Alan Reed: The Versatile Voice of Old Time Radio

Alan Reed was a true renaissance man of the golden age of radio. From his early days as a vaudeville performer to his iconic voice work as Fred Flintstone, Reed left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His remarkable versatility and talent allowed him to seamlessly transition between radio, stage, film, and television, cementing his status as one of the most prolific and respected actors of his era.

Early Life and Background

Born Herbert Theodore Bergman on August 20, 1907, in New York City, Reed’s path to stardom was paved by his diverse cultural heritage. The son of a Lithuanian-Jewish immigrant father and a Ukrainian-Jewish mother, Reed’s upbringing was steeped in the rich traditions of his ancestral roots. After attending George Washington High School, where he majored in journalism, Reed went on to study drama at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Reed’s early career was marked by a series of eclectic pursuits. In addition to his theatrical training, he operated a wholesale candy factory and worked as a “social director, entertainment producer and actor” at the Copake Country Club. However, it was his time touring in vaudeville with his cousin, actor Harry Green, that would ultimately shape the trajectory of Reed’s professional life.

Entry Into Radio

Reed’s foray into radio began in the early 1930s, when he co-starred with Herbert Polesie in the CBS program “Henry and George,” a series that featured “minute dramas, popular laughmakers interspersed with dance music selections.” This early exposure to the medium would prove to be a pivotal stepping stone in Reed’s career, as he quickly established himself as a versatile and sought-after radio performer.

Over the next two decades, Reed’s radio work would span a wide range of genres and characters. He took on roles in popular programs such as “Valiant Lady,” “Abie’s Irish Rose,” “Duffy’s Tavern,” and “The Life of Riley,” showcasing his remarkable ability to inhabit a diverse array of personalities. One of his most memorable radio roles was as the “Allen’s Alley” resident poet, Falstaff Openshaw, on the Fred Allen show, a character he later reprised in his own five-minute program, “Falstaff’s Fables,” on ABC.

Reed’s radio work also included numerous guest appearances on shows like “Crime Doctor,” “The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show,” and “Richard Diamond, Private Detective,” further cementing his reputation as a versatile and reliable performer. His ability to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles, as well as his distinctive vocal range, made him a valuable asset to the radio industry during its golden age.

Notable Radio Shows and Characters

While Reed’s radio career was marked by a wide range of memorable performances, two of his most iconic roles stand out as true highlights. As the voice of the lovable but bumbling Fred Flintstone on the beloved animated series “The Flintstones,” Reed brought the character to life with his signature blend of humor and warmth. Spanning the show’s entire six-season run, as well as numerous spin-offs and specials, Reed’s portrayal of Fred Flintstone became synonymous with the character and cemented his legacy as a voice acting legend.

In addition to his work on “The Flintstones,” Reed also lent his voice to the role of Touché Turtle’s sidekick, Dum Dum, in the Hanna-Barbera series of the same name. This versatility in voice acting, coupled with his ability to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles, solidified Reed’s reputation as one of the most versatile and talented performers of his era.

Broadcasting Style and Signature Techniques

What set Reed apart from his contemporaries was his unique broadcasting style and the signature techniques he employed to bring his characters to life. With his rich, resonant voice and impeccable timing, Reed was able to effortlessly navigate the demands of radio, delivering performances that were both engaging and memorable.

One of Reed’s most distinctive traits was his ability to inhabit a wide range of characters, from the gruff and authoritative to the warm and endearing. This versatility allowed him to seamlessly transition between roles, often within the same program, without ever losing the audience’s attention. Additionally, Reed’s keen sense of comedic timing and his mastery of vocal inflection and pacing contributed to the success of his most iconic characters, such as Fred Flintstone and Falstaff Openshaw.

Beyond his technical prowess, Reed’s genuine passion for his craft and his commitment to delivering exceptional performances were hallmarks of his broadcasting style. Whether he was voicing a beloved cartoon character or portraying a complex dramatic role, Reed approached each project with the same level of dedication and attention to detail, ensuring that his work resonated with audiences on a deeper level.

Professional Relationships and Collaborations

Throughout his illustrious career, Reed had the opportunity to work with a diverse array of talented individuals, both on and off the air. His long-standing collaboration with the legendary voice actor Mel Blanc, who voiced Barney Rubble on “The Flintstones,” was particularly noteworthy. The two men developed a close friendship that deepened as their on-screen partnership grew, with their natural chemistry and rapport contributing to the enduring popularity of the show.

In addition to his work with Blanc, Reed also had the privilege of collaborating with renowned radio playwright and director Norman Corwin, who cast him in the role of Santa Claus in the 1969 KCET television reading of his 1938 play “The Plot to Overthrow Christmas.” This collaboration not only showcased Reed’s versatility as a performer but also highlighted his ability to work seamlessly with some of the most respected figures in the industry.

Reed’s professional relationships extended beyond the realm of radio and voice acting, as he also had the opportunity to work with a number of acclaimed actors and filmmakers in the world of cinema. His appearances in films such as “Days of Glory,” “Viva Zapata!,” and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” demonstrated his versatility as a screen performer and his ability to seamlessly transition between mediums.

Transition to Other Media

While radio remained the primary focus of Reed’s career for much of his life, he also found success in a variety of other media, including stage, film, and television. His Broadway credits included roles in productions such as “Double Dummy,” “A House in the Country,” and “Love’s Old Sweet Song,” further showcasing his versatility as a performer.

In the world of cinema, Reed’s filmography was equally impressive, with roles in a number of classic films, including “Porky’s Romance,” “Days of Glory,” “Nob Hill,” and “Viva Zapata!” His ability to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles on the silver screen earned him critical acclaim and cemented his status as a versatile and accomplished actor.

Reed’s television work was equally impressive, with recurring roles on shows like “Mr. Adams and Eve,” “My Favorite Martian,” and “Mickey.” However, it was his iconic voice work as Fred Flintstone on “The Flintstones” that truly solidified his legacy as a television icon, with his portrayal of the lovable caveman becoming a beloved part of popular culture.

Legacy and Influence

Alan Reed’s impact on the entertainment industry cannot be overstated. As a true master of his craft, he left an indelible mark on the golden age of radio, television, and film, inspiring generations of performers and captivating audiences with his remarkable versatility and talent.

Beyond his professional achievements, Reed’s personal life was equally remarkable. In 1932, he married the former Finette Walker, a Broadway actress whom he met at television station W2XAB (later WCBS-TV) in New York City. Together, they had three sons, including actor Alan Reed, Jr.

Tragically, Reed’s life was cut short when he passed away on June 14, 1977, at the age of 69, due to a heart attack following a battle with bladder cancer and emphysema. Despite his untimely death, Reed’s legacy as a true icon of the entertainment industry continues to endure, with his iconic performances as Fred Flintstone and countless other memorable characters etched into the collective memory of audiences worldwide.

Works and Appearances

Radio

“Henry and George” (1930) - Co-star
“Joe Palooka” (1932) - Title role (billed as Teddy Bergman)
“Valiant Lady” (1938) - Various roles
“The Baby Snooks Show” (1940) - “Daddy”
“Crime Doctor” (1940-1947) - Regular performer
“Abie’s Irish Rose” (1942) - Solomon Levy
“Duffy’s Tavern” (1944-1951) - Officer Clancy, various characters
“The Life of Riley” (1940s) - Chester Riley’s boss
“Life with Luigi” (1948-1953) - Pasquale
“The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show” (1948-1954) - Various roles
“Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar” (1949-1962) - Regular performer
“Richard Diamond, Private Detective” (1949-1953) - Lieutenant Walter Levinson

Stage

“Double Dummy” (1936) - Various characters (Broadway)
“A House in the Country” (1937) - Broadway
“Love’s Old Sweet Song” (1940) - Broadway

Film

“Porky’s Romance” (1937) - Opening announcer (voice)
“Days of Glory” (1944) - Sasha
“Nob Hill” (1945) - Dapper Jack Harrigan
“The Postman Always Rings Twice” (1946) - Ezra Liam Kennedy
“Viva Zapata!” (1952) - Pancho Villa
“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961) - Sally Tomato
“The Man Called Flintstone” (1966) - Fred Flintstone (voice)

Television

“Mr. Adams and Eve” (1957-1958) - J.B. Hafter (recurring role)
“My Favorite Martian” (1963) - Councilman Jack Gramby
“Mickey” (1964-1965) - Mr. Swidler (recurring role)
“The Flintstones” (1960-1966) - Fred Flintstone, various characters (voice)
“Scooby’s All-Star Laff-A-Lympics” (1977) - Fred Flintstone (voice, final role)

Other Media

“Lady and the Tramp” (1955) - Boris the Russian Wolfhound (voice)
“The Plot to Overthrow Christmas” (1969) - Santa Claus (voice)
Various television commercials - Voice of J.J. Keebler

Alan Reed: The Versatile Voice of Old-Time Radio

Enjoys some shows