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rom the outset, the animators wanted to make the villian of "Oliver & Company" rather out of the ordinary. They needed to portray somebody who could be brutally threatening and yet not just a thug, sinister and yet very powerfully physical -- neither a sly Ratigan nor a brute McLeach, but possessing some characteristics of both.

The result: a solid, powerful man who is seen mostly in the shadows. He became much more intimidating when not seen in the light. His big, meaty hands show power, yet they are also dexterous and delicate. In fact, his hobby is building miniature models of his car.

A good perspective on Sykes' persona can be derived from a glance at the screen career of Robert Loggia, Sykes' voice artist. A classic screen heavy with a gravelly and powerful voice, Loggia is intimidating ("Prizzi's Honor," "Scarface") yet adroit at the same time ("Big"). Film: "Oliver & Company" (1988) Voice Artist: Robert Loggia