Who was Casey Kasem? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Kemal Amin Kasem

Died At Age: 82

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Jean Kasem, Linda Myers Kasem

children: Julie Kasem, Kerri Kasem, Liberty Irene Kasem, Mike Kasem

Born Country: United States

Voice Actors American Men

Height: 5'6" (168 cm), 5'6" Males

Died on: June 15, 2014

place of death: Gig Harbor, Washington, United States

Cause of Death: Dementia

Ancestry: Lebanese American

City: Detroit, Michigan

U.S. State: Michigan

Notable Alumni: Wayne State University

More Facts

education: Wayne State University

Recommended For You

1

What was Casey Kasem known for?

Casey Kasem was best known as a radio personality and voice actor, most notably as the host of the syndicated music countdown show "American Top 40."
2

How long did Casey Kasem host "American Top 40?"

Casey Kasem hosted "American Top 40" for over 30 years, from 1970 to 2004, and then again from 1998 to 2004.
3

What other voice acting role was Casey Kasem famous for?

Casey Kasem was also famous for providing the voice of Shaggy in the animated series "Scooby-Doo" from its inception in 1969 until 1997.
4

Did Casey Kasem start his career in radio?

Yes, Casey Kasem started his career in radio in the 1950s and went on to become one of the most iconic and influential radio DJs in American history.
5

When did Casey Kasem pass away?

Casey Kasem passed away on June 15, 2014, at the age of 82, after a battle with Lewy body dementia.

Recommended Lists:

American Celebrities

Male Voice Actors

American Voice Actors

American Film & Theater Personalities

Childhood & Early Life

Born on April 27, 1932, Kemal Amen ‘Casey’ Kasem was named after Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the famous Turkish leader, whom Casey’s father came to respect a lot. Both of Kasem’s parents were Lebanese Druze immigrants, who worked as grocers in Michigan, where he was born.

Kasem was first inspired to pursue a career in radio by a show called ‘Make Believe Ballroom’. As his first ever stint in radio, he covered Sports Day in Northwestern High School. While completing his graduation from the Wayne State University, he provided the voices for children in shows such as ‘Challenge of the Yukon’ and ‘The Lone Ranger’.

Continue Reading Below

Career

His career started off with broadcasting in Michigan. After moving to Detroit, he got involved with shows such as ‘Sergeant Preston of Yukon’ and ‘The Lone Ranger’.

Next, he moved to Los Angeles to continue a career in radio and acting by joining KRLA. Here, he was discovered by Dick Clark, who then offered him a role in a TV musical called ‘Shebang’.

From 1968 to 1969, Kasem gave voice to the character of Robin in the show called ‘The Batman/The Superman Hour’. He also appeared in the small role of ‘Knife’ in the movie ‘Wild Wheels’.

He was offered the role of voicing Scooby Doo’s sidekick, Shaggy, in the famous cartoon show ‘Scooby-Doo, Where are you!’ Kasem had no idea that this job would last him almost a lifetime. He went onto voice many other spin-offs and movies in the Scooby-Doo franchise, retiring from this job only in the year 2009.

Another significant achievement of Kasem’s career came in the year 1970, when he started his own radio program called ‘America Top 40’, where he counted down the top music tracks of the country. The show hit such peaks of success that there came a time when it was broadcast over 1000 radio channels internationally. It ran for nearly a couple of decades before wrapping up in the year 1988.

He also provided voice to Alexander Cabot III in some of the episodes of the ‘Josie and the Pussycats’ series. He became the voice for several characters on the legendary show ‘Sesame Street’.

Major Works

Kasem’s career flourished both as a voice actor and a radio personality. People still remember him for being the unique voice of Shaggy in the ‘Scooby-doo’ series as well as entertaining America and the world with his radio program ‘America Top 40’.

Awards & Achievements

In 1981, Casey Kasem was presented with a star on the ‘Hollywood Walk of Fame’. This was done to commemorate his hard work and the years he had put in as a radio jockey.

In 1992, he was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame. Incidentally, he was the youngest inductee ever.

Continue Reading Below

In 1996, the American Druze Society honored Kasem with the title of ‘Man of the Year’.

In 1997, he was awarded with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the National Radio Hall of Fame. This was also the first award of this category to be given to an individual in this award’s history. He also received the ‘Radio Icon award’, which was presented to him at the Radio Music Awards in 2003.

Personal Life & Legacy

Casey got married twice in his lifetime. His first wife was Linda Myers, to whom he was married from 1972 to 1979. He had three children from his first marriage.

In 1980, he married Jean Thompson, an actress, and was married to her till his last breath. He has one child from his second marriage.

While doctors initially diagnosed Kasem with the Parkinson’s disease in 2007, they rectified their diagnosis and revealed that he suffered from Lewy body dementia in 2013. This made him unable to speak during his final days.

Kasem died on 15th July 2014, at the age of 82, at St. Anthony's Hospital in Washington. He was buried in Oslo.

Facts About Casey Kasem

Casey Kasem was known for his distinctive voice and was a talented voice actor, providing the voice of Shaggy in the original Scooby-Doo series.

Kasem was of Lebanese descent and was proud of his heritage, often incorporating elements of Lebanese culture into his work and personal life.

Despite his success in radio and voice acting, Kasem was also a dedicated philanthropist, supporting various charities and causes throughout his career.

Kasem was known for his positive attitude and professionalism in the industry, earning him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and fans alike.

Casey Kasem Biography

You wanted to know

What was Casey Kasem known for?

How long did Casey Kasem host "American Top 40?"

What other voice acting role was Casey Kasem famous for?

Did Casey Kasem start his career in radio?

When did Casey Kasem pass away?