RIP: Frank Muller

Frank Muller, the “Iron Man” of audiobook narration, had recorded over 200 audiobook performances, according to his official site. It just seems to me that that’s a low number. There was a time where it was a surprise, honestly, if somebody else was doing an audiobook. Muller was omnipresent. He was also an actor who didn’t just read you the books. He performed them capably, and I spent a lot of time driving around in his company.

I just now got the word–from an Audible newsletter–that he passed away on June 4th. He had suffered a terrible motorcycle incident back in 2001 that left him unable to work. I can’t find any details, but I’m assuming that he passed due to lingering complications from this accident. Our thoughts go out to his family and I say a huge thanks for everything, Frank. Rest well.

P.S. The Wavedancer Foundation was setup by Stephen King after Muller’s accident to help disabled artists who can no longer work in their chosen field. I’m assuming they’re still active, although I can’t seem to locate a website for them. King, Peter Straub, John Grisham and Pat Conroy all got together to do a benefit reading to help Muller’s medical bills. The CD of that performance is here and the proceeds go to that Foundation. It’s an excellent listen.