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Animation's biggest voices

Horton Hears a Who

By Susan King, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

Robin Williams, take a bow. Williams' over-the-top performance as the big blue Genie in "Aladdin" marked the first time an animated feature promoted its celebrity cast member. But Disney knew it had something special on their hands. Ever since then, producers strive to get major stars to voice their animated films.

This Friday, "Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!" arrives in a new computer-generated family film. Jim Carrey lends his voice to the sweet elephant, Horton, who hears a tiny cry for help. Steve Carell, who was so entertaining a few years back as the junk food-obsessed critter Hammy in "Over the Hedge," plays the Mayor of Who-ville, and Carol Burnett provides the voice of the kangaroo who forbids anyone to use imagination.

The jury is still out on whether their vocal performances become the stuff of animated legend, but here are 11 performances that have enchanted, scared and enthralled movie audiences.