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Michael Rye
Michael Rye.jpg
Born
John Michael Riorden Billsbury

(1918-03-02)March 2, 1918
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Died September 20, 2012(2012-09-20) (aged 94)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Other names Rye Billsbury
Occupation Actor
Years active 1939–1997
Spouse(s) Patricia Foster (?–2012; his death)

Michael Rye was an American actor known for his amazing voice. He was born John Michael Riorden Billsbury on March 2, 1918, and passed away on September 20, 2012. His career lasted for many decades, covering radio, television, animated cartoons, and even video games.

Besides his voice acting, Michael Rye also appeared in TV shows like Dr. Kildare and 77 Sunset Strip. He was also the narrator for some gospel documentaries.

Early Life of Michael Rye

Michael Rye, whose full birth name was John Michael Riorden Billsbury, was born in Chicago, Illinois.

Michael Rye's Radio Career

Michael Rye started his acting journey during the Golden Age of Radio. This was a time when radio shows were super popular, like how TV and streaming are today! Broadcasting from Chicago, Rye was often in about forty different radio shows every week.

He played many main characters in these radio shows. For example, he was Gary Curtis in the NBC soap opera Ma Perkins. He also played Tim Lawrence on Guiding Light and Jack Armstrong in the adventure series Jack Armstrong, the All-American Boy.

Later, he worked on radio shows made in Hollywood. These included the ABC crime drama This is Your FBI and the famous Lux Radio Theater. He also narrated the very first full-length audiobook, which was The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin in 1969.

Voice Acting in Cartoons

When television became popular, Michael Rye moved from radio to animated shows. He had a deep, strong voice that was perfect for many cartoon characters.

He is perhaps best remembered as the voice of The Lone Ranger in the 1966–1969 animated series. He also worked a lot with Hanna-Barbera, a famous cartoon studio. He voiced characters in the Scooby-Doo series during the 1970s.

Later, he lent his voice to Pound Puppies from 1986 to 1989. During this time, he also played Mr. Slaghoople, Wilma's dad, in The Flintstone Kids.

Michael Rye voiced two important superheroes: Apache Chief and Green Lantern in the Challenge of the Super Friends, The All-New Super Friends Hour, and Super Friends cartoons.

He was also in Disney's Adventures of the Gummi Bears (1985–1991). In this show, he voiced both King Gregor and the villain Duke Igthorn, who was a big enemy of the Gummi Bears.

Television Roles

Michael Rye also acted in live-action television shows. He had roles in popular series like Schlitz Playhouse of Stars, M Squad, 77 Sunset Strip, General Electric Theater, Dr. Kildare, and Wagon Train.

Later Career and Legacy

Michael Rye continued to work in television and radio commercials until the late 1990s. His long career started in radio and even included voice work for video games in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. He also narrated many training films and videos for businesses.

Michael Rye passed away on September 20, 2012, in Los Angeles at the age of 94, after a short illness. He left behind his wife, Patricia Foster Rye.

Filmography

Live-Action Roles

  • Hands of a Stranger - George Britton
  • Two Lost Worlds - Captain Hackett
  • The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin - Ace Rocklin (episode "Pritikin's Predicament")
  • Jane Wyman Presents - Fred Jackson (episode "The Bravado Touch")
  • Wagon Train - Hanlon (episode "The Liam Fitzmorgan Story")
  • M Squad - Carlson (episode "The Crush Out")
  • Perry Mason - Commentator (episode "The Story of the Laughing Lady")
  • Mr. Terrific - The President (episode "I Can't Fly")
  • Mission: Impossible - Agent Belson (episode "The Traitor")

Animated Roles

Films

Video Games

  • Dragon's Lair - Narrator
  • Space Ace - Narrator
  • Dragon's Lair II: Time Warp - Narrator

Radio Roles

  • Announcer on The Cisco Kid (1943–1945)
  • Jack Armstrong on Jack Armstrong, the All-American Boy (1944–1946)
  • The Narrator on Mystery House (1944–1946)
  • Announcer on Joyce Jordan, M.D. (1944–1947)
  • Mr. First Nighter on The First Nighter Program (1945–1954)
  • Gary Curtis on Ma Perkins (1945–1959)
  • Reverend Dr. John Ruthledge on Guiding Light (1947–49)
  • Mark Dillon in the first Gunsmoke audition show (1949)
  • Several roles on Backstage Wife (1940s)
  • Hank Stafford on Granby's Green Acres (1950)
  • Johnny Booth Jr. on Meet Millie (1951–1954)
  • Several roles on Dangerous Assignment (1953)
  • Several roles on Lux Radio Theater (1950s)
  • Announcer on The Horizons West Show (1965–1966)

Images for kids

  • Michael Rye

    Michael Rye, a talented actor known for his voice work.

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