JACKSON BECK DEAD AT 92

NEW YORK (July 30, 2004) Renowned radio voice actor Jackson Beck died July 28th at age 92. Beck’s earliest signature in the 1940s was the introduction of the Superman radio show, “It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Superman!” He portrayed the bully Bluto in more than 300 Popeye cartoons, and was also known for his impersonations of world leaders in The March of Time, an enactment of the week's news from Time magazine. His voice was later featured prominently in TV commercials and could also be heard on National Lampoon radio broadcasts.

Mr. Beck's strong, deep voice was heard on television commercials for Sugar Frosted Flakes, Pepsi, Brawny paper towels, GI Joe figures and dozens of other products, as well as football and boxing promotions for NBC. He also did voice-over for two Woody Allen movies, "Take the Money and Run" (1969) and "Radio Days" (1987), and could be heard on "National Lampoon" radio broadcasts and "Saturday Night Live."

Beck was a founding member of AFRA (American Federation of Radio Artists, Founded 1937) and winner of the AFTRA Gold Card. The long-time AFTRA member is also remembered for his many years of service on the AFTRA New York Local Board and the AFTRA National Board.