Mel Blanc on How He Created His Iconic Voices | Carson Tonight Show

Original Airdate: May 26, 1983
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[@Retaile23]

When Mel Blanc passed, Warner Brothers had a Billboard with all the characters and a vacant microphone stand. Titled "Speechless". Truly a part of our childhood.

[@GREATEternalWarrior]

😢emotional W Warner Bros

[@RicciBilotta]

I've been pronouncing Mels' name as "Blank". But its different. It's pronounced "Blaa-nc".

[@noeticresearch]

Very nice and appropriate! They also did a tribute to Charles "Chuck" Jones, the Director, animator, and painter. The same cartoon characters surrounded a desk where he did his drawings and a Director's chair with his name on it. What an awesome childhood gift with Mel Blanc and Chuck Jones and the entire Warner Brothers animation team! ❤

[@marcmywords6970]

I remember seeing that billboard in Hollywood..

[@juliegoldman411]

On his gravestone it reads 'that's all folks'

[@clintoruss153]

This guy is literally one in a billion, an absolute genius, insane talent, he is the greatest of all time in his chosen field.

[@CBMOA]

One in a googolplex if you ask me

[@nsasupporter7557]

@@LooneyVoices6398Dan Castellaneta comes close to him

[@fml5910]

Add Robin Williams to that list.

[@jay-day]

He pretty much created the genre

[@warrenmusselman9173]

There is no voice actor who will be as universally revered as Mel Blanc. The voice of my childhood.

[@frank234561]

Billy West comes pretty close. He's also done Bugs as well.

[@echoecho3108]

I grew up with Mel Blanc and June Foray. In an interview, Mel was asked what he thought of people referring to June Foray as 'the Female Mel Blanc'. Mel replied, 'I've often thought of myself as the Male June Foray'. Both started in radio. We all know who Mel voiced. June is Witch Hazel and Granny for Warner Brothers, and Rocky Squirrel and Natasha for Jay Ward, among others. Both are missed. RIP, Mel and June, and thanx so very much for my childhood. (edit for typo)

[@rolandofgilead43]

@@echoecho3108 i was always a huge fan of Bugs and Looney Tunes even more so than Disney, Mel was the 1st voice actor to get his name in the credits to get actual credit he fought hard for it and he deserved it too. anyone who does voice work weather it's in film, video games or really any medium can thank Mel for that. when he died in (1989) i turned 11 years old i'll be 45 on Saturday but back in (1989) a piece of me i think died cause though i had no idea what the man looked like i loved his work. it broke my heart when he died out of any of them who have since died though when Casey Caseme died sorry for my bad spelling that one did hurt. there's others i of course love but Mel is the best and if i recall his Son did it for a few years and he wasn't bad but he wasn't Bugs nobody who has done it since or even long after i'm gone will be Mel nobody can top him. one of my favorite stories was in (1961) he was in a car accident from my understanding he was in a coma for like 30 days no reaction nothing than one day a doctor thought of something completely wild he goes how you doing today bugs? and he got not bad doc i'm doing pretty good so i read this in an article recently. as the article put it so in a way Bugs saved his life. when he did wake up the 1st thing he said to the doctor was in bugs voice what's up doc?

[@MrManfly]

@@echoecho3108June was so talented and her wacky version of Witch Hazel was one of her best ever voices!! 🧙

[@echoecho3108]

@@rolandofgilead43 😊👍 Fabulous story! Thanx muchly for sharing!

[@frankieaddams3937]

Who wouldn't love Mel Blanc? He embodied all those lovable characters!

[@starbellak5154]

Indeed he did !!!

[@gregoryagogo]

56 weirdos!

[@christopherhoward7753]

David Letterman.

[@pamelah6431]

People who hate Jews on spec. No accounting for taste!

[@siggylloyd3566]

Mel Blanc is a classic talent and still an incredible inspiration to voice actors today.

[@NinjaDildoShow]

Are you a VA?

[@NinjaDildoShow]

@siggylloyd3566 I'm asking because I have the talent, just don't know how to get started. Any info and direction would be much appreciated.

[@courtney5796]

@@NinjaDildoShow step one. make a YT channel. Do you have a YT channel? Edit: Actually, that maybe step three... step one or two would be having a good microphone. Like, we talking $150 minimum. (on sale) edit2: NOT a gaming headset with a mic for 150. Just a mic. Edit3: Ok. the mic thing is def. #2. #1 is can ur pc stream? That sets off two separate paths for awhile.

[@bradmarkell12167]

Nope. He died years ago. Nice try

[@NinjaDildoShow]

@@courtney5796 thank you so much for the tips. I have a YT channel, Sony MDR-7506 professional studio monitor headphones, a Rode NT1-A microphone, and my pc can stream. What are the next steps?

[@chrissnyder4439]

"Finally this guy died..." His delivery on that was brillant.

[@PrincessZ1]

My dad met him a couple of years before he passed away. He met him at a hotel my dad was staying in for his job and my dad told us that he was a really funny, nice and very respectful man he has ever met.

[@hunter999888]

Talk about an actual legend, even today everyone knows these voices and kids still love and watch Looney Tunes, still love Bugs Bunny; and it’s all thanks to the greatest voice actor and arguably also regular actor ever. Long Live Mel Blanc.

[@davidsmith385]

Don't forget the Flintstones, he voiced in the early years of the show.

[@nastarwarrior]

Merry Melodies

[@jeremycunninghamtheoldsoul8686]

Mel Blanc is a freaking legend

[@namcat53]

Mel is legendary.

[@Josephlaszlo]

A couple of old men sitting around and chatting. I’m that old man now , but I’m so glad we had these two old men to entertain us since I was a kid. ❤❤

[@joeyg2860]

I hope Mr. Blanc understood how much his work meant to so many people. Truly a special gift from our Creator.

[@stephen5804]

THANK YOU

[@kobe24OBCity]

He’s like what Seth Macfarlane wished he was

[@Lovealllife369]

He does, he’s watching from heaven. I’m a medium if you would like to ask him yourself 💜

[@nighthawk20011]

He's also watching how the idiot that is running Warner Brothers is doing to his cartoons. They dumped a ton of the Looney Tunes. They haven't added any newly restored ones.

[@BrianIsTheGOAT594]

​@@kobe24OBCityto be fair, I think Seth got inspiration from him.

[@bud9450]

He's not just the voices. He is the characters. We are blessed to have had him live them out for so many years.

[@LordDonutz]

He was the voice of my childhood. That man will forever have a place in my heart.

[@JD-ij5fi]

Almost every Friday night we would go to the San Pedro drive-in when I was a kid. For me Bugs Bunny and Sylvester were the best part of the night. RIP Mr. Blanc

[@omgstevenwtf]

I hadn't realized it until someone just said it - he probably has made more people smile than any other man in history. Literally at least 2 entire generations. Amazing. What a gift he was to us.

[@David_USF]

The voice of my childhood!

[@scootscootriot1020]

It’s amazing that 80+ years later. Bugs Bunny STILL has that Flatbush accent. RIP Mel

[@constantinvaldor3742]

I'll give you the flatbush accent! 😡

[@snap-n-shoot]

I have a signed cel that was used in a show that he personally signed for me. I was a young animator working for Disney at the time. I still treasure it.

[@_BAD_MERC_]

Sitting here with a tear in my eye and a smile across my face. My entire childhood captured in one man. Saturday morning sitting 'too close to the tv', cross-legged eating Fruity Pebbles in my jammies. Parents in the kitchen drinking coffee... The best of memories and there will never be another like him.

[@poohsreviews8992]

Well Stated!❤

[@fincrazydragon]

I'm 59 years old and I still watch Saturday morning cartoons, just like when I was a kid. Thank you, Mel!

[@rick3747]

I hope you enjoy some Kix, Chex, Golden Crisp, Capt'N Crunch......too. 😊

[@thefrontpage]

Wow--what a classic segment. Mel Blanc was brilliant--just an exceptionally talented actor, voice artist, impressionist and comedian.

[@Albe3331]

I was taking a drink of beer when Mel said “ finally this guy died. I choke on my beer and I almost died laughing and choking.

[@yvetteperez5342]

EXACTLY HILARIOUS 😂

[@Hank13665]

Mel Blanc was a fantastic guest, and the admiration that Johnny had for the man and his talent is so evident.

[@JustAFlyover]

What a treat to see this so many years later.

[@contrabandjoe7974]

For any kid of the 1950's-1980's, Mel was a big part of our childhood

[@johntabler349]

Farther back even

[@pamelah6431]

​@@johntabler349and farther forward

[@johntabler349]

@@pamelah6431 jokes can be dated but comedy is immortal (jack Benny

[@Solid59]

And 90s

[@pacmancdi]

I'm a 90s-2000s kid and he was a big part of mine

[@nickrich56]

Mel was the background voice of my entire childhood! Thanks Mr Blanc 🥰

[@robroyig-robroyphotography9225]

As someone who loves voice overs, and impressions, this man was someone i looked up to for many years. he is a master of his craft and there wont be anyone like him. But, this skit also shows why Johnny was the King of Late Night, and an example of what a talk show host should be. He never had ulterior motives, he treated each guest as important, and showed them the respect. Such a class act!

[@connielaws1674]

Mel Blanc and Casey Kasem were the voices of my childhood. RIP to both these talented men…and thank you. 🙏🏻💔😢

[@rotagbhd]

add Paul Harvey.

[@connielaws1674]

@@rotagbhd Absolutely. Used to listen to him on the radio as a kid. RIP, Mr. Harvey.🙏🏻

[@nobodysperfect06]

Daws Butler and Don Messick as well

[@tdunph4250]

This was historic. Catching a voice genius near the end of his life. Mr Carson got such a kick out of this! Great fun!! 🥰

[@jimmayors2315]

Making different voices is a talent, but REMEMBERING all of them is another talent!

[@marilynmurray3041]

What a fantastic interview! So interesting and funny. Two historic greats in their fields.

[@garygemmell3488]

As a kid, there was nothing better than getting up on Saturday morning, making a bowl of cereal, and plopping down in front of the TV to watch Looney Tunes cartoons.

[@rick3747]

This 57 year old Gen Xer remembers doing that a lot. ❤

[@leilanirocks]

Mel Blanc was the funniest man in show business, period. He is responsible for more smiles than any other human in history.

[@cliffnelson1174]

I am 70 and I still love those Warner Bros. cartoons

[@jamesdrynan]

Amazing how many millions have been entertained by Mel Blanc, both children and adults. He and June Foray were the premier voice stylists for decades.

[@JLOFlix]

Absolutely GLORIOUS!! What a legend!!

[@gaylestockwell5315]

I was a child. But i was totally in love with Mel Blanc and asked my parents to stay up to see Mel Blanc here on this show, the sound bank to my childhood. Wonderful human. " finally this guy died" I learned persistence When he passed, I cried all day, persistence

[@billhorton2564]

Mel Blanc has the longest credits list on the IMDb. He was the greatest, and no one will match his record.

[@alansmithee183]

The only one I think could come close might be Frank Welker

[@stablefairy9437]

how incredible to see an interview with Mel Blanc. what a lovely guy!

[@d-v-cez9152]

Mel Blanc, June Foray, two incredibly talented voice actors. Two legends. The best that's ever been.

[@davidwesley2525]

Both Their Voices were Featured in WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT. 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@SteveCarras]

Janet Waldo and Paul frees

[@draff1662]

Mel was a master voice artist but he was also an excellent comedian. His work on so many radio programs and Jack Benny’s early, live television shows as various characters show his comic chops. He truly was funny.

[@alpha-omega2362]

Si, Sue, Sigh, sew.....etc..

[@arcanondrum6543]

Mel Blanc wasn't just a voice for comedy, many of the ideas in the cartoons came from him.

[@playdiscgolf1546]

You don’t hear people bring him up for greatest comics but he should be up there. Super funny

[@lastchance8142]

If anybody deserved a lifetime achievement award, it was this amazing man. He put smiles on the faces of many generations of both children and adults. God rest his soul.

[@user-hn6vm3ej2p]

Si

[@Menckenperson]

Mel Blanc’s voice was so powerful, a doctor specializing in vocal cords used an instrument to examine him and reported the only other person he’d examined with similar vocal cords was Enrico Caruso.

[@timerickson7056]

He was a comedic genius. He did voice over for movies . I met him one night of drinking in a country bar in Boise. He told stories and did voices not just cartoons but anyone you could think of

[@GamingFanactic911]

I was not even born when he passed but I would have done anything to speak to him in person. Absolute legend. RIP

[@verminkillah6622]

Nothing but Legends here.

[@user-xi9oe8yw6v]

It's absolutely amazing how much joy and entertainment this man brought to all of us kids those prior to the year 2000. It's so damn sad that they do not show these cartoons as much as they used to, if any, just because their material of times don't fit-in with today's ultra-sensitive society. These cartoons taught me to not take things so seriously when it comes to comedy. Stigmas and stereotypes from all cultures of life have their satirical side of nature, and we must get back to laughing them off and just live life with our humorous shortcomings instead of trying to pretend like they're non-existent. Rest in Paradise, Mel Blanc!

[@brucekuehn4031]

An accent, I suppose, is a form of a stereotype, but that is America. People come from all over and they speak differently, but Mel Blanc was not at all malicious. He celebrated diversity in his own way.

[@user-xi9oe8yw6v]

@@brucekuehn4031 And...what is your point of reason for your reply, here? You obviously did not comprehend my comment what-so-ever. You also do not understand the definition of the term - "Stereotype."

[@user-xi9oe8yw6v]

@@jazzfan67 They most definitely did not show these cartoons at the same copious amounts of broadcasting they did prior to the year of mention. Because, I vividly remember they did not show them as often as they would, for I would search for their airings quite often, then, and they most certainly do *not* show them on a constant at present like in the past. They'll have about 2 hours worth of Merry Melodies or Looney Tunes on Boom, which is also aired in the middle of the night when most children are already asleep. And what the hell does Mel Blancs' death have anything to do with this? That is utterly irrelevant!

[@user-xi9oe8yw6v]

@@jazzfan67 So basically, from what I'm reading, your stretching, initial attempt of a point is moot, then? Thanks for clarifying that. Much appreciated. Cheerio!

[@ollieox9181]

Don't forget he also did Barney Rubble. This guy was one of a kind. There'll never be another. RIP Mr. Blanc.

[@tommyblack7998]

Barney Rubble was a waste of Mel's talent.

[@zadenwachter9918]

Thought I read somewhere he did most all of the voices for the pilot but asked to be scaled back due to time constraints.

[@ollieox9181]

@@tommyblack7998 What's wrong with Barney Rubble?

[@ollieox9181]

@@zadenwachter9918 You're probably right: figure the guy was very busy at this time.

[@gfrazier5140]

I saw him back then on the college tour. Doing voices in front of a. large screen. Really nice guy, everyone loved him.

[@paulnolan4971]

The absolute funny bone of my childhood !

[@Eremon1]

I'm not sure there is another talent with as many voices and characters living inside themselves as Mel Blanc.

[@Dench999or911]

June Foray is the female equivalent, but like many voice actors of her time, did not get credited for much of her early work by Warner Bros. Blanc was the exception to the rule

[@danieljohnson9351]

Paul Frees, best known as Boris on Rocky and Bullwinkle, voiced many, many cartoon characters as well as the Rankin-Bass Christmas specials. Daws Butler and Don Messick are two others. Sadly, none of these talents are still with us.

[@arcanondrum6543]

Daffy Duck alone or with Porky Pig really helped my childhood but I checked to be sure I wasn't biased, I'm not. Punch this into a Search Engine : "complete list of characters from mel blanc voices list" because Mel was so very good that many of his characters were NOT recognizable back to him (would anyone unaware guess that he was both Bugs AND Daffy?). Click on more than one result because Looney Tunes will not also reveal that Mel Blanc was the voice of Barney Rubble and Hanna Barbera will not tell you about so many others. As Mel said at the beginning of the video "about 400" and he is being modest due to so much Live work never being recorded.

[@Eremon1]

There are so many talented voice actors that never got the credit they were due. Disney was really bad for this with female voice actors. A lot of the time they just got zero credit for their work.

[@FrozenUSA]

I would say the closest we’ve got these days and it really isn’t that close at all is Tom Kenny. He did a ton of awesome voices before he became the iconic voice of SpongeBob. Think about any Cartoon Network show from the 90’s and early 2000’s and he voiced ay minimum one character in each.

[@WarriorMigs24]

What Mel Blanc created is timeless and will last forever

[@echoecho3108]

Two of my favorite guys. Two Legends. I miss them. RIP, Johnny and Mel, and thanx so very much, gentle men, for the magic, music, and memories.

[@brucekuehn4031]

Mel Blanc is terrific and this is why Johnny was the greatest - totally interested in the guest and bringing out that person’s best talents. When you watch a Carson interview, you share his enjoyment of that guest. Nobody ever looked better than when they sat down with Johnny Carson. That was his rare gift.

[@rolandofgilead43]

i've never been much of a Carson fan but this a good interview he let his guests actually talk unlike Fallon who cuts them off every 5 seconds

[@signal12hvac]

the man, the vocal legend to millions of us growing up! truly a once in a life time talent

[@JazTrance]

A true treasure. The voice of all the characters in the cartoons I grew up with (in fact, the best cartoons ever made), and sometimes still watch. They're truly timeless.

[@Spiritof_76]

Absolutely the best cartoons ever made! The pairing of comedy and orchestral/ classical music was genius.

[@andrewneuvelt5172]

Let's not forget Mel Blanc was also the voice of Barney Rubble on The Flintstones

[@Lava1964]

The few episodes of The Flintstones he was not in--when he was recovering from a serious auto accident--are very noticeable.

[@inisipisTV]

@@Lava1964- Yes, that’s the part where he was in full-body cast, as he said in the video. The studio tried to set-up a recording setup in the hospital, I believe it was mildly successful.

[@davidwesley2525]

​@@Lava1964interesting Fact Mel Blanc was almost killed on DEAD Man's Curve. 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱

[@my3dviews]

@@Lava1964 The other guy (Daws Butler) actually did a good job of sounding almost the same. He also did Yogi Bear and Huckleberry Hound.

[@renemonteros1918]

Dino and Captain Caveman Too

[@skyatollah2skyharder276]

This man brought so much happiness to the world.

[@zovalentine7305]

Rest in powerful peace 🙏 Mel Blanc, prolific legend🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 30 May 1908 ~ 10 July 1989⚘

[@ihateurmom]

Very very rarely do you get to see Johnny Carson star struck.

[@meijer78]

Loved his voices of Bugs Bunny, Yosemite Sam, Daffy Duck. It's on this channel where he was on with Jack Benny and they did the Sierra Madre routine.

[@johngraves6878]

What a delight this was! I guess we could say this man's voice was a "Blanc slate." You could put anything on it.

[@steeleye2112]

One of the first true treasures of my life. Not a single year passes without me listening to him for many, many hours. Over 50 years now and counting.

[@MrK623]

His regular voice is very close to Barney. Like when Seth McFarland talks normally he sounds like Brian.

[@skyatollah2skyharder276]

It's Sylvester without the lisp.

[@leroyproud294]

Mel mentioned the cartoon,"Birds Annonomous ." He said that cartoon won an award. I think about that cartoon, and I still laugh!

[@forrestpierson6806]

So classic 😊❤️Such a wonderful talented gentleman.Love him.😊❤️

[@Patrick-xd8jv]

He performed at the FFA national convention in 78 or 79 and it was unreal what he could do

[@jeffreysmith3061]

Miss you Johnny.

[@robbyosborne9708]

He was a classy man.

[@rigel2112]

@@robbyosborne9708 Do a Nazi pig! lol

[@jorgefernandez-mv8hu]

He made me laugh so much over the years. A true professional and all around great person.

[@ashleymarie7452]

They were both great entertainers! Rest in peace!

[@philthomas8351]

I was surprised when I found out that Mel Blanc performed so many voices. More talent in his right pinky that some have in their entire souls. Rest in peace, Mel.

[@ms.annthrope415]

To do a lot of voices, Mel had to he a superb observer of human speech and characteristics, voice patterns of numerous accents and national dialects. He was once of a kind.

[@francisphillips53]

Mel Blanc is a national treasure. I was a kid in the 70s.. was a great time to be alive. 😊😊😊❤❤❤

[@taylorleach9638]

No drama no bad side pure talent RIP Mel Blanc your voice shaped generations and inspired so many to pursue a career in voice acting

[@outtathyme5679]

What a genius

[@jay42k]

Doing impressions and voices is very much a part of my humor and I am sure it is because of the characters I grew up watching as a child. Mel is the goat.

[@c.a.nixiii4650]

There will never be another......a man who brought and brings so much joy to so many.

[@williamwhite2113]

Mel is still a legend even though the Warner Brothers cartoons are 60+ years old. Bugs Bunny and the other cartoon characters will live on forever thanks to Mel.

[@djhrecordhound4391]

There's an early 70s appearance of Mel with Jack Benny going over some of the classics. His voice (and sounds) had deepened by the 80s, so that 70s show is where he still sounded flawless and more hilarious.

[@Splits-man]

What an amazing man. I grew up with all his voices. Legend!

[@karenleemallonee684]

This made me soooo happy! 😊

[@jimpinney]

It is 11am and I am clapping for this man.

[@user-gb6re9eg3i]

INCOMPARABLE. NO ONE EVER LIKE HIM.

[@magpatocx]

Legend.

[@cathytrottier8944]

I was born in 1973 , I grew up with Mel Blanc, I still love my cartoons, even if I live to be 90 I will always love my cartoons. The voice of my youth, I really hope he got a star on the Blvd.

[@steveconn]

Best voice stylist in animation history hands down!

[@Albe3331]

Thanks for the memories.

[@mnob1122]

RIP Mel. You are sorely missed!

[@charlespapineau5428]

Listening to Mr. Blanc wisked me back to my childhood and so many fond memories. He was a monumental talent who made both kids and adults laugh hysterically. I loved all his characters ut Foghorn Leghorn and PePe Le Pew were my favorites. This man is a talent that no one will ever come close to.

[@cynthiarowley719]

Very recognizable quality in his voice😊

[@jefolson6989]

The amazing thing is none of his character could possibly have sounded any different . And totally believable.

[@brianhodgman3542]

Extraordinary talent; just amazing...

[@Razormiller]

Mel Blanc is a total legend. One of the true greats of comedy and entertainment.

[@matthwe3468]

6:17 Gets me every time. What a talent. 👏

[@johnnytheyoungmaestro]

I think Mel Blanc will forever be the greatest voice actor that's ever lived. A true talent. :)

[@andross51]

Unlike the video with Letterman interview Mel the year before, Johnny Carson give him all the laughs respect his is being "The Man of a thousand voices"! Great video!

[@user-rz8bu6vl8x]

Mel Blanc was a genius, takes me back to my childhood ❤

[@dogeymon83]

I wish I could have met this great man

[@jennybutler95]

Mr Blanc is one of those celebrities whom I would have LOVED to have met - he died six years before I was born. What a talent.

[@jacobdehaan4114]

Mel Blanc was a genius. An absolute genius!

[@BeckVMH]

Thank you to the Johnny Carson channel for posting these wonderful memories. We’re transported back in time and it’s such a pleasure!

[@drewc8534]

Such an amzingly talented man. RIP Mel Blanc.