Dick Tufeld facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dick Tufeld
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| Born |
Richard Norton Tufeld
December 11, 1926 Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Died | January 22, 2012 (aged 85) Los Angeles, California
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| Resting place | Mount Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery |
| Alma mater | Northwestern University |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1945–2004 |
| Spouse(s) |
Adrienne Tufeld
(m. 1948; died 2004) |
| Children | Bruce Tufeld |
Richard Norton Tufeld (born December 11, 1926 – died January 22, 2012) was an American actor and voice artist. He was known for his clear, strong voice. For many years, he was one of the busiest announcers in television history.
Dick Tufeld worked on many TV shows, award ceremonies, and movie trailers. But he is most famous for being the voice of the Robot in the classic TV series Lost in Space. He also voiced the Robot in the Lost in Space movies.
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Early Life and First Jobs
Richard Tufeld was born in Los Angeles, California. His father was from Russia and his mother was from Canada. He grew up in Pasadena, California.
He went to Northwestern University School of Communication. In 1945, he got his first job. He worked as an engineer at KLAC, a radio station in Los Angeles.
A Voice for Radio and TV
Dick Tufeld's career began in radio. He was an announcer for several radio shows. One of his early jobs was on ABC Radio's Space Patrol. He worked on that show from 1952 to 1955.
In 1955, Tufeld started working in television. He became an announcer for ABC daytime programs. He also anchored a short newscast called The Three Star Final on KABC-TV in Los Angeles.
Working with Disney and Irwin Allen
Tufeld's voice was often heard on Disney television shows. He narrated the 1957–1959 series Zorro. This show starred Guy Williams, who later became the lead in Lost in Space. Tufeld also narrated Disney's 1955 special Man in Space.
He was also the main announcer for two ABC variety shows. These were The Hollywood Palace and The Julie Andrews Hour.
Dick Tufeld is best known for his work with producer Irwin Allen. He was the voice of the B9 Robot in the TV series Lost in Space. He also voiced the Robot in the 1998 feature film.
Tufeld narrated many other Irwin Allen productions. These included Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea and The Time Tunnel.
Voice Work in Cartoons
Dick Tufeld also lent his voice to many animated shows. He did voice work for the 1978 animated series Fantastic Four. He narrated several episodes of Thundarr the Barbarian in 1980.
He was the main title narrator for the 1979 series Spider-Woman. He also announced the main title for the 1981 Marvel Productions show Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends.
Later Life and Legacy
Dick Tufeld was married to Adrienne Tufeld from 1948 until her death in 2004.
He passed away in 2012 from heart failure. His son, Bruce Tufeld, was a talent agent. Dick Tufeld's voice will always be remembered, especially as the iconic Robot from Lost in Space.
