10 Video Game Characters Before They Were Famous

8. Super Mario

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Nintendo

First Appearance: Donkey Kong (1981)

Before revealing his Italianesque forename, Super Mario operated under the heroic moniker of 'Jumpman'. Construction and carpentry were his vocations of choice, until the mustached Mario traded his hammer in for a wrench.

Far fewer barrels to avoid in the plumbing business, though more giant turtles to fend off. A more palatable occupational hazard than giant gorillas, apparently.

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.