Classic Radio Actors

Virginia Gregg (1916-1986) was one of radio's most talented and prolific actresses during the medium's golden era, bringing an exceptional range and emotional depth to thousands of performances across multiple genres. Born in Harrisburg, Illinois on March 6, 1916, Gregg's distinctive voice and remarkable versatility made her a fixture on America's airwaves for more than three decades. Gregg's radio career began in the late 1930s and quickly flourished as she demonstrated an uncanny ability to portray characters of various ages, backgrounds, and temperaments. Her most notable radio work included regular roles on "Dragnet," "Gunsmoke," "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar," and "Richard Diamond, Private Detective." She frequently collaborated with fellow radio legend Jack Webb, establishing a creative partnership that would extend into television. Beyond radio, Virginia Gregg built an impressive career in television and film, appearing in numerous TV shows including "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and "The Twilight Zone." Horror film enthusiasts recognize her as the chilling voice of Norman Bates' mother in Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" trilogy. Her voice acting also extended to animation, where she contributed to various Hanna-Barbera productions. Despite her extensive work in visual media, Gregg's masterful command of vocal characterization in radio remains her greatest legacy. She passed away on September 15, 1986, leaving behind an extraordinary body of work that showcases the artistic heights possible in audio storytelling.

William Conrad (1920-1994) was an iconic American radio performer whose commanding baritone voice became synonymous with the Golden Age of Radio. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Conrad rose to fame after serving as a fighter pilot in World War II, quickly establishing himself as one of radio's most distinctive voices.Most celebrated for his portrayal of Marshal Matt Dillon in the groundbreaking radio series "Gunsmoke" (1952-1961), Conrad brought gravitas and authenticity to the role that captivated millions of listeners. His impressive radio repertoire included work on classic series like "Escape," "Suspense," and "The Adventures of Sam Spade."Later in life, Conrad successfully transitioned to television, starring in popular series including "Cannon" (1971-1976) and "Jake and the Fatman" (1987-1992). His voice continued to reach audiences as the narrator for "Rocky and Bullwinkle" and numerous documentaries and commercials.Conrad's ability to create vivid characters using only his voice demonstrated remarkable range and helped establish radio drama as a legitimate art form. Though he passed away in 1994, his contributions to American broadcasting continue to influence voice actors today.