Joe Alaskey

Joe Alaskey was an American actor known for his incredible voice acting skills, particularly in roles like Grandpa Lou Pickles in “Rugrats,” Daffy Duck in various Looney Tunes projects, and Uncle Beano in “Out of This World.” He was recognized as one of the leading voice actors of his time, bringing beloved cartoon characters to life.

Personal and Family Life

Joe Alaskey was born on April 17, 1952, in Troy, New York. He was of Italian descent through his mother, Domenica De Lucas De Sorrento Alaskey, and was raised in a Roman Catholic household. He had one sibling named John Ned Alaskey. Before pursuing a career in acting, he briefly considered entering the priesthood.

Career

Alaskey started his career in comedy, impressively mimicking voices, which eventually led him to be discovered by animation legend Friz Freleng. He became well-known for his work in various animated films and television shows, ensuring that the legacy of classic characters continued. His longest-running role was as Uncle Beano in “Out of This World,” which showcased his talent in live-action comedy as well.

Death and Legacy

Joe Alaskey passed away on February 3, 2016, in Green Island, New York, after battling cancer. His death marked the loss of a beloved figure in the animation and voice acting community. Alaskey’s ability to imitate the characters created by the late Mel Blanc ensured that his contributions to animation would always be remembered.

Filmography