Writer Mark Evanier reports the passing of veteran voice actor John Stephenson on Friday, May 15, 2015, at the age of 91. While the cause of death was not stated, Mr. Stephenson had suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for some time and had been living in a nursing home. Mr. Stephenson’s career began in 1948, when he moved to Hollywood from his native Wisconsin and became an actor in radio dramas. These led to work on TV and film, with numerous TV roles on some of the top shows in the 1950’s and 1960’s, including The Lone Ranger, The Beverly Hillbillies, F Troop, Get Smart, Green Acres, Hogan’s Heroes, Perry Mason, and The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. However, in the 1960’s, he transitioned out of on-camera work in favor of voiceover in commercials, announcing work (including the iconic voiceover for the Dragnet TV series), and animation. Many of his best-known roles were for Hanna-Barbera, including Mr. Slate on The Flintstones, Dr. Benton Quest on Jonny Quest, Fancy-Fancy on Top Cat, and Farmer John Arable in Charlotte’s Web.
