Donnie Dunagan, Original Voice of Bambi, Dies at 92

Donnie Dunagan, who provided the original voice of Disney’s Bambi, died Wednesday, Nov. 4, of lung cancer, his agents confirmed to Variety. He was 92.

“We were proud to represent a Marine, beloved by fans around the world for his roles in ‘Bambi’ and ‘Son of Frankenstein,'” his agents Kris Jones and Nery Lemus of CelebWorx told Variety. “While he asked us (in his words) ‘not to be sad due to the great life I lived,’ it would be amiss not to share the impact that Donnie had on people when they met him. His love for life was shown through his encouragement. He knew how to inspire and inspired us to be the best we could be. He had an infectious smile, a warmth and charisma that never shook the child-like spirit of his acting youth. He rallied other veterans, loved his fans, and above all else, loved his wife. We will always love you Donnie. You were the best of us.”

Dunagan was born August 16, 1934, in San Antonio, Texas, but his family soon moved to Hollywood after a talent agent scouted him when he was three years old. He made his film debut in “Mary Carey’s Chickens” in 1938 and then played Peter von Frankenstein in 1939’s “Son of Frankenstein” (the grandson of the original mad scientist turned monster creator). He also appeared in “The Forgotten Woman” (1939), “Tower of London” (1939), “Vigil in the Night” (1940) and “Meet the Chump” (1941). In 1942, he voiced young Bambi’s in Disney’s beloved animated movie.

After “Bambi,” Dunagan enlisted in the U.S. Marines and became the youngest drill sergeants in Corps history. He served three tours in Vietnam and retired as a major in 1977. For his service, he received a Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts.