Lee Marshall, Voice Behind Tony The Tiger, Dies at 64
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
He was GR-R-R-REAT at that low-timbered voice for the iconic Tony the Tiger mascot. But now Kellogg’s is looking for someone to fill his shoes.
Lee Marshall, the voice behind the Frosted Flakes mascot, has reportedly died at a Santa Monica hospital from esophageal cancer at age 64.
Marshall, born Marshall Aaron Mayer, voiced the character’s catchphrase since 1999. In 2005, he completely replaced Thurl Ravenscroft, who had voiced the character since 1952 according to the Huffington Post.
Marshall began his career as a sports broadcaster for professional wrestling. He also worked as a radio announcer and news anchor.
“We are saddened by the loss of Lee Marshall. His talent and warmth helped bring Tony the Tiger to life and will always be fondly remembered,” a spokesperson for Kellogg told The Huffington Post.
No word yet on who will replace Marshall’s iconic voice. John Sheehy, who works for the Kellogg account via the Leo Burnett ad agency told CBS Detroit that they’ll soon be looking for potential candidates.
“It’s really looking for that tone of voice and keeping that consistency with the voice,” he said.
Sheehy said they’re expecting hundreds of people to try out once the formal process begins.
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