Michael Rye

Rye, Michael R March 02, 1918 - September 21, 2012 Michael Rye, a Los Angeles resident and voice-over actor of radio, television and films died on September 21, 2012. He was 94. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 2, 1918. Under the name Rye Billsbury, he performed as an actor/announcer in over 40 network radio shows a week emanating from Chicago. A network record, that included stints as Jack Armstrong on Jack Armstrong - The All American Boy, Gary Curtis on Ma Perkins, Tim Lawrence on The Guiding Light, to name a few. Under the name Michael Rye his Hollywood radio credits included Meet Millie, Lux Radio Theater, Suspense, The Whistler, This is Your FBI. Later, his voice would be heard as The Lone Ranger on the cartoon series The Lone Ranger. He voiced Duke Igthorn and King Gregor on Disney's "Gummi Bears", Green Lantern and Apache Chief on "Super Friends". The Hanna Barbera stock company cast Rye in many roles on Scooby Doo, Pound Puppies and other HB cartoon series. He was the only actor to play both Jack Armstrong and The Lone Ranger. He is survived by his wife Patricia Foster Rye. Donations can be made to the Cancer Society.