Kathy Ireland brought her talents to the role of Ogress, one of the Hulk’s formidable foes. Ogress, a gamma-irradiated henchwoman for the Leader, was a physically imposing adversary with a deep loyalty to her villainous allies. She appeared in a particularly memorable subplot where she led her fellow Gamma Warriors created by the Leader’s experiments with the Hulk’s DNA.
Kathy Ireland is known for her appearances in films like Necessary Roughness and her successful business ventures. She brought a surprisingly intimidating presence to Ogress, contrasting with her monstrous appearance. Her voice work conveyed both the character’s brute strength and underlying insecurities, adding depth to what could have been a one-dimensional villain. Ireland’s performance proved she could hold her own in a series filled with larger-than-life personalities, both on the screen and behind the scenes.
6 John Rhys-Davies As Thor
The Incredible Hulk: TAS Season 1, Episode 9 “Mortal Bounds”
John Rhys-Davies best known for his roles as Gimli in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Sallah in the Indiana Jones films. Rhys-Jones voiced Thor in an unforgettable guest appearance in The Incredible Hulk. Thor’s boisterous personality and godlike strength clashed with the Hulk’s brooding demeanor, leading to some spectacular battles. In fact, John Rhys-Davis first appeared as the God of Thunder in Fantastic Four: The Animated Series, but proved so effective he returned for The Incredible Hulk.
John Rhys-Davies infused Thor with a commanding presence and a booming voice that perfectly captured the character’s Asgardian grandeur. His performance added a layer of humor and camaraderie to the episode, navigating the contrasting dynamics between the two mighty warriors. Rhys-Davies’ portrayal remains one of the most memorable guest appearances in the series, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and compelling actor.
5 Stan Lee As Cliff Walters
The Incredible Hulk: TAS Season 2, Episode 2 “Down Memory Lane”
Marvel legend Stan Lee made a cameo in the animated series as Cliff Walters, a television reporter covering one of the Hulk’s destructive rampages. Stan Lee voiced Cliff Walters, She-Hulk's father, in The Incredible Hulk: TAS “Down Memory Lane.” Known for his signature enthusiasm and larger-than-life personality, Lee’s appearance was a delightful Easter egg for savvy viewers. As the co-creator of the Hulk, Lee’s involvement in the animated series added an extra layer of authenticity.
While his role was brief, his voice carried the same charisma and energy that made his live-action cameos iconic. This nod to the man behind the myth connected the series to its comic book roots and reminded viewers of the enduring legacy of Stan Lee’s creations. His appearance in The Incredible Hulk is particularly noteworthy, however, as it was the first time Lee played a character from Marvel Comics.
4 Clancy Brown As Sasquatch
Appeared In 6 The Incredible Hulk Episodes
Clancy Brown is renowned for his role as the Kurgan in Highlander, the voice of Mr. Krabs in SpongeBob SquarePants, and playing Sal Maroni in HBO’s The Penguin. Brown took on the role of Sasquatch, a member of Alpha Flight, in The Incredible Hulk. Sasquatch, another gamma-irradiated powerhouse, challenged the Hulk in several thrilling confrontations throughout the series.
Superman: The Animated Series boasted a wealth of incredible voice talent, with numerous famous stars lending their talents to classic DC characters.
Clancy Brown’s deep, resonant voice perfectly suited the character’s imposing stature and primal energy. He brought a sense of gravitas to Sasquatch, emphasizing the character’s inner conflict as both a hero and a creature struggling to control his powers. Brown’s ability to convey strength and vulnerability made Sasquatch a compelling addition to the series and further demonstrated his versatility as a voice actor. Brown has played numerous comic book characters, including Surtur in Thor: Ragnarok and Lex Luther throughout the DCAU.
3 Richard Grieco As Ghost Rider
The Incredible Hulk: TAS Season 1, Episode 5 “Innocent Blood”
Richard Grieco is known for his roles in 21 Jump Street, If Looks Could Kill and a hilarious guest appearance in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Richard Grieco voiced Ghost Rider in one of the darker episodes in The incredible Hulk: The Animated Series. The Spirit of Vengeance crossed paths with the Hulk in Chicago, in an episode that served as a backdoor pilot for an unmade Ghost Rider series.
Richard Grieco’s gravelly voice and intense delivery captured the essence of Ghost Rider, adding a supernatural edge to the series. His performance emphasized the character’s relentless pursuit of justice, creating a stark contrast to the Hulk’s chaotic nature. Grieco’s Ghost Rider brought a sense of danger and mystique to the show, leaving a lasting impression, and giving audiences a tantalizing glimpse at what a Ghost Ride animated series could have entailed.
2 Robert Hays As Iron Man
The Incredible Hulk: TAS Season 1, Episode 4 “Helping Hand, Iron Fist"
Robert Hays is best known for his comedic role in Airplane!. Hays lent his voice to Tony Stark/Iron Man in a crossover episode of The Incredible Hulk: TAS. Iron Man’s technological prowess and strategic mind provided a foil to the Hulk’s brute force, leading to a tense yet collaborative dynamic. Hays played Iron Man throughout Marvel’s animated universe, starring in his own animated series and making a thrilling appearance in Spider-Man: The Animated Series.
Spider-Man: The Animated Series boasted an impressive voice cast that includes numerous icons, from beloved comedians to several Star Trek alumni.
Robert Hays’ performance balanced Stark’s charm and intellect, capturing the essence of the character before his cinematic explosion in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His portrayal highlighted Stark’s resourcefulness and humanity, making him a standout guest star. Hays’ Iron Man served as a catalyst to explore the interconnected Marvel universe, boasting a similar role as Rober Downey Jr.’s Iron Man in the MCU.
1 Matt Frewer As The Leader
Appeared In 10 The Incredible Hulk: TAS Episodes
Matt Frewer is widely recognized for playing the character Max Headroom and for his roles in Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and Watchmen. Frewer voiced the Leader, one of the Hulk’s most intelligent and calculating adversaries in The incredible Hulk, later reprising the role in Iron Man: TAS. The Leader’s quest for power and domination provided a cerebral counterpoint to the Hulk’s raw strength in the series, and was an entertainingly arch adversary.
Matt Frewer’s performance brought a sinister intelligence to the Leader, blending arrogance with a twisted sense of superiority. His distinctive voice and nuanced delivery elevated the character, making him a formidable and memorable villain. Frewer’s portrayal of the Leader remains a highlight of the series, demonstrating the depth and complexity of the Hulk’s rogues’ gallery throughout The Incredible Hulk: The Animated Series.
In this animated series, Dr. Bruce Banner grapples with his transformation into the Hulk, a formidable creature triggered by anger. Pursued by General Ross and the military, Banner's quest for a cure leads him into battles with various villains and monsters. With the support of friends like Betty Ross and Rick Jones, Banner strives to find peace and prevent the Hulk from causing destruction, all while dealing with the complexities of his dual existence.
Character(s) Jennifer Walters / She-Hulk (voice) , Uncredited , Major Talbot (voice) , The Hulk (voice) , Rick Jones (voice) , Bruce Banner (voice) , General Ross (voice) , Leader (voice) , Betty Ross (voice) , Betty Ross / Sister Rose Erak (voice)
Release Date September 8, 1996
Seasons 2
Network UPN
Writers Bob Forward , Meg McLaughlin , John Semper Jr. , Douglas Sloan , Len Wein , Steve Granat , Greg Johnson
Directors Ernesto Lopez , Tom Tataranowicz , Richard Trueblood , Dick Sebast
Custom image by Richard Craig
English (US) ·