It usually comes as a surprise (to me anyway) when I come across an actor whose voice I instantly recognize as being that of a well-known cartoon character. I was watching an old 1949 Esther Williams film a few nights ago (Neptune’s Daughter), and a Mexican named Pancho (what else) opened his mouth and out popped ‘Bugs Bunny’. It was, of course, Mel Blanc, that master of a thousand voices. I won’t list his ‘voices’ here because there are simply too many, but he was an astonishing talent who will be sorely missed. I have put together a list of some of the fine actors who have leant their voices to cartoon characters down the years, not just in movies, but in TV series as well. I have tried to accompany each one with a picture of his or her alter-ego and one of the actor in question in one of his or her most recognizable performances. I hope you find it interesting. They are in no particular order.
Fred & Barney Rubble Alan Reed (Fred’s voice) Mel Blanc (Barney)
in The Flintstones
Just a few of Mel Blanc’s Looney Toon voices
Aladdin (1992) Toy Story (1995)
Garfield (2004) Shark Tale (2004)
UP (2009) Shrek 2 (2004)
Finding Nemo (2003) Corpse Bride (2005)
The Lion King (1994) Nathan Lane as Timon in The Lion King
Tim Allen Buzz Lightyear Eddie Murphy Donkey
Toy Story (1995) Shrek (2001)
Mrs. Potts Angela Lansbury Mickey Mouse Walt Disney
Beauty & the Beast (1991) Fantasia (1940)
Holly Hunter is Elastigirl Brad Bird as Edna Mode in The Incredibles (2004)
Bobby Driscoll as Peter Pan (1953 Hans Conreid as Captain Hook
George Sanders as Shere Khan Phil Harris as Baloo
Disney’s The Jungle Book (1967)
Mr. Magoo?
Yes, Jim Backus – Thurston Howell 111 in ‘Gilligan’s Island’. I overlooked him.