Births on February 6

Thurl Ravenscroft, American voice actor and singer (d. 2005)

Thurl Arthur Ravenscroft (February 6, 1914 – May 22, 2005) was a distinguished American actor and bass singer, renowned for his uniquely deep and resonant voice. His career spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on animation, advertising, and theme park entertainment.

The Iconic Voice of Tony the Tiger

Ravenscroft is perhaps most widely recognized as the booming voice behind Tony the Tiger, the beloved animated spokesman for Kellogg's Frosted Flakes cereal. He brought the character to life for an impressive 53 years, from 1952 until his death in 2005. His enthusiastic delivery of Tony's signature catchphrase, "They're G-r-reat!", became one of the most memorable and enduring taglines in advertising history, shaping the childhoods of generations and making Tony the Tiger a global icon.

The Uncredited Grinch

Beyond his cereal mascot fame, Ravenscroft was the uncredited vocalist for the classic song "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" from the cherished 1966 Christmas television special, Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Despite his pivotal role in making the song an enduring holiday staple, Ravenscroft initially received no on-screen credit. This lack of attribution was a common practice for session musicians at the time. However, Dr. Seuss himself, upon learning of the omission, made efforts to ensure Ravenscroft received recognition, even writing letters to newspapers to acknowledge his contribution. The song's sinister charm and Ravenscroft's powerful bass voice perfectly captured the Grinch's villainous persona, cementing its place in popular culture.

A Prolific Disney Performer

Thurl Ravenscroft's deep voice was also a cornerstone of numerous Disney projects, encompassing both animated feature films and groundbreaking theme park attractions. His extensive collaboration with Disney showcases his versatility and enduring appeal.

Voice Contributions to Disney Films:

• He lent his voice to various choral and background roles in classic animated features, including:
• Alice in Wonderland (1951)
• Peter Pan (1953)
• Lady and the Tramp (1955)
• Sleeping Beauty (1959)
• The Sword in the Stone (1963)
• Mary Poppins (1964)
• The Jungle Book (1967)
• The Aristocats (1970)

Iconic Disney Park Attractions:

Ravenscroft's vocal talents are immortalized in some of Disneyland's most beloved attractions, many of which were later replicated at Walt Disney World, allowing millions worldwide to experience his distinctive sound:

• Haunted Mansion: He provided the voice for several characters, most notably as the lead singing bust in the graveyard quintet, often referred to as "The Grim Grinning Ghosts." His deep bass anchors the chilling yet whimsical melody of the ride's iconic theme song.
• Country Bear Jamboree: Ravenscroft was the voice of Buff, one of the three animal heads mounted on the wall who sing in the popular rustic hoedown show.
• Mark Twain Riverboat: His voice can be heard as part of the vocal ensemble, contributing to the ambient sounds and songs along the Rivers of America.
• Pirates of the Caribbean: He was a key member of the vocal chorus that performed the ride's iconic anthem, "Yo Ho, Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life for Me)," enriching the swashbuckling atmosphere.
• Disneyland Railroad: Ravenscroft contributed to the narration and songs heard during the scenic train journey around the park.
• Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room: He voiced Fritz, one of the charming audio-animatronic macaws and a master of ceremonies in this groundbreaking tropical bird show.

A Legacy of Voice Acting

Thurl Ravenscroft's impressive voice acting career commenced in 1940 and continued uninterrupted until his passing in 2005 at the age of 91. His remarkable longevity and the distinctive quality of his bass voice ensured his presence across various facets of entertainment, from memorable advertising slogans to classic holiday songs and beloved theme park experiences. He remains a celebrated figure, fondly remembered for the "g-r-reat" impact of his vocal artistry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thurl Ravenscroft

When was Thurl Ravenscroft born and when did he pass away?

Thurl Arthur Ravenscroft was born on February 6, 1914, and passed away on May 22, 2005, at the age of 91.

What was Thurl Ravenscroft's most famous role?

He is most widely recognized as the iconic voice of Tony the Tiger for Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, a role he performed for over 50 years, famously delivering the catchphrase "They're G-r-reat!"

Did Thurl Ravenscroft sing "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch"?

Yes, Thurl Ravenscroft was the uncredited vocalist for "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" from Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, though he was not credited in the original broadcast due to common industry practices at the time.

What Disney attractions featured Thurl Ravenscroft's voice?

His voice can be heard in several classic Disney attractions, including the Haunted Mansion (as a singing bust), Country Bear Jamboree (as Buff), Pirates of the Caribbean (as part of the chorus), Disneyland Railroad, and Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room (as Fritz).