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BORN
1917
DIED
2017
June Foray Obituary
The death was confirmed by her close friend Dave Nimitz, who wrote on Facebook, “With a heavy heart again I want to let you all know that we lost our little June today at 99 years old.”
Born Sept. 18, 1917, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Foray was one of the great voice actors who could be heard behind the animation of dozens of TV series and movies. She got her start in radio at the tender age of 12 and was working in the medium regularly by 15, eventually starring on her own radio series, “Lady Make Believe.” But cartoons would make her career.
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Foray worked with the best-known cartoon studios. For Disney, she was Lucifer the Cat in “Cinderella” and Grandmother Fa in “Mulan.” She voiced a mermaid for “Peter Pan” and also worked as a mermaid model for the same film, posing along with other young women in scenes that the animators would bring to life for the movie. For Warner Brothers, she was Granny, the owner of Sylvester and Tweety, as well as Witch Hazel. Her relationship with Hanna-Barbera was strained at times: She voiced Betty Rubble in a pilot for “The Flintstones” but was not invited to provide the voice for the series and was disappointed by the decision. However, she did work on other cartoons for the studio, including “Tom and Jerry,” “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?”, and “The Jetsons.”
Her voice of Cindy Lou Who for the Christmas special “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” became legendary as she asked the Grinch, “Santie Claus, why? Why are you taking our Christmas tree?” Foray was equally iconic as she voiced numerous female characters for “The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show,” including villainess Natasha Fatale and damsel in distress Nell Fenwick, as well as principal character Rocket J. Squirrel.
She voiced characters for “The Smurfs,” “George of the Jungle” and “DuckTales,” and was even the first voice of Chatty Cathy, the popular talking doll produced by Mattel in the 1960s. In a clever bit of casting, “The Twilight Zone” tapped Foray to voice the evil Talky Tina doll, based on Chatty Cathy, in the 1963 episode “Living Doll.”
Foray became the oldest person to be nominated for and to win an Emmy Award in 2012, for her performance as Mrs. Cauldron on “The Garfield Show.” It was her first Emmy nomination. Her other honors include a Comic-Con Icon Award from the Scream Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Animation great Chuck Jones once noted that while the prolific Foray was often compared to fellow voice actor Mel Blanc, “June Foray is not the female Mel Blanc; Mel Blanc was the male June Foray.”
97 Entries
John Szychowski
October 15, 2024
The Bewitchin' Pool with her pretty freckles. And those great voice overs are sensational. She is missed.
September 4, 2024
She was a talented actress
Keaton Farr
February 12, 2021
I remember hearing her voice in all those classic Looney Tunes to Hanna-Barbera productions it makes me sad that she passed away 2 years ago and we all miss you.
Laura Freas Beraha
July 26, 2020
A great and talented lady. The world is poorer for her loss.
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Glen Lubeck
August 6, 2018
It's 2018 and I just watched the old "living doll" Twilight Zone episode with my little granddaughter. She loved it ..just as I loved watching the rerun when I was 7 years old. My granddaughter was amazed when I explained that the talented person behind Talky Tina's voice also did the voices of so many of her favorite cartoon characters. I'm so thankful June Foray used her God given talents to such a tremendous extent that...because she made so much of her time on Earth...future generations will continue to smile and laugh and grow with characters that touch our lives endlessly. I hope Christ's promise of love, forgiveness and salvation comforts all of those who were blessed enough to know this lovely woman personally
Michael Boyd
August 21, 2017
Here's hoping a new generation will appreciate both Rocky the flying squirrel and your God-given voice-work!
August 7, 2017
Our condolences to the Foray family and friends. She was literally a part of our childhood...for 3 generations. I didn't realize she was also the voice of my dolls! She deserves every award that exists. We will all miss her very much. Even though she was here for almost 100 years, she is still gone much too soon. We look forward to seeing and hearing her again someday. May God be with you. (Philippians 4:13)
August 7, 2017
My condolences to her family and friends. Such a great talent who has touched the lives of many. When I think about it, I have heard her voice for most of my life. May you find comfort during this difficult time through prayer to our Heavenly Father.
JJ
August 5, 2017
My condolences for the family. 1st.Thessalonians 4:14 says; "For if we have faith that Jesus died and rose again, so too God will bring back those who have fallen asleep in death through Jesus."
May this bring the family comfort.
August 5, 2017
Ms. Foray will be truly missed my thoughts and prayers are with the family.
August 5, 2017
Very talented, what a wonderful gift to have that parents and children enjoy. May the family and friends of June gain comfort from the wonderful memories they share. Proverbs 17:17
Chianti
S S
August 3, 2017
I am saddened by the loss of Ms. June Foray. I've enjoyed so much of her talent throughout my childhood. I extend my deepest sympathies to the family. May the Father of tender mercies be with you.
Christian
August 3, 2017
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of June. She left behind great talent that will always be remembered by many. Rest assured life is precious to our Creator. He promises to act in our in our behalf.
1 Corinthians 15:26
August 2, 2017
It was an honor to be a close dear friend for so many years. It will not be the same without you, but you will never be forgotten. You were loved by millions of people all over the world. RIP June. Much love to you. Frank Cali
Regina Vasquez
August 2, 2017
We loved you for many years. Thank you for Your giving spirit.
Betty Armour-Fowler
August 1, 2017
So sorry to read about the loss of your loved one. Ms. Foray certainly had a lot of accomplishments and live a full long life of special mightiness from God. Keep her many, many, many memories close in your hearts and minds and cherish them forever. May the comfort of God be with you all during this period of grief.
July 31, 2017
My condolences to the Foray family. Through the characters she voiced she is part of the fabric of so many lives." May the God who gives peace be with you."
July 31, 2017
So sorry to hear about your loved one, June. May the memories you hold dear to your heart of her bring you comfort and may the God of all comfort, strengthened your family during this time. Please accept my sincere condolences.
S.A.
Anne
July 30, 2017
Offering our heartfelt sympathies and prayers to the family of Ms June. May God's assurance of removing sickness and death forever comfort and strength you. June was truly an amazing and talented lady of integrity. We will always remember her legacy. Psalms 37:29
Liz
July 30, 2017
I grew up listening to Ms Foray! I can't imagine my childhood without all of those many iconic characters Ms Foray gave life to including Chatty Cathy. What an interesting life you've had. Thank you for sharing your talents with us and giving us so many good memories. God bless you Ms Foray.
July 29, 2017
I am very sorry for your great loss. I hope these words brings some comfort. May the God "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain you and your family during this difficult time. (Isaiah 61:1,2). I really really enjoyed her body of work and Ms. Foray will be greatly missed.
Jael Ciappesoni
July 29, 2017
A true talent and a loss to many! I hope that the words of Jeremiah 29:11 bring comfort to those who knew her personally and they find strength in God's hope for the future.
Michelle Speller
July 29, 2017
I will never forget how you made my childhood an animated world of wonderous fun. As a child growing up in the inner city,shows like The Flintstones and Rocky were my great escspe.I am forever grateful for those bits a pieces of shutting the world out and letting the laughter in. May you be remembered for that and more. My deepest condolences to the family. Thank you so much. You were appreciated. (Ecclesiastes 7:1)
Evans family
July 29, 2017
Our thoughts are with the family at this time of sorrow, May the memories you share with family and friends be a source of strength and the God of comfort a refuge in your time of need, With thoughts of Peace,
Jon Bradfield
July 28, 2017
I will miss you June. As a colleague, I stand in awe of your tremendous talent. I have always admired your work. May your family and friends find comfort, and may God be with you. May you walk the streets of gold with Mel Blanc.
In Him,
Jon Scott Bradfield
Laura Brodian Freas Beraha
July 28, 2017
Rest in peace, Dear June Foray. It was a priviledge to know you and appreciate you for your fine body of work. I enjoyed our chats at the NCS holiday luncheons. You were always gracious and very dear to me. I shall miss you very much.
Garcia
July 28, 2017
Rest in Peace.
July 28, 2017
Sending my sincere condolences to the family. May the God of comfort give you strength and peace during this difficult time. -Psalm 29:11
Fran Sowers
July 28, 2017
Bless you, June Foray, for lending your voice to Rocket J. Squirrel and for the many characters you voiced on Fractured Fairy Tales. Over these many decades, I have thought of those wonderful characters and can still hear your voice clearly. Rest your voice now knowing you leave behind a legacy of happiness and laughter.
Bob Strickland
July 28, 2017
God bless and comfort all of June's family and many loved ones in the loss of this talented and valuable person. We just lost Stan Freberg, and now his marvelous colleague. Thanks, June, for many years of clean and clever entertainment.
Thea
July 28, 2017
I'm so very sorry to hear about your loss. And also may your family find comfort love and strength and with the loving support of family and friends at this time.
July 28, 2017
I am very sorry to the friends and family for the loss.
R D
July 28, 2017
Please except my sincere sympathy for the loss of such a talented radio and television voice. May found memories she shared help us to cope with our loss.
July 28, 2017
I filled many childhood hours watching Rocky the Flying Squirrel. My sincere condolences to the family, friends and fans of this iconic vocal actor. God will comfort and sustain you during this difficult time because he cares for you.(1 Peter 5:6,7)
D Alvarez
July 28, 2017
Wow! Really sad to hear of June Foray's passing. Truly a treasure! Her work impacted so many of us all across the board. Even our young ones will miss her voice.
May Almighty God, the God of all comfort, prove to be with the family and friends at this very trying time.
MD Fan
July 28, 2017
Thank you, Ms. Foray, for fighting for the rights of animators and voice artists. Your talents keep us forever young.
Condolences to family, friends, colleagues, and admirers everywhere.
Rey Criollo
July 28, 2017
Dear June , I have always admired your work and hoped to one day ask you about the Twilight Zone "Bewitching Pool" overdub. Well, Dear. I'll have to catch up with you later on that. What a FUN time we will have then. Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
Angela Shelton
July 28, 2017
God Bless her she brought so many chacters to life made people very happyfor so many years rest in peace june another Angel in Heaven
Brie
July 28, 2017
There will never be another like her. Her intonations when she spoke let you know who she was. Others may imitate her, but there is only one June Foray. Rest in peace dear lady, you have earned it.
Kathy Tribble
July 28, 2017
Thank you Miss Foray. You had giving us many good laughs.
Paul Deluca
July 28, 2017
June was one of the elf voices for an
Ajax commercial shown on television in 1948
Sheila
July 28, 2017
You lived a long full life. God bless.
July 27, 2017
June was blessed to be in the Golden Age of voice acting. Radio characters ushered in movie and TV animated characters. Just imagine how many children have heard her voice? She is a national treasure! Deepest condolences to her family in this profound loss. May God be your comforter and fill your hearts with His Peace.
Sandra Spurgeon
July 27, 2017
She was the voice of so many and we as children loved HER! We wouldn't have known who she was until she opened her mouth! RIP Dear Lady,
Samantha Oerz
July 27, 2017
June was someone who brought joy to all those people that enjoyed her character voice creations. Gone now is a wonderful voice actress, as is the genre she enlivened. R.I.P Rocket J. et al.
Carline
July 27, 2017
My sincere condolences on your loss. May the 'Father of tender mercies' strengthen you during this difficult time.
July 27, 2017
GOD,BLESS THANK YOU FOR MAKING THE WOLD A MUCH BETTER PLACE,WE ALL NOW [WHY] HEAVEN AWAITS YOU WITH OPEN ARMS
Todd Smith
July 27, 2017
Finally a face to the voices. These cartoons are truly lost arts RIP
G
July 27, 2017
June, thank you for sharing your God given talent with the world. Your name will always be associated with cartoon characters we all came to love. Your voice will live on and on until the characters you played are retired (perhaps never). Rest in Peace forever and ever. God Bless You Always.
Stacy
July 27, 2017
Enjoyed all the cartoons, very talented Lady...
Sleep pretty lady....
Jerri' Ervin
July 27, 2017
Your voice filled my childhood. Thank you.
Kathleen Broulis-Kenepp
July 27, 2017
PRICELESS Characters and Voices from my childhood! Rest In Peace, Dear Lady. You will be missed!
Michael Hardesty
July 27, 2017
Thank you for the joy your work brought into my life, Ms. Foray!!!
Greg Wright
July 27, 2017
one a many treasured and talented voice actresses has been called home
RIP Ms June Foray
Mike Iwon
July 27, 2017
One of my favorite cartoons growing up in my youth. My mother use to rock me to her singing "Rocky, Rocky, Bully Winkle, Bully Winkle". So sorry for your loss
Tyler Foss
July 27, 2017
Thank you for the joy you brought to me and millions of others through your life's work, June.
May you rest in peace.
Cindy Mobbs
July 27, 2017
God Bless her Family & fans! I am definitely a long time fan of this talented actress! Rest with Jesus
July 27, 2017
Rest in peace. You voiced characters from my childhood, with many fond memories. Condolences to the family.
A fan in Baltimore, MD
Harry Simpson
July 27, 2017
Godspeed June, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
July 27, 2017
She made me laugh with her voice as the characters came alive. May her voice live on in her family's heart.
D. G.
July 27, 2017
So sorry for this Iconic loss. May she rest in peace.
Ruby
July 27, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Foray family. May your memories bring joy to your hearts and may our Heavenly Father comfort you and your family at this most difficult time. Psalms 145:18,19
Jamie
July 27, 2017
My prayers are with the family. ( John 11 : 25 )
July 27, 2017
So sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort help you endure this loss.
Phil. 4:6, 7
July 27, 2017
May the peace of God be with you.
sue rowen
July 27, 2017
I didn't realizevshe voiced so many cartoon characters that I grew up watching. Thank you for the hours of pleasure you gave me and other children. When I watch the Grinch and her little Betty Lou I will think of you.
Nadine Burich
July 27, 2017
So many happy childhood memories because of you- thank you-Memory Eternal
Glen Hausfeld
July 27, 2017
With A very heavy heart. Thank you for being A part of my life.
Kyle Crews
July 27, 2017
Wow , another voice from my childhood is gone but never forgotten. She was an incredible talent . Rest In Peace .
July 27, 2017
My condolences to the family in their grief. This is such a loss, I've enjoyed her so much. She will be missed. May God give comfort and peace during this time of sorrow. Barb NC
July 27, 2017
So very sorry for your loss. Remember the joyful times you shared as you celebrate a life well lived and loved (Psalms 90:10)
July 27, 2017
Deepest sympathy to the family in this time of your dear loss.May you find comfort from family and friends.May you find comfort from the words of Isaiah 51:12. "I..I myself am the One comforting you."
Linda
July 27, 2017
Condolences to the family. Thank you for a great childhood of TV character voices.
Greg Adams
July 27, 2017
I grew up with her too.
Jean
July 27, 2017
With deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. May it comfort you to know that June will return to the days of her youthful vigor as promised at Job 33:25.
Sammy Foster
July 27, 2017
I remember as a kid watching Rocky & Bo winkle. That was a great cartoon. And when my daughter was a little girl all the bigger kid called her Cindy Lou Hoo. Thanks for the great voices. R.I.P June.
Donna Metcalf
July 27, 2017
Loved her work with Stan Freberg!
Cecelia
July 27, 2017
I didn't know she played behind the scenes for so many character. May children love the little squirrel. I'm know she will be deeply missed. May 'God' give the FORAY FAMILY peace during this most difficult time.
Leslie Whiteside
July 27, 2017
I would like to extend my deepest and heartfelt sympathies to the entire family during this time of your loss. Those who fall asleep in death, are kept in God memory, because they are precious in his eyes, and June is one of those precious one that we all will miss. Psalms 116:15
July 27, 2017
How I loved all those cartoon characters who came to life through June !!!
May June Rest In Peace.
Anne Marie De Stefano
Hamilton Family
July 27, 2017
Ms. Foray brought us nice and clean humor for television, something that is no longer common. Our deepest condolences go out to the family. May you cherish your beautiful memories, as we will, and may God comfort and carry you during this difficult time (Isa.41:10).
Adrian Barnette
July 27, 2017
We'll miss you !
July 27, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family,I am so sorry for your great loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this challenging and heartbreaking time. (Isaiah 61:1,2)
Karen Cowan
July 27, 2017
Thank You for a wonderful childhood of cartoons. Rest In Peace to the awesome lady.
A R
July 27, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the family. May God grant you comfort and strength during this difficult time.
Phil. 4:6, 7
July 27, 2017
May the peace of God be with you.
SUE
July 27, 2017
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
July 27, 2017
What a long and full life! So many cannot say the same. May June forever be in our hearts and in God's book of life.
July 27, 2017
My deepest condolence to all the Family. Wow! This was a talented woman. What a life she lived. But even at the age of 99, it's still difficult to lose someone. (Psalms 145:18,19) says God is near to all those calling him, and their cry for help. What a blessing it is to know that when we are crushed in sprirt, when our hearts are broken, God is near to us.
Darlene
Les Breese
July 27, 2017
Many thanks to June Foray whose voice brought to life so many wonderful, memorable characters...my condolences to Ms. Foray's family, friends, and fellow fans at this sad time.
Scott Chamberland
July 27, 2017
Rest in Peace
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