Mel Blanc, Man of 1000 Voices

Today (May 30) is the anniversary of the 1908 birth of the most diversely talented voice actor in history, Mel Blanc.

Among his famed cartoon characters are Bugs Bunny, Private Snafu, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, Porky Pig, Tweety Bird, Barney Rubble, Sylvester the Cat, Wile E. Coyote, Yosemite Sam, Speedy Gonzales, Foghorn Leghorn, and Pepé la Pew.

Besides his cartoon voice acting, Blanc helped create patriotic and military content during WWII and was a familiar favorite during the golden age of radio. He had his own show and spent years as a regular on the Burns and Allen Show and the Jack Benny Show. On the latter, Mel not only voiced numerous characters, including Benny’s harassed violin teacher Professor LeBlanc, but also animals and sound effects like Benny’s ancient Maxwell car. Blanc later appeared on Benny’s TV show too (see below).

“[IMDb] Mel Blanc, known as ‘The Man of Thousand Voices’ is regarded as the most prolific actor to ever work in Hollywood with over a thousand screen credits.

He developed and performed nearly 400 distinct character voices with precision and a uniquely expressive vocal range. The legendary specialist from radio programs, television series, cartoon shorts and movie[s] was rarely seen by his audience but his voice characterizations were famous around the world.”

Happy birthday, Mel Blanc!