Casey, you’ve finally reached your stars.
—
Kemal Amin “Casey” Kasem passed away this morning at the age of 82. Casey was suffering from advanced Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body Disease, a form of dementia, for many years. His struggle with illness ended on Father’s Day morning surrounded by his family and friends. His daughter, Kerri Kasem wrote on her Twitter and Facebook pages, “Even though we know he is in a better place and no longer suffering, we are heartbroken. The world will miss Casey Kasem, an incredible talent and humanitarian; we will miss our dad.”
Kasem started his professional radio career in the mid 1950’s in Flint, Michigan. He started as a DJ/announcer for Armed Forces Radio Korea Network and went on to develop his radio persona in radio stations across the country. He was best known as the host of American Top 40. Kasem was the voice we tuned in for from 1970-1988. He then went on to host Casey’s Top 40, Casey’s Hot 20, and Casey’s Countdown from 1989-1998. He went on to host AT40 and other shows in varying forms until he retired in 2009. In his signature signoff, he would tell viewers: “Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.”
Kasem was also known for his appearances in TV and movies. Most children too young to remember his radio shows will never forget him as the voice of Shaggy in the Scooby-Doo franchise. He became the voice for Shaggy in 1969 with Scooby-Doo Where Are You! and continued until 1995. Then he reprised his Shaggy role from 2002 to 2009. He was also the voice of Robin in SuperFriends (73-85), Alexander Cabot III from Josie and the Pussycats (1970), and many others
Casey Kasem was also active in politics for many years. He supported Lebanese-American and Arab-American causes. Kasem wrote a brochure for the Arab American Institute entitled “Arab-Americans: Making a Difference.” He also narrated campaign ads for George McGovern’s presidential campaign in 1972. He was so passionate about Arab-Americans being portrayed in a positive light in TV and movies that he refused to do a voice over for the cartoon series Transformers because the only parts for Arabs were evil. He wrote a letter to Marvel Productions explaining his stance and asking for more positive roles for Arabs and Arab-Americans, which resulted in Marvel sending out a directive to their writing staff and voice directors looking for more sensitivity on these issues.
In October 2013 Casey Kasem’s daughter, Kerri, announced that he was suffering from Lewy body dementia. Casey was no longer able to speak because of his condition. A court battle raged from October 2013 to May 12, 2014 because of Casey’s condition and his wife, Jean Kasem, keeping his whereabouts from his children and friends. On May 12, 2014, Kerri Kasem was granted conservatorship over Casey. The court ordered an investigation into Casey’s whereabouts after Jean Kasem’s attorney said that Casey was “no longer in the United States.” Casey was found in Washington State and remanded to Kerri Kasem’s care. Kerri Kasem then had Casey transferred to a local hospital where he was treated for bedsores and high blood pressure. After a document was produced stating that Casey did not wish to be held on artificial life support, he was denied food, water and medication last week when his body stopped responding to artificial nutrition.
Casey Kasem passed away quietly on Father’s Day morning at 3:23 am surrounded by his family and friends. His final farewell will echo through the world today as we mourn the loss of our much loved friend who entertained and cared for us all. Casey, you’ve finally reached your stars.
—
(Photo: AP) Casey Kasem poses t the 2003 Radio Music Awards in Las Vegas