Kmart’s Australian shoppers have been left stunned after learning a wild fact about the woman who is the voice behind the store’s iconic adverts.
Mahalia Brown has one of the most recognisable voices in Australia, with her tones being heard on Kmart adverts which play in store, on the radio and on TV.
However, shoppers have been left surprised after learning the Melbourne-based voice actor, 39, does not sound the same in real life.
She became ‘the voice of Kmart’ after impressing the company with the ‘friendly, welcoming’ and natural sound of her voice.
But, in reality, Mahalia holds a much stronger Australian accent than is heard on the adverts, with fans being left stunned after hearing her real-life voice in a video.
Her vocal change came to attention when she took to TikTok over the weekend to share a funny story about herself watching Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show.
She revealed that while in the live studio audience in New York, a stand-up comedian who was working as the stand-up act asked if there was anyone in from overseas.
Mahalia then debuted her usual strong Aussie accent as she detailed the humorous chat she had with the comedian about slang Down Under, including phrases like ‘sunnies’ and ‘avo’.
Kmart’s Australian shoppers have been left stunned after learning a wild fact about Mahalia Brown (pictured) – the woman who is the voice behind the store’s iconic adverts
She recalled how she told him what she did for a living during the exchange and quickly slipped into her famous Kmart voice at the end to prove her point.
Debuting the now-famous voice heard on the adverts, she said in a strikingly different tone: ‘Kmart, low prices for life.’
Fans were quick to take to the comments to share their surprise that she was the voice of the Kmart adverts, with many saying they didn’t believe her until the end.
‘You’re the Kmart lady? That’d be how I introduced myself henceforth,’ one wrote.
Another said: ‘Didn’t get it then you said it and I was like yaaaassss!’
While a third commented: ‘Love this chic, the Kmart voice is so comforting,’ and another added: ‘Haha that’s unreal!’
She has one of the most recognisable voices in Australia, with her tones being heard on Kmart adverts which play in store, on the radio and on TV
Earlier this year, Mahalia told how the company were attracted to ‘relaxed’ voice when she auditioned for the voice role at the start of last year.
‘They seemed to like that I had a more relaxed, smiley sound that’s not too pushy or high energy,’ she told FEMAIL.
While she isn’t recognised when she’s in public, she can’t get over hearing herself when she shops in store.
‘I hear myself all the time! I love it! I feel so proud because it’s a dream come true,’ she said.
‘I never thought my career would lead me to voice acting – I thought I’d mostly go into television acting.’
She has also voiced adverts for other big-name brands including Michael Hill, NAB, Just Jeans, Shell and many more.
Having been in the industry for more than 15 years, she knows how to change her voice to suit different brands and briefs – even when she’s put on the spot.
However, shoppers have been left surprised after learning the Melbourne-based voice actor, 39, does not sound the same in real life
She often isn’t provided a script ahead of time, which she said used to be ‘very daunting’ early on in her career but no training was required for the Kmart role.
‘You need to be passionate and thick skinned in this industry or you won’t get very far,’ she said.
‘I don’t allow myself to get too excited or celebrate too early until things are finalised because things can sometimes take a turn or not go ahead.’
Mahalia has also had roles in several television shows including Neighbours, Winners and Losers, and Erinsborough High.
