In the golden age of radio and animation, few performers could match the extraordinary vocal versatility of Paul Frees. Known as "The Man of a Thousand Voices," Frees was a remarkable talent who transformed the landscape of broadcasting, animation, and voice acting during the mid-20th century.
Early Life and Radio Beginnings
Born Solomon Hersh Frees on June 22, 1920, in Chicago, Illinois, Paul Frees emerged from a Jewish family with an extraordinary gift for vocal performance. In the 1930s, he first appeared in vaudeville as an impressionist under the name Buddy Green, laying the groundwork for his future career. His early radio career began in 1942, marking the start of what would become a remarkable four-decade journey in entertainment. Frees's promising radio trajectory was temporarily interrupted when he was drafted during World War II. He served in the military, fighting in France and being wounded in action. After returning to the United States for recuperation, he resumed his radio work, quickly establishing himself as a versatile performer.
Mastering the Airwaves
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Frees became a ubiquitous presence in radio broadcasting. He appeared frequently on Hollywood radio series, playing lead roles and alternating as an announcer. His remarkable range allowed him to inhabit diverse characters across multiple shows. Notably, he starred as Jethro Dumont/Green Lama in a 1949 radio series and narrated the syndicated anthology series The Player, where he performed all the parts. His ability to seamlessly transition between characters made him invaluable in the industry. He worked on numerous radio programs, including Suspense, Escape, and Gunsmoke, often providing multiple voices in a single episode. This versatility would become his trademark throughout his career.
Beyond Radio: Animation and Voice Work
Frees's true genius emerged in animation and voice acting. He worked extensively with at least nine major animation production companies, including Disney, where he became a legendary voice artist. His most memorable Disney work included voicing Professor Ludwig Von Drake in 18 episodes of Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color, beginning in 1961. His voice brought life to countless characters across various animated series. In Jay Ward Productions cartoons, he voiced characters like Boris Badenov in Rocky and Bullwinkle, Inspector Fenwick in Dudley Do-Right, and numerous others. For Rankin/Bass, he provided voices in numerous holiday specials, including memorable roles in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town.
A Versatile Performer
While primarily known for voice work, Frees was a multifaceted performer. He appeared in live-action films, provided dubbing for actors like Tony Curtis and Humphrey Bogart, and even worked in television commercials. He was the voice of iconic characters like Fresh-Up Freddie for 7-Up, the Pillsbury Doughboy, and Toucan Sam for Froot Loops. His range extended to narration, documentary work, and even occasional on-camera roles. In George Pal's science fiction films, he provided memorable voice-overs, including the apocalyptic narration in The Time Machine.
Legacy and Impact
Paul Frees passed away on November 2, 1986, in Tiburon, California, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in voice performance. His ability to create distinct, memorable characters across multiple media platforms made him a true pioneer. For his contributions to Disney, he was posthumously honored as a Disney Legend in 2006.
Works and Appearances
Radio
- The Green Lama (1949) - Jethro Dumont/Green Lama
- Gunsmoke (1952-1953) - Various characters
- The Player - Narrator and all parts
Television
- Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color (1957-1968) - Ludwig Von Drake
- Rocky and Bullwinkle Show (1959-1964) - Boris Badenov, Inspector Fenwick
- The Flintstones - Various characters
Animation Voice Work
- Disney cartoons
- Jay Ward Productions cartoons
- Rankin/Bass holiday specials
- Hanna-Barbera productions
Commercials
- 7-Up (Fresh-Up Freddie)
- Pillsbury Doughboy
- Froot Loops (Toucan Sam)
Paul Frees's extraordinary vocal talents transformed the entertainment industry, making him a true legend of 20th-century broadcasting and animation.
