Ken Sansom
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April 2, 1927
Ken Sansom | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Frank Kenneth Sansom April 2, 1927 Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S. |
| Died | October 8, 2012 (aged 85) Holladay, Utah, U.S. |
| Resting place | Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, Millcreek, Utah, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Brigham Young University |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1954–2010 |
| Spouse |
Carla Sansom (m. 1961) |
| Children | 3 |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service | United States Navy |
| Service years | 1950–1953 |
| Unit | United Service Organizations |
| Wars | |
Frank Kenneth Sansom (April 2, 1927 – October 8, 2012)[1] was an American actor. Among his best known roles, Sansom voiced Rabbit in animated television series, television specials, and animated films for Disney's Winnie the Pooh franchise from 1988 to 2010.[1]
Sansom was born on April 2, 1927, in Salt Lake City, Utah.[1] He enlisted in the United States Navy soon after graduating from East High School in Salt Lake City in 1944.[1]
Sansom enrolled at the University of Utah following World War II, but did not complete his studies there.[1] He transferred to Brigham Young University, where he received a bachelor's degree in radio broadcasting in 1949.[1]
He was recalled by the U.S. Navy for service during the Korean War.[1] He served as a member of the United Service Organizations, providing entertainment to American troops while in Korea.[1]
Career
Sansom started his career in 1957 with a radio show in Los Angeles called Sansom and Then Some.[1] He began acting in early 1968 when he moved to Los Angeles.[1] His first role was in an episode of Mayberry R.F.D., a continuation of The Andy Griffith Show. He was best known for his role as Rabbit in the television series The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. He also voiced Stan, the Woozle in the series. He also voiced Rabbit in a number of TV specials and films, replacing Rabbit’s original voice actor Junius Matthews following his death in 1978.[2][1]
In an interview with ABC 4, when asked about voicing Rabbit in the upcoming Winnie the Pooh film, he stated, "I'm not sure."[3] Tom Kenny voiced Rabbit in the film, although Sansom claimed he was still under contract.[3] Sansom was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[4]
Personal life
Death
Sansom died on October 8, 2012, in Holladay, Utah due to complications of a stroke at the age of 85.[1] He resided in Sandy, Utah.[1] His remains are buried in Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park in Millcreek, Utah, alongside his widow Carla.[5]
