Since its debut in 1997, South Park has become synonymous with edgy humor, social satire, and a willingness to tackle just about any taboo subject. Yet, the show’s success also stems from the skilled actors who breathe life into the Colorado town’s most famous fourth-graders and adult residents. From the show’s co-creators—Trey Parker and Matt Stone—to the dedicated voice actresses who joined the cast later, each performer offers a distinct comedic style that keeps fans tuning in season after season. Below is a look at the primary cast members and their notable roles, as well as how they’ve evolved over more than two decades of cultural commentary.
Trey Parker: A Multitalented Visionary
Trey Parker—one half of the creative force behind South Park—provides the voices for some of the show’s most iconic characters. Born in Colorado, Parker’s experience growing up in a small-town environment influenced South Park’s comedic angles and surreal storylines. Initially a film student, he started collaborating with Matt Stone on short animated projects, which eventually led to the network pickup of South Park by Comedy Central.
Stan Marsh and Eric Cartman
Among Parker’s most recognized performances are Stan Marsh and Eric Cartman:
Stan Marsh: Often the moral compass of the group, Stan is the relatable everykid caught in bizarre scenarios. Parker’s somewhat nasal, earnest delivery underscores Stan’s sincerity, even when he’s reacting to alien abductions or dealing with big existential questions about consumerism.
Eric Cartman: A polar opposite to Stan in ethics, Cartman remains one of television’s most notorious antiheroes. Using a high-pitched, abrasive tone, Parker captures Cartman’s gleeful selfishness—making him a fan-favorite and arguably the show’s best-known character. Whether orchestrating outlandish revenge plots or dropping unfiltered one-liners, Cartman’s chaotic personality drives many of the show’s most memorable story arcs.
Randy Marsh, Mr. Garrison, and More
In addition to Stan and Cartman, Parker tackles many secondary characters, including Randy Marsh (Stan’s impulsive father), Mr. Garrison, and a variety of one-off guest roles. His vocal range and improvisational knack allow him to jump from naive father figures to unhinged authority figures—and everything in between.
Matt Stone: Comedy Partner and Voice of Kyle & Kenny
Matt Stone, the other co-creator, shares a similar background to Parker. He and Parker bonded over a passion for provocative humor and innovative animation while in college. Stone’s comedic sensibilities often complement Parker’s, ensuring South Park balances everything from crude jokes to scathing cultural criticism.
Kyle Broflovski
Stone’s portrayal of Kyle Broflovski offers the show’s intellectual yet temper-prone viewpoint. As the Jewish kid in a predominantly Christian town, Kyle sometimes represents the voice of reason, taking on issues of moral indignation—whether it’s about holiday hypocrisy or corporate greed. Stone’s delivery conveys Kyle’s mix of idealism and frustration, a perfect foil to Cartman’s unapologetic self-interest.
Kenny McCormick
No mention of Stone’s work is complete without Kenny McCormick, known for his perpetually muffled hood and frequent “deaths” in the early seasons. Stone’s approach—intentionally slurring speech behind a parka—adds comedic flair and an air of mystery. Over time, Kenny’s character development expanded beyond catchphrases, revealing hidden layers of heroism (like his stint as Mysterion) that further showcased Stone’s subtle range.
The Women Behind South Park’s Female Voices
While Trey Parker and Matt Stone initially handled almost every vocal role—male and female—early episodes often featured minimal or one-note portrayals of female characters. Over time, however, professional voice actresses joined the show to provide a broader spectrum of performances.
Mona Marshall
Mona Marshall stepped into roles such as Sheila Broflovski (Kyle’s mother), Linda Stotch (Butters’ mom), and a rotating cast of background characters. Marshall’s ability to shift between maternal warmth, high-pitched exasperation, and comedic overreactions made her an instant fit. She also delivers lines for various children in the show, demonstrating a remarkable vocal elasticity that ensures each role feels distinct.
April Stewart
Another central figure, April Stewart, took over for certain female roles previously handled by Parker and Stone or by former cast members. Notably, she voices characters like Sharon Marsh (Stan’s mom) and Wendy Testaburger, Stan’s sometimes-girlfriend known for her strong will and political activism. Stewart infuses Wendy with a mixture of sweet empathy and headstrong maturity, balancing the comedic extremes of South Park with grounded observations on sexism and social justice.
The Evolving Approach to Female Characters
The inclusion of professional actresses like Marshall and Stewart marked a shift toward more nuanced female narratives. Characters like Wendy and Sheila began receiving deeper storylines that addressed issues beyond one-off gag setups. Fans and critics alike have praised how these actresses highlight the show’s capacity for well-rounded, compelling female characters—even amidst the prevailing crass humor.
Memorable Guest Stars
Beyond its core cast, South Park has historically recruited an array of celebrity guest stars to lend voices or be lampooned as exaggerated versions of themselves. Over the years, the show has featured Hollywood icons like George Clooney or politicians like Al Gore in cameo appearances. Sometimes, these celebrities voice themselves; at other times, Parker and Stone impersonate them in comedic bits.
George Clooney cameoed as Sparky, Stan’s gay dog, in an early episode—although the role involved little more than barking sounds.
Jay Leno famously lent a voice to Cartman’s cat, adding a random comedic twist to an otherwise mundane pet cameo.
Guest appearances often generate extra publicity and highlight the show’s unpredictable nature, but the day-to-day comedic weight remains firmly in the hands of the main cast.
How the Cast Has Shaped South Park’s Success
While many adult animated sitcoms rely on ensemble casts that rarely change, South Park is unique in having a concentrated roster of core voice actors—mainly Parker, Stone, Marshall, and Stewart—who tackle dozens of personalities. This tight-knit approach fosters consistency across the show’s near 300+ episodes, ensuring comedic synergy and creative spontaneity remain front and center.
Improvisational Chemistry
Because Parker and Stone are also the principal writers, they can adapt the vocal performances to last-minute script changes. Episodes are famously produced in about a week, granting the show a timely, topical edge. That breakneck schedule also demands voice actors able to pivot rapidly from one character to another—sometimes in the same scene.
Cohesive Storytelling
Long-running narrative arcs, such as Cartman’s vendettas or Stan’s existential crises, hinge on consistent voice portrayals. Even with outlandish plots like talking towels (Towelie) or entire towns rallying against gentrification, the cast’s comedic through-line helps viewers suspend disbelief and immerse themselves in the ironically ordinary world of South Park.
The Future of South Park’s Voice Talent
Given South Park’s multi-decade run, fans often wonder how long Parker and Stone will continue voicing the majority of the cast and whether new performers might join. Both creators have reassured fans that they remain passionately committed to writing and acting for the show, ensuring Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and dozens of side characters maintain their original comedic essence.
Meanwhile, the involvement of Mona Marshall and April Stewart suggests the potential for deeper female-led storylines. Characters like Wendy, Sharon, and Sheila have evolved significantly, supporting Parker and Stone’s sometimes satirical but often surprisingly heartfelt storytelling approach. As the show keeps pace with modern controversies—political, social, and cultural—the voice actors stand ready to address them in the irreverent fashion fans have come to expect.
Looking Ahead to More South Park Adventures
From the very first episode involving alien abductions and inappropriate language, South Park has maintained a distinctive comedic voice—one that remains tightly woven with its core cast’s ingenuity. Whether it’s Trey Parker’s outrageous take on Eric Cartman, Matt Stone’s portrayal of the perpetually unlucky Kenny, or the versatile range of Mona Marshall and April Stewart, the show’s voices continue to power outlandish satire and unexpected emotional depth. Given the series’ enduring popularity, it’s clear that these performers still have plenty of politically incorrect escapades and pop-culture takedowns in store for fans around the world.
