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Gregory Lewis Burson (August 15, 1949 – July 22, 2008) was an American voice actor. He was best known for being one of the many successors to voice actors Daws Butler (who was also Burson's mentor) and Mel Blanc following their deaths in 1988 and 1989 respectively.

Key Information

Career

[edit]

One of Burson's earliest jobs, which did not pay well but got him lots of attention, was doing the voiceover for a Dianetics commercial for Scientology. He was trained by Daws Butler, who was his acting mentor and one of his influences.[1] Following Butler's death, Burson inherited most of his characters,[2] starting with Yogi Bear on The New Yogi Bear Show and many other characters in Hanna-Barbera-related shows. Burson based his Yogi voice on Butler's portrayal in the earlier Yogi Bear episodes, due to having grown up watching them as a child.[3] He also inherited the role of Mr. Magoo in the animated segments of the live action feature film of the same name in 1997 (after Jim Backus died in 1989).

Burson was also one of the successors to Mel Blanc, and voiced many of his characters as well, including Bugs Bunny, for whom he was given the responsibility of voicing in 1995's Carrotblanca, a well-received 8-minute Looney Tunes cartoon originally shown in cinemas alongside The Amazing Panda Adventure (USA and Canada) and The Pebble and the Penguin (non-US). It has since then released on video, packaged with older Looney Tunes cartoons, and was even included in the special edition DVD release of Casablanca, of which it is both a parody and a homage. Burson found Bugs' voice difficult to get right, eventually basing it on Blanc's portrayal in the 1950s.[3]

Burson also voiced Bugs in the 1997 short From Hare to Eternity, which is notable for being dedicated to Friz Freleng (who had died in 1995). It was also notable for being the final Looney Tunes cartoon that Chuck Jones had directed before his death in 2002. Burson also provided Bugs' voice in new animation for Bugs 'n' Daffy, which ran on Kids' WB from 1995 to 1998. Alternating with Jeff Bergman, Bob Bergen, Joe Alaskey, Jim Cummings, Maurice LaMarche, and Billy West, he also voiced several other Looney Tunes characters including Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Tweety, Sylvester, Elmer Fudd, Yosemite Sam, Marvin the Martian, Tasmanian Devil, Pepé Le Pew, Speedy Gonzales, and Foghorn Leghorn on various Warner Bros. animated television series, films, toys, and video games.

His other voice work includes shows such as CatDog, Batman: The Animated Series, All-New Dennis the Menace, Mother Goose and Grimm, The Angry Beavers, Johnny Bravo, Samurai Jack, The Smurfs, Super Friends, The Twisted Tales of Felix the Cat and Garfield and Friends, the feature film Jurassic Park and the three Star Wars video games The Phantom Menace, Jedi Power Battles, and The Gungan Frontier.

In 1995, at the height of the popularity of R. L. Stine's Goosebumps book and television series, though not known at the time, and his only performance in it, he was also the voice behind one version of the commercial that promoted the "Goosebumps Fan Club" in some of the old VHS tapes of the television show of the same name, while Tony Jay recorded a second version of the same promo. Burson also lent his voice to several promos for Fox Kids.

[edit]

In May 2004, Burson was arrested by detectives after barricading himself inside his home in Tujunga for six hours before surrendering. Initial reports claimed that an armed S.W.A.T. team had responded to a call from two of his female roommates that he was drunk, armed and holding a third female roommate hostage.[4][5] Officers later discovered that he had a collection of guns in his home. Burson also screamed a stream of nonsensical words at the police when they were alerted to his home; one officer said, "He was so drunk, we couldn't tell if he was trying to do one of his voices or was just slurring his words." Officer Rudy Villarreal confirmed that all three women involved in the incident lived with Burson, but none of them were harmed.[6] The incident resulted in Burson being blacklisted for the rest of his life.

Death

[edit]

After losing voice-over work, Burson struggled with depression and alcoholism.[1] On July 22, 2008, he died as a result of complications from diabetes and arteriosclerosis. He was 58 years old.[7]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
List of voice performances in feature and direct-to-video films
Year Title Role Notes
1989 Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland Flap and Nemo's Father
Asterix and the Big Fight Chief Bombastix, Franksinatrix, Sergeant Noodles English American dub
D.A.R.E. Bear Yogi Yogi Bear, Doggie Daddy, Captain Caveman Public service announcement
1991 Yakety Yak, Take It Back Bugs Bunny Music video
Rappin' N' Rhymin' Yogi Bear[8]
1992 Tom and Jerry: The Movie Moving Man
1993 Jurassic Park Mr. DNA
I Yabba-Dabba Do! Additional Voices Television film
The D.A.R.E. Report: The Land of Decisions and Choices Tommy's Grandfather, Puppy, Iggy, Joint, Additional Voices
1994 Scooby-Doo! in Arabian Nights Yogi Bear and Royal Chef Television film
Yogi the Easter Bear Yogi Bear Television film
1995 Carrotblanca Bugs Bunny, Foghorn Leghorn, Pepé Le Pew and Airport PA Announcer
1996 Space Jam Elmer Fudd (two scenes) and Foghorn Leghorn (some lines) Uncredited
1997 From Hare to Eternity Bugs Bunny
Mr. Magoo Mr. Quincy Magoo (animated form)
2003 Looney Tunes: Stranger than Fiction Foghorn Leghorn, Barnyard Dawg, and Pepé Le Pew Direct-to-video
Looney Tunes: Reality Check Foghorn Leghorn Direct-to-video
2004 My Generation G...G... Gap Security Guard, Commercial Announcer Final role appearance

Television

[edit]
List of voice performances in television shows
Year Title Role Notes
1981 Super Friends Keelhaul Kelly, Additional Voices 1 episode
1982 The Smurfs Additional Voices 1 episode
1987–1990 The Real Ghostbusters Dib Devlin, Casey Jones, Gorgar 3 episodes
1988 The New Yogi Bear Show Yogi Bear
1988–1990 Fantastic Max Additional Voices
1989 A Yabba Dabba Doo Celebration: 50 Years of Hanna-Barbera Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound, Quick Draw McGraw, Snuffles, Snagglepuss Television special
1990 Wake, Rattle, and Roll Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound, Quick Draw McGraw, Snagglepuss
1990–1992 Tiny Toon Adventures Elmer Fudd, Pepé Le Pew, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Tasmanian Devil, Foghorn Leghorn
1991–1992 Mother Goose and Grimm Attila
1991 Yo Yogi! Yogi Bear, Quick Draw McGraw, Snagglepuss, Officer Smith, Mr. Jinks, Loopy De Loop, Lippy the Lion, Peter Potamus, Uncle Undercover
Tom & Jerry Kids Nefarious Wolf, Chase School Teacher 1 episode
1992–1994 Garfield and Friends Additional Voices 12 episodes
1993 All-New Dennis the Menace Mr. Wilson
Batman: The Animated Series Mad Dog 2 episodes
Droopy, Master Detective Additional Voices
Taz-Mania Bugs Bunny, Tony Tortoise, Foghorn Leghorn 2 episodes
1993–1997 Animaniacs Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Tweety, Foghorn Leghorn, Yosemite Sam 3 episodes
1995 The Twisted Tales of Felix the Cat Additional Voices 2 episodes
1995–1996 The Baby Huey Show The Fox Season 2 only
1995–1998 The Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries Elmer Fudd, Pepé Le Pew, Cot Martin, Ed McMuffin 4 episodes
Bugs 'n' Daffy Bugs Bunny Main theme only
1996 The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest Corbin, Sanderson 1 episode
1997 Johnny Bravo The Ghostly Gardener 1 episode
1997–1998 Channel Umptee—3 Professor I. Revelent
1998 CatDog Barry the Baboon 1 episode
1999 A Day in the Life of Ranger Smith Yogi Bear, Squirrel Boy, Squirrel Girl Television special
The Angry Beavers Judge Otter, Otter #1 1 episode
2002 Samurai Jack Quick Draw McGraw 1 episode

Video games

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1990 Bugs Bunny's Birthday Ball Bugs Bunny (speaking), Daffy Duck, Sylvester (spitting), Tasmanian Devil, Foghorn Leghorn Pinball machine
1993 Taz-Mania Tasmanian Devil[9] Super NES version
1993 Daffy Duck: The Marvin Missions Duck Dodgers[10][9] Super NES version
1994 Bugs Bunny: Rabbit Rampage Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, Marvin the Martian, Tasmanian Devil, Nasty Canasta, Toro the Bull, The Crusher, Bird[11][9]
1994 Acme Animation Factory Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Speedy Gonzales, Marvin the Martian[12][9]
1995 Looney Tunes B-Ball Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, Sylvester, Marvin the Martian, Tasmanian Devil, Director[13][9]
1995 Speedy Gonzales: Los Gatos Bandidos Speedy Gonzales[9]
1995 Porky Pig's Haunted Holiday Porky Pig[9]
1999 Star Wars Episode I: The Gungan Frontier Boss Rugor Nass, Gungan Librarian
1999 Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace Boss Rugor Nass, Guard Door, Injured Soldier #1, Jabba's Porter, Shop Owner
2000 Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles Boss Rugor Nass, Peck
2000 Wacky Races Red Max, Sergeant Blast, Peter Perfect, Rufus Ruffcut
2000 Star Wars: Jar Jar's Journey Adventure Book Boss Nass, Tower Announcer
2001 Sheep, Dog, 'n' Wolf Elmer Fudd, Phantoms
2015 Lego Jurassic World Mr. DNA (archive footage)

Theme parks

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1990 The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera Yogi Bear [14]
1991 Looney Tunes River Ride Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd, Yosemite Sam, Foghorn Leghorn, Pepé Le Pew, Narrator [15]
1992 Yosemite Sam and the Gold River Adventure! Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd [16]
Bugs Bunny Goin' Hollywood Bugs Bunny, Foghorn Leghorn [17][18][19][20]
1993 The Toonite Show Starring Bugs Bunny Bugs Bunny, Sylvester, Tasmanian Devil, Pepé Le Pew [21]
Mickey's Starland Show D.U.D.E (fourth version) [22]
1995 The Bugs Bunny Wacky World Games Bugs Bunny, Marvin the Martian [23]
1997 Warner Bros. Kids Club Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Yosemite Sam, Tweety, Sylvester, Tasmanian Devil [24]
1999 Looney Tunes: What's Up, Rock? Bugs Bunny, Foghorn Leghorn [25]

Radio

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1990–1994 Mrs. Bush's Story Time Bugs Bunny, Yogi Bear [26][27][28]

Discography

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1992 Bugs Bunny: Stowaway Bugs Bunny
Bugs Bunny and the Pink Flamingos Bugs Bunny
Daffy Duck in Duck Troop to the Rescue Bugs Bunny
1993 This Land is Our Land: The Yogi Bear Environmental Album Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound, Snagglepuss, Quick Draw McGraw, George Jetson [29]
1994 Have Yourself a Looney Tunes Christmas Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd, Foghorn Leghorn, Pepé Le Pew
1996 The Looney West Bugs Bunny (speaking), Foghorn Leghorn, Pepé Le Pew [30]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Greg Burson

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Gregory Lewis Burson (June 29, 1949 – July 22, 2008) was an American voice actor renowned for his impressions of classic animated characters, particularly as a successor to legendary performers and . Born in , Burson developed his skills under the direct mentorship of , the voice behind staples like and , whom he credited as a major influence. Following Butler's death in 1988, Burson inherited many of his roles, including , , , , and in various television series and specials throughout the . Burson's career also extended to Warner Bros. animations, where he provided voices for Looney Tunes characters originally performed by Mel Blanc, such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, Yosemite Sam, and Foghorn Leghorn, notably in projects like Tiny Toon Adventures (1990–1992) and The Bugs n' Daffy Show (1996–1999). One of his most recognizable non-cartoon roles was as the friendly, explanatory Mr. DNA in Steven Spielberg's 1993 film Jurassic Park. He contributed to over 100 productions, including Animaniacs, Samurai Jack, and The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, showcasing his versatility in both comedic and dramatic voice work. In his later years, Burson faced personal challenges, including struggles with , which contributed to health issues leading to his death at age 59 from and . His passing was mourned by peers in the animation community, who remembered him as a talented impressionist whose work preserved the legacy of animation's voices.

Early life and training

Childhood in California

Gregory Lewis Burson was born on June 29, 1949, in . Little is known about his family background, including any siblings or parental influences that may have shaped his early exposure to entertainment. Details regarding his childhood hobbies, experiences in , early in Anaheim-area schools, or initial acting pursuits prior to formal training remain scarce in available records.

Apprenticeship with Daws Butler

Greg Burson, a native of , began his formal entry into through a under the renowned in the years leading up to Butler's death in 1988. As Butler's protégé, Burson studied directly with the veteran performer, honing skills essential to the craft of character voice work. This apprenticeship positioned Burson as a key successor to Butler's legacy in . Under Butler's guidance, Burson mastered techniques for embodying iconic characters, including the folksy drawl of , the laid-back twang of , the flamboyant lisp of , and the quick-witted cadence of . Butler trained Burson until he declared there was nothing more to teach, affirming his readiness for professional work. Burson's training culminated in Butler's final years, after which his death from a heart attack on May 18, 1988, opened opportunities for Burson to inherit many of the roles Butler had originated. This succession was a direct result of the intensive apprenticeship, allowing Burson to step into prominent productions as the primary voice for several enduring characters.

Professional career

Hanna-Barbera voice roles

Following the death of in 1988, Greg Burson assumed the voice of , drawing on his prior apprenticeship with the veteran actor to closely emulate the character's distinctive folksy and rhythmic phrasing. Burson's debut in the role came in , a 1988 syndicated series that paired updated adventures of Yogi and Boo Boo with segments featuring other Western characters, marking a seamless transition that preserved the bear's iconic "smarter than the average" persona. He continued voicing Yogi in the 1990-1991 series Yo Yogi!, where the character was reimagined as a teenage detective solving mysteries in Jellystone Mall alongside friends like Boo Boo and Cindy Bear, blending classic humor with contemporary teen dynamics. Burson also took over several other classic Hanna-Barbera characters originated by , including , his sidekick , and the theatrical lion , across various revivals from 1988 to 1997. In Yo Yogi!, where Burson voiced and as mall security guards and drama club members, respectively, while was handled by ; Snagglepuss's signature "Heavens to Murgatroyd!" exclamations retained their flamboyant flair under Burson's interpretation. Additional appearances included Fender Bender 500 (1990), a series where Burson voiced as a driver paired with , infusing the lion's effete personality into high-speed antics. Burson's contributions extended to Hanna-Barbera Superstars 10 specials and other 1990s animated features, where he lent his voice to Yogi Bear and ensemble casts in holiday and adventure productions. He also voiced Yogi in standalone features like Yogi the Easter Bear (1994), a spring-themed special involving a heist at Jellystone Park, and contributed to compilation albums and bumpers that revived classic shorts with updated audio. Emulating Butler's style presented production challenges, as Burson had to balance precise mimicry of vocal inflections—honed through direct —with subtle personal nuances to avoid sounding derivative, a process that involved extensive rehearsal tapes provided by the studio. Critical reception praised Burson's interpretations for their fidelity and energy, with reviewers noting his as "admirable" in maintaining the character's charm during musical sequences and ensemble interactions, though some early episodes highlighted minor adjustments in timing to match archival footage. Overall, his work stabilized the franchise's audio legacy, allowing revivals to appeal to both nostalgic audiences and new generations without disrupting established character identities.

Warner Bros. Looney Tunes work

Following Mel Blanc's death on July 10, 1989, faced the challenge of recasting the iconic characters he had voiced for decades, opting for a rotation of talented to preserve the franchise's legacy rather than selecting a single replacement. Greg Burson emerged as one of the key successors, taking on roles such as , , and , with his performances noted for their close emulation of Blanc's energetic delivery and character-specific inflections. Burson's casting reflected of drawing from voice artists trained in classic cartoon styles, allowing flexibility across projects while maintaining continuity in the characters' timeless appeal. His initial major work with characters came in (1990–1992), where he voiced and others. By 1995, Burson voiced Foghorn Leghorn in the holiday parody short Carrotblanca, a Casablanca-inspired tale that showcased the rooster's bombastic Southern drawl amid a cast of reimagined Looney Tunes staples. Burson's contributions extended to feature films, including uncredited lines as Foghorn Leghorn and two scenes as Elmer Fudd in the 1996 hybrid live-action/animated blockbuster Space Jam, where his work blended seamlessly with other actors' portrayals to support the ensemble during key basketball sequences. He reprised Bugs Bunny in the 1997 pirate-themed short From Hare to Eternity, directed by Chuck Jones as a tribute to Friz Freleng, emphasizing clever wordplay and slapstick chases. Into the early 2000s, Burson lent his voice to Foghorn Leghorn and supporting characters like Barnyard Dawg and Pepe Le Pew in direct-to-video compilations such as Looney Tunes: Reality Check (2003) and Looney Tunes: Stranger Than Fiction (2003), which featured new framing sequences around classic clips to engage younger audiences. Throughout these works, Burson's interpretations were selected for their fidelity to Blanc's originals, often alternating with actors like Joe Alaskey and Jeff Bergman to adapt the voices to varying production needs.

Other notable projects

Beyond his extensive work with Hanna-Barbera and Warner Bros., Greg Burson lent his versatile voice to several high-profile projects in film and video games during the 1990s. One of his most memorable roles was voicing the animated character Mr. DNA in Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park (1993), where the character serves as an engaging, cartoonish tour guide explaining the film's central theme of genetic engineering through a whimsical educational sequence inside a DNA strand. Burson's warm, explanatory delivery helped make the complex science accessible and entertaining, contributing to the scene's enduring popularity among audiences. Burson also contributed to the Star Wars franchise through voice work in video games, notably portraying multiple Gungan characters including Boss Nass, a Guard Door, an Injured Soldier, and Jabba's Porter in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999). His performances captured the distinctive, throaty dialect of the Gungan species, enhancing the immersive storytelling in the game's action-adventure sequences tied to the prequel film's plot. Earlier, he voiced Boss Nass and other roles in Star Wars Episode I: The Gungan Frontier (1999), further showcasing his ability to bring alien characters to life in interactive media. In the live-action/animated hybrid film (1997), Burson provided the voice for the animated version of the titular near-sighted character during the movie's opening and closing sequences. This role paid homage to the classic UPA cartoon series, with Burson's spirited portrayal emphasizing Mr. Magoo's bumbling optimism and visual gags in a brief but pivotal animated framing device for the comedy. Throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, Burson took on a variety of one-off characters and supplementary roles in animation, while also handling voice announcements for commercials, movie trailers, and television promos. For instance, he voiced Bugs Bunny and Foghorn Leghorn in a 1996 Target store commercial promoting Looney Tunes merchandise, blending his signature character impressions with promotional energy. These diverse gigs highlighted his range as a voice artist capable of quick, adaptable performances, though no major industry awards were publicly associated with this phase of his career.

2004 arrest incident

On May 10, 2004, voice actor Greg Burson was involved in a police standoff at his home in Tujunga, California, after barricading himself inside the residence while intoxicated and in possession of a firearm. Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to reports of a disturbance, surrounding the property and deploying a SWAT team as Burson refused to exit for approximately six hours. Negotiations with Burson, who was described by authorities as highly inebriated and shouting incoherently, continued throughout the incident, which was broadcast live on local television. Burson eventually surrendered without incident and was taken into custody, where officers recovered a from the scene but found no drugs. He was booked on initial suspicions including , barricading a residence, possession of a while impaired, with a , , and being under the influence of a . Following further investigation, he was formally charged with misdemeanor battery. The event drew immediate media attention due to Burson's prominence in animation voice work, with reports highlighting his history of alcohol-related issues that had occasionally surfaced in his professional life. No statements from Burson were publicly released at the time, and authorities noted the resolution as peaceful with no injuries reported.

Blacklisting and career end

The 2004 arrest, which stemmed from an alcohol-fueled standoff at his home, accelerated the end of Greg Burson's career in , which was already declining due to ongoing issues, with no recorded credits after his final role in 2004's My Generation G...G... Gap. Major studios, including and its affiliates, withdrew all contracts, effectively blacklisting him from further industry work due to concerns over his reliability. This fallout eliminated his opportunities to voice iconic characters like , , and , roles he had reprised extensively in the 1990s and early 2000s. Burson's alcoholism played a central role in his professional demise, creating a self-perpetuating cycle where drinking led to missed obligations and lost jobs, which in turn deepened his depression and prompted more alcohol use. industry veteran , who collaborated with Burson on several projects, described this pattern as particularly destructive, noting that it eroded his standing with agents and employers well before the arrest but was decisively worsened by the highly publicized incident. By mid-2004, Burson shifted to full in the field, unable to secure auditions or alternative gigs as studios prioritized performers without such liabilities. Efforts to revive his career through recovery proved unsuccessful, as repeated interventions—including medical treatment, hospitalizations, and enrollment in twelve-step programs—failed to stabilize his condition or restore industry trust. The combination of his substance issues and the arrest's media coverage reinforced perceptions in the voice acting community of heightened risks associated with hiring him, contributing to his permanent exclusion from major animation production.

Later years and death

Health decline

Burson had long struggled with , which contributed to his firing from roles in 2003 and a 2004 incident that ended his career. Following the loss of professional opportunities, his worsened in a vicious cycle with depression, leading to increased isolation and failed attempts at interventions, including doctors, hospitalization, and twelve-step programs. Between 2004 and 2008, these struggles contributed to complicating health conditions, including and .

Death circumstances

Greg Burson was found dead at his home in , , on July 22, 2008, at the age of 59. The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office determined the official cause of death to be complications from and , with chronic cited as a contributing factor. A memorial service for Burson was held on August 9, 2008, attended by friends and colleagues from the animation industry. Tributes from peers highlighted Burson's exceptional talent as a voice performer, particularly his uncanny impressions of 's characters. Animator and director , who collaborated with Burson on several projects, described him as "bright and gifted" when sober, noting the tragic cycle of his that led to lost opportunities and further decline. Veteran voice artist praised Burson's skill, recounting how himself had declared, "There's nothing more I can teach you," affirming his mastery.

Filmography

Films

Burson provided the voice for the animated character Mr. DNA in Steven Spielberg's 1993 blockbuster , delivering a folksy, explanatory narration during the film's educational DNA sequence that has become one of the movie's most memorable moments. In the 1996 hybrid live-action/animated film , Burson contributed uncredited voices to several characters, including in two scenes and in select lines, supporting the ensemble cast alongside primary voices by and others. Burson took on the role of the near-sighted in the animated segments of the 1997 live-action comedy The Mr. Magoo Movie, succeeding the original voice actor by imitating his distinctive bumbling delivery in the film's hybrid format. Among his other film contributions, Burson voiced in the 1997 theatrical short , a pirate-themed parody directed by that marked one of his final major performances as the iconic rabbit before legal issues impacted his career.

Television

Greg Burson began his prominent television career in the late 1980s, taking on iconic characters following the death of , his mentor. In (1988), Burson voiced the titular across 45 episodes, delivering the character's signature folksy charm and catchphrases like "Hey there, Boo-Boo" in this syndicated series produced by Productions. Burson continued his contributions in Yo Yogi!, a 1991 spin-off series where he again portrayed as a teenage detective alongside Boo-Boo and other reimagined characters in 13 episodes aired on . His work extended to (1993–1995), an ABC and TBS series where he provided additional voices across 5 episodes, including in the "Super Secret " segments, contributing to the show's zany, minimalist humor across 26 episodes. In the realm of Looney Tunes television specials, Burson succeeded Mel Blanc by voicing classic Warner Bros. characters in revivals and episodes. He performed Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and others in Merry Melodies compilation episodes and The Bugs Bunny Show revivals during the 1990s. Burson's television portfolio expanded into original programming with Johnny Bravo (1997–2004), where he voiced various characters across multiple seasons on Cartoon Network, enhancing the show's comedic ensemble with his versatile impressions. Burson also provided voices for Looney Tunes characters in Animaniacs (1993–1997), including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Tweety, Foghorn Leghorn, and Yosemite Sam in 3 episodes. In Samurai Jack (2001), he voiced Quick Draw McGraw and Baba Looey in Episode XXIX: "Couple on a Train". Additionally, he contributed various character voices to The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy (2003–2007) on Cartoon Network.

Video games

Burson was a prominent voice actor in the during the 1990s and early 2000s, particularly known for his work on titles where he reprised roles originally popularized by and . His contributions often involved iconic characters, bringing their distinctive personalities to interactive platforms across consoles like the (SNES), PlayStation, and others. Burson's versatile range allowed him to handle multiple characters per game, enhancing the immersive quality of these early 3D and 2D adventures. Burson expanded into non-Looney Tunes projects with Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999), a cinematic by Big Ape Productions, providing additional voices including Boss Nass, Guard Door, Injured Soldier #1, Jabba's Porter, and Shop Owner. These performances added depth to the Gungan and alien characters during key scenes tied to the film's plot, contributing to the game's faithful adaptation of the storyline.
Game TitleYearPlatform(s)Notable Roles
Daffy Duck: The Marvin Missions1993SNESDaffy Duck
Looney Tunes B-Ball1995SNESBugs Bunny, Daffy Duck
Bugs Bunny: Rabbit Rampage1995SNES, Game BoyBugs Bunny
Sheep Raider2001PlayStationElmer Fudd, Phantom
Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles2000Dreamcast, PlayStationBoss Nass, Peck
Wacky Races: The Video Game2000PlayStationSergeant Blast, Peter Perfect, Red Max, Rufus Ruffcut
Burson's later game work included ensemble voices in action-platformers like Sheep Raider (2001), where he portrayed in a puzzle-solving adventure involving the hunter's pursuit of sheep. These roles demonstrated his adaptability to diverse genres, from sports simulations to beat 'em ups, before his career declined in the mid-2000s.

Other media

Burson contributed voice work to several theme park attractions featuring characters, particularly in the 1990s. In the dark ride and the Gold River Adventure at , which opened in 1992, he provided the voices for and , alongside other cast members including as . He also voiced in the Musical Revue, a live stage show attraction that toured various Warner Bros.-affiliated parks starting around 1991, where characters performed musical numbers based on classic tunes. Throughout the to , Burson worked extensively as a commercial announcer, lending his versatile voice to numerous advertisements, often incorporating and characters. Notable examples include voicing and in a 1996 Target holiday gift bag commercial, and serving as the announcer for the 2004 My Generation G...G... Gap ad. He also provided character voices for catalog promotions in the late and early , such as redubs of in ads from 1989–1991. These radio and television spots highlighted his ability to replicate iconic voices like those of and for promotional content. In discography, Burson appeared on the 1997 Rhino Records album Bugs & Friends Sing Elvis, where he voiced and on tracks parodying songs, alongside performers like as . This collection featured characters interpreting Elvis hits, showcasing Burson's contributions to animated music specials and soundtracks beyond .

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0123354/
  2. https://www.awn.com/news/ex-wb-voice-actor-greg-burson-dies-59
  3. https://www.newsfromme.com/2008/08/01/greg-burson-r-i-p/
  4. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0123354/bio/
  5. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Greg-Burson/
  6. https://hanna-barberawiki.com/wiki/Greg_Burson
  7. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/4791-greg-burson?language=en-US
  8. https://www.animationmagazine.net/2008/08/voice-artist-burson-dies/
  9. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/65774625/gregory_lewis-burson
  10. https://animationresources.org/biography-daws-butler/
  11. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0450931/
  12. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101240/
  13. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Hanna-Barbera-Classics/Snagglepuss/
  14. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Fender-Bender-500/Snagglepuss/
  15. https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/happy-earth-day-from-yogi-bear-and-his-hanna-barbera-pals/
  16. https://www.metv.com/stories/mel-blanc-wasnt-just-a-voice-acting-icon-he-was-a-hero-to-the-voice-actors-that-came-after-him
  17. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Creator/GregBurson
  18. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119160/fullcredits
  19. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0389124/fullcredits
  20. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/movies/Jurassic-Park/Mr-DNA/
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107290/characters/nm0123354/
  22. https://screencrush.com/who-voiced-jurassic-park-mr-dna/
  23. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0215208/fullcredits/
  24. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Star-Wars/Boss-Nass/
  25. https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Greg_Burson
  26. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119718/characters/nm0123354/
  27. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZO3rv9tZbg
  28. https://www.cartoonbrew.com/old-brew/greg-burson-arrested-164.html
  29. https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2004/05/13/Bugs-Bunny-actor-arrested-after-standoff/76251084461020/
  30. https://nypost.com/2004/05/12/voice-of-yogi-in-boozy-boo-boo/
  31. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0381437/
  32. https://www.newsfromme.com/2008/08/05/remembering-greg/
  33. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/movies/Space-Jam/Elmer-Fudd/
  34. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/movies/Space-Jam/Foghorn-Leghorn/
  35. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119718/characters/nm0123354
  36. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119160/
  37. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105928/fullcredits/
  38. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Samurai-Jack/Baba-Looey/
  39. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Star-Wars-Episode-I-The-Phantom-Menace-The-Video-Game/Boss-Nass/
  40. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Sheep-Raider/Elmer-Fudd/
  41. https://sixflags.fandom.com/wiki/Yosemite_Sam_and_the_Gold_River_Adventure
  42. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/rides-attractions/Yosemite-Sams-Gold-River-Adventure/
  43. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXy3M90HGI0
  44. https://scoobydoo.fandom.com/wiki/Greg_Burson
  45. https://www.discogs.com/release/9563671-Bugs-Friends-Sing-Elvis
  46. https://vgmdb.net/album/95259
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