Hans Conried was a versatile and prolific actor, comedian and voice artist who entertained audiences for over four decades. He was known for his distinctive voice, sharp wit and impeccable timing. He voiced iconic characters such as Captain Hook in Disney’s Peter Pan, Snidely Whiplash in Dudley Do-Right, and Dr. Seuss’s The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. He also appeared in numerous movies, TV shows, radio programs and stage plays, often stealing the scene with his comic flair. He was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, admired by his peers and fans alike. But how did he die, and what was his legacy?
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Early Life and Career
Hans Conried was born on April 15, 1917, in Baltimore, Maryland, to parents Edith Beryl and Hans Georg Conried. His mother was a descendant of Pilgrims, and his father was a Jewish immigrant from Vienna, Austria. He was raised in Baltimore and New York City, where he developed a love for theater and literature. He studied acting at Columbia University and went on to play major classical roles onstage. He made his Broadway debut in 1937, and joined Orson Welles’ Mercury Theatre Company the following year.
He moved to Hollywood in 1938, and began his film career with small roles in movies such as The Great Dictator, The Wolf Man, and It’s a Wonderful World. He also became a regular on radio, where he showcased his talent for dialects and impressions. He worked with stars such as Edgar Bergen, Jack Benny, George Burns and Gracie Allen, and Orson Welles. He also created memorable characters such as Professor Kropotkin on My Friend Irma, and Uncle Tonoose on Make Room for Daddy.
Voice Work and Animation
Conried’s distinctive voice and expressive delivery made him a natural choice for animation. He started doing voice work for cartoons in the 1940s, working with studios such as Warner Bros., MGM, and Walter Lantz. He voiced characters such as Wally Walrus, Tweety’s owner, and the Mad Hatter. He also narrated several shorts and documentaries, such as The Tell-Tale Heart, The Story of Menstruation, and Design for Death.
He reached the peak of his voice career in 1953, when he voiced both George Darling and Captain Hook in Disney’s Peter Pan. He gave a memorable performance as the pompous and villainous pirate, who was constantly tormented by Peter Pan and his nemesis, the crocodile. He also sang the catchy song, “A Pirate’s Life for Me”. He later reprised his role as Captain Hook in several TV specials and records.
He also worked with Jay Ward, the creator of Rocky and Bullwinkle, and voiced several characters in his shows, such as Snidely Whiplash, the evil nemesis of Dudley Do-Right, Professor Waldo P. Wigglesworth, the scheming mentor of Hoppity Hooper, and Cloyd, the moon man. He also hosted Ward’s Fractured Flickers, a spoof of silent movies.
He also collaborated with Dr. Seuss, whom he had met during World War II, when they worked on propaganda films together. He voiced the title character in The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T, a musical fantasy film written by Dr. Seuss. He also narrated several animated adaptations of Dr. Seuss’s books, such as Horton Hears a Who!, The Cat in the Hat, and The Lorax.
Later Years and Death
Conried continued to work in movies, TV, and theater until his death. He appeared in films such as The Shaggy Dog, The Monster That Challenged the World, and The Cat from Outer Space. He also guest-starred in many TV shows, such as I Love Lucy, The Twilight Zone, The Munsters, Gilligan’s Island, and The Love Boat. He also performed on stage, starring in musicals such as Can-Can, The King and I, and The Sound of Music.
He died on January 5, 1982, in Burbank, California, from a heart attack. He was 64 years old. He was survived by his wife, Margaret Grant, whom he had married in 1942, and their four children. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean.
Legacy and Influence
Hans Conried was a versatile and talented performer, who left a lasting impression on generations of audiences. He was praised by his colleagues and critics for his comedic genius and his ability to bring any character to life. He was also a generous and kind person, who mentored many young actors and supported various causes. He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was inducted into the Disney Legends in 2004.
He influenced many actors and comedians, who admired his work and style. Some of his admirers include Robin Williams, Jim Carrey, Tim Curry, and John Lithgow. His voice work also inspired many voice actors, such as Frank Welker, Corey Burton, and Jeff Bennett.
Hans Conried was a legend in the entertainment industry, who left behind a rich and diverse body of work. He was a master of comedy, drama, and animation, who entertained and delighted millions of people. He was a true artist, who used his voice as his instrument, and his imagination as his canvas. He was Hans Conried, and he was one of a kind.
