A History of Voiceover
Posted by Bobbin Beam at 11/2/2011 
Categories: Animation, Film, Voice Over, Video Games, Voiceover, Voice Acting
Tags: Disney celebrities in VO Character voices
Categories: Animation, Film, Voice Over, Video Games, Voiceover, Voice Acting
Tags: Disney celebrities in VO Character voices
In various VO chat spaces, there's been lively and animated discussion about celebrities in voiceover, more recently in animated features and video games. I don't get excited like some of my contemporaries do. Casting is something over which I have no control.
However, that said....
An extremely interesting read is this article on the recent "celebrification" of the voiceover industry in general, citing some interesting historical notes on the roots of voice over.
How celebrities took over...
Yes...the above article is downright fascinating, as it traces the breakout use of celebs to about 20 years ago, with Disney's "Aladdin", featuring Robin Williams as the infamous Genie.
I recall other Disney animated features: 1970's "The Aristocats". and Eva Gabor as Duchess. And even further back to 1955 and celebrity & singer Peggy Lee in Lady and the Tramp.
Fellow voice talent Scott Reyns takes the history of voiceover on with his blog post, which includes a nice visual in the form of an infographic, going back 150 years .
If you're a voice actor, or a fan of it all, check out the above links as educational and entertaining information not to be missed.
However, that said....
An extremely interesting read is this article on the recent "celebrification" of the voiceover industry in general, citing some interesting historical notes on the roots of voice over.
How celebrities took over...
Yes...the above article is downright fascinating, as it traces the breakout use of celebs to about 20 years ago, with Disney's "Aladdin", featuring Robin Williams as the infamous Genie.
I recall other Disney animated features: 1970's "The Aristocats". and Eva Gabor as Duchess. And even further back to 1955 and celebrity & singer Peggy Lee in Lady and the Tramp.
Fellow voice talent Scott Reyns takes the history of voiceover on with his blog post, which includes a nice visual in the form of an infographic, going back 150 years .
If you're a voice actor, or a fan of it all, check out the above links as educational and entertaining information not to be missed.
Cheers much for the nod, Bobbin!
Hi Scott,
And thank you for all that work and research you put into your findings. I loved the infographic. Great job!
Best,
Bobbin