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Phil Harris, a veteran of over 60 years as a stage, screen and radio personality, brought a lot of himself to the character of Baloo, the bear. His warm, comfortable, relaxed demeanor also proved to be a inspiration to the Disney animators for such characters as O'Malley the alley cat in the Aristocats and another bear named Little John in the 1973 animated feature, Robin Hood. In fact, casting Phil Harris as the voice of Baloo was the turning point for which the animators had been looking. His breezy, free-spirited delivery inspired a new approach to the character and from there all the pieces started to fall into place.

Perhaps inspired by his nature adventures as the voice actor for Mowgli, Bruce Reitherman, son of The Jungle Book director, Woolie Reitherman, today is an award-winning nature film producer, director and cameraman. He has traveled to the far ends of the earth, enduring difficult conditions to observe wildlife behavior in its natural habitat.

The Jungle Book was the last animated feature in which Walt Disney was personally involved. Although he died in December 1966, less than a year before the film's release, Walt contributed greatly to the evolution of the story and its main characters. Walt came up with the offbeat idea of having popular radio and film star Phil Harris provide the voice for "jungle bum," Baloo. He also insisted that the snake, Kaa, be brought into the story again later in the film as he was so enthralled with the character. Time magazine, in reference to the film, said it best, "the result is thoroughly delightful. The reasons for its success lie in Disney's own unfettered animal spirits, his ability to be childlike without being childish? it is the happiest possible way to remember Walt Disney."

Sebastian Cabot brought a distinguished air to his role as the black panther who guides Mowgli to his proper home. The London born actor was featured regularly on British radio, stage and screen before moving to Hollywood in the 1950's. His film work includes roles in Alfred Hitchcock's Secret Agent (1936), Kismet (1955), Terror in a Texas Town (1959), and The Time Machine (1960). Television fans know him as the fastidious Mr. French from "Family Affair."