| Voices in Animation |
EasyNews, UseNet made Ea .. |
| ::darkshadows:: (blood@thirsty.net) |
2008/04/29 17:45 |
Voices in Animation
Mel Blanc, the gifted "man of a thousand voices," struck a deal with
Warner Bros. to give him screen credit for his many vocal
contributions to their extensive family of cartoons. Prior to this
first in animation, film's voice people were pretty much anonymous.
Even after Blanc's revolutionary contract, only a few others were
given the same publicity opportunity, an imperative to gain a fan
following and thus, greater salaries.
So, these faceless, talented folks toiled for small compensation,
while their efforts drew millions of families to the theaters of the
world. While not wholly respected by their peers, these actors and
their voices breathed life into two-dimensional figures. It was the
joy of the work that kept them at it.
Sensibilities have been changing. Using top box-office actors and
popular comedians as the voices of key characters has become the trend
of the industry. For a time, voice characterizations were provided by
over-the-hill actors who had little choice; there was no other work
being offered and there were bills to be paid. But more and more
younger actors, those who have a love for cartoons, want to be
immortalized in a Disney or Warner Bros. or Hanna-Barbera feature
animation.
As animation's popularity grows in theaters and in Saturday morning TV
cartoons, more established actors will hanker to be a memorable
cartoon character. Memorable like Aladdin's Genie or the Grinch or The
Little Mermaid'sUrsula the sea witch or Bart Simpson.
Here's a list of 30-plus actors who have lent their voices to
pen-and-ink characters - there are scores more.
Jason Alexander Duckman in the 1990s TV series of the same
title; Abis Mal in the TV series Aladdin and the video Return of Jafar
(1994); Hugo the gargoyle in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996);
Poseidon in Hercules (1998); Catbert in 1990-2000s TV series Dilbert.
Rene Auberjenoius Mad chef Louis in The Little Mermaid (1989).
Anne Bancroft Queen in Antz (1998).
George Clooney Dr. Gouache in South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut
(1999).
Scatman Crothers Scat Cat in The Aristocats (1970).
John Cusack Dimitri in Anastasia (1997).
Matt Damon Cale in Titan A.E. (2000).
Mike Douglas Unbilled singing voice of the Prince in Cinderella
(1950).
Sandy Duncan Queen Uberta in The Swan Princess (1994).
Farrah Fawcett Farrah the faucet in The Brave Little Toaster Goes to
Mars (1998).
Judy Garland Mewsette the cat in Gay Purr-ee (1962).
John Goodman Rex in We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story (1993); Santa
Claus in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie (1998).
Gene Hackman General Mandible in Antz (1998).
Isaac Hayes Chef in South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut (1999).
Amy Irving Singing voice of Jessica Rabbit in Who Framed Roger
Rabbit? (1988).
Casey Kasem "Shaggy" Rogers in various Scooby-Doo TV series, 1970s
through 1990s and films including Scooby-Doo Goes Hollywood (1978);
Alexander Cabot III in 1970s TV series Josie and the Pussycats and
Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space; Dick Grayson and Robin in the
1970s TV series Challenge of the Super Friends; Cliffhanger in The
Transformers: The Movie (1986).
Val Kilmer Moses and God in The Prince of Egypt (1998)
Jane Leeves Ladybug in James and the Giant Peach (1996).
Tone Loc Goanna in FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992); Tek
in Titan A.E. (2000).
John Mahoney Grebs and drunk scout in Antz (1998); General Rogard
in The Iron Giant (1999).
Leonard Nimoy Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in The Pagemaster (1994).
Gary Owens Roger Ramjet from the 1960s cartoon of the same title.
Paul Reubens Lock in The Nightmare before Christmas (1993).
Miranda Richardson Mrs. Tweedy in Chicken Run (2000).
Don Rickles Mr. Potato Head in Toy Story (1995) and Toy Story 2
(1999); Cornwall the two-headed dragon in Quest for Camelot (1998).
Meg Ryan Anastasia in Anastasia (1996).
George C. Scott McLeach in The Rescuers Down Under (1990)
.
Charlie Sheen Charlie in All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 (1996).
Sharon Stone Princess Bala in Antz (1998).
Tiffany Judy Jetson in The Jetsons: The Movie (1990).
Lily Tomlin Ms. Frizzle in the 1990-2000s TV series The Magic
School Bus.
Tracey Ullman Thunderella and Moonbeam in Happily Ever After (1990).
Ben Vereen Phineas the preacher bird in Once Upon a Forest
(1993).
Paul Winchell Chinese cat in The Aristocats (1970); Boomer in The
Fox and the Hound (1983); Tigger in Walt Disney's Winnie-the-Pooh
series.
Alfre Woodard Plio in Dinosaur (2000).
|
|
|