Ken Nordine was an American actor who is best known for his deep voice work, creative spoken-word albums, and narration for various media. He gained significant popularity during the beatnik jazz and poetry movement in the 1950s, with his unique projects and contributions.
Personal and Family Life
Ken Nordine was born on April 13, 1920, in Cherokee, Iowa, to the son of an architect. He attended Lane Technical College Prep High School and the University of Chicago. He married Beryl Vaughan on July 27, 1945, and they had three sons together. The couple remained together until Beryl’s passing in 2016.
Career Highlights
With a captivating baritone voice, Nordine’s work spanned various platforms, including radio and TV. He is known for his albums like “Word Jazz,” which featured his inventive spoken-word performances over jazz music. His narration was also heard in the documentary short “Against the Tide” and he coached Linda Blair for her role in “The Exorcist.” Throughout his career, he provided voiceovers for numerous commercials and trailers, especially in the 1970s and 1980s.
Death and Legacy
Ken Nordine passed away at the age of 98 on February 16, 2019, in Chicago, Illinois. His legacy lives on through his iconic voice work and innovative contributions to spoken-word art. Fans remember him not just for his voice but also for his creative spirit and influence on modern poetry and jazz.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Revolution – A Demonstration of the Video Toaster | 1992-01-01 | |
| Fearless Frank | 1969-12-10 | The Storytelling Stranger |
| Story of the Christmas Carol | 1955-12-22 | Narrator |
| Worth How Many Words | 1968-01-01 | Narrator |