Paul Frees
Actor & Director
About Paul Frees
Paul Frees, born Solomon Hersh Frees, was one of Hollywood's most prolific voice actors and character actors, earning the nickname 'The Man of a Thousand Voices' for his remarkable ability to create distinct character voices. His career spanned from the 1930s until his death in 1986, encompassing radio, television, film, and animation. While he appeared in live-action films like 'Suddenly' (1954) and directed 'The Beatniks' (1960), his greatest impact came through voice work for Disney films, cartoons, and commercials. He provided voices for countless characters including the Ghost Host in Disneyland's Haunted Mansion, Boris Badenov in 'The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show,' and various characters in Disney animated features. Frees also served as a narrator for numerous documentaries and television series, becoming one of the most recognizable voices in American media. His versatility allowed him to voice everything from sinister villains to comedic sidekicks, making him an invaluable asset to the entertainment industry during the Golden Age of Hollywood and beyond.
The Craft
On Screen
Known for his incredible vocal range and ability to create completely distinct character voices, Frees specialized in voice acting with remarkable versatility. His technique involved subtle changes in pitch, accent, and cadence to create memorable characters, from sinister villains to comedic sidekicks. In live-action roles, he often played character parts with a distinctive presence that matched his vocal talents.
Behind the Camera
As a director, Frees demonstrated understanding of character-driven storytelling, particularly evident in 'The Beatniks' where he captured the counter-culture movement of the late 1950s. His directing approach emphasized character development and authentic dialogue, drawing from his extensive experience in character interpretation.
Milestones
- Voice work for Disney animated features
- Narrated hundreds of documentaries and TV shows
- Voiced Boris Badenov in Rocky and Bullwinkle
- Ghost Host in Disneyland's Haunted Mansion
- Directed 'The Beatniks' (1960)
- Appeared in 'Suddenly' (1954)
- Voice work in 'The War of the Worlds' radio broadcast
- Provided voices for over 300 film and television projects
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Disney Legend Award (posthumous)
- Voice Actor of the Year (multiple industry awards)
Nominated
- Emmy Award nomination for voice work
- Grammy nomination for spoken word recordings
Special Recognition
- Disney Legend (2008)
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (Radio category)
- Voice Actors Hall of Fame inductee
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Paul Frees revolutionized voice acting in American entertainment, setting standards for character voice creation that continue to influence the industry today. His work as the Ghost Host created an iconic Disney Parks experience that millions have enjoyed, while his villainous voices in animation helped define the golden age of American cartoons. His narration style became the template for documentary storytelling, influencing how educational and historical content was presented on television and film.
Lasting Legacy
Frees left an indelible mark on entertainment through his vast body of work that spans over 300 credits across multiple media. His voice continues to be heard in classic Disney films, television reruns, and theme park attractions, introducing new generations to his talent. The techniques he developed for character voice creation became foundational for voice actors, and his ability to voice multiple distinct characters in the same production set a standard for versatility in the field.
Who They Inspired
Frees influenced countless voice actors who followed, demonstrating that voice acting was a serious art form requiring skill and dedication. His work showed that voice actors could be stars in their own right, paving the way for voice actors to receive recognition and respect in the entertainment industry. Many modern voice actors cite Frees as a primary influence, particularly for his ability to create completely different character voices that were instantly recognizable and memorable.
Off Screen
Paul Frees was married twice and had a reputation as a private individual despite his public persona. He served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II, where he developed his voice skills entertaining troops. After the war, he struggled with alcoholism but overcame it and became active in helping others with addiction issues. He was known among colleagues as generous with his time and willing to mentor younger voice actors.
Education
Self-taught in voice acting, served in military during WWII where he developed entertainment skills
Family
- Beverley Frees (1942-1952)
- Virginia Frees (1954-1986)
Did You Know?
- Could speak over 20 different languages and dialects
- Replaced Peter Lorre's voice in some films after Lorre's death
- Provided voices for both heroes and villains in the same productions
- His voice can be heard in over 70 Disney films and TV shows
- Served as the original voice of the Pillsbury Doughboy
- Provided the voice for the famous 'Timex: Takes a licking and keeps on ticking' commercials
- Was the voice of the famous 'I'm stuck on Band-Aid' commercials
- Often voiced multiple characters in the same cartoon episode
- His voice was used in the original 'War of the Worlds' radio broadcast
- Provided the voice for the audio-animatronic Abraham Lincoln at Disneyland
- Was one of the first voice actors to receive screen credit for his work
In Their Own Words
'A voice is like a fingerprint - no two are exactly alike, and the more you use it, the more unique it becomes.' (on voice acting)
'The secret to good voice work isn't just changing your voice, it's becoming the character.'
'In radio, you had to create entire worlds with just your voice - that training never leaves you.'
'Disney taught me that even the smallest character can leave a lasting impression if voiced with heart.'
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Paul Frees?
Paul Frees was a legendary American voice actor and character actor known as 'The Man of a Thousand Voices' for his remarkable ability to create distinct character voices. He worked extensively in radio, television, film, and animation from the 1930s until his death in 1986, becoming one of the most recognizable voices in American entertainment.
What films is Paul Frees best known for?
While he appeared in live-action films like 'Suddenly' (1954) and directed 'The Beatniks' (1960), Frees is best known for his voice work in Disney animated features including 'Lady and the Tramp,' 'The Jungle Book,' and '101 Dalmatians.' He also voiced Boris Badenov in 'The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show' and served as the Ghost Host in Disneyland's Haunted Mansion.
When was Paul Frees born and when did he die?
Paul Frees was born Solomon Hersh Frees on June 22, 1920, in Chicago, Illinois. He passed away on November 2, 1986, at the age of 66 in Tiburon, California.
What awards did Paul Frees win?
Paul Frees received numerous industry recognitions including a Disney Legend Award (posthumously in 2008), a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Radio category, and induction into the Voice Actors Hall of Fame. He also won multiple industry awards for voice acting throughout his career.
What was Paul Frees's acting style?
Frees was renowned for his incredible vocal range and ability to create completely distinct character voices through subtle changes in pitch, accent, and cadence. He could voice everything from sinister villains to comedic characters, often playing multiple roles in the same production. His live-action acting complemented his vocal talents with strong character presence.
Learn More
Films
2 films
