Taz was a creation of Robert McKimson at Warner Bros back in 1954. McKimson was originally fascinated by the Tasmanian devil as a creature, but he used multiple types of "devils" to create Taz. If you look at him carefully, you can see that Taz has elements of the Tasmanian devil, the mythological devil (in his horns) and dust devils (in his tornadoes). This was McKimson's goal - make Taz as devilish as possible.
After his first couple appearances though, a Warner Bros. Animation producer attempted to shelve the character because he was "too dangerous and vicious". However, many letters were sent in because people absolutely loved the character. So, if you're trying to save a show, make sure to send those letters!
His popularity grew so much that he ended up getting his own show in the 90s, which over 10 million people tuned into on a weekly basis.
For the first 30 years, Taz was voiced by the ever present Mel Blanc (don't know him? You've heard his voice. He was Bugs Bunny, Tweety, Yosemite Sam, and etc. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000305/) He's had a couple different voices since the sad demise of Mel Blanc, but he's kept that same glottal voice ever since. They even call it "Taz-speak"
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tasmanian_Devil_%28Looney_Tunes%29
http://www2.warnerbros.com/spacejam/movie/cmp/lineup/taz.html (The most 90s website I have ever seen)
PS My first experience with Taz was when he was a character on the Baby Looney Toons. I thought he was adorable
I love how Taz has his own voice, "Taz-speak"! I also find it really funny that Taz does not really look anything like the actual Tasmanian Devil.
ReplyDeleteAvi, I think it's awesome that there are different kinds if "devils" involved in making this devil. It really comes to show how much people who come up with these sorts of things take into consideration. I wonder what it was about him that made the public love him so much. Regardless, I can see why he would be entertaining to watch!
ReplyDeleteCarlos Aguilar