By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
Local Wyoming voice impressionist Todd Wolf is garnering international notice for his actor and character impersonations.
Most known for his impression of actor John Wayne, the owner of TA Wolf Entertainment N Productions has been imitating his favorite television characters since he was nine years old.
Grounded and bored
On the same weekend that John Wayne passed away, Wolf was grounded and looking for ways to pass the time in his room.
“I had ADHD and was real hyper. I didn’t listen, so I was in trouble a lot,” said Wolf. “I had a recorder and began recording my voice.”
Singer Elvis Presley had also died within the last couple of years, and radio DJ Wolfman Jack was popular, so Wolf impersonated their voices to entertain himself.
Wolf’s portfolio contains 14 regular character impressions, including Humphrey Bogart, John Wayne, Sylvester Stallone, Sean Connery, Yogi Bear, Rodney Dangerfield, Wolfman Jack, Harry Caray and more.
“These are the people that I’ve [impersonated] all my life,” said Wolf. “They were big on TV, so I watched a lot of TV as a child and took on the likeness of these characters.”
Getting started
Though Wolf enjoyed imitating his favorite actors and TV characters, his talent was not taken seriously until age 24 when he tied for third place in a comedy contest.
Wolf then traveled to California and performed at the Laugh Factory. Owner Jamie Masada heard Wolf’s act.
“[Masada] said: You’re really talented,” said Wolf, adding that Masada also had a special request.
“He wanted me to do Rodney Dangerfield, John Wayne, Sylvester Stallone and Wolfman Jack hanging out at a bar,” said Wolf. “He said, put that scene together.”
Taking Masada’s advice, Wolf developed a skit involving those characters for his first LaughFest comedy performance.
“I had to stand there and come up with jokes or get thrown off stage,” said Wolf with a laugh. “I thought, I’d better do some voices.”
What followed were 10 years of LaughFest comedy routines that led to other voice impression performances.
Getting noticed
Various media outlets began to take notice and requested interviews.
“It ballooned into more and I just kept thinking, you know what, I can do this,” said Wolf.
That “more” included an invitation from John Wayne’s family requesting Wolf’s assistance with a John Wayne film documentary.
At the grand re-opening and 70th anniversary of Brunson Theater in Texas, Wolf was asked to read a telegram in John Wayne’s voice.
Wolf also participated in Duke’s Grand Tour and NBC Studios’ John Wayne program research. While at NBC Studios, Wolf was instructed to “bark” at one of the nation’s most popular talk show hosts.
“At the end of the day, they sent me over to Jay Leno and sat me in the front row, and I had to bark at Jay,” said Wolf. “They call me the world’s most vicious dog.”
TA Wolf services include voiceovers of famous actors and legends, comedy shows, acting, commercials, corporate events, parties and personalized audio clips.
Though voice impressions are not his full-time work, Wolf hopes someday it will be.
“It would be nice to be on a full-time schedule if I could get enough accounts,” said Wolf. “I’ve been working on God’s speed, so when He lets me…that’s when I do things.”
Giving back, creating memories
Wolf doesn’t shy away from dressing the part, often donning a cowboy hat, boots and bandana when doing in-person impressions of John Wayne.
At local retirement homes, Wolf puts on a performance for the residents dressed as John Wayne, and shows a John Wayne video compilation.
Wolf provides a blank billboard and marker so residents can write down their favorite movies and/or a positive comment to the John Wayne Cancer Foundation (JWFC). Wolf then takes a picture of that billboard and sends it to John Wayne’s sons, Ethan and Patrick.
“That’s what I’m trying to implement,” said Wolf. “To put on a little show for some of these retirement homes around town. Have me come in and dress up for a day, and give them something to remember. That’s what I’m hoping, that it will be something special.”
Wolf works to give back through the annual John Wayne Grit Series as well.
A compilation of races throughout the year at iconic John Wayne movie locations and western landscapes, the Grit Series helps support the JWCF. Wolf recently took part in the Grit Series race in Crystal Cove, CA – and met Ethan Wayne.
“I got to fly out to California to run a race to help people suffering [from cancer], and try to take care of myself at the same time,” said Wolf. “I dressed up like John Wayne, [Ethan] took a picture with me, and we talked and made a video for my friend that suffered from cancer. Hats off, he’s a wonderful person.”
“Don’t be shy.”
Whether for entertainment at a corporate or private event, or to preserve cherished memories through the voice of a favorite character, Wolf says to pick a character – and don’t be shy.
“Give me a call. I love working with people,” said Wolf. “Send me the lines, I’ll put it together and send you the audio. You can decide what character you like, and I‘ll bring that voice to you.”
Only a click away!
For those interested in TA Wolf Entertainment N Productions services, contact Todd Wolf via email at tawolfproductions@gmail.com, or by phone at 616-644-7133.
Donations for travel and costume items are also accepted through the contact button on the TA Wolf website.
For a sample of Todd Wolf’s work, visit the TA Wolf website, Voice Gallery, and YouTube channel.
To help support the John Wayne Cancer Foundation, visit John Wayne Stock & Supply. All purchases benefit the Foundation.
