(UPDATED 11/14/21: His death has since been confirmed and even his Wikipedia page has been edited.)
Apparently, the voice actor, Val Bettin, has sadly passed away at the age of 97. I say “apparently” because no news stories picked up his passing even though it happened on January 7, 2021. The only evidences that seem to confirm his passing are his Star Tiger page and his FindAGrave page.
Mr. Bettin (1923-2021) most famously provided the voice of Dr. Dawson in Disney’s The Great Mouse Detective as well as the voice of the Sultan in Disney’s Aladdin sequels and television series. He shall be missed!
The Animation Commendation 
As man, I had no idea he was still around. RIP Dawson & Sultan.
Yeah, it’s sad. I hope news sources will pick this news up though.
Just heard of his passing. I remember him vividly in the late 1950’s when he played the Storyteller on WTTW Chicago. My mother thought it to be a special learning experience. The intro song and his charming greeting I shall never forget.
Just heard of his passing. I remember him vividly in the late 1950’s when he played the Storyteller on WTTW Chicago. My mother thought it to be a special learning experience. The intro song and his charming greeting I shall never forget.
Thanks for commenting!
Yeah, I don’t think any news outlets announced his passing, so this is a shame.
You can remove the word “apparently”.
Go to https://www.ivylawn.org/find-loved-one/ and search under surname “Bettin”, the full record comes up with his full name, birth date, death date, burial date and a picture of the gravestone. Confirms it. Very sad, RIP.
Thanks! I also see that his Wikipedia page has been updated too.
Why did you delete my comment? I was trying to help you. Very rude!
Sorry, I didn’t delete your comment. WordPress makes me approve comments for first-time commenters before they appear on my post. I haven’t checked my WordPress in a few days and just saw your previous comment. It should be visible now. Thanks again!
I didn’t realise this had happened till today; he’s been gone a year, poor guy! RIP Mr Bettin
Yeah and still no news sources have picked this up 😦 !
Mr. Bettin was the celebrity member at our Catholic parish; Saint Mary’s Church, in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. He was very distinguished looking with his trim beard. Our family enjoyed his Chicago-based TV show and I believe he was on the cover of TV Guide, in his green costume for the show “The Storyteller.” My oldest sister, Mary, was in the same class at St. Mary’s School as his daughter, Annette. It was always a thrill to see him in church. My other sister, Eileen, remembers that Mr. Bettin often said the homily at church.
I have always loved the movie “Somewhere In Time” and didn’t realize that he was in that movie until many years after I first saw it.
Geralynn
Geralynn,
Thank you so much for leaving this comment! It was such a delight to read; I love reading personal stories about these beloved figures in our lives.
It’s so wonderful that you knew him personally and that your sisters had connections with him too.