Howard Fein
06-28-2005, 02:26 PM
With all the losses suffered by the animation acting community in the past month (Messrs. Corden, Morris, Ravenscourt, Winchell) it's that time again to take stock of what 'classic' voice actors that we grew up with are still alive- still active or not. IMO, 'classic' means they came into prominence prior to the eighties.
(Thanks to Internet Movie Database for age and credit information)
DICK BEALS, 78. Beginning in 1954, Ralph Phillips in several Jones-directed WB shorts; Davey; Speedy Alka-Seltzer. Quintessential 'little boy' voice in FLINTSTONES, ROGER RAMJET, Q*BERT, GARFIELD and many others. Still active, having recently guested in DUCK DODGERS.
MICHAEL BELL, 67. First heard in 1972's HOUNDCATS as leader Stutz; Plastic Man; Zan; numerous 'earnest male' roles in H-B series, notably Ernie Devlin and SPEED BUGGY's Mark. Many, many live-action guest appearances in the likes of M*A*S*H, THREE'S COMPANY. Still doing Chaz and Drew in ALL GROWN UP.
LUCILLE BLISS, 76. Her roles were far and few between, but well-remembered as the first 1949 Crusader Rabbit (notable as an early Ward production and the first cartoon made for TV); one WB short (1957's A WAGGILY TALE), H-B's 1966 SPACE KIDETTES and, most famously, Smurfette. Appeared in recent theatrical release ROBOTS.
JUNE FORAY, 87. Most female roles in Jay Ward and post-'55 WB shorts, although she was first heard in Disney and MGM shorts as early as 1948(?). Extensive work in H-B, DFE and contemporary WB animation. Very much still active, reprising her Granny in BABY LOONEY TOONS and some of her other famous creations (Rocket J. Squirrel, Witch Hazel) for commercials and interviews.
STAN FREBERG, 78. After Mel Blanc, the most frequent go-to guy in WB shorts beginning in the forties (Junyer Bear, Bertie, one Gopher, Pete Puma). Several 1950s-vintage Disney features; many, many comedy albums and commercials; recurring role in ROSEANNE. Has reprised Junyer and Pete in numerous WB reunions: TINY TOONS, BACK IN ACTION, etc.
MARVIN KAPLAN, 81. Choo-Choo in 1961 TOP CAT series and several 1980s reunions; Skids in C.B. BEARS; several supporting roles in R-S' SATURDAY SUPERCADE; guested in numerous sitcoms and semi-regular in ALICE. Appeared as 'brother' of T.C. costar Arnold Stang as hapless gas station attendants in IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD. Last documented appearance in BECKER.
CASEY KASEM, 73. Except for the initial late-nineties video features, the embodiment of Norville 'Shaggy' Rogers since 1969. Also did a long stint as Robin in numerous H-B SUPERFRIENDS series (having actually originated the role in Filmation's first TV series in 1966). A distinguished radio announcer, he also was the 'NBC promo announcer' for much of the late seventies and eighties.
DALLAS McKENNON, 85. Many voices for Walter Lantz beginning in 1948, especially as :woody: foils Buzz Buzzard, Dapper Denver Dooley and Professor Dingledonger. Later a durable presence for Filmation, voicing its top comedy star, Archie. Guest-starred in a great many TV Westerns. Recently disclosed as Gumby's voice in all permutations from his 1956 inception all the way through 1988 revival (credited as 'Dalmac Productions'). Not heard in cartoons since, but active on the fan circuit.
ALLEN MELVIN, 83. Real workhorse for H-B from the sixties through eighties (Magilla Gorilla, Punkin' Puss, Drooper, Bristle Hound, countless dumb guys) and the 'creator' of Sgt. Snorkel's 'voice' in KFS Beetle Bailey adaptations. Also active in Filmation and DFE later in the seventies. Baritone voice immediately recognized in recurring roles in BILKO, DICK VAN DYKE, BRADY BUNCH and ALL IN THE FAMILY. Last heard reprising Gorilla in H-B's misbegotten 1994 ARABIAN NIGHTS compilation.
ALAN OPPENHEIMER, 85. Probably the hardest voice to pin down given his tremendous range, but best remembered as flamboyant villian Skeletor in Filmation's HE-MAN. Many, many other appearances through the seventies and eighties in H-B (Scooby-Dum; Big 'D' in DRAK PACK; Vanity Smurf), Filmation (Fraidy Cat, Mighty Mouse, Prime Evil), Disney (several Wuzzles) and even DIC (Morris Grout in SLIMER! shorts). Equally versatile in prime-time, with recuring roles in SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN and MURPHY BROWN, plus guest spots in HAPPY DAYS, KOTTER, etc. Has appeared recently in GILMORE GIRLS.
GARY OWENS, 69. The quintessential dulcet-toned voice-over specialists' animation specialty seems to be superheroes both comedic (Roger Ramjet his first role in 1965; Powdered Toast Man) and serious (Space Ghost; Blue Falcon); and as a parody of overwrought narrators (PENELOPE PITSTOP) and pretentious announcers (YOGI'S TREASURE HUNT, GARFIELD, LAUGH-IN). Has continued this tradition in several THAT 70s SHOWs. Also hosted THE GONG SHOW.:p
SID RAYMOND, at least 90. New York-based staple of Famous/Paramount studio since its 1942 inception as its 'stupid character' (Katnip, Baby Huey) specialist. Surprisingly large number of appearances TV shows (HONEYMOONERS) and movies (Dangerfield's 1983 classic EASY MONEY) using his regular speaking voice. The subject of an interesting PBS documentary a few years ago, with emphasis on his Borscht Belt and vaudeville days. Still acting, having recently done teen fave THE O.C.!
ARNOLD STANG, 79. Most famous as Top Cat, but toiled since WWII in Famous/Paramount (mainly as Popeye's short-lived sidekick and Hoiman the mouse) and many live-action features. Limited animation appearances beyond that: the title role in an odd 1964 foreign-made theatrical PINOCCHIO IN OUTER SPACE; a little-released 1980 Claymation version of POGO; shark sidekick Catfish in DFE's MISTERJAW TV shorts. Last heard as recurring character in CN's COURAGE THE COWARDLY DOG.
JOHN STEPHENSON, 81. Extremely durable 'voice of authority' throughout the history of H-B's TV operation. Best known as "that wrackin' frackin' Slate", but played countless other bosses (HAIR BEAR BUNCH, INCH HIGH PRIVATE HIGH, BUTCH CASSIDY, MUMBLY, GALAXY GOOF-UPS), cops, soldiers, scientists and SCOOBY-DOO villians. (It's Stephenson who seems to have coined the "And I would've gotten away with it-" refrain.) Continued tradition in R-S, TMS, Marvel and Disney- mostly TALE SPIN for the latter. Also many guest roles in the sixties in GOMER PYLE, HOGAN'S HEROES, DRAGNET and MOD SQUAD, presumably in the same types of roles. His 'pretentious boss' lives on in radio commercials for UPS, Account Temps and other business concerns. And he's still doing cartoons, most recently a guest shot in DUCK DODGERS.
LARRY STORCH, 82. Best known for appearing in the flesh in F TROOP and Filmation's live-action GHOST BUSTERS, Storch started out in the early sixties in the New York-based Total (Tennessee Tuxedo) and Seeger (Koko the Clown) studios. He then moved west to perform as WB's 'new' stars (Cool Cat, Merlin) in that studio's waning days, and then became a solid presence at Filmation where he showed his impersonation skills as Marlon, The BRADY KIDS' pet mynah bird. He remained active in prime-time as well, going the standard 1970/80s LOVE BOAT/FANTASY ISLAND/CHiPS guest-star route. Still somewhat active, last widely seen in MARRIED: WITH CHILDREN.
JANET WALDO, 87. H-B's beloved 'teenaged girl/young woman' specialist (Judy Jetson, Alice, Josie, Nancy, Penelope Pitstop) had a long career in radio and live-action films going back to the late thirties! Like many H-B mainstays, she also did much work in that studio's half-child Ruby-Spears. After recording Judy part for the failed JETSONS theatrical, her voice was deleted and re-recorded by late-eighties teen fad Tiffany- which seemed to ensure the fate of the movie and Tiffany's career. She's been essentially retired since the early nineties, coming back to an early KING OF THE HILL episode.
LENNIE WEINRIB, 70. Very active through the seventies in Saturday AM's Big Three (H-B, Filmation, DFE) as well as the voice for many Kroft characters, including its biggest star, H.R. Pufnstuf. Weinrib actually had a healthy live-action career in the sixties (DICK VAN DYKE, MUNSTERS, MY FAVORITE MARTIAN, MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.) before his first voice role in THE FLINTSTONES' fifth-season finale: the speaking voice of 'Jimmy Darrock'. Through his many characters (Roland and Ratfink, Moonrock, Stanley Chan, Gomez Addams, Inch High, Hi-Riser), he's probably best remembered as Timer in those education interstitials sprinkled throughout ABC's Saturday AM lineup. Interestingly, two characters whose voices he created- Scrappy-Doo in 1979 and young Fred Flintstone in '86- had different voices (Don Messick and Scott Menville respectively) when their series were renewed for additional seasons, which gives the impression Weinrib didn't get along very well with H-B producers or executives. After 1986, he didn't seem to appear as any recurring characters; R-S' RAMBO, DIC's KISSYFUR and the aforementioned FLINTSTONE KIDS, all aired that year. His last known guest shot seems to be in a 1989 GARFIELD short. (Series Mark Evanier has mentioned that Weinrib retired and moved to South America.)
The there are those voice actors whose statuses are unknown due to their obscurity outside animation: Elliot Field, Gerry Johnson, Bruce Watson, Ginny Tyler, Nancy Wible, Jerry Dexter, Bill Callaway, Joan Gerber, Stu Gilliam and a whole host o' others. I was happy to recently learn that early H-B staple Doug Young (Ding-a-Ling, Yippee) who abruptly disappeared after 1966 is not only alive but still active in radio in his native Portland, OR.
(Thanks to Internet Movie Database for age and credit information)
DICK BEALS, 78. Beginning in 1954, Ralph Phillips in several Jones-directed WB shorts; Davey; Speedy Alka-Seltzer. Quintessential 'little boy' voice in FLINTSTONES, ROGER RAMJET, Q*BERT, GARFIELD and many others. Still active, having recently guested in DUCK DODGERS.
MICHAEL BELL, 67. First heard in 1972's HOUNDCATS as leader Stutz; Plastic Man; Zan; numerous 'earnest male' roles in H-B series, notably Ernie Devlin and SPEED BUGGY's Mark. Many, many live-action guest appearances in the likes of M*A*S*H, THREE'S COMPANY. Still doing Chaz and Drew in ALL GROWN UP.
LUCILLE BLISS, 76. Her roles were far and few between, but well-remembered as the first 1949 Crusader Rabbit (notable as an early Ward production and the first cartoon made for TV); one WB short (1957's A WAGGILY TALE), H-B's 1966 SPACE KIDETTES and, most famously, Smurfette. Appeared in recent theatrical release ROBOTS.
JUNE FORAY, 87. Most female roles in Jay Ward and post-'55 WB shorts, although she was first heard in Disney and MGM shorts as early as 1948(?). Extensive work in H-B, DFE and contemporary WB animation. Very much still active, reprising her Granny in BABY LOONEY TOONS and some of her other famous creations (Rocket J. Squirrel, Witch Hazel) for commercials and interviews.
STAN FREBERG, 78. After Mel Blanc, the most frequent go-to guy in WB shorts beginning in the forties (Junyer Bear, Bertie, one Gopher, Pete Puma). Several 1950s-vintage Disney features; many, many comedy albums and commercials; recurring role in ROSEANNE. Has reprised Junyer and Pete in numerous WB reunions: TINY TOONS, BACK IN ACTION, etc.
MARVIN KAPLAN, 81. Choo-Choo in 1961 TOP CAT series and several 1980s reunions; Skids in C.B. BEARS; several supporting roles in R-S' SATURDAY SUPERCADE; guested in numerous sitcoms and semi-regular in ALICE. Appeared as 'brother' of T.C. costar Arnold Stang as hapless gas station attendants in IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD. Last documented appearance in BECKER.
CASEY KASEM, 73. Except for the initial late-nineties video features, the embodiment of Norville 'Shaggy' Rogers since 1969. Also did a long stint as Robin in numerous H-B SUPERFRIENDS series (having actually originated the role in Filmation's first TV series in 1966). A distinguished radio announcer, he also was the 'NBC promo announcer' for much of the late seventies and eighties.
DALLAS McKENNON, 85. Many voices for Walter Lantz beginning in 1948, especially as :woody: foils Buzz Buzzard, Dapper Denver Dooley and Professor Dingledonger. Later a durable presence for Filmation, voicing its top comedy star, Archie. Guest-starred in a great many TV Westerns. Recently disclosed as Gumby's voice in all permutations from his 1956 inception all the way through 1988 revival (credited as 'Dalmac Productions'). Not heard in cartoons since, but active on the fan circuit.
ALLEN MELVIN, 83. Real workhorse for H-B from the sixties through eighties (Magilla Gorilla, Punkin' Puss, Drooper, Bristle Hound, countless dumb guys) and the 'creator' of Sgt. Snorkel's 'voice' in KFS Beetle Bailey adaptations. Also active in Filmation and DFE later in the seventies. Baritone voice immediately recognized in recurring roles in BILKO, DICK VAN DYKE, BRADY BUNCH and ALL IN THE FAMILY. Last heard reprising Gorilla in H-B's misbegotten 1994 ARABIAN NIGHTS compilation.
ALAN OPPENHEIMER, 85. Probably the hardest voice to pin down given his tremendous range, but best remembered as flamboyant villian Skeletor in Filmation's HE-MAN. Many, many other appearances through the seventies and eighties in H-B (Scooby-Dum; Big 'D' in DRAK PACK; Vanity Smurf), Filmation (Fraidy Cat, Mighty Mouse, Prime Evil), Disney (several Wuzzles) and even DIC (Morris Grout in SLIMER! shorts). Equally versatile in prime-time, with recuring roles in SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN and MURPHY BROWN, plus guest spots in HAPPY DAYS, KOTTER, etc. Has appeared recently in GILMORE GIRLS.
GARY OWENS, 69. The quintessential dulcet-toned voice-over specialists' animation specialty seems to be superheroes both comedic (Roger Ramjet his first role in 1965; Powdered Toast Man) and serious (Space Ghost; Blue Falcon); and as a parody of overwrought narrators (PENELOPE PITSTOP) and pretentious announcers (YOGI'S TREASURE HUNT, GARFIELD, LAUGH-IN). Has continued this tradition in several THAT 70s SHOWs. Also hosted THE GONG SHOW.:p
SID RAYMOND, at least 90. New York-based staple of Famous/Paramount studio since its 1942 inception as its 'stupid character' (Katnip, Baby Huey) specialist. Surprisingly large number of appearances TV shows (HONEYMOONERS) and movies (Dangerfield's 1983 classic EASY MONEY) using his regular speaking voice. The subject of an interesting PBS documentary a few years ago, with emphasis on his Borscht Belt and vaudeville days. Still acting, having recently done teen fave THE O.C.!
ARNOLD STANG, 79. Most famous as Top Cat, but toiled since WWII in Famous/Paramount (mainly as Popeye's short-lived sidekick and Hoiman the mouse) and many live-action features. Limited animation appearances beyond that: the title role in an odd 1964 foreign-made theatrical PINOCCHIO IN OUTER SPACE; a little-released 1980 Claymation version of POGO; shark sidekick Catfish in DFE's MISTERJAW TV shorts. Last heard as recurring character in CN's COURAGE THE COWARDLY DOG.
JOHN STEPHENSON, 81. Extremely durable 'voice of authority' throughout the history of H-B's TV operation. Best known as "that wrackin' frackin' Slate", but played countless other bosses (HAIR BEAR BUNCH, INCH HIGH PRIVATE HIGH, BUTCH CASSIDY, MUMBLY, GALAXY GOOF-UPS), cops, soldiers, scientists and SCOOBY-DOO villians. (It's Stephenson who seems to have coined the "And I would've gotten away with it-" refrain.) Continued tradition in R-S, TMS, Marvel and Disney- mostly TALE SPIN for the latter. Also many guest roles in the sixties in GOMER PYLE, HOGAN'S HEROES, DRAGNET and MOD SQUAD, presumably in the same types of roles. His 'pretentious boss' lives on in radio commercials for UPS, Account Temps and other business concerns. And he's still doing cartoons, most recently a guest shot in DUCK DODGERS.
LARRY STORCH, 82. Best known for appearing in the flesh in F TROOP and Filmation's live-action GHOST BUSTERS, Storch started out in the early sixties in the New York-based Total (Tennessee Tuxedo) and Seeger (Koko the Clown) studios. He then moved west to perform as WB's 'new' stars (Cool Cat, Merlin) in that studio's waning days, and then became a solid presence at Filmation where he showed his impersonation skills as Marlon, The BRADY KIDS' pet mynah bird. He remained active in prime-time as well, going the standard 1970/80s LOVE BOAT/FANTASY ISLAND/CHiPS guest-star route. Still somewhat active, last widely seen in MARRIED: WITH CHILDREN.
JANET WALDO, 87. H-B's beloved 'teenaged girl/young woman' specialist (Judy Jetson, Alice, Josie, Nancy, Penelope Pitstop) had a long career in radio and live-action films going back to the late thirties! Like many H-B mainstays, she also did much work in that studio's half-child Ruby-Spears. After recording Judy part for the failed JETSONS theatrical, her voice was deleted and re-recorded by late-eighties teen fad Tiffany- which seemed to ensure the fate of the movie and Tiffany's career. She's been essentially retired since the early nineties, coming back to an early KING OF THE HILL episode.
LENNIE WEINRIB, 70. Very active through the seventies in Saturday AM's Big Three (H-B, Filmation, DFE) as well as the voice for many Kroft characters, including its biggest star, H.R. Pufnstuf. Weinrib actually had a healthy live-action career in the sixties (DICK VAN DYKE, MUNSTERS, MY FAVORITE MARTIAN, MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.) before his first voice role in THE FLINTSTONES' fifth-season finale: the speaking voice of 'Jimmy Darrock'. Through his many characters (Roland and Ratfink, Moonrock, Stanley Chan, Gomez Addams, Inch High, Hi-Riser), he's probably best remembered as Timer in those education interstitials sprinkled throughout ABC's Saturday AM lineup. Interestingly, two characters whose voices he created- Scrappy-Doo in 1979 and young Fred Flintstone in '86- had different voices (Don Messick and Scott Menville respectively) when their series were renewed for additional seasons, which gives the impression Weinrib didn't get along very well with H-B producers or executives. After 1986, he didn't seem to appear as any recurring characters; R-S' RAMBO, DIC's KISSYFUR and the aforementioned FLINTSTONE KIDS, all aired that year. His last known guest shot seems to be in a 1989 GARFIELD short. (Series Mark Evanier has mentioned that Weinrib retired and moved to South America.)
The there are those voice actors whose statuses are unknown due to their obscurity outside animation: Elliot Field, Gerry Johnson, Bruce Watson, Ginny Tyler, Nancy Wible, Jerry Dexter, Bill Callaway, Joan Gerber, Stu Gilliam and a whole host o' others. I was happy to recently learn that early H-B staple Doug Young (Ding-a-Ling, Yippee) who abruptly disappeared after 1966 is not only alive but still active in radio in his native Portland, OR.