Casey Kasem Biography 

American voice actor Casey Kasem is one of the most noted names in radio and cartoon history. Made famous for hosting the American Top 40, Kasem is arguably best known for his longstanding role as the voice of Shaggy in the Scooby-Doo series.

Kemal Amin Kasem, known popularly as Casey Kasem, was born April 27, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan. He obtained his secondary education from Wayne State University.

Kasem’s initial foray into entertainment came as a voice actor. To that end, he was first featured in 1964 with the animated series Famous Adventures of Mr. Magoo. Other voice actors included Jim Backus, Marvin Miller, Dal McKennon, and others.

After bouncing around other television programs and film, Kasem earned his first major voice role in 1969. Landing the voice of Norville “Shaggy” Rogers in Scooby Doo, Where Are You!, he was with the much loved cartoon until 1970. During this run, he worked with Don Messick (voicing Scoobert “Scooby” Doo), Nicole Jaffe as Velma, Frank Welker as Fred, and Stefanianna Christopherson as Daphne.

He was subsequently featured in programs such as The New Scooby-Doo Movies, Scooby’s All Star Laff-A-Lympics, The Scooby-Doo/Dynomutt Hour, and What’s New, Scooby-Doo (from 2002 to 2006).

Kasem’s vocal styling was also lent to Josie and the Pussycats when he voiced Alexander Cabot III. The program also included work from Janet Waldo, Jackie Joseph, Barbara Pariot, and Jerry Dexter.

Others may recognize Kasem’s voice for his time as Robin in Super Friends. Danny Dark, Shannon Farnon, and Ted Knight were regulars as well.

Taking part in yet another staple of cartoon pop culture, Kasem was the man behind Cliffjumper in the 1980s series Transformers. Corey Burton, Dan Gilvezan, and Chris Latta costarred.

On the radio front, Kasem got his start with American Top 40, which he hosted from 1970 until 1988. The program asked him back in 1998, and Kasem remained until January 10, 2004. At this time, noted American Idol host Ryan Seacrest took the torch.

Kasem is also noted for serving as NBC’s staff announcer throughout part of the 70s and 80s. From 1983 to the present, he has also served as co-host of the annual Jerry Lewis Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy.

In his personal life, Kasem was married to Linda Myers from 1972 to 1979. They had three children before divorcing.

Kasem was subsequently linked to actress Jean Kasem. They were married on December 21, 1980, and they have one child. The couple is currently still together.

Of Lebanese Druze ancestry, Kasem is an avid supporter of Lebanese-American rights. He has put his political support behind candidates such as Ralph Nader and Dennis Kucinich.

For his life’s work as a voice artist, Kasem was honored with an induction into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.