Studio Ghibli film is often to appoint a famous actor. For example, Takuya Kimura play Howl in Howl's Moving Castle. Takuya Kimura is a very famous celebrity in Japan. Another, Chieko Baisho play Sophie and Akihiro Miwa play The Witch of the Waste. Studio Ghibli films, such as a very famous actor also play a supporting role. Mari Natsuki play Yubaba (in Spiritied Away) and Mitsuko Mori play Hii-Sama (in Princess Mononoke), George Tokoro play Fujimoto who is Ponyo's fater (in Ponyo).
In addition, people who are not voice actor played main character in many anime. For example, there is something like the following.
"Kochikame (fulltitle is Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo)" Kankichi Ryotsu is played by LaSalle Ishii.
"Shrek" Shrek is played by Masatoshi Hamada who is known as the tsukkomi half of the popular owarai duo Downtown.
"Yu-Gi-Oh!" Yugi Mutou is played by Shunsuke Kazama who is a Japanese actor and singer affiliated with Johnny's Entertainment.
"Rurouni Kenshin" Kenshin Himura is played by Mayo Suzukaze who was previously a Takarazuka Revue stage actress and the Top Star of Moon Troupe.
"Kirarin Revolution" Kirari Tsukishima is played by Koharu Kusumi who was a member of the Hello! Project group Morning Musume.