Jimmy MacDonald

John James MacDonald (May 19, 1906 – February 1, 1991) was a British-born American foley artist, voice actor, musician and conductor. He was the original head of the Disney sound effects department, and was also the 2nd official voice of Mickey Mouse from 1947 to 1976 and again in 1978 and 1987 after Walt Disney stopped playing the character and before Wayne Allwine became the third voice of Mickey in 1977. Early life MacDonald was born on May 19, 1906, in Crewe, Cheshire. His parents were Richard William MacDonald and Minnie Hall. The family emigrated to America when MacDonald was 1 month old. They travelled via the SS Haverford from Liverpool, England, arriving in Pennsylvania fifteen days later. Career Sound effects As a young man, MacDonald landed a job as a musician on the Dollar Steam Ship Lines, which in 1934 led to an opportunity to record music for a Disney cartoon. He went on to secure a permanent contract with Disney, becoming head of the sound department.