Donnie Dunagan, the child actor who voiced Bambi in Disney’s 1942 animated film, died of lung cancer on Nov. 4, 2026, at age 92. His agents confirmed his death to Variety; USA TODAY also reported his age and cause of death.
Marine service
Dunagan joined the Marine Corps in 1952, at 18, and served three tours in Vietnam before retiring as a major in 1977, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He served as a counterintelligence officer and Force Recon commander, KETV reported. His decorations included three Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star, as well as several other service medals, according to KETV.
Film work as a child
Born Donald Roan Dunagan in San Antonio, Texas, on Aug. 16, 1934, he moved with his family to Memphis when he was young. There, he won a $100 prize in a tap-dancing contest before the family relocated to Los Angeles, KETV reported. His first film appearance was in 1938’s Mother Carey’s Chickens. He later played Peter von Frankenstein in Son of Frankenstein and appeared in Tower of London, according to KETV.
Dunagan was 6 when he voiced Bambi in the 1942 film, and the work continued for more than a year, KETV reported. It was his final film, according to Animation World Network. He later left acting; after his parents divorced, he lived in boarding homes and supported himself before entering the Marines, KETV reported.
Survivors
Dunagan married Dana in 1992, and she survives him, according to KETV.
