Mel Blanc

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Mel Blanc

Melvin Jerome Blanc (May 30, 1908 – July 10, 1989) was an American voice actor and radio personality. He is best known for his work with Warner Bros. Cartoons during the "Golden Age of American Animation," providing voices for such iconic characters as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Tweety Bird, Sylvester the Cat, Yosemite Sam, Foghorn Leghorn, Marvin the Martian, Speedy Gonzales, Wile E. Coyote, and The Tasmanian Devil.

Early Life

Mel Blanc was born in San Francisco, California, to Jewish parents. He grew up in the neighborhood of Western Addition and attended Lincoln High School. Blanc began his career in radio at the age of 19, working for various radio stations in Portland, Oregon.

Career

Blanc's career took off when he joined Warner Bros. in 1937. His first major character was Porky Pig, and he quickly became the studio's primary voice actor. Blanc's ability to create distinct and memorable voices made him an invaluable asset to Warner Bros. He was often referred to as "The Man of a Thousand Voices."

In addition to his work with Warner Bros., Blanc also provided voices for Hanna-Barbera cartoons, including Barney Rubble in The Flintstones and Mr. Spacely in The Jetsons. He also worked on radio programs such as The Jack Benny Program, where he played various characters.

Personal Life

Blanc married Estelle Rosenbaum in 1933, and they had one son, Noel Blanc, who also became a voice actor. Mel Blanc was known for his dedication to his work, often recording voices even when he was ill or injured.

Death and Legacy

Mel Blanc passed away on July 10, 1989, in Los Angeles, California, from heart disease and emphysema. He is buried in Hollywood Forever Cemetery, with the epitaph "That's All Folks," a reference to the famous Looney Tunes sign-off.

Blanc's contributions to the field of voice acting have left a lasting legacy. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and his work continues to be celebrated by fans of animation and voice acting.

Related Pages

• Warner Bros. Cartoons
• Bugs Bunny
• Daffy Duck
• Porky Pig
• The Flintstones
• The Jetsons
• The Jack Benny Program
• Looney Tunes

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