The Man Behind The Honey: 5 Surprising Facts About The Voice Of Winnie The Pooh (And Who It Is Now)

The voice of Winnie the Pooh is one of the most recognizable and comforting sounds in animation history, a gentle, slightly raspy drawl that embodies the bear's simple wisdom and endless love for "hunny." As of today, December 12, 2025, the primary and longest-serving voice for the beloved Disney character is the legendary voice actor, Jim Cummings, who has brought Pooh to life for over three decades, often performing the voice of Tigger, too. The legacy, however, is shared by a select group of talented individuals who have ensured the resident of the Hundred Acre Wood remains a timeless figure for generations of children and adults alike. The journey of Pooh's voice is a fascinating timeline of vocal artistry, beginning with the distinctive, melodic tones of an acting icon and continuing through to the modern-day master who has become synonymous with the character. Understanding the history and the current actor provides a deeper appreciation for the enduring magic of A.A. Milne's creation and Disney's adaptation.

The Voice Masters of the Hundred Acre Wood: A Complete Biography List

The role of Winnie the Pooh has been primarily held by two great voice actors, with a few others stepping in for various projects across the decades.

Jim Cummings: The Current Voice of Winnie the Pooh and Tigger

• Full Name: James Jonah Cummings
• Born: November 3, 1952
• Hometown: Youngstown, Ohio, U.S.
• Tenure as Pooh: 1988–Present
• Notable Roles: Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Darkwing Duck, Pete (Mickey Mouse's nemesis), Taz (The Tasmanian Devil), Hondo Ohnaka (Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Ray (The Princess and the Frog), Razoul (Aladdin), and countless others in over 400 titles.
• Career Highlight: Took over the voice of Pooh in 1988 and Tigger in 1990, seamlessly continuing the legacy of both Sterling Holloway and Paul Winchell.

Sterling Holloway: The Original Voice of Winnie the Pooh

• Full Name: Sterling Price Holloway Jr.
• Born: January 4, 1905
• Died: November 22, 1992 (Age 87)
• Hometown: Cedartown, Georgia, U.S.
• Tenure as Pooh: 1966–1977
• Notable Roles: The original voice of Winnie the Pooh, Kaa (The Jungle Book), The Cheshire Cat (Alice in Wonderland), Roquefort (The Aristocats), and numerous roles in over 100 films and 40 television shows.
• Career Highlight: His unique, gentle lisp and Southern drawl defined the character for Disney's first Pooh featurettes, earning him a place as a Disney Legend.

Other Actors Who Have Voiced Pooh

• Hal Smith: Voiced Pooh between 1977 and 1986, notably in the short film Winnie the Pooh Discovers the Seasons, bridging the gap between Holloway and Cummings. He also famously voiced Otis Campbell on The Andy Griffith Show.
• Dan Castellaneta: The voice of Homer Simpson, Dan Castellaneta, briefly voiced Pooh in 2021 for a project, demonstrating the character's voice is sometimes handled by other veteran actors for specific, non-core media.
• Leon Chen: Voiced Pooh in the 2021 short film A Tale of Two Poohs.

The Dual Legacy: How Jim Cummings Became the Voice of a Generation

Jim Cummings's tenure as Winnie the Pooh is a remarkable feat of voice acting longevity and skill. He began voicing the character in 1988, taking over for a new generation of Disney media, including the television series The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. His ability to perfectly match the tone and cadence established by Sterling Holloway allowed for a smooth transition that maintained the emotional consistency of the character. This seamless continuation is a testament to his dedication to the role. What makes Cummings's contribution even more extraordinary is his dual role as both Pooh and Tigger, the exuberant, bouncing tiger. Tigger was originally voiced by Paul Winchell, and Cummings took over that role in 1990. Performing two major, distinct characters in the same scenes—the slow, gentle Pooh and the loud, energetic Tigger—requires immense vocal dexterity. Cummings has voiced Pooh in nearly every major Disney project since the late 1980s, including the feature films The Tigger Movie (2000), Piglet's Big Movie (2003), Winnie the Pooh (2011), and the live-action film Christopher Robin (2018). His work has earned him an iconic status, making him the voice of millennial childhoods and beyond.

5 Surprising and Heartwarming Facts About Pooh’s Voice Actors

The men who have voiced Winnie the Pooh have fascinating careers and personal stories that extend far beyond the Hundred Acre Wood. These lesser-known details add depth to their beloved performances and highlight the impact of their work.

1. Sterling Holloway Was an Army Veteran and a Disney Legend

The original voice of Pooh, Sterling Holloway, served in the United States Army during World War I, where he was a member of the American Expeditionary Forces in France. His gentle, distinctive voice, which later became famous for Pooh, was a key feature in his long and varied career. He was officially named a Disney Legend in 1991, recognizing his foundational contributions to classic Disney characters like Kaa and the Cheshire Cat.

2. Jim Cummings is an Unofficial "Healing Voice" for Children

Perhaps the most heartwarming fact about the current voice actor is his dedication to using Pooh’s voice for good. Jim Cummings frequently calls sick children in hospitals and talks to them in character as Winnie the Pooh, offering comfort and a moment of magic. This act of kindness, often done without public fanfare, has provided emotional relief to countless families, truly embodying the gentle spirit of the bear he voices.

3. Pooh’s Voice Was Briefly Handled by Homer Simpson’s Actor

In an unexpected twist of voice acting history, Dan Castellaneta, the iconic voice of Homer Simpson from The Simpsons, took on the role of Winnie the Pooh for a specific project in 2021. While Jim Cummings remains the official and primary voice, the fact that a voice acting heavyweight like Castellaneta briefly stepped into the role is a testament to the character's importance and the depth of talent required to portray him.

4. Jim Cummings Also Voices Pooh’s Famous Arch-Nemesis

Jim Cummings’s versatility is staggering. Beyond Pooh and Tigger, he has voiced a massive roster of characters, including the menacing arch-nemesis of Mickey Mouse, Pete. This means the same actor who provides the comforting, simple-minded voice of Pooh also gives voice to one of Disney's most enduring villains, showcasing his incredible range. He also voiced the ferocious Tasmanian Devil (Taz), another testament to his vocal range.

5. Sterling Holloway’s Voice Was So Unique, It Was Used for Narration

Sterling Holloway’s voice was instantly recognizable, not just for his character roles, but also for his narration. He narrated several Disney short films and features, including The Three Caballeros and Peter and the Wolf. His distinctive, slightly high-pitched, and slightly lisping delivery was so compelling that it was often used to set a warm, storybook tone for classic Disney media, cementing his status as a unique vocal talent in Hollywood history.

The Enduring Magic of Pooh's Gentle Tone

The voice of Winnie the Pooh, whether it be the original warmth of Sterling Holloway or the comforting continuity of Jim Cummings, has always been the key to the character's success. It is a voice that is slow, deliberate, and free of malice, reflecting the simple, profound truths of the Hundred Acre Wood. The selection of voice actors over the years, including Hal Smith and the brief, recent appearance by Dan Castellaneta, shows Disney’s commitment to preserving the character’s vocal identity. Jim Cummings, in particular, has done a masterful job not just of imitation, but of inhabitation, making the role his own while honoring its origins. His commitment to the character, especially his work with sick children, elevates the role from a mere performance to a genuine act of compassion. As long as there is a need for a little something sweet and a good friend, the gentle, honey-loving voice of Winnie the Pooh will continue to be heard.