The value of good voice actors in animation should not be underestimated. They are the ones who bring animated characters to life and who shape those characters' personalities. Plus, not just anyone can perform well as a voice actor. Voice actors are just that - actors, and they deserve the same respect and accolades that live-action actors receive.

Veteran voice actress Tara Strong provides insight into the value that voice actors bring to animation:

Tara is correct. Would Shaggy be Shaggy if Casey Kasem hadn't been the one to bring Shaggy to life? Would Scooby be Scooby if Don Messick hadn't been the first person selected to give Scooby his voice?

The value of the Scooby voice actors can be seen in a Scooby phenomenon that is unique. Normally in a cartoon, the identities of the voice actors are given in the cartoon's closing credits. For example, here is a screenshot from the closing credits of Scooby-Doo Where Are You!

However, the opening credits of What's New, Scooby-Doo? feature voice actors Casey Kasem and Frank Welker.

The four main voice actors are also featured in the opening credits of the animated direct-to-video Scooby films.

By putting their names in the opening credits, the Scooby voice actors got the honor that they deserve.

Yes, the use of opening credits ended with the newer Scooby incarnations. However, long-time Scooby fans now know just who is providing the voices of Scooby and the Gang, and those fans are able to express appreciation for those voice actors.

So, hats off to the Scooby voice actors of yesteryear and the Scooby voice actors of today.