Paul Soles was a Canadian actor best known as the original voice of Spider-Man in the 1967 animated series, as well as the voice of Hermey the Elf in “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
- Died: May 26, 2021 (Who else died on May 26?)
- Details of death: Died in Toronto at the age of 90.
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Acting career
Soles got his start working in radio before serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He returned to co-host the Canadian newsmagazine TV show “Take 30” for 16 years. While he was appearing on “Take 30,” Soles also did his most memorable voiceover work. He voiced Peter Parker and Spider-Man for the three-season run of popular Saturday morning cartoon “Spider-Man,” and he voiced Hermey the misfit elf in the iconic animated special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” In addition, he was the voice of Bruce Banner in the 1966 animated series “The Marvel Super Heroes.” Soles was also a stage actor both on and off Broadway, and he appeared in movies including “Just the Way You Are” (1984) “The Score” (2001), and “The Incredible Hulk” (2008).
Soles on one of his favorite “Spider-Man” episodes
“Episode 19, Double Identity: Charles Cameo perpetrates several thefts while in disguise, including Spidey himself. Good fun, because I got the chance to play against myself. Reminded me of Star Trek 6, where Kirk has to fight himself.” —from a 2004 interview for Superhero Hype
Tributes to Paul Soles
Full obituary: The Globe and Mail