American actor (1927–2012)
Ken Sansom |
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| Born | Frank Kenneth Sansom
(1927-04-02)April 2, 1927
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| Died | October 8, 2012(2012-10-08) (aged 85)
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| Resting place | Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, Millcreek, Utah, U.S. |
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| Alma mater | Brigham Young University |
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| Occupation | Actor |
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| Years active | 1950s–2010 |
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| Spouse |
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| Children | 3 |
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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]
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]
