Dick Beals was a talented voice actor who left an indelible mark on the industry. Born with a unique physical characteristic, Beals was only 4 feet 6 inches tall and weighed less than 70 pounds due to Peter Pan Syndrome, a glandular condition. Despite his small stature, his voice remained unchanged since grade school, and he went on to have a remarkable career spanning over six decades.
Beals began his voice-over career in the 1940s, working on popular radio shows such as "The Lone Ranger," "The Green Hornet," and "Dragnet." He later transitioned to television, voicing the iconic character Speedy Alka-Seltzer in over 200 commercials between 1954 and 1964. His work on "The Gumby Show" in the 1950s and "Davey and Goliath" in the 1960s showcased his impressive stop-motion animation voice-over skills.
In his later years, Beals continued to work in the entertainment industry, landing the role of N.J. Normanmeyer in the animated series "The Addams Family" at the age of 65. He was also a private pilot, commuting to Los Angeles for work in his own plane. Beals was a man of many talents, enjoying activities such as sailing, golf, tennis, and competitive bridge tournaments.
Despite his many accomplishments, Beals remained humble and private. He never married and had no immediate family alive at the time of his passing. However, he did have three brothers who predeceased him. Beals passed away on May 29, 2012, at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and entertain audiences to this day.
Beals' remarkable life story was immortalized in his 1992 autobiography, "Think Big," which he used as a motivational tool to inspire audiences. His remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and determination, and his impact on the world of voice acting will never be forgotten.
