Otis Harlan

Otis Harlan (December 29, 1865 – January 21, 1940) was an American comedic actor and voice actor. He is most recognized for providing the voice of "Happy", one of the Seven Dwarfs in the Disney classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.[1]

Otis Harlan
Harlan, c. 1892
Born(1865-12-29)December 29, 1865
DiedJanuary 21, 1940(1940-01-21) (aged 74)
Resting placeMartinsville, Indiana
OccupationComedian
Actor voice actor
Years active1893-1940
Spouse(s)Nellie Harvey
Children1
RelativesKenneth Harlan (nephew)

Biography

Harlan was born in Zanesville, Ohio in 1865.[1] He married Nellie Harvey and had a daughter named Marion. Harlan was the uncle of the silent film era leading man, Kenneth Harlan.[2]

Career

In 1893, he appeared in Victor Herbert's The Magic Knight. He was playing in vaudeville shows by 1911, appearing in Irving Berlin's ragtime musicals. Harlan also played the role of Cap'n Andy in the first, part-talkie film version of "Show Boat" (1929). He was also seen as the Master of Ceremonies in the sound prologue that accompanied the film. In 1935, Harlan played the role of Starveling in Max Reinhardt's 1935 film version of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. In 1937, Harlan provided the voice of "Happy", one of the Seven Dwarfs in the Disney animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.[1] In the same year he also appeared in the Our Gang short Roamin' Holiday. Contrary to popular belief, Harlan did not voice Mr. Mole in Bambi. Mr. Mole was voiced by Bambi's story director, Perce Pearce.[3]

Death

He died in Martinsville, Indiana of a stroke on January 21, 1940 at the age of 74. His interment is located in the Greenlawn Cemetery section of New South Park Cemetery in Martinsville, Indiana.

Selected filmography

References

  1. Hischak, Thomas S. (2011), Disney Voice Actors: A Biographical Dictionary, McFarland, p. 95, ISBN 078646271X.
  2. Klepper, Robert K. (1999), Silent films, 1877-1996: a critical guide to 646 movies, McFarland, p. 95, ISBN 0786405953.
  3. "Animation Anecdotes #282". Retrieved 2017-09-22.
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