The Lorax not only unfolds a thought-provoking tale about capitalism and its long-term impact on the environment but also features compelling performances from a talented group of actors who voice its characters. Based on Dr. Seuss’ children’s book of the same name, 2012’s The Lorax is the second screen adaptation of the original story. The film’s critical reception was a mixed bag when it premiered in early 2012, but it was a commercial success after it grossed over $350 million worldwide with a budget of $70 million.

Similar to other Dr. Seuss stories, The Lorax features several quirky characters whose narratives serve as thoughtful allegories to the real world. Owing to the story’s educational themes, it is heavily driven by its characters, who draw a clear picture of the cost humanity has to pay for its greed. Since the characters are so essential in driving the movie, many viewers might wonder who plays whom in its story.

Danny DeVito as the Lorax

Date Of Birth: November 17, 1944

Actor: Born at Raleigh Fitkin-Paul Morgan Memorial Hospital in Neptune Township, New Jersey, Danny DeVito is of Italian-Albanian descent. Although he initially started his professional career as a beautician while working at his sister’s salon, he took the leap into acting after joining the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. After starting his acting career with Off-Broadway, DeVito started taking up several small movie roles in the early 70s. His breakthrough came in the late 70s when he joined the roster of the sitcom Taxi. In the following years, he focused more on movie roles.

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Character: In The Lorax, Danny DeVito voices the titular character, who is an orange humanoid creature. In the film, it is The Lorax’s responsibility to serve as the guardian of the Truffula forest. Interestingly, DeVito not only voiced the character in English but also provided subs for him in Italian, European Spanish, German, Catalan, and Russian.

Ed Helms as the Once-ler

Date Of Birth: January 24, 1974

Actor: Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Ed Helms attended Interlochen Center for the Arts when he was younger and later went on to pursue a major in Geology from Oberlin College. However, before he could finish college, he switched to getting a Bachelor of Arts in film theory and technology. Although Ed Helms is best known for The Daily Show, he has appeared in several mainstream movies and TV shows, like Arrested Development, The Hangover, The Office, We’re The Millers, and The Mindy Project.

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Character: Helms voices The Once-ler in The Lorax. The character is the narrator in the film, who is initially a greedy man. He sets out to chop all the trees from the multicolored Truffula Trees to make a garment called Thneed, a “Fine-Thing-That-All-People-Need.” However, his guilt ultimately leads him to live a lonely and guilt-ridden life.

Zac Efron as Ted Wiggins

Date Of Birth: October 18, 1987

Actor: Zachary David Alexander Efron, better known as Zac Efron, was born and raised in Arroyo Grande, California. After he spent several early years singing in shows like Gypsy, The Music Man, and Peter Pan, his drama teacher, Robyn Metchik, recommended him to an agent in Los Angeles. Although Zac Efron started with small acting roles in TV shows like ER, Firefly, and The Guardian, he garnered immense recognition when he landed the opportunity to play one of the leading roles in Disney Channel’s High School Music. In recent years, he earned more acclaim for his serious roles in movies like The Iron Claw.

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Character: The character Ted Wiggins, who Zac Efron voices in The Lorax, is a 12-year-old boy. He visits the Once-ler, hoping to learn about Truffula Trees. He does this because he believes it will help him win Audrey’s heart.

Rob Riggle as Aloysius O’Hare

Date Of Birth: April 21, 1970

Actor: Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Rob Riggle moved to Overland Park, Kansas, with his family when he was only two years old. In 1990, Riggle joined the Marines, hoping to become a Naval Aviator. However, he later left flight school and doubled down on making something out of his comedy career. Apart from being one of the most well-known figures in the world of comedy, Rob Riggle has played myriad roles in movies, like 21 Jump Street, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, 22 Jump Street, and Dumb and Dumber To.

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Character: Riggle’s The Lorax character, Aloysius O’Hare, is one of the main antagonists in the film. After Once-ler hangs his boots, he takes over the thneed business and even becomes the mayor of Thneedville. Ever since he was a child, O’Hare had a business mindset and would often wonder what he could do to make money after the thneed factories were shut down.

The Lorax Supporting Cast & Characters

Taylor Swift as Audrey: 14-time Grammy Award Winner, Taylor Swift, voices Audrey in The Lorax, who is Ted’s love interest.

Jenny Slate as Mrs. Wiggins: Ted’s mother, Mrs. Wiggins, is voiced by Jenny Slate of the Parks and Recreation fame.

Betty White as Grammy Norma: Best known for her roles in The Golden Girls and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Betty White voices Ted’s grandmother, Grammy Norma, in The Lorax.

Nasim Pedrad as Isabella: In The Lorax, the Once-ler’s mother is played by Nasim Pedrad, who is known for other voice acting roles in movies like Despicable Me 2, Cooties, and Desperados.

Stephen Tobolowsky as Uncle Ubb: The Once-ler’s uncle is played by Stephen Tobolowsky, who is known for his television and movie roles in Groundhog Day, Memento, Californication, and Deadwood.

Elmarie Wendel as Aunt Grizelda: Elmarie Wendel voiced Aunt Grizelda in the animated film. Before The Lorax, she was best known for her role as Mamie Dubcek in NBC’s 3rd Rock from the Sun.