Arthur Q. Bryan
He gave a stuttering, rabbit-hunting cartoon everyman his unforgettable voice, shaping childhoods for generations.
1899–1959 (age 60)·American actor·Birthday: May 8·The Lost Generation
Biography
Arthur Q. Bryan carved out a distinctive niche in the golden age of radio and animation with a voice that was instantly recognizable. Born in Brooklyn, he honed his craft in vaudeville and on the stage before finding his true calling behind the microphone. For over two decades, his smooth, slightly pompous delivery brought life to the character of Dr. Gamble on the smash hit 'Fibber McGee and Molly,' trading barbs with the show's stars. But his lasting legacy was born at Warner Bros., where he first voiced Elmer Fudd in 1940's 'A Wild Hare.' Bryan's signature stammer and gentle exasperation perfectly captured the hapless hunter, creating a comic foil for Bugs Bunny that was more pitiable than villainous. His voice work defined the character for nearly 20 years, making 'wascally wabbits' and 'shhh, be vewy vewy quiet' part of the American lexicon. He remained a working actor until his death, leaving behind a catalog of performances where his voice was his most valuable instrument.
The Lost Generation
1883–1900
Came of age during World War I. Disillusioned by the carnage, they rejected the certainties of the Victorian era and built modernism from the wreckage — in art, literature, and politics.
Arthur was born in 1899, placing them squarely in The Lost Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Arthur Was Born
The biggest hits of 1899
Arthur's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1899Born
President: William McKinley
1904Started school
New York City opens its first subway line
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1912Became a teenager
Titanic sinks on its maiden voyage
President: William Howard Taft
1915Could drive
The Lusitania is sunk by a German U-boat
President: Woodrow Wilson
1917Could vote
Russian Revolution overthrows the tsar; US enters WWI
President: Woodrow Wilson
1920Turned 21
Women gain the right to vote in the US
Home: $3,395President: Woodrow Wilson"Swanee" — Al Jolson
1929Turned 30
Wall Street crashes, triggering the Great Depression
Gas: $0.21/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Singin' in the Rain" — Cliff EdwardsBest Picture: The Broadway Melody
1939Turned 40
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1949Turned 50
NATO founded; Mao proclaims the People's Republic of China
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,450Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Riders in the Sky" — Vaughn MonroeBest Picture: All the King's Men
1959Turned 60
Fidel Castro takes power in Cuba
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $12,400Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"The Battle of New Orleans" — Johnny HortonBest Picture: Ben-Hur
Key Achievements
- Voiced the character Elmer Fudd in Warner Bros. cartoons from 1940 until his death in 1959.
- Played the recurring role of Dr. Gamble on the popular radio comedy 'Fibber McGee and Molly' for over 20 years.
- Appeared in numerous live-action film and television roles throughout the 1940s and 1950s.
Did You Know?
He was originally considered to voice Porky Pig, but the role went to Joe Dougherty and then Mel Blanc.
His first cartoon as Elmer Fudd was 'A Wild Hare,' which is also considered the first official Bugs Bunny cartoon.
He served in the United States Navy during World War I.
“I'm the voice of that stingy old duck, and I wouldn't trade it for a starring role.”
