Bill Cunningham, the Original Voice of Ken Doll, has passed away at 96. Born in San Francisco on January 2, 1927, Bill Cunningham had a passion for entertainment from a young age.
He pursued a singing career and found success performing on popular shows like NBC’s Voices of Walter Schumann and The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show. His melodious voice also graced the soundtracks of numerous movies from major Hollywood studios.
Bill Cunningham, original voice of Barbie’s Ken dies age 96. 💔 Read more: https://t.co/GOuwToNH6Z pic.twitter.com/WwtmOBLHlO
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) July 28, 2023
It wasn’t just in the realm of music where Bill Cunningham made his mark. In the early 1960s, he lent his voice to the iconic Ken doll from Mattel’s Barbie collection.
Long before Ryan Gosling took on the role in a movie, Cunningham was the original voice of Barbie’s beloved boyfriend. His contributions to the early Barbie records have left an indelible mark on pop culture.
Cunningham’s career was as diverse as it was impressive. Not only did he voice Ken, but he also had the incredible opportunity to tour with legendary artists like Judy Garland and Dinah Shore. His debut album, “I’m Always Chasing Rainbows,” even received funding from the legendary Fred Astaire.
In 1963, Cunningham decided to explore new avenues and, with the encouragement of his friend Peggy Taylor, he founded Pacific Artists Agency in Los Angeles. This venture marked the beginning of his foray into talent representation, focusing on commercial and voice-over work.
The agency later evolved into Cunningham & Associates in 1967, and ultimately became the renowned CESD Talent Agency (Cunningham-Escott-Slevin-Doherty).
Cunningham was not just a talented individual but also a true innovator in the talent representation business. He set the bar high for client and customer service, particularly in the realms of commercial, voice-over, and print. His warm and gregarious nature left a positive impact on all those he represented and employed.
His partners, Ken Slevin and Paul Doherty, expressed their admiration for him, saying,
“Bill set the template for client and customer service… It was our honor to know him and to learn from him.”
After an illustrious career spanning several decades, Bill Cunningham retired in 1989. His remarkable journey and experiences led him to write an autobiography titled “I Wonder What Became of Me,” published in 2014. This memoir gives readers a glimpse into the life of a man who made an indelible impact on the entertainment industry.
Bill Cunningham’s passing on July 15, at the age of 96, left a void in the hearts of those who knew him and admired his work. He leaves behind a legacy that stretches from his early days as the original voice of Ken to the establishment of a renowned talent agency.
His contributions to the entertainment world, both in front of the microphone and behind the scenes, will be cherished for generations to come. As the original voice of Ken, Bill Cunningham will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Barbie fans worldwide.
As we bid farewell to this remarkable individual, we remember the impact he made on the world of entertainment. From his captivating voice to his pioneering work in talent representation, Bill Cunningham’s legacy is etched in history. His warmth, class, and innovation continue to inspire countless aspiring artists and professionals in the industry.
While he may be gone, his influence will live on, reminding us that true talent and passion never fade away. Rest in peace, Bill Cunningham, the original voice of Ken, and thank you for the joy you brought to so many lives.
Bill Cunningham’s voice will forever echo in the hearts of Barbie fans, as he leaves behind a timeless legacy.
Via Yahoo
