Junius Matthews

Junius Conyers Matthews was a notable American actor whose career spanned several decades, leaving an indelible mark in both radio and animation. Born in 1890, Matthews served as a private in World War I before pursuing a career in the performing arts. He made his acting debut on stage, transitioning to silent films with his role in *The Silent Witness* (1917). His distinctive voice quickly became his trademark, leading him to numerous supporting roles in radio, especially within westerns, where he often portrayed characters such as an old codger or a miner.

Matthews gained significant recognition in the 1960s for his work with Disney, particularly as the original voice of Rabbit in the beloved *Winnie the Pooh* franchise from 1966 to 1977. His performances in short films like *Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree* (1966) and *Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too!* (1974) solidified his place in animation history. Additionally, he lent his voice to Archimedes the Owl in *The Sword in the Stone* (1963), showcasing his versatility.

In television, Matthews appeared in the short-lived series *Luke Slaughter of Tombstone* as Wichita and portrayed Ling Wee, a Chinese waiter, in *Gasoline Alley*. Despite a career that flourished in his later years, Matthews' wide-ranging contributions to film, radio, and television remain celebrated. He passed away on January 18, 1978, at the age of 87 and was laid to rest in Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills Cemetery.