How the Kid Who Voiced Disney’s ‘Bambi’ Grew Up To Become a US Marine
History
By Matt Fratus | November 12, 2021
When one hears Bambi’s name, two things immediately come to mind. Firstly, the 1942 animated Disney movie. Secondly, how “Smalls” from The Sandlot believed “that wimpy deer” was the same as “the great bambino,” the nickname of legendary New York Yankees slugger Babe Ruth.
What many don’t know, however, is how the real-life voice behind America’s beloved fawn, Donnie Dunagan, kept the role a secret while serving as a career mustang officer in the US Marine Corps. And Dunagan was not just any Marine. He was a drill instructor, three-tour Vietnam veteran, and three-time Purple Heart recipient.
Dunagan was drafted into the Marine Corps in 1952. Throughout his 25 years of service, he kept his career as a child actor a secret — primarily to avoid the “Maj. Bambi” nickname.
But that’s only half of the story.
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