Tony Anselmo

**Tony Anselmo**, born on February 18, 1960, stands as an accomplished American voice actor and animator. His most notable contribution lies in becoming the official voice behind Donald Duck, a role he assumed in 1985 following the passing of the original voice actor, Clarence Nash. Anselmo's vocal talents also extended to Donald's triplet nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, showcasing his versatile capabilities.

**In Disney Speedstorm he also voices Donald Duck.**

	1. Early life
	2. Education
	3. Career

## About

Tony Anselmo's journey into the realm of Disney was initiated by an early fascination with the magic of animation, sparked by a viewing of Mary Poppins at the tender age of four. This encounter ignited a passion within him, leading him down a path of unwavering dedication to the world of Disney.

### Early life

Tony Anselmo was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on February 18, 1960, and his family later relocated to Sunnyvale in northern California, where his affinity for animation blossomed. He delved into artistic pursuits, mastering animation techniques and studying the works of renowned Disney animators. His diligence led him to attend Marian A. Peterson High School and pursue night art classes at local colleges. Notably, Anselmo cultivated a correspondence with celebrated Disney animators, drawing inspiration and guidance from luminaries like Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston, Eric Larson, and Milt Kahl.

### Education

Anselmo's dedication culminated in his enrollment at the Character Animation Department of California Institute of the Arts, generously funded by the Disney Family. This marked a pivotal step in his journey, propelling him closer to his dream of contributing to the enchanting world of Disney.

### Career

Embarking on his professional trajectory, Anselmo commenced his animation career in 1980 at the age of 20. His artistic prowess left an indelible mark on numerous Disney animated features, including The Black Cauldron, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Tarzan, and The Emperor's New Groove. Significantly, Anselmo's path intersected with that of Clarence Nash, the original voice of Donald Duck, who mentored him in the nuances of character voice work. Following Nash's passing in 1985, Anselmo embraced the role of Donald Duck, paying homage to Nash's legacy while breathing fresh life into the iconic character.

Anselmo's commitment to preserving character integrity and quality led to the establishment of the Disney Character Voices department, ensuring that beloved characters maintain their consistent and authentic personas. In an illuminating revelation, Anselmo clarified the technique behind Donald's distinctive voice, dispelling the misconception surrounding its creation.

Notably, Anselmo holds the distinction of being the sole individual to both animate and voice Donald Duck in select productions, including "Mickey Donald Goofy: The Three Musketeers" and "The Prince and the Pauper."

Beyond his work as Donald Duck, Anselmo lent his vocal talents to various Disney projects, including voicing Donald's nephews, engaging in the "Kingdom Hearts" series, and contributing to the video game Kinect Disneyland Adventures.

Anselmo's contributions were celebrated with prestigious awards and honors, including the 2014 BTVA Television Voice Acting Award and recognition as a Disney Legend by Roy E. Disney in 2009.

Outside of his vocal endeavors, Anselmo showcased his deep appreciation for Disney through an extensive collection of Disney posters, culminating in the publication of "The Disney Poster Book featuring the Collection of Tony Anselmo" in 2002. His collection also found its place in exhibitions at The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco.

## References

1. ↑ An Utahn is the man behind Donald Duck.
2. ↑ If it Quacks like a Duck, it Must be Tony Anselmo: The Only Animator to have Voiced the Character He Animated.
3. ↑ Uncovering Donald Duck's Official Voice, Tony Anselmo.
4. ↑ If It Quacks Like This Odd Duck, It Must Be Tony Anselmo.
5. ↑ The Classic Character Voice Department.
6. ↑ 2009 Disney Legends Award Recipients to Be Honored During D23 Expo in Anaheim.