Wednesday, August 6, 2008

THE HAT SQUAD: GREG BURSON

Greg Burson was a voice performer who had been a student of the legendary Daws Butler, and upon Butler's passing, he assumed the roles for which Butler was most famous - Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound, Quick Draw McGraw, Snagglepuss, among others. But he also could do the voices created by Mel Blanc, such as Bugs Bunny, Pepe LePew, and my personal Looney Toons totem, Foghorn Leghorn. In addition, he was the main source for the voice of Quincy Magoo after the death of Jim Backus.

On July 22nd, Greg Burson passed away at the age of 59.

As writer Mark Evanier recalls, "Back when he was studying with Daws, there came a day when Daws told him, 'Don't bother coming back. There's nothing more I can teach you.' Daws was a man of impeccable standards and total integrity. That he said that to Burson is the ultimate endorsement."

As Red Skelton would close out his show: "May God Bless....."

BCnU....
Toby O'B

1 comment:

Unknown said...

I thank you for your tasteful eulogy.
Nicholas Burson