In a recent interview on the popular chat show hosted by David Letterman, legendary voice actor Mel Blanc shared stories about his iconic career and the famous characters he has brought to life. Blanc’s voice talents have immortalized beloved characters such as Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, Sylvester, Tweety Pie, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fud, and more.
During the interview, Blanc revealed that his real voice is actually very deep, which came as a surprise to Letterman. When asked about the first voice he ever did, Blanc humorously responded, “I don’t remember it, but that was the first voice.” Aside from the characters mentioned in the introduction, Blanc has also been responsible for voicing Yosemite Sam, Barney Rubble, Pepe Le Pew, Foghorn Leghorn, and many others.
The interview included clips showcasing Blanc’s impressive range of voices and characters. When questioned about his process for creating a new voice, Blanc explained that the studio provides him with a picture and a storyboard, and from there, he develops the voice that brings the character to life. For example, Bugs Bunny’s tough voice was inspired by the toughest voices in Brooklyn and the Bronx combined.
Blanc’s talents extend beyond just a few characters. He has done around 400 different voices, each with its own distinct style and dialect. In one of his college speeches, Blanc demonstrated how he can do different voices in different dialects, like an Italian Columbus discovering America alongside Bugs Bunny.
The interview also delved into the process of creating animated cartoons. Blanc revealed that a fully animated six-and-a-half-minute cartoon takes about nine months to complete and involves a team of 125 people. This level of animation is what sets Warner Brothers apart from other studios, as they continue to produce fully animated cartoons, while others utilize limited animation techniques.
Blanc’s collaboration with the late Jack Benny was another highlight of the interview. Benny discovered that Blanc was the one behind the crazy voices in the cartoons, and soon Blanc found himself doing voices and sound effects on Benny’s show. Blanc became known for his portrayal of Carmichael, a growly bear, and even mimicked a parrot and a train caller. His improvisational skills and ability to create unique voices made him a valuable asset to Benny’s show.
Throughout the interview, Blanc’s humor shone through as he shared anecdotes and anecdotes of his experiences in the industry. He also touched on his relationship with Jack Benny and the various characters he portrayed on the show.
In closing, Blanc shared that Warner Brothers’ latest cartoon venture, “101 Rabbit Tales,” featuring Bugs Bunny, is set to be released soon. The film promises to be a hilarious and entertaining addition to Blanc’s already impressive body of work.
Mel Blanc‘s interview on David Letterman‘s talk show showcased the incredible talent and versatility of this voice acting legend. With his ability to bring characters to life and his immense contribution to the world of animation, Blanc’s legacy will continue to entertain and inspire for years to come.
