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  Go here for the most comprehensive credits regarding his career. I found it difficult to find any personal biographical information on the life of Mr. Hammond. Thanks to the ever-alert Dr. Zhie, I did track down a copy of his obituary from the Buffalo News. It is as follows: HAMMOND - Earl, noted for voice-over work 5/29/2002 Earl Hammond, an actor known for his television and voice-over work, died May 19, 2002, under hospice care in New York City after a short illness. He was 80. A Buffalo native, Hammond was born Irwin Hamburger but changed his name in the early 1940s as he began his acting career. A 1938 graduate of Bennett High School, he began acting on Fred and Ethel Dampier's radio skits on WGR radio. After a short radio career in Buffalo, he left to study acting at Los Angeles City College and graduated with future movie stars Donna Reed and Alexis Smith. After moving to New York City, Hammond began a television career that included a run of several years as a lawyer on "Days of Our Lives." Gifted with the ability to present accents and dialects, he had feature roles in numerous commercials and was the voice of many TV cartoon characters. His last big voice-over speaking role was the title voice in "The Mummy." In 1994, Hammond was selected from several hundred actors who auditioned to be the voice of Pope John Paul II on the audiotape version of the Random House book "Crossing the Threshold of Hope." The publisher said the pope personally selected Hammond. Hammond is survived by a son, Eric of Chicago; a daughter, Gwenyth of Germany; and two grandchildren. A memorial service was held in New York City. Many thanks also to Lee Dannacher (a producer of the show), for permitting me to publish the email she sent to me which not only confirmed the sad fact of Mr. Hammond's passing, but it likewise painted a warm picture of the man behind the mummy. Dear Purrsia, Sadly, I can confirm that the wonderful Earl Hammond did pass away last month, living well most of the way through his 80th year. It's a tremendous loss for me as Earl was a dear and close friend of mine, well beyond our many years of working together on the Rankin/Bass productions of ThunderCats, SilverHawks, TigerSharks, Karate Kat, MiniMonsters and a bevy of other television and video specials. Earl was an extraordinary actor - whether in the studio for voice overs, on live action television programs or on the Broadway stage. Of special interest to you, probably, would be to note that Mr. Hammond often spoke (with the vocal uniqueness we instantly recognize as "Mumm-Ra"'s in nature!) about how working on the many episodes of T-Cats constituted the best years and professional experience of his life. Those were substantial words as Earl's lifetime was filled with many and various achievements and adventures both here and abroad. One night we were meeting up at the legendary Sardi's for our usual Wedns night dinner and I was running a little late, knowing he'd have Vincent, the owner, seat him to wait inside. From the corner, I was surprised to see Earl still outside the front door, in animated conversation with a new young doorman. As I approached, I heard Earl giggling as he said "yeah, true, true..it was me alright". As I kissed Earl hello, the doorman looked over at me incredulously and said "Did you know this guy was MUMM-RA! I mean, really, MUMM-RA!! Can you believe that???" Oh yes, I could, I answered simply..."Without a doubt, this man was born for the role!" Earl couldn't have been grinning any wider as we walked inside. God, how he loved that part. On behalf of Earl Hammond, then, I'll give thanks now to all you guys out there who have been entertained by and appreciated his marvelous and lasting dynamic talents. All best, Lee Dannacher My condolences go out to the Hammond family, Lee Dannacher and anyone else who personally knew Earl Hammond. For the fans of ThunderCats, there is also a great loss. The character of Mumm-Ra would not have been nearly as memorable without that voice, and for that we are grateful. In that regard, know this: Where ever ThunderCats fans exist, Earl Hammond lives! |
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