Big Al or Big Albert is a character from the Country Bear Jamboree. He is generally considered to be the most popular and recognizable character from the show. Big Al was originally voiced by Tex Ritter with Thurl Ravenscroft providing his laugh, though has since been voiced by Peter M. Klimes.
History[]
Background[]
Origins[]
"Big Al" is a large intelligent bear who claims to come from Pocatello, Idaho where he was born nearby the Princess Theater. Due to his exposure to musical arts from a young age, Big Al took up singing and playing the guitar; playing the same guitar for his entire life. Big Al would grow to be incredibly overweight, possibly due to him eating the cans and wrappers which his food came in so that he wouldn't litter his cave.
Country Bear Jamboree[]
Big Al would come to be a performer of the Country Bear Jamboree out of Grizzly Hall, nearby where he lived in a cabin. After the success of the Country Bears, Big Al turned his cabin into a gift-shop called, "Big Al's".
While in the Country Bears, there would be at least ten separate, "Farewell" performances for Big Al with him never actually retiring. Shortly before a notable performance of the Country Bear Musical Jamboree, Big Al returned from his 12th Farewell Tour which travelled to Paris (Texas), Hollywood (Florida) and London (Ohio).[1] Presumably around American prohibition, Big Al and his brothers started the, "Bear Brothers Backwood Brewery" which brewed moonshine.
Later history[]
Big Al was apparently the, "resident bard and balladeer" in the swamps of Florida where Walt Disney World was constructed; much to the joy of three badgers and an alligator in the swamp. At some point, Big Al was contacted by Goofy to send him moonshine to use for Goofy's sky-school planes.
Development history[]
Big Al was designed by Marc Davis for the Country Bear Jamboree, modelled and named after fellow animator Al Bertino.
Appearances[]
Big Al will sometimes make live appearances in Frontierland.
Big Al's[]
Big Al is the namesake of this shop, themed around Big Al's former cabin turned gift-shop.
Big Al's Icy Igloo[]
This dining-service was themed around Big Al, including a large depiction of him.
Country Bear Jamboree[]
Big Al is a major character in this show.
Country Bear Christmas Special[]
Country Bear Vacation Hoedown[]
Disney California Adventure[]
Grizzly Peak[]
In 2024, a wooden sculpture of Big Al was added to the Grizzly Peak recreation area that gives dialogue when a Magic Band is scanned.[2]
Paradise Pier[]
Goofy's Sky School[]
In the queue, there is a letter sent to Goofy from Big Al at the Bear Brothers Backwood Brewery, explaining Goofy uses Big Al's moonshine as a plane fuel.[3]
Hot Pop-Corn[]
In Tokyo Disneyland, there is a popcorn turner modelled after Big Al.
Main Street Cinema[]
Disneyland's cinema had a Disneyland Casting Agency posting that read, "Openings for Talented Bears: Sought for Country Western Musical. Must play an instrument. Singing experience preferred. Trainers contact Big Al at C.B. Playhouse".
Trivia[]
- Big Al's audio-animatronic in Disneyland was repurposed in Haunted Mansion Holiday to depict Oogie Boogie.
Gallery[]
