Dick Jones
An American actor who achieved some success as a child actor and as a young adult, especially in B-Westerns and television. He is probably best known as the voice of Pinocchio in the 1940 Walt Disney film.
In the golden age of radio and early Hollywood, few performers captured the essence of youthful charm quite like Dick Jones. A prodigy who transitioned seamlessly between radio, film, and voice acting, Jones became an iconic voice of mid-20th century entertainment, most famously immortalized as the original voice of Pinocchio in Disney's landmark animated film.
Early Years and Remarkable Childhood Beginnings
Born Richard Percy Jones on February 25, 1927, in Snyder, Texas, Dick Jones was destined for an extraordinary career from an incredibly young age. The son of a newspaper editor, Jones demonstrated remarkable talents that set him apart from his peers. By the age of four, he was already billing himself as the "World's Youngest Trick Rider and Trick Roper," showcasing an extraordinary range of skills that would define his early career.
At just six years old, Jones caught the attention of a Hollywood star who recognized his potential. Convinced by this mentor that young Dick should pursue a career in entertainment, Jones and his mother moved to Hollywood. His good looks, energetic personality, and pleasant voice quickly secured him small parts in various productions, launching what would become a remarkable career in entertainment.
Radio and Early Acting Breakthrough
Jones's radio career took off remarkably early. At fifteen, he took over the role on the hit radio show The Aldrich Family, demonstrating his ability to portray youthful characters with authenticity and charm. This period marked a significant transition for Jones, who was not just a child actor but a versatile performer capable of capturing the nuances of adolescent characters.
His radio work coincided with a burgeoning film career. Jones appeared in numerous productions, often playing young characters in westerns and other genre films. His ability to transition between radio microphones and film sets made him a unique talent of his generation.
The Voice of Pinocchio and Animation Legacy
Perhaps Jones's most enduring contribution to entertainment came in 1940 when he voiced Pinocchio in Disney's animated classic. This role would define much of his later career and legacy, establishing him as a pivotal figure in animation history. At the time, voicing an animated character was a relatively new and specialized skill, and Jones brought remarkable depth and innocence to the character.
Beyond Pinocchio, Jones continued to work in animation and live-action films, demonstrating remarkable versatility. He appeared in numerous productions throughout the 1940s and 1950s, including western television series and various film roles.
Later Career and Transition
As he matured, Jones continued to find work in the entertainment industry. By 1951, he was billed as Dick Jones and starred in western television series, including a notable sidekick role in a Gene Autry production. He was given his own series, Range Rider in 1955, which ran for forty-two episodes.
His final acting role came in 1965, marking the end of a career that spanned several decades and multiple entertainment mediums. Throughout his career, Jones successfully navigated the changing landscape of radio, film, and television.
Personal Life and Legacy
Jones married his wife Betty in 1948, and they had four children. He remained married until his death in 2014. Notably, at the time of his passing, he was the last surviving cast member of the original Pinocchio film.
In recognition of his contributions to entertainment, Jones was named a Disney Legend in 2000, a testament to his significant impact on animation and storytelling.
Works and Appearances
Radio
- The Aldrich Family (mid-1940s)
Film
- Pinocchio (1940) - Voice of Pinocchio
- Range Rider (1951-1953) - Dick West
- Cliff Fletcher (1965) - Final film role
Television
- Various western series in the 1950s
- Guest appearances on multiple shows
Dick Jones's career represents a remarkable journey through the evolving landscape of mid-20th century entertainment, bridging radio, film, and animation with remarkable skill and charm.
