#Thumper bambi voice movie#

#Thumper bambi voice movie#

Then, they really didn’t see the movie again until years later when it was re-released. They both shared that they saw the movie at the premiere, but didn’t meet each other. They each recorded their own parts over various sessions for almost 2 years! Check out the old, archived photos of them at the studios below! SO cute… And, then obviously, things went beyond a facial model and he ended up voicing the character. He shared that Disney called his mother and asked him to come in to be a facial model for the part. So, that’s how Peter came to voice Thumper.ĭonnie was already a child actor in Hollywood at the time. Animators were later listening to the audition tapes and said his voice was “right for the rabbit”. He didn’t get the part as it was said that Peter’s voice was too rambunctious for Bambi. At some point, Peter’s father became aware of the upcoming Disney project and took Peter to audition for the role of Bambi.

Both men were born in 1934 and were just 4-5 years old when they auditioned for the movie, though their paths to landing the roles were a little different! Peter was the son of Henry Behn, a famous screenwriter and author, who came to know Walt Disney. The conversation was led by a Disney archivist and it was amazing to hear their stories. But after spending time at Disney Studios over various trips, I really have extra appreciation for just what a feat that level of animation was 75 years ago! It’s truly incredible! And based on that, it’s easy to see why it received such acclaim and was a favorite of Walt Disney’s! During our time at the Studios, we got to sit down with Donnie Dunagan (original voice of young Bambi) and Peter Behn (original voice of young Thumper) to talk about making Bambi! Incredible! It really is hard to believe that Bambi is celebrating 75 years! I’ve always liked the movie – with the animals and the beautiful scenery. The timeless tale features an adorable young deer named Bambi who explores the wonders and challenges of the woods with his playful pal Thumper, the lovable skunk Flower, and wise Friend Owl – and ultimately fulfills his destiny as prince of the forest.

3 spot on the American Film Institute’s “10 Top 10,” honoring the 10 greatest animated films of all time. Beloved by generations, “Bambi” holds the No. “ Bambi” was released in 1942 during World War II and took over five years to make due to its exquisite hand-drawn artwork and attention to detail. As part of our Disney #PiratesLifeEvent press trip in California, we had the pleasure of spending the day at Walt Disney Studios covering the 75th anniversary of Bambi and its release to the celebrated Walt Disney Signature Collection.