Since GTA has long been one of the top game franchises in the world, Rockstar Games has had the connections to bring in celebrities as voice actors. Over the years, the studio has scaled back its use of celebrities for character roles, but most of its old games feature some of the most recognizable voices and faces in entertainment.
Here are some of the most notable celebrities who have either voiced characters or portrayed themselves in the Grand Theft Auto franchise.
Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer’s opinion. Many other celebrities have appeared in Grand Theft Auto games.
5 major celebrities who appeared or voiced characters in GTA titles
1) Samuel L Jackson – Officer Frank Tenpenny
One of the most notable celebrity collaborations in Rockstar Games’ history is with Samuel L. Jackson. The Pulp Fiction star plays antagonist Officer Frank Tenpenny in GTA San Andreas. His unmistakable voice likely surprised many players at the beginning of the game.
Jackson remains one of the most recognizable celebrities to voice a major character in a Grand Theft Auto title.
2) Ricky Gervais – Himself
English comedian and actor Ricky Gervais has also made an appearance in the Grand Theft Auto franchise. However, his cameo is different since he portrays himself in GTA 4.
When players go to the Split Sides club in the game, Gervais will be one of the two comedians who will joke about various topics. The other is Katt Williams, who also plays himself.
3) Dr Dre – Himself
In modern GTA titles, one of the most popular celebrity appearances is by Dr. Dre. The legendary rapper and producer plays himself in GTA Online’s The Contract DLC. His character model closely resembles him, more so than any other celebrity featured in the franchise.
In The Contract, Dr. Dre hires players to recover his phone, which contains unreleased music tracks.
4) Ray Liotta – Tommy Vercetti
While Rockstar Games has hired many celebrities for various roles in Grand Theft Auto games, it has rarely cast them as protagonists. One notable exception is GTA Vice City, where Ray Liotta was chosen to voice Tommy Vercetti.
Liotta, best known for his role as Henry Hill in Goodfellas, brought a commanding presence to Vercetti, perfectly complementing the character’s tough persona.
5) Phil Collins – Himself
Popular English singer and songwriter Phil Collins was the first celebrity to play himself in a GTA game. He appears in GTA Vice City Stories, where he becomes a target of Giorgio Forelli, a member of the Forelli Crime Family.
Collins also performs his hit song, In the Air Tonight, at the Hyman Memorial Stadium in the game.
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Edited by Rachel Syiemlieh
