Daws Butler Net Worth

Daws Butler Net Worth: A Look Into the Life, Career, and Legacy of the Esteemed Voice Actor

What is Daws Butler’s Net Worth and Salary?

Daws Butler, also known as Charles Dawson Butler, was a renowned voice actor who had an estimated net worth of $2 million at the time of his passing in 1988. At the height of his career, Butler earned a salary of $40,000 per year, an impressive amount for a voice actor during that time. However, his earnings were not only limited to his work in the entertainment industry. Butler also made additional income through his work as a writer and performer for advertising agencies and as a voice-over artist for various brands.

Early Life and Education

Charles Dawson Butler was born on November 16, 1916, in Toledo, Ohio, to a family that owned a chain of shoe stores. He developed an affinity for performing at a young age, using his voice to mimic animals and entertain his family and friends. At age 19, he moved to New York City with dreams of becoming a radio actor. However, he struggled to find work and briefly worked in a factory. In 1940, he moved to Hollywood, where he found his calling as a voice actor.

Career

Daws Butler’s career as a voice actor spanned over three decades, during which he lent his voice to some of the most iconic characters in television and animation history. He worked for several animation studios, including Hanna-Barbera, where he voiced the characters of Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound, Quick Draw McGraw, and Snagglepuss, among others. He also voiced characters for The Jetsons, Tom and Jerry, The Flintstones, and many other cartoons.

In addition to his work in animation, Butler also provided voice-overs for numerous commercials and radio programs. He was a prolific writer and performer for advertising agencies and even wrote a book on voice acting called “Scenes for Actors and Voices.”

Personal Life

Daws Butler married his wife, Myrtis Martin, in 1950, and they remained married until his death in 1988. They had two children together, a son named Charles and a daughter named Gretchen. Despite his success as a voice actor, Butler was known for being humble and down-to-earth, never letting his fame get to his head.

Illness and Death

In his later years, Daws Butler suffered from a heart condition, which ultimately led to his death on May 18, 1988, at the age of 71. However, his love for voice acting never wavered, and he continued to work until his death.

Real Estate

Daws Butler bought his first home in the suburbs of Los Angeles in the early 1950s. He later moved to a larger home in Studio City, which had a pool, a tennis court, and a recording studio. Despite his success, he was known for being frugal and lived a modest lifestyle.

Legacy

Daws Butler’s voice will forever be remembered for the iconic characters he brought to life. He was a pioneer in the voice acting industry and inspired many future voice actors, including Billy West and Jim Cummings. His influence on the industry is undeniable, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest voice actors of all time.

FAQs

1. Which character did Daws Butler enjoy voicing the most?

Daws Butler had a deep affection for all the characters he voiced, but he particularly enjoyed voicing Yogi Bear. In interviews, he mentioned that Yogi’s voice was his favorite to do, as it gave him the opportunity to be playful and improvisational.

2. Was Daws Butler the only voice actor for Yogi Bear?

Daws Butler was the original voice actor for Yogi Bear, but he was also joined by the talented voice actress Julie Bennett, who voiced Cindy Bear, Yogi’s love interest.

3. What inspired Daws Butler to become a voice actor?

Daws Butler was inspired by the radio shows he listened to as a child, which sparked his love for performing. He also admired the voice actors on these shows, who could bring a variety of characters to life using only their voices.

4. Did Daws Butler ever win any awards for his voice acting?

Despite his immense talent and contribution to the industry, Daws Butler never won an Emmy or any other major award. However, he was inducted into the Animation Hall of Fame in 2003, which serves as recognition for his contribution to the field.

5. What advice would Daws Butler give to aspiring voice actors?

Daws Butler believed that the key to success in voice acting was to bring a level of authenticity and emotion to the characters you voice. He also stressed the importance of being adaptable and having a wide range of voices and characters in your repertoire.

6. How did Daws Butler come up with the voice for Yogi Bear?

Daws Butler was inspired by a combination of Art Carney’s character on “The Honeymooners” and a bear he saw in a zoo. He also used his own natural speaking voice as a basis for the character.

7. How did Daws Butler feel about the proliferation of computer-generated voices in modern animation?

Daws Butler believed that computer-generated voices had the potential to become a threat to the voice acting industry. He felt that the human element was essential to bringing characters to life and creating emotional connections with audiences.

8. How has Daws Butler’s work influenced the voice acting industry today?

Daws Butler’s work has had a lasting impact on the voice acting industry, inspiring many future voice actors and paving the way for future generations. His approach to character development and his ability to bring multiple different voices to the table have become a part of the industry’s standard today.