Ralph James (actor)
American voice and character actor (1924–1992)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ralph James Torrez (November 29, 1924 – March 14, 1992) was an American voice and character actor who lived in Los Angeles County, California.
November 29, 1924
Ralph James | |
|---|---|
| Born | Ralph James Torrez November 29, 1924 Los Angeles County, California, U.S. |
| Died | March 14, 1992 (aged 67) |
| Occupations | Actor, voice actor |
| Years active | 1950s–1985 |
| Known for | |
James provided voices for the Warner Bros. Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoon series, but rarely received screen credit, as generally Mel Blanc was the only voice artist credited. In particular, he provided the imitation of the voice of Walter Winchell, the narrator of the TV series The Untouchables, for Friz Freleng's 1963 parody short "The Unmentionables", for which he received (unspecified) credit.
He was the voice of Mr. Turtle in commercials for Tootsie Pops candy which ran throughout the 1970s. From 1978 to 1982, he was the voice of Orson, Mork's (Robin Williams) boss on the Planet Ork, in the Mork & Mindy TV series, a spin-off from Happy Days which launched Williams' career.[1] In addition, James provided character voiceovers for the Pink Panther cartoon shorts produced by DePatie-Freleng.
James also made several live acting appearances, including in the 1974 action/sexploitation film Big Bad Mama, where he played a sheriff, and Capone (1975), where he played the part of "Judge J. H. Wilkerson". He also appeared in the part of "Ace" in 1975's Sixpack Annie.[2]
James died in 1992 at the age of 67.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Wacky Taxi | Uncle Jaimie | |
| 1973 | Frasier, the Lovable Lion | Gordon Fisher | |
| 1974 | Big Bad Mama | Sheriff | |
| 1974 | Tidal Wave | (US version) | |
| 1974 | The Nine Lives of Fritz the Cat | Astronaut | |
| 1974 | Land of the Lost | Voice of S'latch the Sleestak | |
| 1975 | Capone | Judge J.H. Wilkerson | |
| 1975 | Crazy Mama | Sheriff Clarence Howell Mudde - 1932 | |
| 1975 | Sixpack Annie | Ace | |
| 1976 | Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch | Prologue Narrator | |
| 1976 | Moving Violation | Rockfield Deputy #3 | |
| 1977 | The Gentleman Trap | ||
| 1979 | Fast Charlie... the Moonbeam Rider | Sheriff Bill Bartman | |
| 1981 | Friz Freleng's Looney Looney Looney Bugs Bunny Movie | Additional vocal characterizations |
Source:[2]
