Bob Amsberry

Actor on The Mickey Mouse Club[13]

What is Bob Amsberry known for?

Bob Amsberry, an alumni from Franklin High School in Portland, Oregon, made a notable impact in the entertainment industry during his short life. Born on June 2, 1928, Amsberry hailed from the small town of Boring, Oregon before moving to Portland for his high school years.

Throughout his life, he exhibited an inclination toward the arts. His career took off when he began an entertainment radio program in Portland titled "Uncle Bob's Squirrel Cage" in 1954. This led to later opportunities that would shape his career.

Amsberry's big break came when his friend, George Bruns, a film composer for Walt Disney Studios, invited him to join the Disney studio department in 1955. He was one of the original cast members on Walt Disney's "The Mickey Mouse Club," performing multiple roles and also working as a writer.

His portrayal of Bob-O, a clown character on the series, gained a significant amount of popularity, even earning a spot as a live character impersonator at Disneyland theme park. He continued working with Disney, contributing to new series, writing skits, and even lending his voice talents to some posthumous Disney projects, such as in "Sleeping Beauty" (1959) where he voiced one of Maleficent's goons.

Tragically, Amsberry's budding career was cut short by a fatal car accident on November 21, 1957, in Portland, Oregon. Since then, he has been remembered for his contributions to the entertainment industry, particularly his work with Disney. His work can still be seen today in the roles he played in various Disney productions, particularly "The Mickey Mouse Club" and "Sleeping Beauty".

For more on Bob Amsberry's life and work, follow these links: