Disney Character Voices 30th Anniversary Celebration

Opening Remarks

• Host: Rick Dempsey, Senior VP of Character Voices
• Celebration of 30 years of Disney Character Voices
• Nostalgic look back at the history of Disney character voices

History of Disney Character Voices

• Started with Walt Disney voicing Mickey Mouse in the late 1920s
• Highlighted significance in 1980s with company growth
• Les Perkins started the official voice department to maintain consistency

Development of Voice Department

• 1983-84 Fantasyland project led to creation of a voice department
• Multiple people voicing single characters (e.g., Mickey Mouse) led to inconsistency
• Formal department crucial to integrity of characters

Key Figures & Voices

• Wayne Allwine as Mickey Mouse (1977)
• Tony Anselmo learned Donald Duck from original voice Clarence Nash
• Les Perkins, founder of the voice department
• Rusie Taylor voiced Minnie Mouse
• Bill Farmer discovered for Goofy

Consistency & Global Reach

• The department cast 119 sound-alikes in first year
• Ensured character voices were consistent across all media and globally (e.g., Bill Farmer voicing Goofy in German)

Special Moments and Contributions

• Wayne and Rusie: Their chemistry as voice actors, and personal relationship (marriage)
• Clarence Nash: His legacy and friendship with Tony Anselmo
• Impactful Events: Emotional fan stories showing character voice influence

Funny Incidents and Anecdotes

• Bill Farmer’s 'Goofy' experiences and mishaps (like spilling Coke on soundboard)
• Humorous stories from voice acting sessions

Introductions & Special Appearances

• Jim Cummings: Voice of Pete and many others, including Hondo in "Smuggler's Run"
• Contributions to numerous Disney characters and franchises

Additional Celebrations

• Several appearances by voice actors from various Disney films
• Reading scripts, performing songs, and discussing personal experiences

Princess Voices

• Paige O'Hara (Belle), Jodi Benson (Ariel), Linda Larkin (Jasmine), Anika Noni Rose (Tiana)
• Insight into becoming a Disney princess and the journey

Key Takeaways

• Dream Big: Importance of dreaming and striving for seemingly impossible goals
• Character and Legacy: The impact of consistent, authentic character voices
• Cultural Influence: The global influence and emotional significance of character voices

Highlight Performances

• Live performances of character voices and themes
• Emotional and humorous interactions between cast members and audience