Daws Butler was an American actor known for his distinctive voice work in animation, most notably for characters like Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound, and Quick-Draw McGraw. Born on November 16, 1916, in Toledo, Ohio, he became one of Hollywood’s top voice-over talents, enchanting audiences with his comedic and creative performances throughout the mid-20th century.
Personal and Family Life
Daws Butler grew up in Oak Park, Illinois, where he initially wanted to be a cartoonist. However, his talent for voice acting and mimicry led him down a different path. In 1943, he married Myrtis Martin, and they had four children together. Despite his shy nature, he found joy in performing and often took on various roles in local amateur contests to work through his shyness.
Career and Accomplishments
Butler began his entertainment career in Chicago theaters and later transitioned to radio, where he showcased his range of dialects and vocal characterizations. He gained popularity for his role in the television puppet show “Time for Beany” and collaborated with notable figures like Stan Freberg in creating memorable comedy records. His partnership with Hanna-Barbera Productions in the late 1950s solidified his legacy, where he voiced several iconic characters, becoming a staple in American animation.
Death and Legacy
Daws Butler passed away on May 18, 1988, due to a heart attack. At the time of his death, he had just completed voice work for multiple Yogi Bear films and TV shows. His influence on voice acting continues to be felt, with many actors citing him as an inspiration, and his characters remain beloved by fans of all ages.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Woody Woodpecker and Friends | 1982-01-02 | Various Voices |
| Hey There, It’s Yogi Bear! | 1964-06-03 | Yogi Bear / Ranger Tom / Airplane Pilot (voice) |
| The Jetsons Meet the Flintstones | 1987-11-15 | Elroy Jetson / W.C. Cogswell / Henry Orbit (voice) |
| Gift Wrapped | 1952-02-16 | Narrator (voice) (uncredited) |
| Jerry and the Goldfish | 1951-03-03 | Radio Chef François (voice) |
| Barbecue Brawl | 1956-12-14 | Spike (voice) |
| Love That Pup | 1949-10-01 | Spike (voice) (uncredited) |
| 90 Day Wondering | 1956-12-01 | Ralph Phillips (voice) (uncredited) |
| Mucho Mouse | 1957-09-06 | Tom / Lightning (voice) |
| Boyhood Daze | 1957-04-20 | Headquarters Commander, President, Jail Officer, Ralph’s Father |
| The Huckleberry Hound Show | 1958-09-29 | Huckleberry Hound (voice) / Yogi Bear (voice) / Dixie (voice) |
| Yogi Bear | 1961-01-30 | Yogi Bear (voice) / Snagglepuss (voice) |
| Quick Draw McGraw | 1959-09-29 | Quick Draw/Baba Looey |
| Yogi’s Space Race | 1978-09-09 | Huckleberry Hound (voice) |
| Galaxy Goof-Ups | 1978-09-09 | Yogi Bear/Huckleberry Hound (voice) |