NEWS: Thurl Ravenscroft Dies at 91

[robbalvey]

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050524/ENTERTAINMENT/505240396/1012/NEWS06

 

Thurl Ravenscroft's voice graced TV, movies, Disney

 

Actor sang 'You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch' in adaptation of Dr. Seuss book.

 

SANTA ANA, Calif. -- Thurl Ravenscroft of Fullerton, Calif., whose voice was well-known through his work in movies, TV and at Disneyland, died Sunday from prostate cancer. He was 91.

 

Tony the Tiger?

 

That was Ravenscroft.

 

Disneyland? Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion and the Enchanted Tiki Room were all graced by Ravenscroft's pliable, unique voice.

 

Movies? How about "Cinderella," "Dumbo" and "Lady and the Tramp"?

 

Thurl Arthur Ravenscroft was born Feb. 6, 1914, in Norfolk, Neb. While in school, he was encouraged to go into show business, and he auditioned at Paramount studios to be a singer.

 

By the mid-1930s, Ravenscroft was appearing regularly on radio, first on a program titled "Goose Creek Parson." In the late 1930s, he appeared on the "The Kraft Music Hall" with Bing Crosby, singing backup in a group called the Paul Taylor Choristers. That group eventually became the Sportsmen Quartette.

 

After military service during World War II, Ravenscroft returned to Hollywood, later becoming involved in the Mellomen singing group, and began a career in radio, movies, television and commercials. The group performed with a list of stars including Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.

 

In 1952, Ravenscroft achieved a measure of immortality, thanks to a TV commercial.

 

"When Kellogg's brought up the idea of the tiger, they sent me a caricature of Tony to see if I could create something for them," he said in a 1996 interview with The Orange County Register. After messing around for some time, I came up with the 'Great!' roar, and that's how it's been since then."

 

June, Ravenscroft's wife of 53 years, died in 1999 at age 80. Survivors include two children, Ron and Nancy, and four grandchildren. Services are pending.

[disneygurlz2s]

I was sooo sad when I read this earlier today. His voice was so distinctive and you can pick it out on many of the Disney rides' theme songs, etc. He was someone we all grew up listening to, even if we didn't realize it was him.

 

Shari

[Rastuso]

Yeah, heard this yesterday on the way home. Too bad. THe Mansion singing busts will be a bit sadder now.

 

He was GRRRRRRRRRREAT!

 

Rastus O'Ginga

[Homer]

ugh...

 

Why that's Grrrrrrrrrreaaat! News...

 

RIP one of the best voices ever heard.

[dws_57]

Sad news indeed. One of my favorite voice over actors as well as a great Bass singing voice. Here's the adress to one on the best fan sites called all things Thurl.

members.aol.com/allthurl/thurl2.htm

He has lots of files to listen to and Thurls Bio.

DWSkunks.