Autographs of the Man of Mel Blanc: The Man of One Thousand Voices

Mel Blanc was born Melvin Jerome Blanc on May 30,1908. Best known for his work at Warner Brothers and Hanna-Barbera Productions, he was the voice of many of America's favorite cartoon characters. Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Sylvester the Cat, Tweety Bird, Porky Pig, Wile E. Coyote, Foghorn Leghorn, Yosemite Sam, Elmer Fudd, Barney Rubble, Dino the Dinosaur, Woody Woodpecker and Mr. Spacely are just a few of the characters that Blanc gave voice. He was aptly nicknamed "The Man of a Thousand Voices.”

Blanc was a regular on such series as The Abbott and Costello Show and The Burns and Allen Show. In 1946 he starred in his own weekly radio sitcom. For nearly three decades Blanc worked with Jack Benny in radio and TV, creating such characters as the "Si-Sy-Si" Mexican, violin teacher Professor LeBlanc, Polly the parrot, and the always chugging-along Maxwell automobile. His voice was heard in many movies, and he appeared in two: Neptune's Daughter (1949) and Kiss Me Stupid (1964).

In 1961, Blanc was involved in a near fatal car accident. His doctor brought him out of a two-week coma by addressing him as Bugs Bunny and Porky Pig. When he awoke, he had over 15,000 get well cards waiting for him. Some managed to reach him with the address: "Bugs Bunny, Hollywood, USA."

Blanc's autobiography "That's Not All Folk's" was published in 1989. He died the same year. His son, Noel, having grown up with the characters, took over some of his cartoon voice work.

Blanc was responsive signer through the mail, and he would usually sign when approached in public. I wasn't collecting while he was living, but I did pick up a signed print a couple years back on eBay. It is inscribed "Eh - what's up Virginia? Bugs Bunny & Gang 3-29-83... Mel Blanc."

Dealers usually list signed photos and prints at around $200. Signed cards or cuts usually list for about $50. With a little time and due diligence, authentic Mel Blanc autographs can be bought on eBay and other auction sites for about half those prices.

Mel Blanc on eBay



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