by A L Johnson

Created on: June 06, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Years ago in the 1984 or 1985, I lived with my Mom in Cincinnati, OH. She worked for the University. On her birthday this one year, Mel Blanc was to be on campus giving a show on his characters that he had created over the years, from the most famous Buggs Bunny to Wile E. Coyote.

A few students had met Mr. Blanc earlier in the day and he signed her one birthday card, he wrote, "Whats up, Betty? Your Birthday? Well, Happy Birthday!" on her card with MEL BLANC under it. I was excited cause Mom and I were going to his show at the auditorium. Once there, I saw him. He was standing there, with a cane in his one hand and just sort of pacing. Mom said, "Well, go on say something to him."

I froze. "No. I can't". I only said hello to him as he walked about.

Soon he was on stage, he showed photos of his characters and a few clips from the shows. He mentioned that his son, Noel did as many voices as he did. He explained how he came up with the voices for the characters and for Sylvester, he gave him a lisp for when he spoke and said, "Suffering succotash", and how he was the voice for Speed Buggy, Pepe LePew, Daffy Duck, Marvin the Martian, RoadRunner, Tasmanian Devil, etc.

After his bit of the show, he had a question and answer segment. A few of the students stood up and asked him questions, on how he developed the voices to go with the drawings of his characters and he answered all questions.

I was SO nervous cause I had something to say to him, and my knees were knocking! I stood up and I said, " I don't have a question, I just wanted to say thank you, and I am sure on everyones behalf here, that we all appreciate the laughter you have given us over the years growing up with your characters, and admire your work or we wouldn't be here. And may you continue making people smile."

Well, he said, "Can you repeat that? Please?" I was like," OH MY GOSH! I wont say it right!" Mom looked at me and said, "Go on". Everyone was looking at me and I repeated it back the best I could and with his wit and humor we loved him for, he said," I heard you the first time! That was so nice of you to say, I just wanted to hear it again! THANK YOU".

Afterwards, I saw him and got his autograph, and even a little hug. I did not have the guts to tell him I was whom had said we all loved his work and the characters he had created over the years, but I did get a wink from him, so I felt he knew it was me.

I cried when I learned he passed away in 1989. But smiled having met the man whom made my Saturday mornings happy ones with all the shows he helped create and all the kids whom watched as well! I can imagine he is still making people smile up above!

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