"Buck Rogers" Had a Looney Voice

When audiences tuned in to "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century" in 1979, they expected laser battles, space intrigue, and a healthy dose of interstellar adventure. What they didn't expect was the unmistakable voice of a Saturday morning legend echoing from a pint-sized robot sidekick. Twiki, Buck's loyal ambuquad companion, wasn't just a charming machine—he was voiced by Mel Blanc, the same man behind Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, and Daffy Duck.

Blanc's involvement in the series added a layer of unexpected warmth and levity to the otherwise serious tone of the show's futuristic battles. Twiki's catchphrase—"biddi-biddi-biddi"—quickly became a fan favorite, a testament to Blanc's ability to craft iconic sound bites from even the simplest vocal patterns. For longtime viewers, hearing the familiar lilt of Blanc's vocal work created an emotional bridge between the animated joy of Looney Tunes and the chrome-plated optimism of late-70s science fiction.

Twiki wasn't just comic relief. Played physically by Felix Silla and often carrying the disc-shaped AI Dr. Theopolis, Twiki served as Buck Rogers' right hand and occasional conscience. He bridged the emotional gap between a man out of time and a world ruled by machines. But it was Blanc's voice that gave the character his soul. His inflection, his timing, and his natural feel for cadence allowed Twiki to swing from light-hearted quips to earnest observations without missing a beat.

There's something quintessentially American about Mel Blanc lending his talents to a robot. In the 20th century, as the country looked to the stars with both ambition and anxiety, science fiction needed to be humanized. Blanc's Twiki reminded us that even in the 25th century, we'd still appreciate a good laugh, a loyal friend, and a voice we'd known since childhood.

It's worth noting that Blanc did briefly leave the role during the show's second season, and the difference was palpable. Twiki's replacement voice lacked the spark and charm that Blanc brought so effortlessly. Viewer feedback reflected that loss. The producers quickly corrected course, bringing Blanc back before the series concluded—a rare but telling example of how critical a voice actor can be to a character's identity.

Blanc once said, "It's hard to be a person. It's much easier to be an animal or a Martian or a rabbit or a robot." In "Buck Rogers," he proved that point again. In giving voice to Twiki, Mel Blanc didn't just cross genres—he crossed generations. He brought old-world joy into the brave new world of tomorrow, and he did it in under three syllables.