Danny Dark: From Radio Star to Voice-Over King

Danny Dark Was a Master of Radio and Voice Acting

Danny Dark, born Daniel Melville Croskery, was a legendary voice-over artist whose career spanned nearly four decades. After his time in radio, he became one of the most recognizable voices in the advertising and entertainment industries. Danny Dark’s contributions to radio were foundational to his later success as a voice-over artist. Here are some key highlights of his radio career:

1. Early Beginnings: Danny Dark started as a radio DJ in the late 1950s while studying at Drury University. His early work laid the groundwork for his smooth, engaging style.

2. Top-Rated DJ: He became a top-rated DJ at KXOK in St. Louis in the early 1960s, where he was known as “Danny Dark from Radio Park.” His popularity and talent quickly made him a standout in the industry.

3. Brief Stint at WIL: After leaving KXOK in 1962, he had a brief stint at WIL in St. Louis, 1963, before moving on to pursue opportunities in larger markets.

4. Transition to Los Angeles: By 1963, Danny Dark had moved to KLAC in Los Angeles, where he continued to build his reputation as a skilled and charismatic radio personality.

5. Influence on Broadcasting: His work in radio showcased his ability to connect with audiences, a skill that would later make him one of the most sought-after voices in advertising and television.

WIL 1430 | Danny Dark | January 4, 1963

Audio Digitally Remastered by USA Radio Museum

Here are some highlights of his voice-over contributions:

1. Iconic Commercials: Danny Dark was the voice behind some of the most memorable advertising campaigns, including Budweiser’s “This Bud’s for You,” Raid’s “Raid—Kills Bugs Dead,” and StarKist Tuna’s “Sorry, Charlie.” His voice became synonymous with these brands.

2. Television Promos: He served as the announcer for major networks like NBC and CBS, voicing promos for nighttime programming and station imaging. His deep, authoritative voice became a staple of television in the 1970s and 1980s.

3. Superman in Animation: Dark voiced Superman/Clark Kent in Hanna-Barbera’s animated “Super Friends” series from 1973 to 1985. His portrayal of the Man of Steel left a lasting impression on fans of the character.

4. Documentary Narration: He lent his voice to historical documentaries, including features on figures like Johnny Cash and General Robert E. Lee for the History Channel.

5. Film Roles: While primarily a voice-over artist, he appeared in minor roles in films like “Tunnel Vision” (1976) and “Melvin and Howard” (1980).

Danny Dark’s voice-over work earned him the title of “voice-over king,” and his contributions to advertising and entertainment remain influential to this day. Danny Dark’s role as the voice of Superman in *Super Friends* was one of his most iconic contributions to entertainment. For over a decade (1973–1985), his deep and commanding voice became the definitive portrayal of the Man of Steel for an entire generation of fans.

Here are a few highlights of his work on “Super Friends”:

1. Consistency Across Series: Danny Dark voiced Superman across multiple iterations of the *Super Friends* franchise, including *The All-New Super Friends Hour* and *Challenge of the Super Friends*. This consistency helped cement his association with the character.

2. Distinctive Performance: His portrayal of Superman was authoritative yet warm, perfectly embodying the dual nature of Clark Kent’s kindness and Superman’s strength. His delivery brought a sense of gravitas to the character while maintaining relatability.

3. Cultural Impact: As the voice of Superman, Danny Dark introduced the character to a new generation of viewers. His work became a defining aspect of the character during the 1970s and 1980s, influencing how Superman was perceived in popular culture.

4. Legacy: Even after his work on *Super Friends*, Danny Dark’s voice continued to be associated with Superman. Fans often cite his performance as one of the most memorable in the character’s animated history.

Dark’s portrayal of Superman in “Super Friends” showcased his remarkable voice acting skills and solidified his place as a key figure in the legacy of one of the most beloved superheroes. Danny Dark passed away on June 13, 2004, at the age of 65.