Donnie Dunagan, original voice of Bambi, dies at 92

Donnie Dunagan, the original voice of Disney's Bambi, died at age 92 from lung cancer, Variety reported. His agents described him as a Marine and beloved actor who inspired many with his warmth and charisma.

Born in 1934, Dunagan was discovered by a talent agent at age three and began acting in Hollywood. He appeared in films such as Son of Frankenstein and Tower of London before voicing young Bambi in the 1942 Disney classic, according to Variety and Hollywood Reporter.

Dunagan spent over a year working on Bambi, with Hollywood Reporter noting his memorable performance in emotional scenes, including one where Bambi calls for his mother. He credited a studio coach for helping him capture the right tone.

After his acting career, Dunagan enlisted in the U.S. Marines, becoming one of the youngest drill sergeants and serving three tours in Vietnam. He retired as a major in 1977 and received a Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts, Variety said.

Dunagan rarely spoke of his Hollywood past during his military career, expressing regret for not sharing it with his Marine peers, Hollywood Reporter noted. His agents remembered him as a man who loved life, veterans, his fans, and his wife.

His passing marks the loss of a figure who bridged classic Hollywood and military service, leaving a legacy in both entertainment and the armed forces.