Bambi Voice, 'Son of Frankenstein' Actor Was 92
The Hollywood Reporter • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Donnie Dunagan, the original voice of Bambi and a U.S. Marine decorated with three Purple Hearts, died at age 92 from lung cancer.
- Dunagan began his acting career as a child, appearing in several films including Son of Frankenstein and Tower of London, before being selected by Walt Disney to voice Bambi in the 1942 animated classic.
- After his Hollywood career, Dunagan served 25 years in the Marine Corps, becoming the youngest drill instructor in history and earning multiple military honors for his service in Vietnam.
- He kept his acting past a secret during his military career due to modesty and fear of ridicule, only later reconnecting with Disney as an ambassador for the company.
- Dunagan is survived by his wife Dana; he expressed pride in being remembered as the voice of Bambi and the joy it brought to children and families.
