Actor, Voice Actor. He is remembered as an American actor and the voice for animated characters in a career spanning over 40 years. He is credited in over 300 film and television productions. Born in Michigan, he graduated from Massena High School in 1936. He was one of two tenors in the school choir. From 1936 to 1943, he was known as an "impersonator, vocalist, musician" during his dis jockey days at the radio station WIBX in Utica, New York. In 1943, he joined the United States Army Air Forces, Special Services Unit, serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II (WWII) and was highly decorated. He was discharged in 1946, moving then to Hollywood. Though he was one of the most prolific cartoon voices in the entertainment history, including his role as the original voice of the animated character of "Elmer Fudd," most of his work was performed for Hanna-Barbera productions. His voice was used in the 1977 animated movie "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh." He will be most fondly remembered as "Otis Campbell," the lovable "town drunk" on the television series "Andy Griffith Show" from 1960 to 1969. Ironically, he never touched alcohol throughout his life. In later years, he used the character "Otis Campbell" in Mothers Against Drunk Driving ads. He married Harriet Louise Smith and the couple had a son. All three died within six years of each other and buried together.
Actor, Voice Actor. He is remembered as an American actor and the voice for animated characters in a career spanning over 40 years. He is credited in over 300 film and television productions. Born in Michigan, he graduated from Massena High School in 1936. He was one of two tenors in the school choir. From 1936 to 1943, he was known as an "impersonator, vocalist, musician" during his dis jockey days at the radio station WIBX in Utica, New York. In 1943, he joined the United States Army Air Forces, Special Services Unit, serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II (WWII) and was highly decorated. He was discharged in 1946, moving then to Hollywood. Though he was one of the most prolific cartoon voices in the entertainment history, including his role as the original voice of the animated character of "Elmer Fudd," most of his work was performed for Hanna-Barbera productions. His voice was used in the 1977 animated movie "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh." He will be most fondly remembered as "Otis Campbell," the lovable "town drunk" on the television series "Andy Griffith Show" from 1960 to 1969. Ironically, he never touched alcohol throughout his life. In later years, he used the character "Otis Campbell" in Mothers Against Drunk Driving ads. He married Harriet Louise Smith and the couple had a son. All three died within six years of each other and buried together.
Bio by: Linda Davis
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