Kevin Readdean – Voice Talent

Walt and Mickey

On this day in 1966 the world lost animation and amusement giant Walt Disney (1901-1966). Disney’s contributions to the world of entertainment are numerous and extend over multiple formats. This twentieth century icon is probably best known as an animation film screenwriter, director, and producer and, as such, his importance to the world of voice acting cannot be overemphasized. Thousands of voice actors have contributed to Disney magic over the years. Here are just a few honorable mentions:

• Kathryn Beaumont – Alice in Alice in Wonderland and Wendy in Peter Pan
• Hal Smith – Goofy in Mickey’s Christmas Carol and Owl in Winnie the Pooh
• Jim Cummings – Ed in The Lion King and Winnie-the-Pooh and Tigger
• Jack Wagner - One of the primary voices of the Walt Disney World Resorts, also known as the Voice of Disneyland. Listen to some of Wagner’s work and you’ll be transported back to a past Disney vacation.
• Then there is Walt himself. He was, of course, the creator of Mickey Mouse, but what many don’t realize is that Disney was also the original voice of Mickey. Beginning with Mickey’s first speaking role in The Karnival Kid (1929), his ninth cartoon short, Walt provided the voice-over for Mickey Mouse until 1946 when Jimmy MacDonald took over the part. The clip below from Vault Disney shows Disney at work reading a Mickey part along with Billy Bletcher voicing Pete the train conductor.

 For more information about Walt Disney see: The Disney Family Museum and Biography.com