Casey Kasem, one of the most recognized voices in radio as well as being the voice of Shaggy, Scooby Doo’s partner-in-crime solving pal, has passed away at the age of 82. According to his daughter, Kasem, “…passed away surrounded by family and friends.”
The voice actor recently went through an ugly public battle between his second wife and his four children, which was connected to his suffering of Lewy Body Disease, a form of Alzheimer’s.
Kasem was the host of America’s Top 40’s, a show that I listened to with great frequency when I was growing up, and he was also the voice of Shaggy in the original Scooby Doo cartoons. He voiced Shaggy for 40 years, returning to voice the character’s father in Scooby Doo! Mystery Incorporated. He was known for signing off his radio broadcasts with the statement, “Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.”
Our thoughts go out to the friends and family of Casey Kasem. Rest in peace, sir. May you ascend to the stars you were constantly reaching for.