RIP: Jackson Beck
With the passing of Sam Edwards, I’ve been remiss in noting the passing of another of the “old guard” of Old-Time Radio, Jackson Beck.
Although you may not recognize the face, particularly from this photo of Jackson as The Cisco Kid, the voice is unmistakable. Whether performing the voice of Bluto in the Popeye cartoons, announcing the opening of series like Superman or Tom Corbett, Space Cadet, or even the commercial voiceover work for companies like Little Caesar’s Pizza, that gravelly voice with more authority than just about any other reaches out and grabs you by the scruff of the neck, demanding your attention.
Jack was a fixture at Friends of Old-Time Radio Conventions for as long as I remember, missing only the last few years due to failing health. He was an unrepentant smoker, which must have driven Jay Hickerson apoplectic, but he once told me when I joked that it was amazing he kept his voice with all those cigarettes, “It sounds like that because of ‘em.”
Being able to hear him announce episodes of Supermanand Tom Corbett live is an experience I will always treasure…but I have to tell you, we forget that he was one heck of an actor, too. Dialects, character parts, Jack was a talent that reached far beyond the sonorous announcer duties we usually ascribe him. During rehersals, he had a quick wit and little patience for foolishness or bad jokes…but a good one could raise a laugh that sounded as if it came from the depths of the earth itself.
I’m honored I knew him, slight though the connection was. His voice, now silenced, will never be replaced.
July 31st, 2004 at 5:30 pm
Sorry to hear of the passing of Jack Beck and Sam Edwards. I Knew Sam when he lived ib Durango, CO and went to his house which was a few large blocks from my house, and we talked of his days on “Meet Corliss Archer”, one of my favorites when I was in high school. And of all the other things he did that I enjoyed so much. The world is a sadder place without them. 73
July 31st, 2004 at 6:18 pm
Thank you for the memories. Hearing Jackson again after all these years brought back memories I though I had forgotten. Allen (Duke) Ducovny was my uncle. Working for Rockwell Productions he contributed to Superman and originated Tom Corbet Space Cadet. Sitting in the control room and playing with sound effects was part of my early childhood. Hearing John Gart playing the organ and hearing Jackson are wonderful memories for me. Thank you.
August 1st, 2004 at 12:29 am
FYI, Jackson Beck was also the voice of ‘Tony the Tiger’ for Kelloggs
Um, nope, I’m afraid not. Thurl Ravenscroft, singing voice in the Boris Karloff animated special “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” gives voice to Tony the Tiger. The original voice in the early 1950’s was Dallas McKennon.
Jackson did work for Kelloggs, though; both Mark Trail and Tom Corbett were sponsored by the company. –cfs3
October 4th, 2004 at 5:24 pm
Mr. Beck had amazing talent. It was certainly great for him to gift
this talent to us for so long.