Introduction
Percy Helton was an American actor and voice actor who made a name for himself in Hollywood in the 1940s and 1950s. He is best known for his distinctive voice and his work with Disney, including his role as the voice of Piglet in the Winnie the Pooh franchise. However, Helton’s career also included film and television roles outside of Disney, and he even received the Distinguished Service Cross for his service in World War I. Despite his success, Helton’s personal life was marked by tragedy, and he passed away in 1971 at the age of 77.
Early Life and Career
Childhood and Education
Percy Helton was born on January 31, 1894, in New York City. He grew up in a family of performers and began his own acting career at a young age, appearing in vaudeville shows and other stage productions. Helton eventually moved to Hollywood in the 1920s to pursue a career in film.
Early Film Roles
Helton’s first film role was in the 1927 silent film “The First Auto.” He went on to appear in numerous other films throughout the 1930s and 1940s, often in small, uncredited roles. However, he also had supporting roles in films such as “The Bank Dick” and “The Great McGinty.” Helton’s distinctive voice also led to voiceover work in radio programs and animated films.
Disney Career
Voice of Piglet
Helton’s most famous role was as the voice of Piglet in the Winnie the Pooh franchise. He first voiced the character in the 1968 short film “Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day” and continued to voice Piglet in subsequent films and television shows until his death. Helton’s high-pitched, nasal voice was a perfect fit for the timid Piglet character, and his performance is still beloved by fans of the franchise today.
Other Disney Roles
In addition to his work as Piglet, Helton also provided voices for other Disney characters, including the Dormouse in “Alice in Wonderland” and the White Rabbit in “Mary Poppins.” He also appeared in live-action Disney films such as “The Shaggy Dog” and “The Absent-Minded Professor.”
Distinguished Service Cross
Service in World War I
Before his acting career, Helton served in World War I as a member of the American Expeditionary Forces. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery in battle, one of the highest honors given to members of the U.S. military. Helton rarely spoke about his military service, but it was a significant part of his life and career.
Personal Life and Legacy
Tragic Losses
Despite his success in Hollywood, Helton’s personal life was marked by tragedy. He lost his first wife to suicide in the 1930s, and his second wife passed away from cancer in the 1950s. Helton himself passed away in 1971 at the age of 77.
Legacy and Net Worth
Despite his relatively low profile in Hollywood, Percy Helton left a lasting legacy with his work as a voice actor and character actor. He was known for his distinctive voice and his ability to bring humor and warmth to his performances. At the time of his death, Helton’s net worth was estimated at around $200,000, a testament to his long and successful career in Hollywood.
FAQ
Who is Percy Helton?
Percy Helton was an American actor who was born on January 31, 1894, and passed away on September 11, 1971. He appeared in over 230 films and television shows throughout his career.
What is Percy Helton known for?
Percy Helton is known for his roles in classic films such as “The Set-Up,” “Kiss Me Deadly,” and “The Music Man.” He is also known for his voice acting work for Disney, providing the voice of the White Rabbit in “Alice in Wonderland” and the stork in “Dumbo.”
What is the Distinguished Service Cross?
The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army. It is awarded for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy.
Did Percy Helton receive the Distinguished Service Cross?
Yes, Percy Helton received the Distinguished Service Cross for his service in World War I. He served in the 77th Division and was awarded the medal for his bravery during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.
What is Percy Helton’s net worth?
It is difficult to determine Percy Helton’s exact net worth as it was not publicly disclosed. However, he had a successful career in Hollywood and appeared in many popular films and television shows.
