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How The Voice Of Disney’s Bambi Became The Youngest Drill Sergeant In Marine History
The person responsible for bringing one of the most famous characters in movie history to life as a child pursued a very different career as an adult
The classic Disney animated film Bambi has persevered as a cultural phenomenon across generations. A coming of age story of a young deer becoming the Great Prince of the Forest despite a series of trials and tribulations has been a popular movie for more than 80 years. Donnie Dunagan, the child actor who voiced the title character, personified innocence and gentility with his performance. However, in real life he was tough as nails and soon became the youngest drill sergeant in the history of the United States Marines.
Released by RKO Radio Pictures in August, 1942, Bambi was just the fifth animated feature film produced by Disney. Since it came out during World War II, it was initially considered a bit of a box office disappointment, earning a little over $1.2 million on its initial run. Although it was considered a fine bit of film making, it didn’t make as much money as hoped.
In one of the greatest turnarounds ever in the cinematic world, Bambi has endured over time and become a cult classic that’s…
