Bill Thompson
Actor
About Bill Thompson
Bill Thompson was a prolific American voice actor and character actor who became one of the most recognizable voices in Golden Age animation. Born in Terre Haute, Indiana, Thompson began his entertainment career in radio before transitioning to voice work in the 1940s. He joined MGM's cartoon department where he became a regular voice talent for Tom and Jerry cartoons and other animated shorts. Thompson's versatility allowed him to voice numerous characters, from comical sidekicks to villains, and he developed a reputation for his ability to create distinct character voices. His career expanded beyond MGM to include extensive work for Disney, where he voiced iconic characters including the White Rabbit in 'Alice in Wonderland' and King Hubert in 'Sleeping Beauty.' Thompson also performed live-action roles and appeared in various television shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s. His distinctive voice can be heard in hundreds of cartoons and films, making him one of the most prolific voice actors of his generation.
The Craft
On Screen
Thompson was known for his remarkable vocal versatility and ability to create distinct character personalities through voice alone. He specialized in comedic character voices, often using various accents and speech patterns to bring animated characters to life. His style included precise enunciation, timing, and the ability to switch between multiple character voices seamlessly. Thompson's radio background gave him excellent microphone technique and an understanding of how voice alone could convey emotion and character.
Milestones
- Began voice work at MGM cartoon studio in the 1940s
- Voiced Droopy Dog in later Tom and Jerry cartoons
- Worked extensively for Disney in the 1950s
- Created the character 'Wallace Wimple' on Fibber McGee and Molly radio show
- Voiced numerous characters in Hanna-Barbera cartoons
- Transitioned successfully from radio to animation voice work
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Disney Legend Award (posthumous)
Nominated
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance (posthumous recognition)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (for voice work)
- Disney Legend Award (2008)
- Voice Actor Hall of Fame (inducted posthumously)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Bill Thompson's voice work helped define the sound of Golden Age animation, contributing to some of the most beloved animated films and cartoons of the 20th century. His portrayal of characters like the White Rabbit in Disney's 'Alice in Wonderland' became the definitive voice for generations of viewers. Thompson's work in radio and animation bridged two important entertainment media, demonstrating how voice acting could transcend different platforms. His ability to create memorable characters through voice alone influenced the entire field of voice acting, establishing standards for character vocalization that continue to influence voice actors today.
Lasting Legacy
Bill Thompson left an indelible mark on animation history through his extensive voice work in hundreds of cartoons and films. His characters remain beloved by audiences decades after their creation, and his voice performances continue to be referenced and studied by aspiring voice actors. Thompson's posthumous recognition as a Disney Legend cements his status as one of the pioneering voice actors who helped establish voice acting as a respected art form in the entertainment industry. His recordings are preserved in Disney's archives and continue to entertain new generations through film re-releases and home media.
Who They Inspired
Thompson influenced countless voice actors who followed, demonstrating the importance of vocal range and character development in voice performance. His work showed how voice actors could create lasting, iconic characters without physical appearance, paving the way for future voice-only performers. Many modern voice actors cite Thompson's versatility and character voices as inspiration for their own careers. His techniques for creating distinct character voices through pitch, timing, and accent became foundational elements of voice acting training.
Off Screen
Bill Thompson married Mary Jane Ramsdell in 1936, and they remained married until his death in 1971. The couple had no children. Thompson was known in the industry as a dedicated professional who rarely discussed his private life publicly. He lived primarily in the Los Angeles area during his career and maintained friendships with many voice actors and animators from the Golden Age of animation.
Education
Terre Haute High School, self-taught in voice acting and radio performance
Family
- Mary Jane Ramsdell (1936-1971)
Did You Know?
- Created the famous 'Wallace Wimple' character voice based on a real person he knew
- Often voiced multiple characters in the same cartoon
- Worked on over 200 Tom and Jerry cartoons
- His voice can be heard in every Disney animated feature from 1951-1970
- Began his career as a radio announcer in Indiana
- Was one of the few voice actors to work regularly for both MGM and Disney
- Could perform over 20 different character voices
- Never took formal voice training - learned through practice and radio experience
- Was known for his professionalism and reliability in recording sessions
- Continued working until shortly before his death from cancer
In Their Own Words
The secret to good voice work is making the character real in your mind first
In radio, you had to create everything with your voice - that training was invaluable for cartoons
I never thought of myself as famous, just as someone who loved bringing characters to life
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Bill Thompson?
Bill Thompson was a prolific American voice actor during the Golden Age of animation, known for voicing hundreds of characters in MGM cartoons and Disney films, including the White Rabbit in 'Alice in Wonderland' and various Tom and Jerry characters.
What films is Bill Thompson best known for?
Thompson is best known for his voice work in Disney's 'Alice in Wonderland' (1951), 'Sleeping Beauty' (1959), 'Lady and the Tramp' (1955), and his extensive contributions to the Tom and Jerry cartoon series at MGM.
When was Bill Thompson born and when did he die?
Bill Thompson was born on July 8, 1910, in Terre Haute, Indiana, and died on July 15, 1971, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 61.
What awards did Bill Thompson win?
Bill Thompson was posthumously honored with a Disney Legend Award in 2008 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to voice acting in animation.
What was Bill Thompson's acting style?
Thompson was renowned for his exceptional vocal versatility, able to create distinct character voices with different accents, pitches, and personalities. His radio background gave him precise timing and the ability to convey emotion through voice alone.
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Films
1 film
