One of the things I admire about the Walt Disney Company is the care in which they manage their most famous assets. Specifically, I’m speaking of Mickey Mouse and the practice of passing on the role to Disney Studio lifers.
Mickey was first voiced by Walt himself, which I would guess most people are aware of. Next came Jimmy MacDonald, a veteran sound effects man at the company, who took over during production of Mickey and the Beanstalk from the Fun and Fancy Free package film. MacDonald would then hand the role over to his assistant, Wayne Allwine, who is the voice many of my peers grew up knowing from television and Disney World attractions. Along the way, other actors chipped in here and there, but no one else voiced Mickey full-time. Since Allwine’s passing in 2009, the role has actually been passed on to two individuals: Bret Iwan and Chris Diamontopolous. Not to disparage the work of either of the current Mickeys, their taking on the role ended the tradition of longtime Disney employees taking over, which is kind of unfortunate. Part of that can be blamed on Allwine’s sudden passing, but even before that when his health was failing, Iwan was hired to be Allwine’s understudy, though the two never got to work together.
Clarence Nash, Donald’s original voice actor and creator, held the role from 1934-1985.
After Mickey, the most famous Disney character is likely Donald Duck, and Donald has benefitted from having just two voice actors in his 80-plus years of existence. Clarence Nash was the first to provide a voice for the irascible duck, and he did so up until his death in 1985 when the role was then passed on to Tony Anselmo, an animator with the company. As Anselmo tells it, Nash was quietly and unofficially training him for the gig for quite sometime leading up to his death from cancer. It was also Nash who told Anselmo that he would take over as the voice of Donald in what was probably a pretty emotional moment for the both of them.
When only two people have handled a singular role, it’s fun to analyze the two and figure out who did it better. Of course, Nash is the original and will always represent the best of Donald Duck. He voiced the character for all of Donald’s classic theatrical shorts as well as his appearances in Mickey Mouse shorts, with his final theatrical performance being Mickey’s Christmas Carol. Anselmo’s Donald is very close to Nash’s, and I’d wager most people can’t tell the difference upon a casual viewing. For those who consider themselves duck enthusiasts, Anselmo’s Donald is definitely a littler higher, and raspier. His delivery allows Donald to better enunciate, which probably makes his version more suitable for early childhood programs like The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Anselmo’s Donald does sound like it requires more effort, and sometimes it sounds too gassy. Voicing Donald is not an easy thing, and Nash was even said to have even passed out during a recording session, so I don’t intend for that to sound like criticism of Anselmo’s work, but as an observation.
Tony Anselmo took over for Nash and was hired out of the animation department.
Very quietly though, Donald has been given a new voice. Just released this past January, a new cartoon starring Mickey and the gang began airing on the Disney Channel: Mickey and the Roadster Racers. It’s said to be a pseudo-sequel series for The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, though the target audience is definitely older by a few years. The show stars the same cast: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto with numerous appearances by the likes of Chip and Dale, Pete, Clarabelle Cow, and other Disney staples. They even featured an episode with a Three Caballeros reunion and a rare Horace Horsecollar appearance (I know these things because I’m a father to a Mickey Mouse addict).
Because I’m a Donald Duck nerd, I noticed when watching the first episode that he sounded a little different. When I pulled up IMDB at the time it didn’t list a voice actor (I took my son to an early viewing of the show in October), but I kept checking as TV spots were regularly aired to remind me and eventually a voice cast appeared with this name beside Donald Duck: Daniel Ross.
I’ve been unable to find any info on why Donald was recast. The prevailing theory seems to be that Anselmo doesn’t have the time, or his voice can’t handle, voicing Donald in multiple series. This summer, a reboot of DuckTales is set to begin airing which is said to feature Donald more heavily than the original did. There’s also Mickey Mouse shorts, the occasional Clubhouse special, and whatever other roles come up throughout the course of the year so perhaps Anselmo just can’t handle another full-time series.
Like the guys who took over for Mickey, Ross is a professional voice actor and not someone previously tied to the company. It would seem a once time-honored tradition is no more, and as the actors who have played these characters for years get older they’ll be replaced with talent from outside of Disney. A part of me is disappointed in that, though I don’t begrudge anyone for taking on such an iconic role as Donald Duck or Mickey Mouse. From what I’ve observed, Ross’s Donald is very similar to Anselmo’s. It’s quite raspy, as opposed to Nash’s more guttural performance. Ross apparently got the job through conventional means, and I found one story on the subject that’s pretty cute online, but couldn’t find anything relating to Anselmo and why he isn’t voicing the character. I’d be curious to know if Anselmo intends to stop voicing the character in the near future (he’s only 56) and if he turned down doing the series. I also wish the company made a bigger deal about Donald getting a new voice, it’s only his third voice actor, after all. Unlike with Mickey, I’m not aware of anyone else even filling in for a spot here or there for Donald which is pretty incredible (though Nash was understandably likely never as busy as Walt Disney was which is what lead to Mickey having an occasional fill-in, once even voiced by Nash) and it would have been nice to see the company acknowledge that, even if it was just a simple press release. I noticed though, and I doubt I’m the only one, so congratulations to Daniel Ross. I would guess Anselmo isn’t going anywhere, especially with Donald less than 20 years away from turning 100, which is probably a nice goal to aim for. I suspect when that day comes there will be a far bigger celebration for America’s favorite duck than what was made of his new voice.
Donald is to be voiced by Tony Anselmo in the upcoming DuckTales reboot.
Postscript: When I published this piece I never could have anticipated the reach it would have. It was mostly just me thinking aloud on the internet about a subject I thought was really only interesting to me, but as is the case with anything Disney, that is certainly not the case. Since then, this post continues to be my most popular as it usually gets a hit or hits every day. And if you’re reading this for the first time, please check out the comments as much of what was speculated at the time has been answered by none other than Tony Anselmo himself. Some have expressed disbelief that Mr. Anselmo would make a comment on some random blog, but I assure you it is indeed the real deal as I confirmed as much outside of this blog space (I did not go out of my way to verify the comments from Daniel Ross and Gary Marsh). It is my sincere hope that he didn’t get any heat from anyone at Disney for sharing the real story here. I assume he’s doing just fine since he continues to voice the character and he’s never asked me to remove the comments. He’ll always have my thanks for the generosity displayed here, and because he’s freakin’ Donald Duck!
In short, the role of Donald Duck was recast because that’s what the showrunner for the program decided on. It should go without saying that was the wrong thing to do. The role of Donald Duck is Anselmo’s and it should remain his until he retires. Programs that have since premiered such as Legend of the Three Caballeros and DuckTales should be proof enough that Anselmo’s Donald is as good as ever. Now, as fans there’s little we can do when we disagree with the whims of a mega-corporation like Disney. I have done my part to the best of my ability. I wrote to CEO Bob Iger, though I never received a response (not that I expected one) and expressed my displeasure with the move. I was also fortunate that my children never developed an attachment to the Roadster Racers program so it was easy to phase it out. Similarly, I do not put on the Mixed-Up Adventures which features Ross as Donald for them either, and I do not buy any of the merch associated with those programs. And I will continue to only support projects that Donald appears in so long as it’s Anselmo voicing the character. Whenever he does decide to hang ’em up and pass the torch I will embrace that new actor whole-heartedly, because a character as iconic as Donald Duck is bigger than all of us. That time has not come though and I don’t think it should for a long while yet.
You can still hear Anselmo’s Donald on DuckTales and Legend of the Three Caballeros, perhaps the two best television programs ever to feature Donald Duck.
Post Postscript: Turn’s out, there’s a bit more to this story and it’s one with a happy ending. Donald Duck voice actor Tony Anselmo reached out to me once more and this time we actually had a little chat on the phone. It would seem the casting decisions for the show, Mickey and the Roadster Racers and the follow-up Mixed-Up Adventures, will not be repeated. Perhaps to no one’s surprise, Disney CEO Bob Iger was not aware of what had happened and when he found out he put a stop to it. There is only one Donald Duck at The Walt Disney Company, and it’s Tony Anselmo. That is why it’s his voice featured on the new preschool show Mickey Mouse Funhouse which feels like the official successor to The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Now, Disney has been transitioning to a new CEO, Bob Chapek, so who knows how he’ll handle things, but it would seem that, for now, Disney is going back to the one voice per character rule (with the exception, oddly enough, of Mickey himself who continues to have a “toon” voice and an “ambassador” voice). And that’s the way it should be, honestly. The role of Donald Duck should be Anselmo’s until he decides to retire just like the role belonged to Clarence Nash until his retirement, or like how Minnie Mouse was Russi Taylor’s until her untimely passing. This would appear to be the end of this story though, which has certainly been an interesting and exciting one. I first wrote about this in 2017 and it’s still a topic of conversation in 2021, which is certainly beyond anything I expected. It put me in contact with one of the heroes of my youth which is something I never could have, or would have, predicted. What a ride!
The Nostalgia Spot 
February 23rd, 2017 at 8:07 pm
Thanks for the kind words! There certainly is a ton of rich history surrounding our favorite duck, and I’m honored to be borrowing the keys to the race car. I hope you enjoy “Mickey and the Roadster Racers”! 😀
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February 24th, 2017 at 9:12 am
As a parent, I can say that the Roadster Racers is far more enjoyable than the Clubhouse program! My two-year old son seems to be enjoying it as well, and already has his own Donald race car toy that I am certain to step on at some point. Congratulations once again on landing what I assume is a dream role for many aspiring voice actors.
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March 14th, 2017 at 5:15 pm
Clarence Nash is known all over the world as Donald Duck voice and kept it alive on television and such, all over the world.
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May 6th, 2017 at 2:48 am
Naturally I would have had time to record this show. I was looking forward to it.
In 35 years, I’ve never abandoned the post Clarence left to me, and that Roy E. Disney made official.
Despite passionate letters from a member of the Disney Family, and Daughter of Clarence Nash. The show Runner on this race show chose to not only disregarded these letters, but the Legacy of Clarence Nash, Walt Disney, And the dedicated folks at Disney Character Voices who for 35 years have worked so hard to keep consistency, and integrity in these very valuable Disney assets, and the Disney brand.
He chose instead to cast an unknown actor who I’ve never met. Given the choice, and the legacy at hand, You’ll have to judge of the results.
There is an unwritten law in our voice over community that you never take a Character, the livelihood, away from a Character Veteran. It’s bad Karma, disrespectful, and hurtful to the many people I mentioned above.
As long as Clarence Nash was still alive, I would have never taken work away from the official voice Clarence Nash!
It is such a great pleasure to work with the very talented, and respectful people on “Ducktails”, the “Mickey Mouse Shorts”, “Kingdom Hearts”, Disneyland, and even another top secret un-announced series starring Donald Duck that I know you’re all going to love as much as I have recording it.
Thank you sincerely for the kind words from the loyal Disney fans who’ve written so many letters. I hope I continue to earn your loyalty, and love for Donald Duck for many years to come!
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May 6th, 2017 at 6:39 am
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment on my humble, little, slice of the internet. That’s unfortunate to have it more or less confirmed that the Disney of today is quite different from the one Walt, Roy, and Clarence left behind, but such are the times. I’m looking forward to DuckTales and hope you can do the voice as long as you want to. I tell my wife often we’re going to Disney World for Donald Duck’s 100th birthday when it comes, hope to see you there!
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May 6th, 2017 at 1:31 pm
Thank you for your very kind words. I appreciate your support for the Disney legacy, and I look forward to meeting you there on Donald’s 100th Birthday!!
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May 6th, 2017 at 6:12 pm
Don’t mention it. As a lifelong fan of The Duck, it does break my heart a little to hear this story. I know it’s unrealistic to expect a huge company like Disney to operate like the small, family business it was, but some things should be sacred.
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March 11th, 2018 at 7:30 pm
What seems disrespectful is you discredit someone given a chance like you once were given. As a Disney fan I am
Thankful for your contributions but disappointed you cannot show a little
Class and wish the guy success. Sometime ego need to be checked. Good luck Mr Ross so far you voiced a Clearly professional Donald Duck we’re proud to hear and continue the legacy of such a great character whomever voices this character.
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March 11th, 2018 at 9:27 pm
I think Mr. Anselmo was quite respectful and handled the issue with class considering the circumstances. Voicing Donald Duck is more than a job for him, and for the character’s 80+ years of existence he’s always had one voice – the role being a treasured and protected one to be held until it’s passed on in a proper, professional manner. Mr. Ross seems like a nice guy, but that doesn’t change the fact that Disney screwed up and the role should have never been given to another actor without Mr. Anselmo’s consent and blessing.
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July 29th, 2021 at 8:05 pm
Hi Joe,
I hadn’t checked in in a while, and just noticed your postscript. I’m most grateful for your support of Clarence’s legacy. Just spoke with his daughter this morning (She is 90!) All is very good. New series I’m very proud of, “Mickey’s Funhouse” just premiered on Disney Jr. and Disney+ How may I reach you privately off of your blog?
Thanks again, -Tony
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July 29th, 2021 at 8:13 pm
Hi Tony, thanks for checking in! I still have your email address from before, so if that’s still active I’ll drop you a line. Always happy to see more shows featuring Donald!
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August 30th, 2017 at 4:52 pm
[…] Mouse. It’s strange and somewhat upsetting for Disney historians (I tackled the subject in this post about Donald Duck suddenly having two voices) for Mickey to have more than one official voice, but […]
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March 9th, 2018 at 4:39 pm
Tony, please check your facebook messages. Theres some pertinent information about this matter that has been passed along to you
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April 23rd, 2018 at 10:28 pm
I was kinda puzzled by the voice change, as well…I mean Mr. Ross’ duck voice is good; of course Disney would never let one of its most iconic and beloved characters be voiced by a voice actor that wasn’t skilled. Still, I just don’t understand why they would recast Anselmo unless he’d be too busy with other projects. Anselmo is doing a great job in the new “DuckTales”, where he once again demonstrates that his Donald voice is not just a party trick, but an actual characterization, in which he manages to convincingly portray the voice as sarcastic, concerned, etc., and is able to carry longer storylines and more dialogue. Very impressive; It’s a shame he hasn’t appeared much in the show so far (the show seems to focus far more on the “celebrity” voice actors, unfortunately).
On the topic of Donald’s different voice actors: I recently read about a certain “James Tadevic”, who apparently voiced Donald on a few occasions during the 1970s and 80s, including the Mickey Mouse Disco track “Macho Duck” (which is probably the weirdest thing you’ll hear today) ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rE5LxCY5WI ) and a 1980 Donald Duck Orange Juice commercial ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZ_qMG_R5Ks ). Apparently Nash was not available at the time.
(Also–I’m just now reading Tony anselmo’s replaced here, where he talks about a “top-secret, unannounced series starring Donald”– that sounds like music to my ears!)
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April 23rd, 2018 at 10:32 pm
Now, of course I meant to write “reply” instead of “replaced” in that last sentence.
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October 30th, 2018 at 3:07 am
It is preposterous to think that Tony or Daniel would be posting and a random WordPress sight exclusively. Disney properties are tightly controlled and openly discussing sensitive and controversial topics would be career suicide. Doing the device of Donald is heavily taxing. Nash passed out multiple times during long sets. Due to the heavy workload Tony Anselmo already has it would be difficult to add an additional series. Daniel Ross trained under Anselmo for over a year before Roadsters began recording.
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October 30th, 2018 at 7:02 am
Preposterous? Believe what you want to believe, Chief. No one at Disney has ever claimed Ross was trained by Anselmo and Ross never indicated as much in the interview I linked in the post. Donald Duck just had a pretty big year for himself thanks to the new DuckTales and is about to get his own series based on The Three Caballeros, all voiced by Anselmo, so it looks like shedding light on a situation on a little WordPress site was not, in fact, career suicide, but thanks for sharing your “expertise” on the subject.
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May 2nd, 2019 at 1:24 pm
Does everyone see how Daniel Ross put up a contact email as “danielduckyross” at gmail on his website? It’s too bad it looks like season 3 will be his final season voicing the stolen duck as it’s heading for a cancellation and as he likes to say constantly, he’ll have to give up his honorable “the keys to the racecar” and return them back to Tony Anselmo. Too bad. It appears karma is coming for him. Time to unpuff that chest because no one is going to call him Daniel “Ducky” Ross! This is rich! Bye bye Ross! I hear Target is hiring
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May 21st, 2019 at 9:02 pm
Right-o mate, an unsuccessful and bald version of Johnny Galecki 😂 🎯
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June 20th, 2019 at 3:30 pm
I am well aware that Mr. Ross is obsessed with himself to the point that he has google alerts anytime someone mention his name on the internet. This article is poised to be no different. I hope very much that he never gets far in this industry. All he does online all day and night long is try and use the hashtags and names and photos of other people (disabled persons included) with a modicum of notoriety to brown nose and boost himself when he’s not in person doing the very same. He is a clout chaser and a shameless one at that. It’s a sorry sight to see him at social events, typically making industry types uncomfortable with his bravado of disingenuous cheer and lightheartedness. With no doubt this man is a vindictive, spiteful and small human being and would slit your throat if he knew you believed otherwise. I have heard some recorded conversation by this man and believe me if he made his way to the top he would justify doing just about anything to anyone if it made him feel a little bigger than the 5’6 stature he stands at today. His demo reel screams of pure childish insecurity. I just wish he would move back to wherever he came from. The voice over community would be in a much better place again and Tony wholeheartedly deserves his job back
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December 1st, 2019 at 1:17 am
[…] actors for Mickey Mouse right now, and probably my most popular post ever concerned the handling of Donald’s Duck’s voice when veteran Tony Anselmo was recast for the pre-school show Mickey and the Roadster Racers. When I […]
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