The Disney 100 exhibit at Kansas City’s Union Station, one of the city’s most popular attractions, welcomed a special guest on Friday — Bill Farmer, the iconic voice behind Disney’s beloved characters Goofy and Pluto.
Bill Farmer, originally from Pratt, Kansas, is best known for his extensive work with Disney. His journey into the world of voice acting began with an unexpected but life-changing audition. “Gosh, I did the audition, and I won,” Farmer recalled about his start in the industry.
On Friday, Farmer toured the new Disney exhibit at Union Station, offering his insights and enthusiasm. “Just from what I’ve seen so far, it’s fantastic,” he said. “There’s a lot behind the walls of Disney that people don’t know about and will discover here.”
Before his successful voice acting career, Farmer started as a stand-up comic. It was his agent who convinced him to move to Los Angeles and pursue a career in show business. This pivotal decision set him on the path to becoming one of the most recognized voices in animation.
Farmer’s talent extends beyond just English. “I’m multi-languages with Pluto, for example, in German, it’s ‘woof’ in English, ‘wolf’ in Spanish ‘wolf,'” he shared, showcasing his ability to adapt his characters for international audiences.
Reflecting on his career, Farmer expressed his joy and satisfaction with his unique role. “I never expected to be auditioning for the role of a lifetime, which it turned out to be, and now 37 years later, about 4,000 shows, I think I’ve got the job,” he said with a smile.
Over the years, Farmer has lent his voice to more than 40 characters during animated shows at Union Station, contributing to the magic and nostalgia that Disney fans cherish. His visit to the Disney 100 exhibit added a special touch, allowing fans to connect with the voice behind some of their favorite characters.
The Disney 100 exhibit continues to be a must-see attraction in Kansas City, offering visitors a chance to explore the rich history and behind-the-scenes magic of Disney. With special guests like Bill Farmer, the exhibit promises unforgettable experiences for Disney enthusiasts of all ages.