Unfortunately, the barking success of One Hundred and One Dalmatians did nothing to revive Walt Disney’s interest in animation. Even though it was the studio’s most successful animated film to date and achieved almost everything Walt wanted to achieve with Sleeping Beauty at a box office and critical standpoint. Hell, even the original novel’s author Dodie Smith loved it.  And yet despite all this, Walt seemed more focused on his theme parks such as Disneyland and producing live-action films and television. Sure, they got 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Old Yeller, and Mary Poppins. While Pollyanna and 20,000 Leagues have been shown on TCM. But a lot of them aren’t exactly as memorable, with some being fodder for prime remake territory in later years like The Parent Trap and The Absent-Minded Professor. Anyway, although Walt Disney first considered making an animated version of Rudyard Kipling’s stories from The Jungle Book, work didn’t go underway until the 1960s when Bill Peet proposed the idea. Yet, when Peet delivered his version of the story, Walt Disney decided to get more involved in the story development than he had in the past 2 years. Upon reviewing Peet’s storyboards, Disney decided that his approach was too dark and depressing, insisting on making the story lighter and more aimed at families. Peet refused and he got into a long argument with Disney since the guy had been working on the project for over a year. In early 1964, Peet left the studio after another fight with Disney over the preliminary voice recording of Bagheera as well as Disney insulting him, claiming that he should see Mary Poppins for “real entertainment.” Disney then assigned the story to Larry Clemons who kept many of the characters’ personalities but discarded much of Peet’s work as well as did much of what Walt wanted. Still, The Jungle Book would be the last Disney film to have Walt’s personal touches before his death in 1966. Walt also wanted a more celebrity cast which was a rarity in past works, too. While the Sherman Brothers composed most of the songs save Terry Gilkyson’s “Bare Necessities.” Unfortunately, Walt Disney would die before the movie’s completion. Yet, when it was released a year later, it grossed $23.8 million being Disney’s highest earning movie by that point. And it would remain so for the next 2 decades. Not to mention, become the top grossing movie in Germany in 1967. It also opened to glowing reviews that then president of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Gregory Peck lobbied for the film to be nominated for Best Picture but was unsuccessful. Today, it’s been widely acclaimed by the animation industry. In this post, we’ll meet the songwriting and composing Sherman Brothers as well as the voices behind Baloo, Louie, Mowgli, Hathi Jr. Shere Khan, and 3 of the buzzards.

81. Richard M. Sherman

Dates: 1928-2024

Early Life and Career: Born in New York City to Russian Jewish immigrant parents. Father was popular songwriter Al Sherman. Following 7 years of cross-country moves, the Sherman family settled down in Beverly Hills, California in 1937. Attended Beverly Hills High School where he studied, piano, flute, and piccolo. Was drafted into the US Army in 1953 where he was assigned to the Army Band and glee club, serving as conductor for both groups until his honorable discharge in 1955 and was solely stationed in the US during his service. Later majored in music at Bard College where he composed numerous sonatas and “art songs.” Within 2 years of graduation Sherman joined his older brother and they began writing songs together on their challenge their father. In 1958, the brothers had their first Top Ten hit with “Tall Paul” that was sung by Annette Funicello. Their success attracted Walt Disney’s attention who eventually hired them as Staff Songwriters for Walt Disney Studios.

Movies and Cartoons: Mary Poppins (1964)

Characters: Penguin Waiter and Male Pearly

Also Known For: With his brother Robert, was part of a prolific songwriting team for several live action and animated films. Most recognized song is “It’s a Small World (After All) for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Apart from Mary Poppins, they also wrote songs for Disney movies such as The Jungle Book (1967), The Aristocats (1970), The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977), Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971), and The Tigger Movie (2000) as well as songs for various Disneyland and Disney World attractions. Non-Disney films include Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, both versions of The Parent Trap, Charlotte’s Web (1973), The Slipper and the Rose, Snoopy Come Home, Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland, The Magic of Lassie, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. As far as projects without Robert, Sherman collaborated with Disney on 3 live action Disney films consisting of rewriting “I Wanna Be Like You” for the live action remake of The Jungle Book (2016), writing 3 original songs for Christopher Robin (2018), and acting as musical consultant for Mary Poppins Returns (2018).

Personal Life: Younger brother of Robert B. Sherman. Married twice. First during the 1940s to his college sweetheart Corrine Newman which produced a daughter Lynda and ended in divorce. Second in 1957 to Ursula Elizabeth Gluck which produced a son named Gregory Vincent and a daughter named Victoria Lynn. Had 6 grandchildren as well. Marriage lasted a whopping 67 years until his death and the couple lived in Beverly Hills. Although Robert later relocated to London, the two brothers still collaborated musically Robert’s death in 2012. They often achieved this through frequent travels between Los Angels, New York, and London to work together on various plays as well as use long-distance technology such as fax, e-mail, and a low-cost international telephone service. However, outside their music collaboration, they often had major disputes and their families hardly knew each other. While attending public premieres, they and their families would often sit on opposite sides of the theater and when their father died, they held 2 separate shivas.

Later Life: Remained at Walt Disney Studios until Disney’s death in 1966 then started freelancing for other studios and beyond.

Trivia: Went to high school with Andre Previn and played a duet with him upon their graduation. Won 2 Academy Awards for Mary Poppins. He and his brother would later earn 9 Academy Award nominations, 2 Grammy wins, 4 Grammy nominations, and 23 gold and platinum albums. Inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame with his brother Robert in 1976. Inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame with his brother Robert in 1976. Inducted in the Songwriters Hall of Fame with his brother Robert in 2005. Received National Medal of Arts at the White House by President George W. Bush in 2008 alongside his brother Robert. Received an honorary doctorate from Bard College alongside his brother Robert in 2011. In 2010, he and his brother Robert were presented with a Window on Mainstreet Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Was awarded the Diane Disney Miller Award by the Disney Family Museum in 2015. Was subject alongside his brother Robert and father Al in A Spoonful of Sherman concert written, produced, and hosted by nephew Robert J. Sherman in 2014. In 2018, Disney’s Soundstage A was renamed the Sherman Brothers Stage. Named Disney Legend in 1990. Collaborated with his brother Robert on their joint autobiography Walt’s Time: From Before and Beyond in 1998.

82. Robert B. Sherman

Dates:1925-2012

Early Life and Career: Born in New York City to Russian Jewish immigrant parents. Father was popular songwriter Al Sherman. Father was said to pay for his son’s delivery costs with a royalty check for “Save Your Sorrow.” In his youth, he excelled in violin, piano, painting, and poetry. Following 7 years of cross-country moves, the Sherman family settled down in Beverly Hills, California in 1937. Attended Beverly Hills High School where he wrote and produced radio and stage programs for which he won much acclaim. At 16, Sherman wrote Armistice and Dedication Day, a stage play showing how American life changed after Pearl Harbor. Play helped raise thousands in war bounds and earned him a special citation from the War Department. Joined the US Army at 17 and was awarded a Purple Heart after being shot in the knee in 1945, which forced him to walk with a cane for the rest of his life. Later that year, Sherman was one of the first soldiers who entered the Dachau concentration camp. While recovering from his knee injury in England, Sherman became familiar with the UK and its culture. When he returned to the United States, Sherman attended Bard College where he majored in English literature and painting. Served as editor-in-chief of the campus newspaper, The Bardian as well as completed his first 2 novels before his 1949 graduation. Began writing songs with his brother Richard on a challenge from their father Al. In 1958, Sherman founded music publishing company, Music World Corporation. That same year, the brothers had their first Top Ten hit with “Tall Paul” that was sung by Annette Funicello. Their success attracted Walt Disney’s attention who eventually hired them as Staff Songwriters for Walt Disney Studios.

Movies and Cartoons: Mary Poppins (1964)

Characters: Pearly Banjo Player

Also Known For: Along with his brother Richard, was part a prolific songwriting team for several live action and animated films. Most recognized song is “It’s a Small World (After All) for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Apart from Mary Poppins, they also wrote songs for Disney movies such as The Jungle Book (1967), The Aristocats (1970), The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977), and Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971), and The Tigger Movie (2000)as well as songs for various Disneyland and Disney World attractions.Non-Disney films include Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, both versions of The Parent Trap, Charlotte’s Web (1973), The Slipper and the Rose, Snoopy Come Home, Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland, The Magic of Lassie, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Personal Life: Older brother of Richard M. Sherman. Married twice. First to Louise Hayes in 1948 which was annulled in 1950. Second to Joyce Ruth Sasner in 1953 which produced 4 children consisting of Laurie, Jeffrey, Andrea, and Robert. Marriage ended in Joyce’s death in 2001. Although he later relocated to London, the two brothers still collaborated musically his death in 2012. They often achieved this through frequent travels between Los Angels, New York, and London to work together on various plays as well as use long-distance technology such as fax, e-mail, and a low-cost international telephone service. However, outside their music collaboration, they often had major disputes and their families hardly knew each other. While attending public premieres, they and their families would often sit on opposite sides of the theater and when their father died, they held 2 separate shivas.

Later Life: Remained at Walt Disney Studios until Disney’s death in 1966 then started freelancing for other studios and beyond. Moved to London in 2002 where he continued to write and paint. Established the Robert B. Sherman Scholarship program through the BMI Foundation in 2005. Had his autobiography published in 2013 which is called Moose: Chapters of My Life. Died in London in 2012 at 86. A public memorial service and funeral was held in Hillside Park and Mortuary in Culver City.

Trivia: Won 2 Academy Awards for Mary Poppins. He and his brother would later earn 9 Academy Award nominations, 2 Grammy wins, 4 Grammy nominations, and 23 gold and platinum albums. Inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame with his brother Richard in 1976. Inducted in the Songwriters Hall of Fame with his brother Richard in 2005. Received National Medal of Arts at the White House by President George W. Bush in 2008 alongside his brother Richard. Received honorary doctorates from both his alma mater Bard College alongside his brother Richard in 2011 and Lincoln College in 1990. In 2010, he and his brother Richard were presented with a Window on Mainstreet Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Was subject alongside his brother Richard and father Al in A Spoonful of Sherman concert written, produced, and hosted by son Robert J. Sherman in 2014. In 2018, Disney’s Soundstage A was renamed the Sherman Brothers Stage. Named Disney Legend in 1990. Was an avid painter who held his own exhibition in London in 2002. Collaborated with his brother Richard on their joint autobiography Walt’s Time: From Before and Beyond in 1998.

83. Phil Harris

Dates: 1904-1995

Early Life and Career: Born Wonga Philip Harris in Linton, Indiana but grew up in Nashville, Tennessee and identified himself as a Southerner. Parents were circus performers. Dad was a tent bandleader who gave him his first job as a drummer with his circus band. Officially began his career as a drummer in San Francisco during the mid-1920s, playing in the Henry Halstead Big Band Orchestra. Formed his own orchestra with Carol Lofner in the late 1920s and started a long engagement at the St. Francis Hotel. Recorded songs as early as 1931. In the 1930s, Lofner-Harris recorded swing music for Decca, Columbia, Victor, and Vocalion. Their relationship ended in 1932 and Harris led a band in Los Angeles for which he was bandleader and singer. In 1933, he made a short film So This Is Harris! which won an Academy Award for best live action short. In 1936, Harris became musical director of The Jell-O Program Starring Jack Benny, where he sang and led the band with Mahlon Merrick writing much of the show’s music. During this time, Harris exhibited a knack for snappy one-liners when he joined the cast, portraying himself as a hip, hard-drinking Southerner whose good nature superseded his ego. Also gave jive-talk nicknames to others on the show. In 1942, Harris and his band joined the US Merchant Marine and served for 16 weeks. In 1946, Harris and his second wife, Alice Faye began co-hosting a comic variety show called The Fitch Bandwagon which later evolved into The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show where he played a vain, stumbling husband and she his sarcastic and loving wife which aired on radio until 1954. While Harris continued to appear on The Jack Benny Program from 1948 to 1952.

Movies and Cartoons: The Jungle Book (1967), The Aristocats (1970), and Robin Hood (1973)

Characters: Baloo the Bear, Thomas O’Malley, and Little John

Also Known For: Was an actor, comedian, bandleader, entertainer, and singer. Was an orchestra leader as well as a pioneer in radio situation comedy, first with The Jack Benny Program and then with the Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show that he co-starred with his wife. Sang in a deep baritone voice. Films include Why Be Good, Man About Town, Dreaming Out Loud, I Love a Bandleader, Wabash Avenue, Here Comes the Groom, The Wild Blue Yonder, Starlift, The High and Mighty, Anything Goes, The Patsy, The Cool Ones, The Gatling Gun, and Rock-a-Doodle. TV appearances include Ben Casey, The Milton Berle Show, The Steve Allen Show, The Hollywood Palace, Kraft Music Hall, The Dean Martin Show, F Troop, The Lucy Show, The Johnny Cash Show, Fantasy Island, The Love Boat, and This Is Your Life. Best known songs aside from “Bare Necessities” are “The Thing” and “That’s What I Like About the South.”

Personal Life: Cousin to Charlie Chaplin’s first wife, Mildred Harris. Married twice. First was actress Marcia Ralston in 1927 in Melbourne, Australia where his band had a long engagement. They adopted a son Phil Harris Jr. during the mid-1930s but divorced in 1940. Second was to actress Alice Faye which produced daughters Alice and Phyllis as well as lasted until Harris’ death 54 years later.

Later Life: Resided in Palm Springs during his later years where he became a benefactor and was active in many civic organizations. Retired in 1991. Died of a heart attack at his Rancho Mirage home in 1995 at 91. Interred at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Cathedral City, California.

Trivia: Was friends with Bing Crosby even taking over his golf tournament hosting duties after Crosby died. Had a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars dedicated to him in 1994. Spent time during the late 1970s and 1980s leading a band that often appeared in Las Vegas. Was a benefactor of his birthplace of Linton, Indiana where he established scholarships in his honor for promising high school students, performed at the local high school, and hosted a celebrity golf tournament in his honor every year. Harris and Faye also donated most of their show business memorabilia and papers to Linton’s public library. Was inducted into the Indiana Hall of Fame. Was an avid golfer. Has 2 stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

84. Louis Prima

Dates: 1910-1978

Early Life and Career: Born Louis Leo Prima to an Italian American family in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mother was an immigrant. Father was an son of Sicilian immigrants. Had a sister who died at only 3 years old. Mother was a music lover and wanted all her children to learn an instrument. Prima started out on the violin that he played at St. Ann’s Parish. Yet, he became interested in jazz when he heard black musicians around the Italian American bars and clubs where blacks were always welcome. Prima paid attention to these clubs and watched his brother Leon play the trumpet. When Leon left the house to spend a summer in Texas, Prima practiced continuously on this well-worn trumpet. In 1924, he formed a band with his friends that included Candy Candido. Attended Jesuit High School before transferring to the all-boys Warren Easton High School where he played in the school band in 1926. In 1927, Prima partnered with fellow musician Frank Frederico and the pair played at a worn-down French Quarter nightclub called “The Whip.” By the spring of 1928, Prima decided that he’d become a professional musician. After graduating high school, Prima had a few unsuccessful gigs. Later joined Joseph Cherniavsky’s Orchestra in 1929 at Jefferson Parish and got a temporary job playing on a steamship, Capital that docked on Canal Street where he met his first wife. First break was at the Saenger. Went to New York City during the Great Depression where he met Guy Lombardo during a Shim Sham Club performance in 1934. Lombardo would become one of Prima’s mentors and friends. Began recording that same year with his New Orleans Gang whose first performance was at the Famous Door Club. Also teamed up with comedian Martha Raye which led to them becoming featured at a club that granted Prima his national debut on The Fleischman Hour. After a time in California trying to reinvent his band, Prima and his band returned to performing at the Famous Door Club and others in the late 1930s where he earned a quarter of a million dollars. Booked by the William Morris Agency in 1938. Performed in front of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in 1939 and was invited to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s birthday celebration, ultimately boosting his publicity. Lucked out of military service during World War II due to a knee injury. By the mid-1940s, Prima had developed his own big band style and began to experience great success.

Movies and Cartoons: The Jungle Book (1967) as well as some Disney albums.

Characters: King Louie

Also Known For: Called “The King of Swing,” Prima was a trumpeter, singer, entertainer, and bandleader. Specialized in jazz, swing music, and jump blues. From the 1940s to the 1960s, his music further encompassed early R&B, rock ‘n’ roll, boogie-woogie, and Italian folk music. Made prominent use of Italian music and language in his songs, blending elements of his Italian and Sicilian identity with jazz and swing music. At a time when ethnic musicians were openly discouraged from openly stressing their ethnicity, Prima’s conspicuous embrace of his Sicilian identity opened the doors for other Italian and ethnic American musicians to display their ethnic roots. Films include Rhythm on the Range, You Can’t Have Everything, Manhattan Merry-Go-Round, Start Cheering, Rose of Washington Square, Senior Prom, The Continental Twist, and Rafferty and the Gold Dust Twins. TV appearances include The Ed Sullivan Show, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, The Dean Martin Show, The Mike Douglas Show, The David Frost Show, Art Linkletter’s House Party, and The Easter Seals Telethon. Songs include “Sing Sing Sing,” “Just a Giggolo,” “I’ll Walk Alone,” “Angelina,” “Star Dust,” “Chinatown, My Chinatown,” “Gypsy Tea Room,” “Chasing Shadows,” “The Lady in Red,” “Old Black Magic,” “Valencia,” “Civilization,” “Tutti Tutti Pizzicato,” “My Flame Went Out Last Night,” “Che La Luna,” “Thousand Islands,” “Chili Sauce,” “Chop Suey, Chow Mein,” “Ooh-Dahdily-Dah,” “I Ain’t Got Nobody,” and “Pennies from Heaven.”

Personal Life: Married 5 times. First wife was Louise Polizzi whom he met on the Capital steamship during a gig in 1929 and had a daughter with her. Couple divorced in 1936 following infidelities dating back to the French Quarter in 1933. Second wife was actress Alma Ross whom he married not long after his first divorce and pushed into signing a contract with Paramount. Yet, the couple had problems with Louis denying much about his past. In fact, he never told her he had a daughter, which she found out about from a tax return. They divorced in 1945 when Ross discovered that Prima had been cheating on her with another actress. As part of a settlement, Alma was supposed to receive an alimony of $15,000 a year or 7.5% of his earnings. Prima ignored the payments until they piled up to $60,000, which forced him to write a settlement check of $45,000 plus $250 a week. Third wife was his secretary Tracelene Barrett that same year and with whom he had a daughter in 1948. Purchased a boat for Barrett for their honeymoon on the Hudson River. Fourth wife was jazz and pop singer Keely Smith whom Prima had discovered when she was a twenty-year-old woman in Virginia Beach who was decked in a bathing suit and wasn’t allowed to audition until she redressed into more proper attire. Soon she was traveling with Prima’s band. Less than a month after divorcing Barret in 1952, he married Smith whom he wanted to make a star. The couple would have 2 daughters, one of whom Toni would also become a singer and actress. Although Prima succeeded in making Smith a star, constant performing and his infidelities became too much for her. To make matters worse, Smith had an affair with Frank Sinatra. After finishing their contract at the Desert Inn, Smith filed for divorce and embarked on a solo career. After Smith was out of his life, Prima tried to prove that he didn’t need her. When The New York Post suggested he did, Prima said, I have no desire whatsoever to have any dealings with Keely Smith under any conditions…There is nothing in the world or no one that could ever make me accept this woman in our act.” Instead, he replaced her with a 21-year-old waitress named Gia Maione but she wasn’t nearly as good as Smith. They married in 1963 and had a daughter named Lena and a son named Louis Jr., both of whom became jazz singers. The couple remained together until Prima’s death. Although fans saw Prima as a genial and patient celebrity, he could be uncompromising in seeking maximum compensation for his work when it came to record companies and big corporations. He also had expensive tastes. He shopped at expensive clothing stores and always wore top-brand suits. He spent great sums on horse racing and on his own stable of horses. Although he said gambling relaxing, he especially enjoyed riding since he knew each one of his horses well and read about training. He also liked boating. As for his children, Lena Prima is based in New Orleans and performs throughout the nation. Louis Prima Jr. leads his own band.

Later Life: In 1973, Prima suffered a heart attack. 2 years later following headaches and episodes of memory loss, he sought medical attention and was diagnosed with a brain stem tumor. After surgery, he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and fell into a coma. He died in 1978 at 67 having moved back to New Orleans. Buried in Metairie Cemetery in a gray marble crypt topped by a figure of Gabriel, the trumpeter angel, sculpted by Russian-born sculptor Alexei Kazantsev. Inscription on the crypt doors reads a lyric from one of his songs: “When the end comes, I know, they’ll all say ‘just a gigolo’ as life goes on without me…”.

Trivia: Was childhood friends with Candy Candido. Pee Wee Russell was once a clarinetist in his band. Performed at John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Gala with his fourth wife Keely Smith. Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2010. Inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2008. Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1993.

85. George Sanders

Dates: 1906-1972

Early Life and Career: Born in Saint Petersburg in the Russian Empire. Father was a rope manufacturer and mother was a horticulturalist. Family moved to Britain when he was 11

due to the Russian Revolution. Attended Bedales School and Brighton College before going to Manchester Technical College after which he worked in textile research. Traveled to South America to manage a tobacco plantation before the Great Depression sent him back to Great Britain. Sanders then worked at an advertising agency where its secretary and then aspiring actress, Greer Garson suggested he take up a career in acting. Began his career on the British stage. Moved to New York to star on Broadway in Noel Coward’s Conversation Piece in 1934. Made first film that same year. Sanders’ smooth, upper-class English accent, sleek manner, and his suave, superior, and somewhat threatening air made him in demand for American films for years to come.

Movies and Cartoons: The Jungle Book (1967)

Characters: Shere Khan

Also Known For: British actor and singer whose career spanned 40 years. Films include Rebecca, Foreign Correspondent, Samson and Delilah, All About Eve, Ivanhoe, King Richard and the Crusaders, Lloyd’s of London, The Moon and Sixpence, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Moonfleet, Journey to Italy, Death of a Scoundrel, Solomon and Sheba, A Shot in the Dark, Cairo, The Golden Head, Good Times, The House of the Seven Gables, Confessions of a Nazi Spy, The Black Swan, The Land is Mine, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, Forever Amber, The Scarlet Coat, Village of the Damned, The Girl from Rio, The Candy Man, The Kremlin Letter, and Endless Night. Was The Saint in 5 out of the 8 films and The Falcon in the first 4 out of 16. Played Mr. Freeze on Batman although his demeanor in All About Eve inspired the Penguin. TV appearances include The George Sanders Mystery Theater, Four Star Jubilee, What’s My Line?, The Rogues, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Daniel Boone, and Mission: Impossible.

Personal Life: Younger brother of Tom Conway whom he later cut off contact with because of Conway’s escalating drinking problem. Married 4 times. First wife was Susan Larson (born Elsie Poole) from 1940 to their divorce in 1949. Second wife was actress Zsa Zsa Gabor until their divorce in 1954. Only to star together in Death of a Scoundrel 2 years later. Third wife was actress Benita Hume, Ronald Colman’s widow from 1959 until her death in 1967. Fourth wife was actress and former sister-in-law Magda Gabor in 1970 which was annulled after 32 days. Last relationship was with on-again and off-again girlfriend named Lorraine Chanel that lasted from 1968 until his death.

Later Life: Wrote his autobiography Memoirs of a Professional Cad that was published in 1960. By the late 1960s, Sanders had become increasingly reclusive and suffered from depression due to a string of personal tragedies, including the deaths of his third wife, his mother, and his brother Tom all within the span of a year. Followed by a bad investment in which he lost millions of dollars, his short-lived fourth marriage, and a minor stroke. Sanders couldn’t bear the prospect of losing his health or needing help to carry out everyday tasks, and became severely depressed. After discovering that he couldn’t play his grand piano, he dragged it outside and smashed it with an axe. His last girlfriends persuaded him to sell his house in Majorca, which he later regretted and sank further. In 1972, Sanders checked into a hotel in Castelldefels, a town near Barcelona in Spain. 2 days after swallowing 5 bottles of barbiturates, he died from cardiac arrest, leaving behind 2 suicide notes. One which read: “Dear World, I am leaving because I am bored. I feel I have lived long enough. I am leaving you with your worries in this sweet cesspool. Good luck.” He was 65.

Trivia: Won Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1950 for All About Eve. Has 2 stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Was friends with David Niven. Was an accomplished singer and possessed a baritone singing voice that he raised at parties and even recorded an album. Had 2 ghostwritten crime novels published under his name to cash in on his roles as The Saint and The Falcon. Biography A Dreadful Man was written by friend Brian Ahern under a title Sanders had suggested himself. Never gave interviews and never signed autographs as well as enjoyed a reputation as a “rude and disagreeable person.”

86. Bruce Reitherman

Dates: 1955-present

Early Life and Career: Son of Disney animator Wolfgang Reitherman, one of Disney’s Nine Old Men. Mainly landed the part of Mowgli because his dad directed the film.

Movies and Cartoons: The Jungle Book (1967), Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree (1966), and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977).

Characters: Mowgli and Christopher Robin (singing voice)

Also Known For: Has worked on natural history productions in exotic locations from Alaska to Australia. Starting out as a freelance cameraman in 1983, Reitherman has gone to produce documentaries with PBS, National Geographic Television, The Discovery Channel, The BBC, and Canal Plus. He’s served as cameraman, producer, writer, and director in the 1990s in shows like In the Wild, Nature, and Big Bear Week.

Personal Life: Brother of Richard and Robert Reitherman. Currently lives in Santa Barbara with artist wife Erika Hill since 1986. Has a daughter to her.

Later Life: Graduated from UC Berkely in 1977 on a major in natural resources and a minor in Spanish. Hat stints as a river guide, field biologist, naturalist, expedition leader, and biological consultant. Embarked on a second career in producing nature documentaries starting from the 1980s and into the 2000s.

Trivia: Was part of a Members Only Preview for the behind-the-scenes exhibition titled Walt Disney’s The Jungle Book: Making a Masterpiece during a special talk alongside Andreas Deja, Darlene Carr, and Floyd Norman in 2022 at the Walt Disney Family Museum.

87. Clint Howard

Dates: 1959-present

Early Life and Career: Born in Burbank to actor Rance Howard and actress Jeane Speegle. Began his career at the age to 2 on The Andy Griffith Show. Other early roles include in shows like The Streets of San Francisco, The Virginian, Breaking Point, The Fugitive, Gentle Ben, Night Gallery, and The Red Pony. Made film debut in 1963 with The Courtship of Eddie’s Father.

Movies and Cartoons: The Jungle Book (1967), Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree (1966), Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day (1968), and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)

Characters: Hathi Jr. and Roo

Also Known For: Actor who’s got over 200 acting credits including films and television. TV appearances include The Andy Griffith Show, The Streets of San Francisco, The Virginian, Breaking Point, The Fugitive, Gentle Ben, Night Gallery, The Red Pony, Star Trek: The Original Series, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Enterprise, Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Fringe, Arrested Development, Seinfeld, Married…with Children, Heroes, The Bold and the Beautiful, From Earth to the Moon, and My Name Is Earl. Films include The Courtship of Eddie’s Father, Grand Theft Auto, Cocoon, Gung Ho, Backdraft, Parenthood, Far and Away, Apollo 13, How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), Cinderella Man, The Missing, Frost/Nixon, Rock ‘n’ Roll High School, Get Crazy, The Waterboy, Heart of America, Tango & Cash, That Sing You Do!, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, Austin Powers in Gold Member, The Cat in the Hat, Twilight, and Solo: A Star Wars Story.

Personal Life: Younger brother of Ron Howard and uncle of Bryce Dallas and Paige Howard. Married 3 times. First wife was Ann Marie Lynch from 1988 to their divorce in 1989. Second wife was Melanie Sorich from 1995 until 2018. Although they separated in 2015. Third wife is Kat C. Cruz at a private Las Vegas ceremony in 2020. Has a daughter named Rafa’ella Erlinda. Was an avid golfer who played 150 rounds a year from 1990 until hip replacements forced him to quit.

Later Life: Still actively working as of 2025.

Trivia: In 1981, he formed the Kempsters, a new wave comprising of him and his friends and who played regularly at Madame Wong’s West until 1983. In 2015, Howard began creating one-of-a-kind snow globes that are occasionally featured on entertainment programs.

88. Chad Stuart

Dates: 1941-2020

Early Life and Career: Born David Stuart Chadwick in Windermere, Westmoreland, England. Father was a lumber company foreman. Mother was a nurse. Family moved to Hartepool at 5 in Northeast England when his father’s job was transferred. Was recognized for his musical talent at 10 and earned a scholarship to attend the Durham Cathedral Chorister School. After graduation, Stuart briefly attended art school before switching to drama. Later won a scholarship to the Central School of Speech and Drama in London. There, he met fellow student Jeremy Clyde. Began working with Clyde as the British musical duo Chad & Jeremy in 1962. Legally changed his name to Chad Stuart in 1964.

Movies and Cartoons: The Jungle Book (1967)

Characters: Flaps

Also Known For: British musician and songwriter best known as one half of the duo Chad & Jeremy. Hits include “Yesterday’s Gone,” “You and She,” “A Summer Song,” “Willow Weep for Me,” and “What Do You Want With Me.”

Personal Life: Married 3 times. First wife was model Jill Gibson whom he met while at the Central School of Speech and Drama. They married in 1964 but later divorced. Second wife was Valerie Romero whom he also divorced. Third wife was Judy Shelly in 2010. Marriage lasted until his death. Has several children and step-children including film, television, and voice actor James Patrick Stuart. Later settled in the state of Idaho.  

Later Life: Chad & Jeremy disbanded in 1968 due to commercial failures and divergent personal ambitions. Following the breakup, Stuart worked as a staff producer at A&M Records and musical director for the Smothers Brothers. Reunite with Clyde during the 1980s to record a new album, perform concerts, and go on a multi-band British nostalgia invasion tour. They officially reunited in 2003 and had a semi-regular tour schedule until Stuart’s retirement in 2016. Died in 2020 in Hailey, Idaho from pneumonia following a fall.

Trivia: Has supported and donated to Habitat for Humanity, the Humane Society, and other benefits. All profits from his album Chad Stuart & the KGB went to stopping the slaughtering of wild horses.

89. Lord Tim Hudson

Dates: 1940-2019

Early Life and Career: Born George Timothy Brumwell in Prestbury, Cheshire, England. Was educated in Cumberland and at the Strathallan School in Perthshire. Father served in Bomber Command during World War II and was killed during a raid over Belgium in 1944. In 1948, his mother married a cotton business owner named Henry Hudson. Moved to London in 1961 before spending some time in France. Returned to London in 1963 to work as a trainee executive for Prestige pressure cooker manufacturers but resolved to work in the music industry. On a visit to Birmingham, Hudson allegedly offered to manage The Moody Blues and introduced the band to Decca Records but his role is disputed. Hudson then moved to Montreal where, as “Lord Tim of Liverpool,” he became a DJ on CKGM. When the Beatles embarked on their 1965 North American tour, San Diego’s KCBQ hired him. Of course, Hudson bullshitted his way into this position by describing himself as a record producer who claimed to know the Beatles personally and to have helped discover the Moody Blues. Hudson made broadcasts publicizing the band’s appearances in the San Diego area. Using his English contacts, he managed to get permission to travel with the group and to file reports exclusively on KCBQ. However, according to The Journal of San Diego History, it’s been said of him that: “He used his suave British accent to promote himself and became particularly popular among women. His problems surfaced, despite his claims to the contrary, when he could not do the simplest of tasks such as working the controls, playing records, or punching in ads. Having never before been on the radio, all he could do was sit in the studio and talk on the microphone. His brief stint at KCBQ, in terms of radio work, was one of the station’s worst staffing disasters.” Later landed a high-profile evening slot on KFWB Los Angeles that lasted approximately a year and a half. In 1966, Hudson presented Nancy Sinatra a gold disc to mark her million seller “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” However, since the gold record failed to arrive, he had to present Sinatra with a similarly earned disc of Dean Martin’s “Everybody Loves Somebody.” In 1967, Hudson managed the Seeds and later The Lollipop Shoppe. Left the music industry disillusioned in 1969.

Movies and Cartoons: The Jungle Book (1967) and The Aristocats (1970)

Characters: Dizzy and Hit Cat

Also Known For: British DJ who worked for San Diego KCBQ and Los Angeles KFWB during the mid-1960s and was manager for The Seeds and The Lollipop Shoppe. Was also an artist, voice actor, and sports manager. Had a radio show during the 1970s called Hudson’s Theater of the Mind on non-commercial KXLU.

Personal Life: Was once engaged to Dean Martin’s daughter. Married 4 times and divorced 3. Fourth wife was Maxi Gordon Silver whom he wed in the 1970s, which lasted until his death. Had a daughter from his second marriage.

Later Life: During the 1970s, Hudson invested in Hollywood property and set up what he claimed to be its first organic food restaurant. In 1984, he returned to England where he bought Birtles Old Hall near Macclesfield in Cheshire with an attached cricket ground. Later managed English cricketer Ian Botham who later fired him after Hudson tried to promote him as a potential movie star in Hollywood. Also hosted celebrity cricket matches on his ground during the 1980s. Moved to Palm Springs during the 1990s where he had paintings exhibited and continued working as a DJ. Latest edition of autobiography From Beatles to Botham was published in 2014. Died after heart surgery in Chelsea, London in 2019 at 79.

Trivia: Obituary in The Times called him a “colorful chancer.”

90. Digby Wolfe

Dates: 1929-2012

Early Life and Career: Born James Digby Wolfe in London, England. Father was an international banker. Mother was an artist for Vogue magazine. At 4, his father died after being hit in the head with a golf ball. Brought up by his mother in Felixstowe. Made film debut in 1948. Began writing and performing a comedy series in England during the 1950s as well as had his own TV show before moving to Sydney, Australia in 1959. After a brief return to the UK, he moved to the United States in 1964.

Movies and Cartoons: The Jungle Book (1967)

Characters: Ziggy

Also Known For: British actor and writer who had a successful career in the UK, Australia, and the US. Film appearances include The Weaker Sex, The Guinea Pig, Landfall, Stage Fright, The Dark Man, Little Big Shot, Father Goose, and The Big Money. TV appearances include Wolfe at the Door, That Was the Week That Was, Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie, The Munsters, Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, This Is Your Life, and The Monkees. Wrote for John Denver, Shirley MacLaine, Cher, and Jackie Mason.

Personal Life: Married Patricia Mannion, which lasted until his death.

Later Life: Later taught dramatic writing at the University of New Mexico first as a visiting professor and then as the char of the Robert Hartung Dramatic Writing Program in the Theatr and Dance Department. Was awarded “Teacher of the Year,” at that university in 2001. Retired in 2002. Died after a short battle in Albaquerque, New Mexico in 2012 at 82.

Trivia: Won an Emmy for Laugh-In. Also taught screenwriting at USC Master of Professional Writing program. Was friends with Goldie Hawn and Shirley MacLaine.