Frank Welker

Biography

Frank Welker, born Franklin Wendell Welker on March 12, 1946, is an iconic American voice actor whose illustrious career spans an impressive six decades. With a staggering 860 film, television, and video game credits under his belt, Welker has solidified himself as one of the most prolific and versatile voice actors in the industry. His exceptional talent has contributed to a worldwide box-office gross of $17.4 billion, earning him the title of the third highest-grossing film voice actor of all time.

One of Welker's most recognizable roles is that of Fred Jones in the beloved Scooby-Doo franchise, a character he has voiced since the series' inception in 1969. In addition to Fred, Welker also lends his vocal talents to bring the iconic Great Dane, Scooby-Doo, to life since 2002. His versatility shines through in his portrayal of various other characters such as Megatron, Galvatron, and Soundwave in the Transformers series, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit in Epic Mickey, and Shao Kahn and Reptile in the 1995 Mortal Kombat film.

Beyond his work in animated series and films, Welker has left his mark on a multitude of beloved characters, including Curious George in the Curious George franchise, Garfield in The Garfield Show, and Nibbler in Futurama. His contributions extend to classic shows like The Jetsons, where he voiced Astro and Orbitty, and Punkin' Puss & Mushmouse, where he portrayed Mushmouse. Welker's impressive vocal range has also been showcased in The Smurfs and various animal vocal effects in numerous productions.

In 2020, Welker reprised his role as Scooby-Doo in the CGI-animated film Scoob!, standing out as the sole original voice actor from the series in the movie's cast. His dedication to his craft and ability to breathe life into diverse characters have earned him widespread acclaim. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the industry, Welker was honored with an Emmy Award for his lifetime achievement in 2016.

Frank Welker's legacy as a voice acting legend continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, cementing his status as a timeless talent in the world of animation and entertainment. With his unparalleled skill and dedication to each character he portrays, Welker's voice remains a familiar and cherished presence in the hearts of fans worldwide.