Say my name, Say my name!

On The Flintstones, the second most recognizable word behind “Yaba Daba Doo” if you can call those words, is the name of one of the most patient characters in cartoon history — Wilma.  She had to be.  Whom else could put up with the constant yelling, complaining and changing her two syllable name which means ‘resolute protector’ into the mating call of death.  When Fred called, the only thing she was resolved to protecting was her own rear end.

“Wiillma!!”  It sometimes shook her in her rock necklace.  “Wiillma!”  A sound that instantly meant something was wrong. “Wiiiiiiiiiillmaaaaa!”  Oh, boy…was she gonna get it now!  As a child, I knew I was in trouble when my mother included my middle name along with my first.  I hated that, but I’d take it anyday over Fred Flintstone’s announcement to the entire rock block that all was not well.

Just who was and is the voice behind the bellowing?  Three actors, in fact….

Allan Reed, born Teddy Bergman, was the voice of Fred Flintstone from the cartoon’s debut in 1960 until his death in 1977.  Seventeen years he delighted fans with his gruff, heavy and recognizable voice.  With that voice of his he serenaded us with opera, sang songs like “Listen to the Mockingbird” and even entertained us with what I call “Rock Rap” when he performed ‘The Flintstone Flop’ and “The Franic.”  Not only was Reed the original voice behind the caveman, but was also a seasoned actor holding roles in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Viva Zapata! and Nob Hill.

Upon Reed’s death, Harry Corden took over the loud mouth role.  Known for playing villains, Corden began his acting career with small parts in movies, including 1952’s The Black Castle and The Ten Commandments in 1956.  In the 1960s, he moved into voice acting and deployed his dialect skills in bit parts for Hanna-Barbera, including Jonny Quest, Josey and the Pussycats and The New Tom & Jerry Show.  Corden died in May 2005.

So, who’s the voice behind the impossible man now?  The honor goes to James Arnold Taylor.  The name may not sound familiar, but the characters he’s played certainly will. His long filmography includes being the voice of Tidus in Final Fantasy X, Captain Jack Sparrow and Timon in Kingdom Hearts II and a voice double for actors such as David Spade, Johnny Depp, Michael J. Fox, Billy Bob Thornton, Ewan McGregor, and Christopher Walken.

“Empreessss!”  Uh, oh.  I’ve gotta go.  Wilma’s got her husband to deal with and I’ve got my son.  Big, little, short or small — men are all the same…..GOTTA LOVE ‘EM!  Here’s to you, Wilma, for putting up with the loudest of them all!