George Lowe, Iconic Voice of Space Ghost, Passes Away at 67
George Lowe, renowned for voicing the animated character Space Ghost in the cult classic “Space Ghost: Coast to Coast,” died on Sunday in Lakeland, Florida. He was 67 years old.
Career Highlights
Lowe’s career spanned over three decades, during which he became a prominent figure in voice acting, particularly for his work on Cartoon Network. His portrayal of Space Ghost redefined the character, transforming him from a superhero of the 1960s Hanna-Barbera cartoon into a quirky talk show host.
“Space Ghost: Coast to Coast,” which aired for 11 seasons from 1994 to 2012, was the first entirely original series for Cartoon Network, shaping the future of late-night programming on the channel and leading to the creation of Adult Swim.
Legacy of Humor and Innovation
Lowe’s impactful performance was characterized by a unique style that blended humor with spontaneity. Dave Willis, a writer and producer on the show, noted that Lowe possessed a “big, booming movie-trailer voice” and infused Space Ghost with his own relatable personality, enhancing the show’s comedic appeal.
“We would just turn on the mic the second he entered the room,” said Willis. “The character took on certain aspects of George in a way that made the show work.”
Production Methods
With a limited budget, the show adopted a unique production style. Celebrity guests were interviewed via speakerphone while their images were superimposed alongside Space Ghost’s animated presence. This unconventional approach led to witty and often absurd interactions, contributing to the show’s cult following among audiences.
Space Ghost’s dialogue was scripted after the interviews, resulting in humorously mismatched questions and answers, exemplified by the classic exchange with Joe Franklin about the importance of being nice.
Early Life and Personal Interests
Born on November 10, 1957, in Dunedin, Florida, Lowe later moved to Atlanta, where he found his calling in voice acting after initially working in radio. He also pursued his passion for art, with many of his abstract pieces featured at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta.
Remembering His Influence
Throughout his career, Lowe voiced numerous characters on other Adult Swim series, including “Robot Chicken” and “Aqua Teen Hunger Force.” However, he was most famously associated with Space Ghost, for which he often donned the character’s costume to promote the show.
Matt Harrigan, a producer on “Space Ghost: Coast to Coast,” remarked that Lowe embodied the humanity of the character. “Fortunately, we could just kind of steal that from George, because George was the human side of Space Ghost, warts and all.”
Final Years and Passing
After a challenging recovery from elective heart surgery in November, Lowe’s family announced his passing. At the time of his death, he was surrounded by loved ones, marking the end of an era for one of animation’s most beloved voices.