Bambi Voice: Donnie Dunagan dies at 92 after 25 years in Marine Corps
The child actor who voiced Bambi in 1942 also served as a decorated veteran and appeared in horror films starring Boris Karloff.
By Carolina Wood ·
Donald Dunagan, the child actor who provided the voice for Bambi in Walt Disney’s 1942 classic, has died at the age of 92. His death was announced on November 9, 2026. Dunagan was six years old when he recorded the lines for the young deer.
He performed the role during one of the animation’s most emotional sequences. An assistant director coached him during the recording sessions. The director instructed the boy to imagine his own mother had died to capture the necessary grief. Dunagan described the experience as relaxed, aided by the simple technology available at the time. He noted that Disney changed the final cut so Bambi’s mother died off-screen, a decision made during post-production.
Following the film's release, Dunagan received a large volume of critical mail from the hunting community. He also began his career in the horror genre, appearing in Son of Frankenstein and Tower of London. In these productions, he played the curly blond son of Dr. Frankenstein, a character portrayed by Basil Rathbone. Boris Karloff also starred in Son of Frankenstein. Dunagan recalled playing checkers with Karloff on set. The actor remembered that Karloff played while wearing his full monster makeup.
Dunagan’s film career ended with the release of Bambi. The film's distribution was delayed by the attack on Pearl Harbor. He appeared in other movies, including Mother Carey’s Chickens, The Forgotten Woman, Vigil in the Night, and Meet the Chump. After completing his education, he joined the military in 1952. He served for 25 years in the Marine Corps.
During his service, Dunagan earned a Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts for bravery. He kept his early acting career a secret from his fellow soldiers. In a 2015 reflection, he stated that one of his biggest regrets was not telling his close friends in the Marine Corps that he had worked for Walt Disney.
Dunagan described the experience as pure joy. He noted that both children and 80-year-olds could enjoy the movie together. He explained that while he could have worked in the White House, children might not have cared about that role. However, when people recognized him as the voice of Bambi, he felt an immediate connection. He described himself as becoming an adopted grandfather to those fans. He found that responsibility and joy to be unmatchable.
Dunagan’s dual legacy includes his work in animation and his service as a decorated military veteran. His passing marks the end of an era for fans of classic Disney films and Hollywood history. His contributions to film, particularly his iconic role in Bambi, remain a touchstone for generations of viewers.
