Henry Corden was born on January 6th, 1920

Written by: Oliver Wren

Henry Corden: The Voice Behind the Iconic Fred Flintstone

Henry Corden, a Canadian-born American actor, is best known for taking over the voice of Fred Flintstone after the death of Alan Reed in 1977. With his deep, booming voice, Corden brought the lovable but dim-witted patriarch of the Flintstone family to life, cementing his place in the annals of television history.

Early Life and Career

Born Henry Cohen on January 6, 1920, in Montreal, Canada, Corden's family moved to the Bronx, New York when he was just a child. He arrived in Hollywood in the 1940s, where he began his acting career on stage, appearing in productions such as the 1947 play "The Message."

Corden's film career spanned over two decades, with notable roles in films like "The System" (1952), "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," "The Black Castle," and "The Ten Commandments." His distinctive features, including his jet-black hair and ethnic looks, often typecast him as a "heavy" in films and television shows.

Breakthrough as Fred Flintstone

Corden's breakout role came when he took over as the voice of Fred Flintstone in 1977, following Alan Reed's passing. He had previously provided the singing voice for Reed in the 1966 film "The Man Called Flintstone" and several Hanna-Barbera specials. Corden's official debut as Fred's new voice was in the 1965 record "Saving Mr. Flintstone."

The role of Fred Flintstone catapulted Corden to fame, with his iconic voice becoming synonymous with the lovable caveman. He went on to voice Fred in numerous television shows, films, and specials, including "Fred Flintstone and Friends" and "A Flintstone Family Christmas."

Awards and Legacy

Corden's contributions to the Flintstone franchise earned him a place in the Guinness World Records as the longest-running voice actor for the character. His work on the show was also recognized with a TV Land Award nomination for Favorite Voice-Over Performer.

Henry Corden passed away on May 19, 2005, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most recognizable voices in television history. His iconic portrayal of Fred Flintstone continues to entertain audiences to this day, ensuring his place in the pantheon of beloved voice actors.

Fun Facts

• Corden's father, Max, was a meat curer who had immigrated to Canada from Romania.
• Corden's mother, Emma, was originally from Russia.
• In the 1940s, Corden worked as a haberdashery salesman before pursuing an acting career.
• He was known for wearing glasses in most of his on-screen appearances, but had to substitute them with plain glass lenses during filming due to reflections.