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Way way too much redundant information on his voice work. Several paragraphs had already repeated at length some of his established voice roles even when they were already said, so I had to midfy some of the paragraphs and make sure that it was more readable and tolerable. If I didn't do this, someone else definitely would have done that for me.
 
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{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{short description|American actor and comedian}}
{{short description|American actor and comedian}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{BLP sources|date=October 2017}}
{{BLP sources|date=October 2017}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
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| birth_name = <!-- NOTE: Full name should not be added without a [[WP:RS|reliable source]] supporting it. This is per our WP:BLP policy. -->
| birth_name = <!-- NOTE: Full name should not be added without a [[WP:RS|reliable source]] supporting it. This is per our WP:BLP policy. -->
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1957|10|24}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1957|10|24}}
| birth_place = [[Baltimore, Maryland]], U.S.
| birth_place = [[Baltimore]], [[Maryland]], U.S.
| alma_mater = [[Towson State University]]
| alma_mater = [[Towson University|Towson State University]]
| occupation = {{flatlist|
| occupation = {{flatlist|
* Actor
* Actor
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| spouse = {{marriage|[[Julie Benz]]|1998|2007|end=divorced}}
| spouse = {{marriage|[[Julie Benz]]|1998|2007|end=divorced}}
}}
}}
'''[[Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta]]''' Or Simply '''John Kassir''' (born October 24, 1957)<ref name="IBDB"/> is an American actor and comedian. He is known for his work as the voice of [[the Cryptkeeper]] in [[HBO]]'s ''[[Tales from the Crypt (TV series)|Tales from the Crypt]]'' franchise.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20091025135254/http://fangoria.com/eventsmain/weekend-of-horrors/woh-updates/118-las-vegas-2009/4390-john-kassir-more-join-the-trinity-of-terrors.html John Kassir + More join the TRINITY OF TERRORS!]</ref> He is also known for his role as Ralph in the [[off-Broadway]] show ''[[Reefer Madness (musical)|Reefer Madness]]'' and [[Reefer Madness (2005 film)|its 2005 film adaptation]]. He is also the current voice of [[Scrooge McDuck]] since 2016, after the death of [[Alan Young]].
'''John Kassir''' (born October 24, 1957)<ref name="IBDB"/> is an American actor and comedian. He is known for his work as the voice of [[the Cryptkeeper]] in [[HBO]]'s ''[[Tales from the Crypt (TV series)|Tales from the Crypt]]'' franchise.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20091025135254/http://fangoria.com/eventsmain/weekend-of-horrors/woh-updates/118-las-vegas-2009/4390-john-kassir-more-join-the-trinity-of-terrors.html John Kassir + More join the TRINITY OF TERRORS!]</ref> He also appeared in the role of Ralph in the [[off-Broadway]] show ''[[Reefer Madness (musical)|Reefer Madness]]'' and [[Reefer Madness (2005 film)|its 2005 film adaptation]]. He is also the first voice actor to take over [[Disney comics]] character [[Scrooge McDuck]] following the death of [[Alan Young]].


== Early life ==
==Early life and education==
John Kassir was born on October 24, 1957, in [[Baltimore, Maryland]],<ref name="IBDB">{{Cite web |title=IBDB:John Kassir|url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/john-kassir-408706|access-date=December 26, 2021 |website=www.ibdb.com}}</ref> to an Iraqi father from [[Mosul]] and a Syrian mother from [[Mardin]], present-day [[Turkey]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.staufferfuneralhome.com/notices/Albert-Kassir|title=Obituary for Albert Kassir}}</ref> He is of [[Assyrian people|Assyrian]] descent.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=335276216418463744|user=JohnKassir|title=@BrettAnthony92 Thx for asking! A very old civilization,The Assyrian Race. My ancestors were of the first Christians from the Aramaic Tribes|date=May 17, 2013}}</ref> As a child, he would often do impressions in school and was described as a "class clown". His mother would often buy props for him and he would entertain customers who were shopping outside of [[Eudowood Plaza]]. He graduated from [[Loch Raven High School]] and attended [[Towson State University]] where he studied theatre.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1992-12-04-1992339040-story.html|title=Towson graduate uses talents to make it to the big time}}</ref> He and several other students formed a comedy troupe called Animal Crackers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1995-02-17-1995048192-story.html| title=Crypt Keeper says the darnedest things thanks to native son}}</ref>
John Kassir was born on October 24, 1957, in [[Baltimore]], [[Maryland]],<ref name="IBDB">{{Cite web |title=IBDB:John Kassir|url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/john-kassir-408706|access-date=December 26, 2021 |website=www.ibdb.com}}</ref> to an [[Iraqis|Iraqi]] father from [[Mosul]] and a [[Syrians|Syrian]] mother from [[Mardin]], present-day [[Turkey]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.staufferfuneralhome.com/notices/Albert-Kassir|title=Obituary for Albert Kassir}}</ref> He is of [[Assyrian people|Assyrian]] descent.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=335276216418463744|user=JohnKassir|title=@BrettAnthony92 Thx for asking! A very old civilization,The Assyrian Race. My ancestors were of the first Christians from the Aramaic Tribes|date=May 17, 2013}}</ref>
As a child, he often did impressions in school and was described as a "class clown". His mother would often buy props for him and he would entertain customers who were shopping outside of [[Eudowood Plaza]]. He graduated from [[Loch Raven High School]] and attended [[Towson University|Towson State University]] in [[Towson, Maryland]], where he studied theatre.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1992-12-04-1992339040-story.html|title=Towson graduate uses talents to make it to the big time|date=December 4, 1992 }}</ref> He and several other students formed a comedy troupe called Animal Crackers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1995-02-17-1995048192-story.html| title=Crypt Keeper says the darnedest things thanks to native son| date=February 17, 1995}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
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Kassir originally began his career in [[stand-up comedy]], he first became known in 1985, when he defeated [[Sinbad (comedian)|Sinbad]] for best stand-up comic on ''[[Star Search]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://voicechasers.com/database/showactor.php?actorid=1900|title=John Kassir|access-date=December 13, 2016|archive-date=August 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801074805/http://voicechasers.com/database/showactor.php?actorid=1900|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Kassir originally began his career in [[stand-up comedy]], he first became known in 1985, when he defeated [[Sinbad (comedian)|Sinbad]] for best stand-up comic on ''[[Star Search]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://voicechasers.com/database/showactor.php?actorid=1900|title=John Kassir|access-date=December 13, 2016|archive-date=August 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801074805/http://voicechasers.com/database/showactor.php?actorid=1900|url-status=dead}}</ref>


As a stand-up comic, he has opened for the likes of [[Lou Rawls]], [[Tom Jones (singer)|Tom Jones]], [[The Temptations]] and [[Four Tops]] on their TNT Tour, [[Bobby Vinton]], [[Richard Belzer]], [[U2]], and [[Harry Blackstone, Jr.|Harry Blackstone]], Jr. among others. John has also appeared on stage performing improvisation with [[Robin Williams]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.starburstmagazine.com/features/interview-john-kassir-smothered-a-tales-from-the-crypt|title = John Kassir &#124; SMOTHERED & TALES FROM THE CRYPT}}</ref>
As a stand-up comic, he has opened for the likes of [[Lou Rawls]], [[Tom Jones (singer)|Tom Jones]], [[The Temptations]] and [[Four Tops]] on their TNT Tour, [[Bobby Vinton]], [[Richard Belzer]], [[U2]], and [[Harry Blackstone Jr.]] among others. John has also appeared on stage performing improvisation with [[Robin Williams]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.starburstmagazine.com/features/interview-john-kassir-smothered-a-tales-from-the-crypt|title = John Kassir &#124; SMOTHERED & TALES FROM THE CRYPT}}</ref>


===Film and television===
===Film and television===
His film credits include, ''[[And Then There Was Eve]]'' as G. Alexander, ''[[Flora & Ulysses (film)|Flora & Ulysses]]'' as Ulysses', ''[[Hellblazers]]'' as Rick, ''[[Jack the Giant Slayer]]'', ''[[Monster Mash (1995 film)|Monster Mash]]'' as [[Igor (character)|Igor]], ''[[Monster Mutt (film)|Monster Mutt]]'' as Pet Shop Pete, ''[[Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical]]'' as Ralph Wiley and [[Uncle Sam]], ''[[Smothered (film)|Smothered]]'' and ''[[Spy Hard]]'' as Rancor Guard.
His film credits include, ''[[And Then There Was Eve]]'' as G. Alexander, ''[[Flora & Ulysses (film)|Flora & Ulysses]]'' as Ulysses', ''[[Hellblazers]]'' as Rick, ''[[Jack the Giant Slayer]]'', ''[[Monster Mash (1995 film)|Monster Mash]]'' as [[Igor (character)|Igor]], ''[[Monster Mutt (film)|Monster Mutt]]'' as Pet Shop Pete, ''[[Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical]]'' as Ralph Wiley and [[Uncle Sam]], ''[[Smothered (film)|Smothered]]'' and ''[[Spy Hard]]'' as Rancor Guard.


In television, he played the Bulgarian kicker, Zagreb Shkenusky, for 7 years in the [[HBO]] comedy series ''[[1st & Ten (TV Series)|1st & Ten]]'', about a fictional football team. His other live-action credits include sketch-acting on ''[[The Amanda Show]]'' and a portrayal of [[Shemp Howard]] in the 2000 TV biopic ''[[The Three Stooges (TV movie)|The Three Stooges]]'', produced by [[Mel Gibson]], and Ralph in ''Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical''. He was also able to get his own [[Pee-wee Herman]] style show in 1997 called ''Johnnytime'', which aired for two seasons on the USA network. He also appeared as [[Atom (Ray Palmer)|The Atom]] in the ''[[Justice League of America (1997 film)|Justice League of America]]'' pilot episode, which, despite not being picked up, was released as a film in some markets. Kassir has appeared in over a dozen feature films, starred in eight TV pilots (six of which went to series and two of which lasted on air for over six years each) and guest-starred in dozens of TV series in both comic and dramatic roles.
In television, he played the Bulgarian kicker, Zagreb Shkenusky, for 7 years in the [[HBO]] comedy series ''[[1st & Ten (TV Series)|1st & Ten]]'', about a fictional football team. His other live-action credits include sketch-acting on ''[[The Amanda Show]]'' and a portrayal of [[Shemp Howard]] in the 2000 TV biopic ''[[The Three Stooges (TV movie)|The Three Stooges]]'', produced by [[Mel Gibson]], and Ralph in ''Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical''. He was also able to get his own [[Pee-wee Herman]] style show in 1997 called ''Johnnytime'', which aired for two seasons on the USA network. He also appeared as [[Atom (Ray Palmer)|The Atom]] in the ''[[Justice League of America (1997 film)|Justice League of America]]'' pilot episode, which, despite not being picked up, was released as a film in some markets. Kassir has appeared in over a dozen feature films, starred in eight TV pilots (six of which went to series and two of which lasted on air for over six years each) and guest-starred in dozens of TV series in both comic and dramatic roles.
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Kassir has specialized in voice-over work for animation, video games, and other productions, most notably as the voice of Crypt Keeper in ''[[Tales from the Crypt (TV series)|Tales from the Crypt]]''. He would later voice Ray "Raymundo" Rocket in ''[[Rocket Power]]''. He also provided the voice for the mercenary [[Deadpool (comics)|Deadpool]] in the video games ''[[X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse]]'', ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance]]'', and ''[[Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2]]'', as well as for [[Sauron (comics)|Sauron]] and [[Pyro (Marvel Comics)|Pyro]], two other well-known characters. He was also featured in the very first commercial for the [[Nintendo]] cornerstone video game series ''[[The Legend of Zelda (video game)|The Legend of Zelda]]'' in the United States in 1987.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoXb7PIJYmA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/HoXb7PIJYmA |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|title=John Kassir in the Legend of Zelda commercial |publisher=YouTube.com |date=May 18, 2006 |access-date=January 26, 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
Kassir has specialized in voice-over work for animation, video games, and other productions, most notably as the voice of Crypt Keeper in ''[[Tales from the Crypt (TV series)|Tales from the Crypt]]''. He would later voice Ray "Raymundo" Rocket in ''[[Rocket Power]]''. He also provided the voice for the mercenary [[Deadpool (comics)|Deadpool]] in the video games ''[[X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse]]'', ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance]]'', and ''[[Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2]]'', as well as for [[Sauron (comics)|Sauron]] and [[Pyro (Marvel Comics)|Pyro]], two other well-known characters. He was also featured in the very first commercial for the [[Nintendo]] cornerstone video game series ''[[The Legend of Zelda (video game)|The Legend of Zelda]]'' in the United States in 1987.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoXb7PIJYmA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/HoXb7PIJYmA |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|title=John Kassir in the Legend of Zelda commercial |publisher=YouTube.com |date=May 18, 2006 |access-date=January 26, 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


Kassir provided the vocal effects of the mischievous [[raccoon]] Meeko in Disney's 1995 animated feature ''[[Pocahontas (1995 film)|Pocahontas]]'' and ''[[Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World]]''. Also, he provided the voice of [[Buster Bunny]] in four ''[[Tiny Toon Adventures]]'' episodes (following [[Charlie Adler]]'s departure from the role). He played the villainous Scuttlebutt in ''[[An American Tail: The Treasure of Manhattan Island]]''. He also made one voice appearance in an episode of ''[[Ben 10 (TV series)|Ben 10]]'', (''Last Laugh'') as Zombozo. He voiced the character Adam MacIntyre and provided Additional voice over work in the video game ''[[Dead Rising]]''.<ref>[http://vbfile1.voicebank.net/sandboxes/11/Animation/Actors/John%20Kassir.mp3 John Kassir: Demo reel at voicebank.net] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218034125/http://vbfile1.voicebank.net/sandboxes/11/Animation/Actors/John%20Kassir.mp3 |date=December 18, 2008 }}</ref> His voice is featured in the games ''[[Shadows of the Damned]]'' and ''[[Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance]]'' as Hell demons and Desperado Enforcement captain Monsoon, respectively.
Kassir provided the vocal effects of the mischievous [[raccoon]] Meeko in Disney's 1995 animated feature ''[[Pocahontas (1995 film)|Pocahontas]]'' and ''[[Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World]]''. Also, he provided the voice of [[Buster Bunny]] in four ''[[Tiny Toon Adventures]]'' episodes (following [[Charlie Adler]]'s departure from the role). He played the villainous Scuttlebutt in ''[[An American Tail: The Treasure of Manhattan Island]]''. He also made one voice appearance in an episode of ''[[Ben 10 (TV series)|Ben 10]]'', (''Last Laugh'') as Zombozo. He voiced the character Adam MacIntyre and provided additional voice over work in the video game ''[[Dead Rising]]''.<ref>[http://vbfile1.voicebank.net/sandboxes/11/Animation/Actors/John%20Kassir.mp3 John Kassir: Demo reel at voicebank.net] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218034125/http://vbfile1.voicebank.net/sandboxes/11/Animation/Actors/John%20Kassir.mp3 |date=December 18, 2008 }}</ref> His voice is featured in the games ''[[Shadows of the Damned]]'' and ''[[Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance]]'' as Hell demons and Desperado Enforcement captain Monsoon, respectively. Additionally, he voiced Jibolba in the ''[[Tak and the Power of Juju]]'' video game series, [[Pete Puma]] in ''[[The Looney Tunes Show]]'', Scissorsmith in ''[[Samurai Jack]]'', and Mervis and Dunlap in ''[[CatDog]]''.

In 2011, he voiced Crazy Smurf in the live-action/animated film ''[[The Smurfs (film)|The Smurfs]]'', and in 2012, he voiced Jealousy as well as Gumball, Penny, Leslie, Carrie & Darwin when he possesses them in ''[[The Amazing World of Gumball]]'' episode "The Flower". Kassir appeared in [[Bryan Singer]]'s ''[[Jack the Giant Slayer]]'' (2013), along with [[Bill Nighy]], as Fallon, the two-headed leader of the giants; Nighy played the big head while Kassir played the small head.<ref name="Tucci">{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/heat-vision/stanley-tucci-set-villain-jack-97738 |title=Stanley Tucci Set for Villain in 'Jack the Giant Killer' |last=Kit |first=Borys |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110316053254/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/heat-vision/stanley-tucci-set-villain-jack-97738 |archive-date=March 16, 2011 |date=February 9, 2011 |access-date=March 2, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Additionally, he voiced Buster Bunny (taking over from [[Charlie Adler]] late in the final season of ''[[Tiny Toon Adventures]]''), Ray "Raymundo" Rocket on ''[[Rocket Power]]'', the mischievous raccoon Meeko in ''[[Pocahontas (1995 film)|Pocahontas]]'' and its direct-to-video sequel, Jibolba in the ''[[Tak and the Power of Juju]]'' video game series, [[Pete Puma]] in ''[[The Looney Tunes Show]]'', and [[Deadpool]] in ''[[X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse]]'' and the ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance]]'' series. Kassir even voiced Elliot the Dragon in Disney's 2016 live-action remake of the 1977 live-action/animated movie ''[[Pete's Dragon (1977 film)|Pete's Dragon]]''.
In 2011, he voiced Crazy Smurf in the live-action/animated film ''[[The Smurfs (film)|The Smurfs]]'', and in 2012, he voiced Jealousy as well as Gumball, Penny, Leslie, Carrie & Darwin when he possesses them in ''[[The Amazing World of Gumball]]'' episode "The Flower". Kassir appeared in [[Bryan Singer]]'s ''[[Jack the Giant Slayer]]'' (2013), along with [[Bill Nighy]], as Fallon, the two-headed leader of the giants; Nighy played the big head while Kassir played the small head.<ref name="Tucci">{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/heat-vision/stanley-tucci-set-villain-jack-97738 |title=Stanley Tucci Set for Villain in 'Jack the Giant Killer' |last=Kit |first=Borys |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110316053254/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/heat-vision/stanley-tucci-set-villain-jack-97738 |archive-date=March 16, 2011 |date=February 9, 2011 |access-date=March 2, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Kassir even voiced Elliot the Dragon in Disney's 2016 live-action remake of the 1977 live-action/animated movie ''[[Pete's Dragon (1977 film)|Pete's Dragon]]''.


Kassir also voiced Rizzo in the ''[[Spyro (series)|Spyro]]'' video game ''[[Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure]]'', as well as Ghost Roaster in ''[[Skylanders: Giants]]'', Short Cut in ''[[Skylanders: Trap Team]]'', and Pit Boss in ''[[Skylanders: Imaginators]]''. He is also known for his various roles in [[List of The Amanda Show episodes|the first season]] of ''[[The Amanda Show]]''. He voiced the [[Ice King]] in the original [[Adventure Time (pilot)|''Adventure Time'' pilot]], but was replaced by [[Tom Kenny]] for the series. He also provided additional voice over work for ''[[Eek! The Cat]]'', ''[[The Brothers Flub]]'', ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV series)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'', ''[[Dead Rising]]'', ''[[Casper's Scare School]]'', ''[[Spider-Man 3 (video game)|Spider-Man 3]]'', ''[[Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey!]]'', ''[[The Princess and the Frog]]'', ''[[Diablo III]]'', ''[[Diablo III: Reaper of Souls]]'', ''[[Monsters University]]'', ''[[The Prophet (2014 film)|The Prophet]]'', ''[[Minions (film)|Minions]]'', ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', ''[[The Secret Life of Pets]]'', ''[[Despicable Me 3]]'', ''[[The Grinch (film)|The Grinch]]'' and ''[[The Secret Life of Pets 2]]''.
Kassir also voiced Rizzo in the ''[[Spyro (series)|Spyro]]'' video game ''[[Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure]]'', as well as Ghost Roaster in ''[[Skylanders: Giants]]'', Short Cut in ''[[Skylanders: Trap Team]]'', and Pit Boss in ''[[Skylanders: Imaginators]]''. He is also known for his various roles in [[List of The Amanda Show episodes|the first season]] of ''[[The Amanda Show]]''. He voiced the [[Ice King]] in the original [[Adventure Time (pilot)|''Adventure Time'' pilot]], but was replaced by [[Tom Kenny]] for the series. He also provided additional voice over work for ''[[Eek! The Cat]]'', ''[[The Brothers Flub]]'', ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (TV series)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'', ''[[Casper's Scare School]]'', ''[[Spider-Man 3 (video game)|Spider-Man 3]]'', ''[[Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey!]]'', ''[[The Princess and the Frog]]'', ''[[Diablo III]]'', ''[[Diablo III: Reaper of Souls]]'', ''[[Monsters University]]'', ''[[The Prophet (2014 film)|The Prophet]]'', ''[[Minions (film)|Minions]]'', ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', ''[[The Secret Life of Pets]]'', ''[[Despicable Me 3]]'', ''[[My Life as a Teenage Robot]]'', ''[[The Grinch (film)|The Grinch]]'' and ''[[The Secret Life of Pets 2]]''.


===Theatre===
===Theatre===
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* ''[[Jack the Giant Slayer]]'' – General Fallon's small head
* ''[[Jack the Giant Slayer]]'' – General Fallon's small head
* ''[[Monster Mash (1995 film)|Monster Mash]]'' – [[Igor (character)|Igor]]
* ''[[Monster Mash (1995 film)|Monster Mash]]'' – [[Igor (character)|Igor]]
* ''[[Monster Mutt (film)|Monster Mutt]]'' – Pet Shop Pete
* ''[[Monster Mutt (film)|Monster Mutt]]'' – Pet Shop Pete
* ''[[Pete's Dragon (2016 film)|Pete's Dragon]]'' – Elliot's vocals<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiewire.com/2016/07/petes-dragon-review-2016-disney-david-lowery-1201710357/|title=Pete's Dragon Review: An Old Disney Movie Becomes A New Disney Classic – IndieWire|first=David|last=Ehrlich|date=July 27, 2016|access-date=December 13, 2016}}</ref>
* ''[[Pete's Dragon (2016 film)|Pete's Dragon]]'' – Elliot's vocals<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiewire.com/2016/07/petes-dragon-review-2016-disney-david-lowery-1201710357/|title=Pete's Dragon Review: An Old Disney Movie Becomes A New Disney Classic – IndieWire|first=David|last=Ehrlich|date=July 27, 2016|access-date=December 13, 2016}}</ref>
* ''[[Race to Witch Mountain]]'' - Chuck
* ''[[Race to Witch Mountain]]'' - Chuck
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* ''[[Love Boat: The Next Wave]]'' – Dmitri Shishtokovich
* ''[[Love Boat: The Next Wave]]'' – Dmitri Shishtokovich
* ''[[Malcolm & Eddie]]'' – Rooster
* ''[[Malcolm & Eddie]]'' – Rooster
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* ''[[McBride (film series)|McBride: Tune in for Murder]]'' – Danny Doyle
* ''[[Moonlighting (TV series)|Moonlighting]]'' – Police Detective (Episode: "Yours, Very Deadly")
* ''[[Moonlighting (TV series)|Moonlighting]]'' – Police Detective (Episode: "Yours, Very Deadly")
* ''[[Mr. Rhodes]]'' – Mr. Kotter
* ''[[Mr. Rhodes]]'' – Mr. Kotter
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* ''[[Jack the Giant Slayer]]'' – General Fallon's Small Head<ref name="btva" />
* ''[[Jack the Giant Slayer]]'' – General Fallon's Small Head<ref name="btva" />
* ''[[Justice League of America (1997 film)|Justice League of America]]'' – [[Atom (Ray Palmer)|Atom/Ray Palmer]]
* ''[[Justice League of America (1997 film)|Justice League of America]]'' – [[Atom (Ray Palmer)|Atom/Ray Palmer]]
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* ''McBride: Tune in for Murder'' – Danny Doyle
* ''[[Minions (film)|Minions]]'' – Additional voices
* ''[[Minions (film)|Minions]]'' – Additional voices
* ''[[Minions: The Rise of Gru]]'' - Additional voices
* ''[[Minions: The Rise of Gru]]'' - Additional voices
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* ''The Glass Jar'' – John
* ''The Glass Jar'' – John
* ''The Gunrunner Billy Kane'' – Machinist
* ''The Gunrunner Billy Kane'' – Machinist
* ''[[The Grinch (film)|The Grinch]]'' – Additional voices
* ''The Horror Hall of Fame II'' – The Crypt Keeper
* ''The Horror Hall of Fame II'' – The Crypt Keeper
* ''The Midget Stays in the Picture'' – B List Director
* ''The Midget Stays in the Picture'' – B List Director
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* ''The Taker'' – John
* ''The Taker'' – John
* ''[[The Tale of Tillie's Dragon]]'' – Herman<ref name="btva" />
* ''[[The Tale of Tillie's Dragon]]'' – Herman<ref name="btva" />
* ''[[The Wild]]'' –
* ''[[The Wild]]'' – Additional voices
* ''[[The Wild Thornberrys Movie]]'' – Squirrel #1<ref name="btva" />
* ''[[The Wild Thornberrys Movie]]'' – Squirrel #1<ref name="btva" />
* ''Tiny Toons' Night Ghoulery'' – Buster Bunny
* ''Tiny Toons' Night Ghoulery'' – Buster Bunny
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* ''[[CatDog]]'' – Mervis, Dunglap, Additional voices
* ''[[CatDog]]'' – Mervis, Dunglap, Additional voices
* ''[[Danger Rangers]]'' – Fallbot<ref name="btva" />
* ''[[Danger Rangers]]'' – Fallbot<ref name="btva" />
* ''[[DC Super Friends]]'' – [[Joker (comics)|Joker]]<ref name="btva" />
* ''[[DC Super Friends]] - Joker's Playhouse'' – [[Joker (comics)|Joker]]<ref name="btva" />
* ''[[Dexter's Laboratory]]'' – Additional voices
* ''[[Dexter's Laboratory]]'' – Additional voices
* ''[[Dota: Dragon's Blood]]'' – Vahdrak
* ''[[Dota: Dragon's Blood]]'' – Vahdrak
* ''[[Duckman]]: Private Dick/Family Man'' – Additional voices
* ''[[Duckman]]'' – Additional voices
* ''Duck the Halls: A Mickey Mouse Christmas Special'' – Scrooge McDuck
* ''Duck the Halls: A Mickey Mouse Christmas Special'' – Scrooge McDuck
* ''[[Earthworm Jim (TV series)|Earthworm Jim]]'' – Snott, Henchrat<ref name="btva" />
* ''[[Earthworm Jim (TV series)|Earthworm Jim]]'' – Snott, Henchrat<ref name="btva" />
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=== Video games ===
=== Video games ===
{{Div col|colwidth=24em}}
{{Div col|colwidth=24em}}
* ''[[Afro Samurai (video game)|Afro Samurai]]'' – Soshun, Additional voices
* ''[[Afro Samurai (video game)|Afro Samurai]]'' – Soshun, Additional voices\
* ''[[Batman: Arkham Origins]]'' – Voice Cast<ref>{{cite web|url=http://voicechasers.com/database/showprod.php?prodid=5246|title=Batman: Arkham Origins (2013, Video Game) Voice Cast|access-date=December 13, 2016}}</ref>
* ''[[Arknights]] – Friston-3<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1730451658780365291|user=ArknightsEN|title=Friston 3 is an S-C Model four-wheeled Operation Platform, the first product of the Rhodes Island Smart Operation platform R&D Team's efforts.|date=December 1, 2023}}</ref>
* ''[[Batman: Arkham Origins]]'' – Voice Cast<ref>{{cite web|url=http://voicechasers.com/database/showprod.php?prodid=5246|title=Batman: Arkham Origins (2013, Video Game) Voice Cast|access-date=December 13, 2016|archive-date=March 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312105308/http://voicechasers.com/database/showprod.php?prodid=5246|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* ''[[Bayonetta 2]]'' – Enzo<ref name="btva" />
* ''[[Bayonetta 2]]'' – Enzo<ref name="btva" />
* ''[[Bayonetta 3]]'' – Enzo<ref name="btva" />
* ''[[Bayonetta 3]]'' – Enzo<ref name="btva" />
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==Theatre==
==Theatre==
* ''3 Guys Naked from the Waist Down'' - Kenny Brewster<ref name=abouttheartists.com>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abouttheartists.com/artists/289042-john-kassir|title=John Kassir theatre profile}}</ref>
* ''3 Guys Naked from the Waist Down'' – Kenny Brewster<ref name=abouttheartists.com>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abouttheartists.com/artists/289042-john-kassir|title=John Kassir theatre profile}}</ref>
* ''[[Room Service (play)|Room Service]]'' - Faker Englund<ref name=abouttheartists.com/>
* ''[[Room Service (play)|Room Service]]'' – Faker Englund<ref name=abouttheartists.com/>
* ''La Fiaca'' - Nester<ref name=abouttheartists.com/>
* ''La Fiaca'' – Nester<ref name=abouttheartists.com/>
* ''[[Reefer Madness (musical)|Reefer Madness]]'' - Ralph Wiley<ref name=abouttheartists.com/>
* ''[[Reefer Madness (musical)|Reefer Madness]]'' – Ralph Wiley<ref name=abouttheartists.com/>
* ''[[The Glorious Ones]]'' - Dottore<ref name=abouttheartists.com/>
* ''[[The Glorious Ones]]'' – Dottore<ref name=abouttheartists.com/>
* ''Safe'' - Danny Green<ref name=abouttheartists.com/>
* ''Safe'' - Danny Green<ref name=abouttheartists.com/>
* ''[[Man of La Mancha]]'' - Malachi Stack<ref name=abouttheartists.com/>
* ''[[Man of La Mancha]]'' – Malachi Stack<ref name=abouttheartists.com/>
* ''[[Silence! The Musical]]'' - Jack Crawford<ref name=abouttheartists.com/>
* ''[[Silence! The Musical]]'' – Jack Crawford<ref name=abouttheartists.com/>
* ''[[A Midsummer Night's Dream]]'' - Puck<ref name=abouttheartists.com/>
* ''[[A Midsummer Night's Dream]]'' – Puck<ref name=abouttheartists.com/>
* ''The New American Theatre Festival of New One Act Plays'' - Performer<ref name=abouttheartists.com/>
* ''The New American Theatre Festival of New One Act Plays'' – Performer<ref name=abouttheartists.com/>


== References ==
== References ==
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== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Commons|John Kassir}}
{{Commons}}
*{{IMDb name|440885|John Kassir}}
*{{IMDb name|440885|John Kassir}}


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[[Category:American people of Iraqi-Assyrian descent]]
[[Category:American people of Iraqi-Assyrian descent]]
[[Category:American people of Syrian-Assyrian descent]]
[[Category:American people of Syrian-Assyrian descent]]
[[Category:Animal impersonators]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Comedians from Baltimore]]

Latest revision as of 20:08, 25 April 2024

John Kassir
Kassir holding a picture of the Cryptkeeper in 2006
Born (1957-10-24) October 24, 1957 (age 66)
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Alma materTowson State University
Occupations
  • Actor
  • comedian
Years active1983–present
Spouse
​
​
(m. 1998; div. 2007)​

John Kassir (born October 24, 1957)[1] is an American actor and comedian. He is known for his work as the voice of the Cryptkeeper in HBO's Tales from the Crypt franchise.[2] He also appeared in the role of Ralph in the off-Broadway show Reefer Madness and its 2005 film adaptation. He is also the first voice actor to take over Disney comics character Scrooge McDuck following the death of Alan Young.

Early life and education[edit]

John Kassir was born on October 24, 1957, in Baltimore, Maryland,[1] to an Iraqi father from Mosul and a Syrian mother from Mardin, present-day Turkey.[3] He is of Assyrian descent.[4]

As a child, he often did impressions in school and was described as a "class clown". His mother would often buy props for him and he would entertain customers who were shopping outside of Eudowood Plaza. He graduated from Loch Raven High School and attended Towson State University in Towson, Maryland, where he studied theatre.[5] He and several other students formed a comedy troupe called Animal Crackers.[6]

Career[edit]

Stand-up comedy[edit]

Kassir originally began his career in stand-up comedy, he first became known in 1985, when he defeated Sinbad for best stand-up comic on Star Search.[7]

As a stand-up comic, he has opened for the likes of Lou Rawls, Tom Jones, The Temptations and Four Tops on their TNT Tour, Bobby Vinton, Richard Belzer, U2, and Harry Blackstone Jr. among others. John has also appeared on stage performing improvisation with Robin Williams.[8]

Film and television[edit]

His film credits include, And Then There Was Eve as G. Alexander, Flora & Ulysses as Ulysses', Hellblazers as Rick, Jack the Giant Slayer, Monster Mash as Igor, Monster Mutt as Pet Shop Pete, Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical as Ralph Wiley and Uncle Sam, Smothered and Spy Hard as Rancor Guard.

In television, he played the Bulgarian kicker, Zagreb Shkenusky, for 7 years in the HBO comedy series 1st & Ten, about a fictional football team. His other live-action credits include sketch-acting on The Amanda Show and a portrayal of Shemp Howard in the 2000 TV biopic The Three Stooges, produced by Mel Gibson, and Ralph in Reefer Madness: The Movie Musical. He was also able to get his own Pee-wee Herman style show in 1997 called Johnnytime, which aired for two seasons on the USA network. He also appeared as The Atom in the Justice League of America pilot episode, which, despite not being picked up, was released as a film in some markets. Kassir has appeared in over a dozen feature films, starred in eight TV pilots (six of which went to series and two of which lasted on air for over six years each) and guest-starred in dozens of TV series in both comic and dramatic roles.

Voice acting[edit]

Kassir has specialized in voice-over work for animation, video games, and other productions, most notably as the voice of Crypt Keeper in Tales from the Crypt. He would later voice Ray "Raymundo" Rocket in Rocket Power. He also provided the voice for the mercenary Deadpool in the video games X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, and Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2, as well as for Sauron and Pyro, two other well-known characters. He was also featured in the very first commercial for the Nintendo cornerstone video game series The Legend of Zelda in the United States in 1987.[9]

Kassir provided the vocal effects of the mischievous raccoon Meeko in Disney's 1995 animated feature Pocahontas and Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World. Also, he provided the voice of Buster Bunny in four Tiny Toon Adventures episodes (following Charlie Adler's departure from the role). He played the villainous Scuttlebutt in An American Tail: The Treasure of Manhattan Island. He also made one voice appearance in an episode of Ben 10, (Last Laugh) as Zombozo. He voiced the character Adam MacIntyre and provided additional voice over work in the video game Dead Rising.[10] His voice is featured in the games Shadows of the Damned and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance as Hell demons and Desperado Enforcement captain Monsoon, respectively. Additionally, he voiced Jibolba in the Tak and the Power of Juju video game series, Pete Puma in The Looney Tunes Show, Scissorsmith in Samurai Jack, and Mervis and Dunlap in CatDog.

In 2011, he voiced Crazy Smurf in the live-action/animated film The Smurfs, and in 2012, he voiced Jealousy as well as Gumball, Penny, Leslie, Carrie & Darwin when he possesses them in The Amazing World of Gumball episode "The Flower". Kassir appeared in Bryan Singer's Jack the Giant Slayer (2013), along with Bill Nighy, as Fallon, the two-headed leader of the giants; Nighy played the big head while Kassir played the small head.[11] Kassir even voiced Elliot the Dragon in Disney's 2016 live-action remake of the 1977 live-action/animated movie Pete's Dragon.

Kassir also voiced Rizzo in the Spyro video game Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure, as well as Ghost Roaster in Skylanders: Giants, Short Cut in Skylanders: Trap Team, and Pit Boss in Skylanders: Imaginators. He is also known for his various roles in the first season of The Amanda Show. He voiced the Ice King in the original Adventure Time pilot, but was replaced by Tom Kenny for the series. He also provided additional voice over work for Eek! The Cat, The Brothers Flub, Sonic the Hedgehog, Casper's Scare School, Spider-Man 3, Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey!, The Princess and the Frog, Diablo III, Diablo III: Reaper of Souls, Monsters University, The Prophet, Minions, Halo 5: Guardians, The Secret Life of Pets, Despicable Me 3, My Life as a Teenage Robot, The Grinch and The Secret Life of Pets 2.

Theatre[edit]

A few of his many theater credits include: originating the role of Kenny in Three Guys Naked From The Waist Down (also starring Scott Bakula), for which he was nominated for both a Drama Desk and an Outer Critics Circle award. John also originated the role of Ralph in the musical Reefer Madness, on stage and in the film version.

Personal life[edit]

He married actress Julie Benz on May 30, 1998, the marriage lasted for nine years until Benz filed for divorce in December 2007.[12][13]

Filmography[edit]

Film[edit]

Television[edit]

Animated film[edit]

Animation[edit]

Video games[edit]

Theatre[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "IBDB:John Kassir". www.ibdb.com. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
  2. ^ John Kassir + More join the TRINITY OF TERRORS!
  3. ^ "Obituary for Albert Kassir".
  4. ^ @JohnKassir (May 17, 2013). "@BrettAnthony92 Thx for asking! A very old civilization,The Assyrian Race. My ancestors were of the first Christians from the Aramaic Tribes" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  5. ^ "Towson graduate uses talents to make it to the big time". December 4, 1992.
  6. ^ "Crypt Keeper says the darnedest things thanks to native son". February 17, 1995.
  7. ^ "John Kassir". Archived from the original on August 1, 2017. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
  8. ^ "John Kassir | SMOTHERED & TALES FROM THE CRYPT".
  9. ^ "John Kassir in the Legend of Zelda commercial". YouTube.com. May 18, 2006. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved January 26, 2015.
  10. ^ John Kassir: Demo reel at voicebank.net Archived December 18, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  11. ^ Kit, Borys (February 9, 2011). "Stanley Tucci Set for Villain in 'Jack the Giant Killer'". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on March 16, 2011. Retrieved March 2, 2011.
  12. ^ "Angel – Interviews – Julie Benz and John Kassir". BBC Online.
  13. ^ "Julie Benz engaged to Rich Orosco". KABC-TV. Retrieved November 12, 2014. She obtained Bamboo when he was a puppy just after she and actor John Kassir split four years ago. He and Benz were married between 1998 and 2007. The two have no children...
  14. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap "John Kassir (visual voices guide)". Retrieved March 21, 2015. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its opening and/or closing credits and/or other reliable sources of information.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
  15. ^ Ehrlich, David (July 27, 2016). "Pete's Dragon Review: An Old Disney Movie Becomes A New Disney Classic – IndieWire". Retrieved December 13, 2016.
  16. ^ "Viking Ducks/Birthday Bread". Breadwinners. Season 2. Episode 5. May 24, 2015. Nickelodeon.
  17. ^ "Trash Bandit/Eat at Pumpers". Breadwinners. Season 2. Episode 8. November 15, 2015. Nickelodeon.
  18. ^ "In Dreams". Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Season 3. Episode 5. November 14, 2014. Nickelodeon.
  19. ^ "Time Squad (2001, Animated Series) Voice Cast". Archived from the original on December 17, 2006. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
  20. ^ @ArknightsEN (December 1, 2023). "Friston 3 is an S-C Model four-wheeled Operation Platform, the first product of the Rhodes Island Smart Operation platform R&D Team's efforts" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  21. ^ "Batman: Arkham Origins (2013, Video Game) Voice Cast". Archived from the original on March 12, 2016. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
  22. ^ 343 Industries. Halo 5: Guardians. Scene: Closing credits, 7:01 in Additional Voices.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  23. ^ Vicarious Visions. Skylanders: SuperChargers. Activision. Scene: Closing credits, 7:13 in, Voice Actors.
  24. ^ Toys for Bob. Skylanders: Trap Team. Activision. Scene: Closing credits, 8:40 in, Voice Actors.
  25. ^ "Skylanders: Trap Team (2014, Video Game) Voice Cast". Archived from the original on January 5, 2016. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
  26. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "John Kassir theatre profile".

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to John Kassir.
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