Something a little different - Marines, Horror and Disney

Donnie Dunagan was (at one time) the youngest U.S. Marine Corp drill instructor.

He served three tours in Vietnam and was wounded several times. During his time in service, he was awarded a Bronze Star and THREE Purple hearts, eventually retiring as a Major in 1977.

Throughout his military career Dunagan kept his acting career a secret. He had been a child actor after being discovered in a beautiful baby contest, even staring in the 1939 horror movie Son of Frankenstein as young Peter von Frankenstein.

However, it was his last role was his most famous and one that he kept secret the longest - that of the voice of Bambi.

Imagine going to your grave knowing you had been beaten by a Devil Dog such as Major Dunagan……and the last thing you hear is the timid voice of Bambi saying “Hello”:

Filmography

• Mother Carey's Chickens (1938) as Peter Carey (film debut)

• Son of Frankenstein (1939) as Peter von Frankenstein

• The Forgotten Woman (1939) as Terry Kennedy Jr.

• Tower of London (1939) as Baby Prince

• Vigil in the Night (1940) as Tommy (uncredited)

• Meet the Chump (1941) as Little Boy (uncredited)

• Bambi (1942) as Young Bambi (voice, final film role)

Cheers - E