William Durfis was born on January 2, 1958, in Maine. From a young age, he had a passion for performing and entertaining. He began honing his skills in London, where he launched his vocal performing career by appearing in BBC Radio plays alongside talented co-stars such as Kathleen Turner and Helena Bonham Carter. These early experiences helped shape his distinctive vocal style and set him on the path to a successful career in the entertainment industry.
Durfis quickly made a name for himself in the world of audio drama productions, lending his voice to iconic characters in titles like Spider-Man, Judge Dredd, and An American Werewolf in London. His talent and versatility caught the attention of industry insiders, leading to numerous opportunities in the field of voice acting.
It was his role as the titular character in the beloved children's series Bob the Builder that truly catapulted Durfis to fame. His warm and engaging voice brought the character to life, captivating audiences of all ages. In addition to his work on Bob the Builder, Durfis also lent his voice to anime films such as Appleseed, Angel Cop, and Venus Wars, further showcasing his range as a voice actor.
Throughout his career, Durfis received numerous accolades for his work in the industry. He was nominated for 12 Audio Publishers Association's Audie Awards and was the recipient of 24 Golden Earphones Awards through Audio File Magazine. His talent and dedication to his craft were also recognized by Audio File, who named him "One of the Best Voices of the End of the Century."
Despite his untimely passing from esophageal cancer in March 2020 at the age of 62, Durfis' legacy lives on through his body of work. His contributions to the world of audio books and voice acting continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world. In addition to his work on screen and stage, Durfis also made a lasting impact through his founding of audio production companies such as The Story Circle, Ltd., Mind's Eye Productions, the Rocky Coast Radio Theatre, and The AudioComics Company.
Durfis was married to his wife Maria Reuillard, and the two shared many happy years together. His passing was a great loss to his family, friends, and fans, but his memory lives on through his incredible body of work and the impact he made on the entertainment industry.
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