Sterling Holloway was an American actor known for his distinctive high-pitched voice. He gained fame for voicing characters in Disney films, particularly Winnie the Pooh, and appeared in many popular movies and TV shows throughout his long career.
Personal and Family Life
Sterling Price Holloway Jr. was born on January 14, 1905, in Cedartown, Georgia. He was the son of Sterling Price Holloway Sr. and Rebecca DeHaven. He had a younger brother named Boothby. Holloway started his career in comedy on stage before transitioning to film, where his unique looks and voice set him apart.
Career Highlights
In addition to his early work in silent films, Holloway became widely recognized for character roles in various genres. His major break came when he was cast against type as a soldier in the war film A Walk in the Sun (1945). He also became a familiar face on television, notably as Uncle Oscar in “Adventures of Superman.” His career peaked again when he lent his voice to iconic Disney characters, including Kaa the Snake and the Cheshire Cat.
Death and Legacy
Sterling Holloway passed away on November 22, 1992, in Los Angeles due to cardiac arrest. He left behind a rich legacy as a beloved voice actor and amusing character performer. Today, he is fondly remembered by fans of classic animation and film, especially for his role as Winnie the Pooh.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| American Madness | 1932-08-15 | Oscar (uncredited) |
| The Aristocats | 1970-11-13 | Roquefort (voice) |
| Blondie Johnson | 1933-02-25 | Red Charley |
| Make Mine Music | 1946-06-30 | Narrator (segment “Peter and the Wolf”) (voice) |
| Dumbo | 1941-10-31 | Mr. Stork (voice) |
| It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World | 1963-11-07 | Fire Chief |
| Mickey and the Beanstalk | 1947-09-27 | Narrator (voice) |
| Alice in Wonderland | 1951-07-28 | Cheshire Cat (voice) |
| The Jungle Book | 1967-10-18 | Kaa the Snake (voice) |
| Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too | 1974-09-20 | Winnie the Pooh (voice) |
| The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh | 1977-03-11 | Winnie the Pooh (voice) |
| …and many more | … | … |
