From correspondents in California, United States, 08:01 PM IST

Wayne Allwine, who gave the voice to the popular cartoon character of Mickey Mouse for 32 years, died of complications from diabetes.

Allwine died Wednesday. He was 62, reports entertainment weekly. His wife of 20 years and the voice of Minnie Mouse, Russi Taylor, was by his side.

Allwine, who started in the mailroom at Disney in 1966 and won a sound effects editing Emmy for his work on Amazing Stories in 1986, was only the third man to lend voice to the famous cartoon mouse, which was introduced in 1928.

Allwine was first heard as Mickey on 'The New Mickey Mouse Club' and later in 'Mickey's Christmas Carol' and 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit', not to mention at Disney theme parks worldwide.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)