Casey Kasem
Actor
About Casey Kasem
Casey Kasem, born Kemal Amin Kasem, was primarily renowned as a radio broadcaster and voice actor rather than a classic cinema star. While he appeared in the 1972 film 'Doomsday Machine,' his career was predominantly focused on radio and television voice work. Kasem became an American cultural icon as the host of the nationally syndicated radio program 'American Top 40' from 1970 to 1988, and again from 1998 to 2004. His most enduring contribution to entertainment was as the original voice of Norville 'Shaggy' Rogers in the Scooby-Doo franchise from 1969 to 1997, with occasional returns to the role. He also voiced Robin in the 'Super Friends' animated series and numerous other cartoon characters. His distinctive warm, friendly voice made him one of the most recognizable voices in American media for decades. Despite his brief foray into live-action film with 'Doomsday Machine,' Kasem's legacy remains firmly rooted in radio broadcasting and voice acting rather than traditional cinema performance.
The Craft
On Screen
Primarily a voice actor known for his warm, friendly, and slightly neurotic vocal delivery as Shaggy, characterized by a distinctive timbre and comedic timing. His live-action acting was limited to minor roles.
Milestones
- Created and hosted American Top 40 radio show (1970-1988, 1998-2004)
- Voice of Shaggy in Scooby-Doo franchise (1969-1997, 2002-2009)
- Voice of Robin in Super Friends animated series
- Appeared in Doomsday Machine (1972)
- Inducted into National Radio Hall of Fame (1992)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Radio Hall of Fame Inductee (1992)
- Voice Actor of the Year (1992)
Nominated
- Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program (multiple nominations for Scooby-Doo)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (1981)
- National Radio Hall of Fame
- Voice Actor of the Year Award
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Casey Kasem's impact on American culture extends far beyond his brief film career. As the host of American Top 40, he shaped how Americans experienced popular music for decades, creating a national musical conversation that transcended regional boundaries. His catchphrase 'Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars' became an inspirational motto for millions of listeners. As the voice of Shaggy, he created one of animation's most enduring and beloved characters, influencing generations of voice actors and helping establish Scooby-Doo as a cultural phenomenon that continues to be rebooted and reimagined.
Lasting Legacy
Casey Kasem's legacy is primarily as a pioneer in radio broadcasting and one of the most recognizable voice actors in entertainment history. His work on American Top 40 revolutionized music radio programming and created a template for countdown shows that persists today. His portrayal of Shaggy remains the definitive version of the character, and his voice work influenced the entire field of voice acting. Despite his limited involvement in traditional cinema, his contributions to entertainment have had a lasting impact that continues to influence radio, television, and animation industries.
Who They Inspired
Kasem influenced countless radio hosts with his warm, conversational style and his ability to create intimate connections with listeners through the airwaves. In voice acting, his naturalistic approach to character voices, particularly his performance as Shaggy, demonstrated how voice actors could create fully realized personalities through vocal performance alone. Many contemporary voice actors cite his work as inspiration for their own careers.
Off Screen
Casey Kasem was married twice, first to Linda Myers from 1972 to 1979, with whom he had three children, and then to Jean Thompson in 1980, with whom he had one child. His later years were marked by a highly publicized family dispute over his care as he suffered from Lewy body dementia. His children from his first marriage were involved in a legal battle with his second wife over visitation rights and medical decisions during his final illness.
Education
Wayne State University (attended), Northwestern University (attended) - did not graduate from either
Family
- Linda Myers (1972-1979)
- Jean Thompson (1980-2014)
Did You Know?
- Was of Lebanese Druze descent
- His original career goal was to be a teacher
- Served in the U.S. Army
- Was a vegetarian and animal rights activist
- His famous sign-off on American Top 40 was 'And don't forget, for every hit record you hear, there are dozens more that didn't make it'
- Made cameo appearances as himself in numerous TV shows including 'The Simpsons' and 'Saved by the Bell'
- Was an avid collector of radio memorabilia
- His voice was used in over 100 commercials during his career
- Was a political activist, particularly for Arab-American causes
- His final voice performance as Shaggy was in 2009
In Their Own Words
Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.
And now, the number one song in the land!
Zoinks! - as Shaggy
Scooby-Doo-Doo! - as Shaggy
This is Casey Kasem, and I'm counting down the 40 hottest hits in the USA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Casey Kasem?
Casey Kasem was an American radio personality and voice actor, best known as the host of American Top 40 and as the voice of Shaggy in Scooby-Doo. While he appeared in the 1972 film Doomsday Machine, his career was primarily focused on radio broadcasting and voice work rather than traditional cinema acting.
What films is Casey Kasem best known for?
Casey Kasem's filmography was quite limited, with his most notable film appearance being in Doomsday Machine (1972). However, he was far more famous for his extensive voice work in animated films and TV shows, particularly the Scooby-Doo franchise, rather than live-action cinema.
When was Casey Kasem born and when did he die?
Casey Kasem was born on April 27, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan, and passed away on June 15, 2014, in Gig Harbor, Washington, at the age of 82 after suffering from Lewy body dementia.
What awards did Casey Kasem win?
Casey Kasem was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 1992, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1981, and won a Voice Actor of the Year award in 1992. He also received multiple Daytime Emmy nominations for his voice acting work.
What was Casey Kasem's acting style?
As a voice actor, Kasem was known for his warm, friendly delivery and his ability to create distinct character voices, particularly his nervous, slightly neurotic portrayal of Shaggy. His live-action acting was minimal, but his radio hosting style was conversational and intimate, creating a personal connection with millions of listeners.
Learn More
Films
1 film
