“American Top 40” guru and cartoon voice kingpin CASEY KASEM has died at 82. According to his daughter Kerri Kasem, Casey passed of Lewy body disease, a common form of dementia.
She posted the sad news, “Early this Father’s Day morning, our dad Casey Kasem passed away surrounded by family and friends,” Kerri Kasem wrote on her Facebook page.
“Even though we know he is in a better place and no longer suffering, we are heartbroken. Thank you for all your love, support and prayers. The world will miss Casey Kasem, an incredible talent and humanitarian; we will miss our Dad.”
Kemal Amin Kasem was born in Detroit to Lebanese Druze immigrants. He got his start in radio during the Korean War working for Armed Forces Radio.
After serving his country, Casey worked for numerous radio stations as a disc jockey.
He became a household name to radio listeners as host of the syndicated radio program “American Top 40” which launched in 1970 hosting the popular hit parade until 1988.
Casey was beloved for his memorable TV cartoon voices including the goofball Shaggy on the Hanna-Barbera cartoon series “Scooby Doo, Where Are You?” and Robin the Boy Wonder on "Super Friends" among others.
As his radio fame spread, Kasem began showing up on the small screen as well – appearing in such TV series as “Emergency,” “Hawaii Five-O,” “Ironside” and “Charlie’s Angels.” He even appeared in the film "The Incredible Two-Headed Transpalant". A TV version of his hit radio show "Amerca's Top Ten" also was beamed into viewers' homes as the music video boom exploded in the 1980s.
Kasem was inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1985 and the National Radio Hall of Fame in 1992. He was married to Jean Kasem whom he wed in 1980.
Despite his personal travails, Casey always closed his radio show with “Keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars.” Adios, amigo…
