Wally Burr has died

July 10, 2017

Word came today that my old animation director pal, Wally Burr, has died.  

Death for a guy over ninety, especially when he's been felled by multiple strokes may be a blessing.  I know that if it were me, I'd hope for a quick end.  Wally was a center in the world of animation for many, many years. He had a 'way' about him that actors loved and hated at the same time.  He was exacting and detailed and even criticized. He had his way.

Jemcon 2008 L to R Roger Slifer, Christy Marx, Wally Burr, Michael Sheehan, Samantha Newark

 Thanks to Samantha Newark for this photo. Roger was a writer, producer and all round go to guy (with Will Meugniot) for the series.  Christy is the creator of Jem and the Holograms, Wally, our voice director, me, the voice of Rio and Samantha Newark the voice of Jem and Jerrica.   Please credit the standing organizers of the JemCon  if you know who they are.

Words are so inadequate when it comes to death.. the death of someone we love.  But, as words are all we have passing just sitting together and nodding..  I need to wallow a little in this loss and at the same time pay tribute.  

I knew that visiting Wally in the facility where he wound up after his strokes, unable to speak or communicate would be hard for us both.  For our many visits over the years, I was used to just sitting with him and asking questions. I encouraged him to write a memoir or present a one person show.  He liked Spaulding Grey's approach to story telling and was organizing some of his thoughts that turned on his being a tank commander in WWII.   That was an adventure! His ability to 'direct' may have been influenced in the European Theater.  Even listening to the same story more than once was a pleasure because from the look on his face and the vibrant tenor in his voice.. the man was an actor!!..  he brought his story to life.  Imagining this guy cut short just makes me sad. And, sadly... it is on me that I did not visit.  

I'm glad that some old friends did visit Wally. The recent announcement on Facebook of his passing spread like wildfire to the Voice Community:

 a good thing.  

  Every single actor who came under the baton of Mr. Burr (he'd call me on the phone and say in a sonorous tone.. "Mr. Burrrrr herrrre..." and launch into whatever he wanted to talk about) has a story.  Ultimately, working with Wally was always a pleasure.  

In the studio it was not always easy, though. That's a story for another day.  The man knew what he wanted from his cast and one way or another he always got it.  I can still see him hunkered over the talk back (the button that lets the studio hear his voice and at the same time prevent any intercourse from the actors in the studio!) giving specific direction.. really.. really specific direction..  It was his way. 

Hopefully, folks close to Wally... I may be one, we shall see.. will hire a hall and take time to console one another and tell the stories, some of which are already legendary.  Did Wally's voice direction actually kill Orson Welles?

I'm imagining a grave stone with a button on it that one may press to hear Wally's voice commanding, "Bigger! More Energy!! Rolling!"  Is there such a thing? Anyone have any outtakes? 

So long, Mister Burrrrrrrrr.  

You are missed.. Big Time! 

michaelsheehan

July 10, 2017