Dick Beals, the Voice of Gumby and Speedy Alka-Seltzer, Dies at 85
Dick Beals, the '50s-era child star who voiced the animated characters of Gumby and Speedy Alka-Seltzer, died Tuesday at his nursing home in Vista, CA at the age of 85.
Beals suffered from a glandular condition, which both stunted his growth and maintained his high-pitched voice even throughout his adult years. But what some might consider a physical disadvantage turned out to be his greatest asset.
Gumby and Speedy were just the tip of Beals' lengthy voice-acting resume. Some of his most iconic career moments included the character of Davey from 'Davey and Goliath'; parts in 'The Lone Ranger' and 'The Green Hornet' radio shows; and the voices for old timey Campbell Soup, Oscar Mayer and Bob's Big Boy commercials.
Ron Simon, curator of TV and radio at the Paley Center for Media, had this to say about him: "So many people experienced his great voice but, unfortunately, did not know his name... His unique voice really helped make animation in the 1950s and 1960s."
Watch Dick Beals' Vintage Alka-Seltzer Commercial
Check Out Dick Beals as Gumby