Mel Blanc, the legendary voice behind iconic characters such as Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, recently appeared on the talk show, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. The transcript of the interview reveals the fascinating world of voice acting and the incredible talent of Blanc.
Blanc, who was celebrating his 50th anniversary in show business and his 75th birthday, has undoubtedly left a mark on the entertainment world. His unmistakable voices have been heard by “the entire civilized world,” making him the most famous voice in the industry.
During the interview, Blanc discussed his extensive career, which included working with top radio comedians such as Jack Benny and being the talent behind numerous cartoon characters. He mentioned his involvement in a new cartoon movie called “Daffy’s Fantastic Island,” set to open in New York on May 30th.
Blanc’s talent for creating voices is unparalleled. He recounted how he can effortlessly switch between characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Sylvester, Tweety Bird, and Yosemite Sam. Astonishingly, Blanc revealed that he has created over 400 different voices throughout his career. With each dialect, he has the ability to conjure up several unique voices, bringing authenticity to his characters.
Blanc’s journey into the world of cartoons began with persistence. He visited the person in charge of hiring voices at Schlesinger Cartoons, multiple times, despite being turned down repeatedly. Eventually, he got his break when the person he was persistently visiting passed away, and Blanc auditioned for the next person in charge, Craig Brown. This led to his first assignment, voicing a drunken bull, which became a memorable moment in his career.
Blanc’s exceptional talent also extends to non-cartoon characters. He demonstrated his ability to mimic an English horse, recited a famous sketch from The Jack Benny Show, and even did the voice of a goldfish on demand.
His skill in capturing the essence of a character goes beyond just lending his voice. Blanc mentioned that he is given a still picture of the character and a storyboard that details the character’s actions in the cartoon. With this visual aid, he can bring the character to life and tailor his voice accordingly.
Throughout the interview, Blanc exuded a charismatic and fun-loving personality. The audience couldn’t help but laugh and applaud as he showcased his incredible vocal range and his boundless creativity.
Blanc’s contribution to the entertainment industry is immeasurable, and his ability to create voices that resonate with audiences has made him a household name. His work continues to be loved by cartoon enthusiasts of all ages.
In conclusion, Mel Blanc‘s appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson provided a glimpse into the world of voice acting and showcased his phenomenal talent. His voices have become synonymous with beloved cartoon characters, making him an icon in the entertainment world. Blanc’s ability to bring characters to life through his vocal skills is truly remarkable, and his legacy will continue to entertain generations to come.
Originally aired on May 26, 1983
