Ben Burtt

Benjamin Burtt Jr., born on July 12, 1948, is a multifaceted American artist renowned for his contributions to the film industry as a sound designer, film director, film editor, screenwriter, and voice actor. His innovative work in sound design has left an indelible mark on iconic film series such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones, as well as notable films like Invasion of the Body Snatchers, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, WALL-E, and Star Trek.

Burtt is particularly celebrated for popularizing the Wilhelm scream, a sound effect that has become a beloved in-joke among filmmakers. He is the creative force behind many of the signature sound effects in the Star Wars franchise, including the distinctive voice of R2-D2, the hum of lightsabers, the blaster gun sounds, and the heavy breathing of Darth Vader. Additionally, he crafted the Ewoks’ language, Ewokese, showcasing his unique ability to blend sound with storytelling.

His talents extend beyond sound design; Burtt has directed several documentary films for IMAX and is well-known for his work on the television series Young Indiana Jones, particularly the episode titled 'Attack of the Hawkmen.' He also played a crucial role as an editor on multiple episodes of the series and the Star Wars prequel trilogy, further solidifying his reputation in the industry.

Throughout his illustrious career, Burtt has been honored with four Academy Awards, including two Special Achievement Academy Awards, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the art of sound in film.