Sad week

This is a sad week in the land of us "Disneyaholics". On Monday, Wayne Allwine passe away due to complications with his diabetes. What, seriously, you don't know who Wayne is and why he was so important to the Disney community, well let me tell you. Wayne was the voice of Mickey Mouse. There have been only three people to voice Mickey (really there was 5, but that is for a different time...yes I'm a geek...shut up!), Wayne, Jimmy MacDonald and the big guy himself, Walt Disney. Wayne held the job for the longest and ANY time there was a need for Mickey to speak in the past 30 years or so, Wayne performed it.

There is a great story that I heard about Wayne a few years ago that made me respect him. First, when he took over the job from Jimmy MacDonald, Jimmy explained that the original voice for Mickey was indeed Walt. Jimmy told Wayne "Just remember, kid. You are only filling in for the Boss!" Wayne took that to heart and took the position of Mickey's voice very seriously. He took it upon himself to "protect" the integrity of Mickey, he would have writers rewrite things if it didn't fit in Mickey's persona or character. Mickey was in good hands.

I have, in the past gone on record about my feelings for Mickey (remember, I am a Donald fan!...DDFC!!!!), but today, as a Disney fan, I grieve!

Wayne is survived by his wife Russi Taylor (who is the voice of...wait for it...Minnie Mouse!)

Until next time...

the Lockedawg