Who was the original voice of Captain Planet?

Ever seen a Millennial shudder when someone throws a plastic bottle into the trash instead of recycling? Yeah, that's the Captain's fault — Captain Planet, that is.

Somehow this early '90s show became a cultural phenomenon that every adult remembers to this day. What's it about? Glad you asked.

Our world is in peril. Gaia, the spirit of the Earth, can no longer stand the terrible destruction plaguing our planet. She sends five magic rings to five special young people: Kwame, from Africa, with the power of Earth... From North America, Wheeler, with the power of Fire... From the Soviet Union, Linka, with the power of Wind. From Asia, Gi, with the power of Water... and from South America, Ma-Ti, with the power of Heart. When the five powers combine, they summon Earth's greatest champion, Captain Planet. The power is yours!

Maybe a show that started in 1990 featuring a character from "the Soviet Union" had an expiration date?

The original Captain Planet and the Planeteers ran for three seasons and included some pretty impressive voice talent, including Whoopi Goldberg and LeVar Burton as regulars, and Ed Asner, Jeff Goldblum, and John Ratzenberger as guest villains.

So it's no surprise that a big name was signed to voice the Cap'n himself. Who was it?