Time Flies: Winnie the Pooh Is Now a Grandfather

If you need a reminder of how fast time is flying, here it is — Winnie the Pooh is now a grandfather (sort of).

Voice actor Jim Cummings, 72, has been the soft-spoken voice behind the beloved Disney character since 1988. Now, after entertaining millions by vocalizing his character’s gentle yet profound insights, he’s using his unique skills to bring peace to his baby grandson.

Cummings recently posted a video on Instagram of him comforting his infant grandson Jax while reciting a popular quote from the animated bear.

“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think,” Cummings said in the character’s voice. “And cute as a button.”

His grandson? He seemed relaxed and prepared for a nap filled with sweet dreams. 

In the past month, Cummings has shared other videos of him hanging with Jax and voicing other classic Disney cartoons.

“Oh my goodness, is that little fist as sweet as honey?” he said as Winnie the Pooh, while quickly switching to Tigger and replying, “Carol, stand back. He may start bouncing at any moment. Ya never know!”

In another video, he sang “Be Prepared” as Scar from 1994’s The Lion King. 

“I know it sounds sordid, but you’ll be rewarded — ,” Cummings began before the person holding the camera playfully interjected, saying, “Jim! No villains!”

According to IMDb, Cummings has more than 600 character credits, from television and movies to video games. He’s also the voice of Disney characters Tigger and Darkwing Duck. Cummings has been nominated for two Daytime Emmy Awards during his career.

Cummings took over Winnie the Pooh and many other Disney voice roles from Sterling Holloway, who died in 1992. Holloway first voiced Pooh in the 1966 animated short Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree. In 1968, Holloway again voiced Pooh in Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day, which won an Oscar for best short subject, cartoons. Holloway was named a Disney Legend in 1991 for his voice work with the studio, which also included Kaa the snake in the 1967 animated feature The Jungle Book, Cheshire Cat in 1951’s Alice in Wonderland and Roquefort the mouse in 1970’s The Aristocats.

Winnie the Pooh is the brainchild of English author A.A. Milne, who published the first book featuring the character in 1926. Milne was inspired to write the popular children’s book after his son, Christopher Robin Milne, grew fond of a black bear named Winnie when he visited the London Zoo. His son also had a stuffed bear named Edward but changed its name to Winnie the Pooh, a cross between the zoo bear’s name and a name he gave to a swan he used to feed.

Winnie the Pooh’s human friend, Christopher Robin, was named after Milne’s son. The younger Milne played with a stuffed piglet, a tiger, kangaroos and a donkey, giving birth to the other characters in the book. 

Disney acquired the literary rights for Winnie the Pooh in 1961.

Aside from the quote Cummings recited to Jax, Winnie the Pooh is known for other inspirational quotes:  

“Some people care too much. I think it’s called love.” 

“I used to believe in forever, but forever’s too good to be true.” 

“I’m not lost, for I know where I am. But, however, where I am may be lost.”