VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

KaraEdwards · Posted: Wed May 20, 2009 11:52 am Post subject: Wayne Allwine, RIP

Please forgive me if this has been posted somewhere- I didn't see it. I've just read that Wayne Allwine passed away Monday. He was most well-known as the modern day voice of Mickey Mouse. What a talent, what a great man.

His Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayne_Allwine
His IMDb page: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0021656/

I had the pleasure of meeting Wayne on more than one occasion while working for Radio Disney and other radio stations. The day, many years ago, that I sat across the table from Wayne and his wonderful wife Russi Taylor (the voice of Minnie Mouse) and watched as they brought those characters to life- I knew I had to be a voice actor. He will really be missed.

Again, what a great man.
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craigcrumpton · Posted: Wed May 20, 2009 12:51 pm Post subject:

I did a blog post on this very early this morning, and hope to find time to do a proper tribute article to him later this week.

I wish I'd had the chance to meet him. I had an audition for a Mickey soundalike back in September 2005 for which I had to match two whole scenes of dialog from a Mickey cartoon which featured Wayne's voice. It was my first-ever audition for a soundalike, and I foolishly thought it would be an easy audition since I'd been imitating Mickey for fun for years.

I quickly discovered there was so much more to it than just a simple imitation. Having to match Wayne's exact performance proved extremely difficult, and I gained a much greater respect and admiration for his talent as a result.
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Lee Gordon · Posted: Wed May 20, 2009 2:32 pm Post subject:

It's actually just cool knowing that the voices of Mickey and Minnie were married in real life.
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KaraEdwards · Posted: Wed May 20, 2009 2:49 pm Post subject:

Married 18 years I believe. They were the most dynamic, joyful, beautiful couple I've ever met. They truly loved their jobs, and clearly- each other.

Wayne would walk around with his little guitar and sing songs as Mickey Mouse- it was unbelievable. I remember 'interviewing' Mickey and Minnie on the air (twice!)- and not being able to think of any questions because I was so truly awe struck at the pair in front of me. They would just jabber on- I never really had to say a word, just sit and listen. I feel very fortunate to have the memories I do...someday I will find a way to let Russi know just how much they inspired me.

My heart is just so heavy with the news, and my prayers are with Russi, their families, and all of their friends. Something tells me he had many, many friends.
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Eddie Eagle · M&M Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 2393

What a neat story. Sure will miss him!

craigcrumpton · Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 12:04 am Post subject:

Kara, please tell me you're planning to share these stories on your blog soon? I'd like to link to it in the tribute article I'm writing.
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voicy1stef · Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 2:30 am Post subject:

Wow kara, what an honour to personally know them. that's a real piece of voiceover history. It's fantastic. Blessings to his spirit!
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Moe Egan · Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 5:02 am Post subject:

Thanks for posting Kara. He will be missed...and what a great love story. Didn't they keep their romance a secret for a long while, cause they didn't want to cause waves at Disney?
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KaraEdwards · Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 9:27 am Post subject:

Moe- it seems I remember hearing that. I know they first met at the audition.

Craig- I will absolutely be writing a blog. I'm actually on the plane now to Raleigh, NC- so I'll start trying to get my thoughts together. I look forward to reading your tribute!
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Jeffers · Guest

Oh Sad!
When I had heard that Mickey & Minnie were amrried in real life I had thought it was so cool!
He will be missed and my thoughts and prayers are with Russi & family!
Frown

Jeffers

Jeffers · Guest

I found this You Tube Video for Wayne & Russi talking Mickey & Minnie it is part 3 of 3. I just watched the whole thing and it rocks!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeMC1nb8lz4&e
In this section they talk about Mickey & Minnie as a couple and themselves as a couple! Cool Stuff!
April Winchell has a great post on her site as well. (This is where I found the first part of the video!)

Jeffers

bobsouer · Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 9:20 pm Post subject:

Very sad news indeed. Cry

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