Donald Novis
Actor
About Donald Novis
Donald Novis was a celebrated tenor and actor whose career spanned the worlds of radio, musical theater, and early sound cinema. Born in England and raised in Canada and California, he first gained national prominence after winning the Atwater Kent National Radio Audition in 1928, which launched his professional singing career. His crystalline tenor voice made him a natural fit for the 'operetta' style popular in early 1930s Hollywood, leading to his film debut in Ernst Lubitsch's 'Monte Carlo' (1930). Throughout the 1930s, he balanced film appearances with a prolific radio career, appearing on programs like 'The Billy Rose Show' and 'Fibber McGee and Molly.' He is perhaps most immortalized in film history as the voice behind the Academy Award-nominated song 'Love Is a Song' from Walt Disney's 'Bambi' (1942). Novis also enjoyed a successful stage career, notably starring in the original 1935 Broadway production of 'Jumbo' at the New York Hippodrome. Later in life, he became a fixture at Disneyland, performing for many years at the Golden Horseshoe Revue, cementing his status as a versatile entertainer across multiple mediums.
The Craft
On Screen
Novis was primarily a 'singer-actor' whose performances were characterized by a formal, earnest, and lyrical quality typical of the early sound era's musical films. His screen presence was often described as boyish and charming, serving as a vehicle for his technically proficient and emotive tenor voice. In his comedic shorts and stage work, he displayed a lighthearted, affable persona that resonated well with Depression-era audiences seeking escapism.
Milestones
- Winner of the Atwater Kent National Radio Audition in 1928, receiving a $5,000 prize and a scholarship.
- Film debut in the Ernst Lubitsch musical 'Monte Carlo' (1930).
- Starring role in the Broadway circus-musical 'Jumbo' (1935) directed by John Murray Anderson.
- Recorded the iconic opening song 'Love Is a Song' for Disney's 'Bambi' (1942).
- Long-running headliner at the Golden Horseshoe Revue in Disneyland starting in 1955.
- Featured vocalist for the Guy Lombardo orchestra during the early 1930s.
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Atwater Kent National Radio Audition First Prize (1928)
Nominated
- The song he performed, 'Love Is a Song' from Bambi, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song (1943).
Special Recognition
- Recognized as one of the premier radio tenors of the 1930s Golden Age of Radio.
- Inducted into the 'Disney Legends' sphere of influence for his contributions to early Disney music and Disneyland entertainment.
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Donald Novis represented the 'Golden Age' tenor, a vocal style that bridged the gap between classical opera and popular crooning. His victory in the Atwater Kent competition was a major cultural event of the late 1920s, signaling the power of radio to create overnight national stars. By lending his voice to 'Bambi,' he contributed to one of the most enduring pieces of animation history, influencing the way music was used to set the atmospheric tone in feature-length cartoons.
Lasting Legacy
Novis is remembered as a versatile pioneer of early sound media. His legacy lives on through his recordings of 1930s popular standards and his association with the early years of Disneyland's live entertainment. He remains a significant figure for historians of both the Great Depression-era radio and the evolution of the Hollywood musical film.
Who They Inspired
His clear, vibrato-rich tenor influenced the 'sweet' style of big band singing and set a standard for the romantic male vocalists who followed in the mid-20th century musical theater scene.
Off Screen
Novis moved from England to Ontario, Canada as a child before his family settled in Whittier, California. He was known to be a dedicated professional who transitioned smoothly from the high-pressure world of live radio to the emerging sound film industry. He was married to Julietta Novis, and they remained together until his death in 1966.
Education
Whittier College, California
Family
- Julietta Novis (m. 1929-1966)
Did You Know?
- He was the first person to ever sing 'Love Is a Song' for the Disney film 'Bambi'.
- Novis appeared in several 'Musical Justice' shorts for Paramount in the early 1930s.
- He was a regular on the 'Fibber McGee and Molly' radio show for several seasons.
- He performed over 5,000 shows at the Golden Horseshoe Revue in Disneyland.
- Novis was an accomplished athlete in college before turning to professional singing.
- He recorded for the famous Victor and Decca record labels during their peak years.
- His voice was often used to dub other actors in early musicals when their own singing voices were deemed insufficient.
In Their Own Words
Winning the Atwater Kent was the door that opened the world to me; I went from a college student to a national voice in a single night.
Singing for Walt Disney was a unique challenge because the voice had to carry the emotion of the forest, not just the lyrics of the song.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Donald Novis?
Donald Novis was a prominent British-American tenor and actor who rose to fame in the late 1920s and 1930s. He is best known for his work in early musical films, his extensive radio career, and for singing the opening theme of Disney's 'Bambi'.
What films is Donald Novis best known for?
He is best known for his role in Ernst Lubitsch's 'Monte Carlo' (1930), 'The Big Broadcast' (1932), and providing the vocals for 'Bambi' (1942). He also starred in numerous musical short films during the early 1930s.
When was Donald Novis born and when did they die?
Donald Novis was born on March 3, 1906, in Hastings, England, and passed away on July 23, 1966, in Norwalk, California.
What awards did Donald Novis win?
His most significant early achievement was winning the Atwater Kent National Radio Audition in 1928. While he did not win an Oscar personally, the song he performed in 'Bambi' received an Academy Award nomination.
What was Donald Novis's singing style?
Novis possessed a high, lyrical tenor voice with exceptional clarity and a classical foundation. This style was perfect for the operettas and romantic ballads that dominated the radio and film airwaves during the 1930s.
Learn More
Films
1 film
