The Evolution Of Shaggy: Where Are The Scooby-Doo Cast Members Now And Who Is The Current Voice?

The character of Norville "Shaggy" Rogers has been an enduring figure in pop culture for over five decades, but the question of who plays him is more complex now than ever before. As of December 2025, the role is split between two incredibly talented actors, with the most recognizable name, Matthew Lillard, confirming a highly anticipated return to the role for a new project, while another star, Sam Richardson, has completely redefined the character in a controversial modern adaptation. This deep dive explores the complete history of Shaggy's portrayers and provides the latest updates on the cast members who bring the Mystery Machine’s perpetually hungry member to life.

The Definitive Shaggy: Matthew Lillard's Biography and Confirmed 2025 Return

Matthew Lillard is, for an entire generation, the definitive face and voice of Shaggy Rogers. His journey with the character is unique, beginning with a live-action portrayal that was so spot-on it led to him inheriting the voice role from the original actor.

Matthew Lillard Complete Profile

• Full Name: Matthew Lyn Lillard
• Date of Birth: January 24, 1970
• Birthplace: Lansing, Michigan, U.S.
• Height: 6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
• Notable Roles (Non-Shaggy): Stu Macher in Scream (1996), Stevo in SLC Punk! (1998), William Afton in Five Nights at Freddy's (2023)
• Shaggy Tenure: Live-action films (2002–2004) and primary voice actor (2010–Present)
• Latest Shaggy Project: Scooby-Doo! and Krypto, Too! (2023)

The Live-Action Legacy and Voice Transition

Lillard first brought Shaggy to the big screen in the 2002 live-action film Scooby-Doo and its 2004 sequel, Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed. His performance was widely praised for perfectly capturing the nervous energy, distinctive speech pattern, and physical comedy of the original animated character. After the passing of the original and longest-running voice actor, Casey Kasem, who voiced Shaggy from 1969 to 2009, Matthew Lillard was chosen to take over the animated role full-time in 2010. This transition cemented him as the character's official successor, a rare instance where a live-action actor seamlessly moves into the animated voice role. Since 2010, Lillard has voiced Shaggy in nearly every animated incarnation, including dozens of direct-to-video movies, television series like Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated, and crossovers.

Confirmed New Scooby-Doo Project for 2025

In a piece of exciting news for fans, Matthew Lillard confirmed in early 2024 that he is officially returning to voice Shaggy for a new, currently unannounced Scooby-Doo project. While details remain under wraps, this confirmation signals that Lillard continues to be the primary voice of Shaggy in the core Warner Bros. animated universe, ensuring the classic characterization remains intact for the foreseeable future. He most recently voiced the character in the 2023 animated film, Scooby-Doo! and Krypto, Too!

The Reimagining: Sam Richardson as Norville in the Velma Series

While Matthew Lillard maintains the traditional role, the character of Shaggy underwent a radical transformation for the 2023 HBO Max adult animated series, Velma. In this Mindy Kaling-produced show, Shaggy is reimagined as Norville Rogers, and the role is voiced by actor and comedian Sam Richardson. This casting choice marked a significant departure from the character's decades-long portrayal.

Sam Richardson Complete Profile

• Full Name: Sam Richardson
• Date of Birth: January 12, 1984
• Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
• Notable Roles: Richard Splett in Veep, Co-creator and star of Detroiters, Edwin Akufo in Ted Lasso, Commander in The Tomorrow War
• Shaggy Tenure: Voice of Norville ("Shaggy") in Velma (2023–Present)
• Unique Shaggy Detail: His character in Velma does not use the "Shaggy" nickname and is not a stoner, instead being portrayed as a social outcast who is Velma’s best friend.

A Groundbreaking New Take on Norville Rogers

Sam Richardson’s Norville in Velma is a deliberate and modern reinvention. He is portrayed as an African-American student who is deeply in love with Velma, and notably, he does not share the classic Shaggy's signature insatiable appetite for "Scooby Snacks" or his perpetual fear. Instead, he is a more grounded, though still often anxious, character. Richardson, known for his improvisational comedy background and roles in critically acclaimed shows like Veep and Ted Lasso, brings a different comedic energy to the role. This casting decision was a major talking point upon the show's premiere, highlighting the franchise's willingness to experiment with its beloved characters in new, adult-oriented contexts. Interestingly, Richardson revealed that he received the "Shaggy Seal of Approval" from Matthew Lillard himself, who expressed support for Richardson’s take on the character, showing a mutual respect between the two actors who currently define the role.

The Original Icon: Casey Kasem and the Birth of Shaggy

To understand the full scope of Shaggy’s cast history, one must pay homage to the man who originated the role and set the standard for every actor who followed: the legendary Casey Kasem.

Casey Kasem's Enduring Legacy

Casey Kasem voiced Shaggy from the character's debut in 1969’s Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! until 1997, and then again from 2002 to 2009. He is also famous for his work as the host of the *American Top 40* radio show. Kasem’s voice is inseparable from the character. He established Shaggy's iconic, high-pitched, gravelly voice, his signature catchphrases like "Zoinks!" and "Like, wow, man," and his constant craving for food. Kasem's commitment to the character was so strong that he temporarily left the role in the late 1990s due to a disagreement over the moral implications of Shaggy being a vegetarian, a principle he held strongly. He only returned to the role when the producers agreed to make Shaggy a vegetarian in the show's canon.

The Three Eras of Shaggy

The role of Shaggy Rogers has been defined by three distinct eras, each reflecting the pop culture landscape of its time:

1. The Golden Era (1969–2009): Defined by Casey Kasem, establishing the character as a classic cartoon icon, a nervous but loyal friend, and a food enthusiast.
2. The Modern Era (2002–Present): Defined by Matthew Lillard, who successfully bridged the gap between live-action and animation, maintaining the classic characterization while introducing Shaggy to a new generation. Lillard’s consistency has made him the longest-serving voice actor of the character to date.
3. The Experimental Era (2023–Present): Defined by Sam Richardson's Norville in the Velma series, representing a bold, adult-oriented, and racially diverse reimagining of the character that challenges the traditional Mystery Inc. formula.

The current state of the "Scooby Doo cast Shaggy" is a fascinating case study in modern media. It’s a dual role, with Matthew Lillard continuing the beloved, traditional portrayal in mainstream animated features, while Sam Richardson spearheads a provocative, new direction in the streaming landscape. Fans can rest assured that whether they prefer the classic "Zoinks!" or the new, grounded Norville, the spirit of Shaggy Rogers—the heart and comic relief of Mystery Inc.—is in capable hands.