Ken Sansom

Frank Kenneth Sansom (April 2, 1927 – October 8, 2012)[1] was an American actor. Among his best known roles, Sansom voiced Rabbit in animated television series, television specials, and films for Disney's Winnie the Pooh franchise from 1988 to 2010.[1]

For the English footballer, see Kenny Sansom.
Ken Sansom
Publicity Photo of Ken Sansom
Born
Frank Kenneth Sansom

(1927-04-02)April 2, 1927
Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
DiedOctober 8, 2012(2012-10-08) (aged 85)
Holladay, Utah, U.S.
Resting placeWasatch Lawn Memorial Park, Millcreek, Utah, U.S.
Alma materBrigham Young University
OccupationActor
Years active1955–2010
Spouse
Carla Sansom
​
(m. 1961)​
Children3

Early life

Sansom was born on April 2, 1927, in Salt Lake City, Utah.[1] He enlisted in the United States Navy soon after graduating from East High School in Salt Lake City in 1944.[1]

Sansom enrolled at the University of Utah following World War II, but did not complete his studies at that university.[1] He transferred to Brigham Young University, where he received a bachelor's degree in radio broadcasting in 1949.[1]

He was recalled by the U.S. Navy for service during the Korean War.[1] He served as a member of the United Service Organizations, providing entertainment to American troops while in Korea.[1]

Career

Sansom started his career in 1957 with a radio show in Los Angeles called Sansom and Then Some.[1] He began acting in early 1968 when he moved to Los Angeles.[1] His first role was in an episode of Mayberry R.F.D., a continuation of The Andy Griffith Show. He was best known for his role as Rabbit in the television series The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. He also voiced Stan, the Woozle in the series. He also voiced Rabbit in a number of TV specials and movies of Winnie the Pooh, replacing Rabbit’s original voice actor Junius Matthews following his death in 1978.[2][1]

In an interview with ABC 4, when asked about voicing Rabbit in the upcoming Winnie the Pooh film, he stated, "I'm not sure."[3] Tom Kenny voiced Rabbit in the movie, although Sansom claimed he was still under contract.[3] Ken was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[4]

Personal life

Sansom married Carla Sansom in 1961, they remained married until Sansom's death.[1] Together they have three children.[1]

Death

Sansom died on October 8, 2012, in Holladay, Utah due to complications of a stroke at the age of 85.[1] He resided in Sandy, Utah.[1] His remains are buried in Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park in Millcreek, Utah.[5] His widow Carla is buried next to him.[6]

Filmography

References
  1. "Utah actor Ken Sansom, voice of 'Pooh's' Rabbit, dies at 85". The Salt Lake Tribune. Media News Group. October 11, 2012. Archived from the original on October 13, 2012. Retrieved October 12, 2012.
  2. Minovitz, Ethan (October 12, 2012). "Animation Voice Ken Sansom, Winnie the Pooh's Rabbit, dies at 85". Big Cartoon News. Archived from the original on 2 December 2012. Retrieved October 12, 2012.
  3. "Meet the Voice of Rabbit from Winnie the Pooh". Newport Television. 24 August 2010. Archived from the original on 26 August 2010. Retrieved 30 August 2010.
  4. Johnston, Ron (1995). "Actors, Producers and Directors". Famous Mormon. p. 3. Archived from the original on 30 April 2008. Retrieved 14 October 2018.
  5. Frank Sansom Obituary (2012) - Salt Lake City, UT - The Salt Lake Tribune
  6. Frank Kenneth "Ken" Sansom (1927-2012) - Find a Grave Memorial
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