June Foray

Biography

June Foray, born June Lucille Forer on September 18, 1917, was an iconic American voice actress whose talent brought to life numerous beloved animated characters. Her most notable roles included Rocky the Flying Squirrel, Natasha Fatale, Nell Fenwick, and the enchanting Lucifer from Disney's *Cinderella*. She also voiced Cindy Lou Who, Jokey Smurf, and the beloved Granny from Warner Bros. cartoons, along with Grammi Gummi from *Disney's Adventures of the Gummi Bears*, and the mischievous Magica De Spell, among many others.

Foray's illustrious career spanned various mediums, including radio, theatrical shorts, feature films, television, and even video games and talking toys. A pioneer in the animation industry, she was an early member of ASIFA-Hollywood, which supports and promotes animation. She played a significant role in establishing the Annie Awards and was instrumental in the creation of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2001. Her contributions to the field were recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her television voice work.

Chuck Jones famously remarked, "June Foray is not the female Mel Blanc. Mel Blanc was the male June Foray," highlighting her unique legacy. June Foray passed away on July 26, 2017, at the age of 99, following a period of declining health after a car accident in 2015.