Wayne Allwine, Voice of Mickey Mouse, passes at age 62

*SIDENOTE: I have so much to fill you guys in on, but It'll have to wait until later...it's 6:45 am now and most of my roommates left for Traditions and I wanted to see them off. I'm going back to bed in a second, but this is important. So just to clarify...update will come later.

A Legend was lost today...When people think of the Walt Disney Company, the first thing they think of is its most famous and love able icon, Mickey Mouse. Unfortunately that voice is temporary silenced.

On Monday May 18th, Wayne Allwine, the voice of Mickey Mouse, died at age 62.

The first time I ever heard the voice of Mickey Mouse had to be when I was around 3 0r 4. I don't remember the specifics but every time I heard a "Hot Dog!" or "Oh Boy!" Or "Hiya Pal!" my face lit up with excitement, joy, and laughter. It's wide known that there were a few voices of the infamous mouse including his creator, Walt Disney, but for my generation (and the one before), the Mickey we knew was Wayne.

I never knew Wayne personally, nor have I had the chase to see him in many interviews, but I feel like I still have a connection with him because of all that he has given to us. Not only in my childhood but even when I visit the park today and watch Philharmagic at the Magic Kingdom, or watch the Jungle Jam parade at Animal Kingdom. I even hear his voice when I meet Mickey at a Character Greeting. He truly is a legend and I thank him for all that he has given us. He not only lent his voice, but his personality and love to the character, which has made alot of difference to alot of my generation.

It even surprised me to fine out only two years ago that Wayne was married to Russi Taylor, the voice of Minnie Mouse. When I found that out, my face lit up like the 5-year old at heart that I truly am. That's something right there.

Taken from John Frost from The Disney Blog (in which I feel exactly the same way), "I like to think that now all three voices of Mickey Mouse are reunited somewhere discussing the affect that one little character had on their lives and on the world. Our lives are all richer for their efforts."

In 2008 both Wayne and Russi were named Disney Legends in a ceremony at the studios. Recently Wayne had been combating complications related to diabetes and was said to be in need of a kidney transplant. Sadly he passed away May 18th as a result of his illness. Official confirmation was made on his Disney Legend bio.

Thank you Wayne for all that you have given us, not only as a voice artist, but as a friend and loved one. Though I never knew you on a personal level, I would like to say that you are a BIG part in my desire to be a part of this wonderful company. You have changed my life, and for that, I give my thanks. Be blessed, and Rest in Peace. Say Hi to Walt for me okay?

"I get to take this wonderful American icon and keep it alive until the next Mickey comes along, and it will one day. It's holding him close enough to really love him, but not so close that when he leaves, it's gonna kill me." - Wayne Allwine