Frankenstein's 'Monster' Voice of 'How The Grinch Stole Christmas' — Boris Karlo
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Sacramento, Calif. — English actor Boris Karloff will always be synonymous with portraying the iconic monster in the 1931 film by Universal Pictures, “Frankenstein.” Aside of playing Frankenstein’s creation, Karloff played in many more horror films that defined prosperous career.
Born William Henry Pratt (Nov. 23, 1887 - Feb. 2, 1969) Midhurst, Sussex, England, Karloff was theatrically trained and spent a brief period in the country of Canada, where he took on his unique stage name, a moniker that added more mystique to his showbiz stature.
Although the monster in the Frankenstein movies was verbally limited, Karloff still had a distinguished voice that fitted perfectly when he played a mad scientist, a gangster in the 1932 film “Scarface,” and the Chinese detective “Mr. Wong.”
Among many characters Karloff brought to the screen, his narration and voice of the title character in Dr. Seuss “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” has been heard probably a million or more times as the first Frankenstein flick has been seen on the big screen.
The animated television special, for the last 50 years, is viewed with delight every time the holiday season rolls around. How the Grinch Stole Christmas first aired on television on Dec. 18, 1966 for 30 full minutes.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas netted Karloff a Grammy Award for Best Recording For Children.
By T. Ray Harvey | PA Public Information Officer
Information@PublicityAgents.org
PRESS INFORMATION:
Thurl A. Ravenscroft may not have been seen during his career in film, radio, and television, but his baritone voice was highly recognizable and memorable through many famous characters in both medium.
Ravenscroft was the voice over in the Tony the Tiger Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes commercial for more than fifty years. He was the person that let out the lovable tiger’s signature “They’re Grrreat” phrase heard by millions of kids, mostly on Saturday mornings.
More important, if not, equally significant, Ravenscroft was the vocalist for the song “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” from the long-running Christmas television special, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
It was an accidental, uncredited part for Ravenscroft, leaving many to believe the song was sang by Boris Karloff, who was the production’s narrator and voice of the Grinch who robbed the fictional “Whoville.” It was also thought that Tennessee Ernie Ford was the singer.
Ravenscroft was employed by Walt Disney and was the voice for many Disney theme park, film, and television projects. He voice characters in ‘Pinocchio (Monstro),” “Dumbo,” “Peter Pan (Pirates), “Lady and the Tramp (Al the Alligator), and “One Hundred and One Dalmatians (Captain the Horse).
Ravenscroft passed away at the age of 91 on May 22, 2005.
T. Ray (Antonio) Harvey is a Public Information Officer and Photo Artist for Publicity Agents. Harvey is also the author of The HOMICIDAL HANDYMAN OF OAK PARK: MORRIS SOLOMON JR.
