Bill Cunningham, the original voice of Barbie’s boyfriend, Ken, and a talented singer, has passed away at the age of 96. He died on July 15 at his home in West Hollywood, as announced by the CESD Talent Agency.
Cunningham was a pioneer in the talent representation business, known for his warm and gregarious personality. He founded the Pacific Artists Agency in 1963 with the encouragement of his friend, Peggy Taylor. The agency quickly became one of the first and most successful commercial and voice-over agencies in Los Angeles. Over the years, it evolved into Cunningham & Associates, expanding with offices in New York and Chicago, and eventually became CESD (Cunningham-Escott-Slevin-Doherty) Talent Agency.
He retired in 1989, selling the agency to T.J. Escott and Angela Dipine, who, in turn, sold it to Ken Slevin and Paul Doherty in 2005.
Born in San Francisco on January 2, 1927, Cunningham was the youngest of six children. He served in the U.S. Navy, entertaining fellow sailors with the Fort Emory Drum and Bugle Corps. Afterward, he pursued a successful singing career, appearing on various TV shows and recording motion picture soundtracks for major studios.
Cunningham was not only known for his work as Ken’s voice but also released his debut album, “I’m Always Chasing Rainbows,” financed by Fred Astaire, in 1962. He later toured with Judy Garland and chronicled his experiences in his autobiography, “I Wonder What Became of Me,” published in 2014.
He is survived by his nephews and nieces: Kirk, Kevin, Kristen, Janet, Barbara, and Debbie. Cunningham’s impact on the talent representation industry and his contributions to the entertainment world will be remembered fondly.
Rest in Peace.