The Wilhelm scream is a famous sound effect that has been used in over 400 films and TV shows, making it one of the most recognizable stock sound effects in cinema history. It originated in 1951 in the movie Distant Drums, during a scene where a soldier is dragged underwater by an alligator. The scream was recorded later by actor Sheb Wooley, who went uncredited at the time.

The sound effect gained its name from Private Wilhelm, a character in the 1953 film The Charge at Feather River, who is shot with an arrow and emits the same scream. The scream became an inside joke among sound designers, especially after Ben Burtt, sound designer for Star Wars and Indiana Jones, reintroduced it to popular culture by using it in these films. 

Since then, the Wilhelm scream has become a signature Easter egg in movies and TV shows, often inserted in action scenes where a character experiences a sudden shock or pain, from stormtroopers in Star Wars to hobbits in The Lord of the Rings.

The voice behind the Wilhelm scream is widely believed to be actor and singer Sheb Wooley (pictured in photo). Though uncredited at the time, Wooley is known for recording the original scream for the 1951 film Distant Drums. He was a versatile actor and musician, best known for his novelty song "The Purple People Eater." His contribution to the Wilhelm scream added to its legacy as a staple sound effect in Hollywood.

It’s also used in video games, television, and even some theme park attractions. Its wide use creates a blend of humor and tradition for those in the know, and it continues to be a beloved inside joke for filmmakers.