The voice of one of Disney’s most beloved characters has passed away. Donnie Dunagan, who voiced young Bambi in Walt Disney’s 1942 classic Bambi, died on November 4, 2026, at the age of 92. The Hollywood Reporter shared the news, which was reported by film historian Tom Weaver.
A Child Star in Hollywood’s Golden Age
Born Donald Roan Dunagan on August 16, 1934, in San Antonio, Texas, Donnie began acting as a young boy and worked in some of the most famous films of the era. He made his screen debut in Mother Carey’s Chickens in 1938, and the very next year he played Peter von Frankenstein in Universal’s Son of Frankenstein alongside horror legends Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi and Basil Rathbone. He reunited with Karloff and Rathbone in Tower of London that same year.
Giving Bambi His Voice
Walt Disney Studios reached out to Donnie’s family to ask for his help bringing Bambi to life. As Donnie later shared, the animators wanted his help putting a child’s expression on a deer. He spent more than a year working on the film and gave his voice to young Bambi, although he was not credited at the time. Bambi premiered in 1942 and became his final screen role, and it remains one of the most treasured films in Disney history.
From Bambi to the Marine Corps
Donnie’s story only gets more remarkable from there. He joined the United States Marine Corps at 18, served three tours in Vietnam, earned two Purple Hearts and retired as a major in 1977.
For decades, he kept his Bambi role a secret from his fellow Marines. He did not want to seem like he was showing off, and he also wanted to avoid being teased as “Major Bambi.” After leaving the military, he worked in finance and in later years began sharing his Disney story with fans at conventions.
Donnie is survived by his wife, Dana, whom he married in 1992.
Our Memories of Donnie
Michele and I had the incredible honor of meeting Donnie and bringing him in as a guest at our Expo. He was absolutely amazing to talk to. He had stories about working with Walt and Roy Disney, and then he would turn around and share stories about working with Boris Karloff. Hearing those memories firsthand from someone who was there was something we will never forget.
Donnie was an amazing man, and I feel truly blessed that I got to talk with him and spend time with him that weekend.
Our thoughts are with Dana and all of Donnie’s family and friends. Thank you, Donnie, for the voice of Bambi, for your service to our country and for the stories you so kindly shared with all of us. Rest in peace.
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