Shepard Menken | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Menken inKillers from Space (1954) | |
| Born | (1921-11-02)November 2, 1921 New York City, U.S. |
| Died | January 2, 1999(1999-01-02) (aged 77) |
| Resting place | Mount Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery |
| Occupations | Radio, film, television and voice actor |
| Years active | 1949–1990 |
| Television | The Alvin Show (1960–90) |
Shepard Menken (November 2, 1921 – January 2, 1999) was an Americancharacter andvoice actor.[1][2][3]
Menken began his career at the age of 11, when he started appearing on children's radio programs. After high school, Menken attendedColumbia University, and later studied performing arts at theNeighborhood Playhouse Theatre and theJuilliard School of Music.
Menken made his film debut in 1949 with a supporting role inThe Red Menace, and eventually appeared onscreen in 17 movies. Menken worked steadily as a television actor, appearing on such series asI Love Lucy,I Spy, andThe Wild Wild West. He was also in demand as a voice talent, working on animated cartoons forHanna-Barbera,UPA, andMarvel Productions, as well as advertising spots forStarKist Tuna andMattel Toys; his was the voice intoning, "The only way to fly!" inWestern Airlines' spots in the 1960s. Menken voicedClyde Crashcup inThe Alvin Show, as well as the characterTonto in the 1966-69 animated seriesThe Lone Ranger. He also voiced the Spelling Bee and Chroma the Great in the1970live-action/animated filmThe Phantom Tollbooth, and provided the voice for the title character inRikki-Tikki-Tavi. In 1963, Menken formed his own company, Malibu Films, which specialized in educational andindustrial films.
Menken died on January 2, 1999 at theMotion Picture & Television Hospital inWoodland Hills, Los Angeles at the age of 77.[4] He is interred atMount Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery inSimi Valley, California.[5]
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