Donnie Dunagan, who voiced young Bambi in Disney’s 1942 animated classic, has died at 92. Multiple outlets identify him as the “original voice” of Bambi and note his earlier work as a child actor.
Several accounts add biographical context about how his career in Hollywood was brief before he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Euronews reports he enlisted at a young age and later retired as a Major with three Purple Hearts. Rolling Stone similarly emphasizes that he kept his most famous role private for decades during his service.
Other coverage focuses on different details. Variety says his agents confirmed he died of lung cancer on Nov. 4. The Guardian also includes a behind-the-scenes anecdote about how he was instructed during recording to act out grief. Deadline, meanwhile, cites historian Tom Weaver and states he died Nov. 4 without providing further details. The Hollywood Reporter highlights his appearances as a child in horror films such as “Son of Frankenstein.”
