Lee Crooks (voice actor)
Lee Crooks | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1960 United States |
| Occupation(s) | Voice talent, audio engineer |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Known for | Voice of the Chicago Transit Authority announcements |
Lee Crooks (born 1960) is a prominent American voice talent, primarily recognized for his association with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).
Raised in Wausau, Wisconsin, Crooks initially pursued musical education at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point at Wausau, followed by studies at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and later at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. He left college before graduating and worked as a roadie prior to establishing himself as an audio engineer. During the late 1980s, Crooks launched Breezeway Recording Studio in Waukesha, Wisconsin, which he eventually sold but remained involved with professionally. His transition into voice acting began in 1989 after receiving coaching from a Chicago-based voice instructor.
In the 1990s, the CTA aimed to enhance clarity in their transit announcements by employing a consistent voice for buses and trains, moving away from conductor-led messages. Inspired by the announcer for the Disney World monorail, Crooks auditioned in 1997. His voice was first introduced on the "L" train system in 2000 and later extended to CTA bus announcements by 2003.
By 2023, Crooks still records updates for the CTA’s public address system, although his voice has naturally matured over time. He is widely acknowledged as the definitive "voice of the CTA."
Outside of public transit, Crooks lends his voice to commercials, audiobooks, documentaries, technical training materials, and also serves as the announcer for the Buffalo Metro Rail located in Buffalo, New York.
He currently lives with his family in the suburbs of Milwaukee.