June Foray
Actor
About June Foray
June Lucille Forer, known professionally as June Foray, was one of the most prolific and influential voice actresses in entertainment history. Born in 1917 in Springfield, Massachusetts, she began her career in radio during the 1930s, performing on various local and network programs before transitioning to voice work in animation. Her breakthrough came in the 1950s when she began working extensively for major animation studios, particularly Warner Bros. and Jay Ward Productions. Foray's career spanned over eight decades, during which she voiced hundreds of characters in cartoons, television shows, and films. She became the voice of iconic characters including Rocky the Flying Squirrel and Natasha Fatale in 'The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show,' Granny in the Looney Tunes series, and Cindy Lou Who in the original 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas.' Her versatility allowed her to perform voices ranging from sweet little girls to villainous old women, making her one of the most sought-after voice talents in the industry. Foray continued working well into her 90s, maintaining her status as the 'First Lady of Voice Acting' until her death in 2017 at age 99.
The Craft
On Screen
June Foray was renowned for her incredible vocal range and versatility, able to perform voices of any age, gender, or species with remarkable authenticity. Her technique involved complete character embodiment, often creating distinct personalities through subtle vocal inflections, timing, and emotional nuance. She had an exceptional ability to switch between characters seamlessly, sometimes voicing multiple roles in the same production. Foray's style was characterized by precise diction, comedic timing honed from her radio days, and the capacity to convey deep emotion through voice alone. She approached each character as a complete personality, studying mannerisms and motivations to create authentic vocal performances that transcended mere caricature.
Milestones
- Began career in radio at age 12
- Voiced Susie in Disney's 'Susie, the Little Blue Coupe' (1952)
- Became voice of Rocky the Flying Squirrel and Natasha Fatale (1959)
- Voiced Cindy Lou Who in 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' (1966)
- Voiced Granny in Looney Tunes from 1955 onward
- Founded the Annie Awards in 1972
- Received Governors Award from Emmy Awards in 2012
- Inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2000
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Annie Award for Voice Acting (1988)
- Annie Award for Lifetime Achievement (1995)
- Emmy Governors Award (2012)
- Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program (1990)
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (2000)
- Writers Guild of America Animation Award (2013)
Nominated
- Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program (1991)
- Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program (1992)
- Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program (1993)
- Annie Award nomination for Voice Acting (1996)
- Annie Award nomination for Voice Acting (1997)
Special Recognition
- Television Hall of Fame (2000)
- Disney Legend Award (2008)
- Voice Actor of the Year (2013)
- Oxford International Animation Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award (2014)
- Animation Magazine Hall of Fame
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
June Foray fundamentally shaped the landscape of voice acting and animation, elevating it from background work to a recognized art form. Her iconic voices became embedded in American culture, with characters like Rocky the Flying Squirrel and Granny becoming household names across generations. Foray's work helped establish voice acting as a legitimate and respected profession within the entertainment industry, paving the way for future generations of voice actors. Her performances in classic cartoons and holiday specials created lasting cultural touchstones that continue to be referenced and celebrated in modern media. Through her advocacy and the establishment of the Annie Awards, she helped create institutional recognition for animation excellence.
Lasting Legacy
June Foray's legacy endures through the countless characters she brought to life and the standards she set for voice acting excellence. She is remembered as the 'First Lady of Voice Acting' and the 'Queen of Cartoons,' titles that reflect her unparalleled contributions to the field. Her influence extends beyond her performances to include her role in establishing the Annie Awards and advocating for recognition of voice actors within the industry. Many of her characters continue to appear in new productions, with other voice actors often attempting to emulate her original performances. The techniques and professionalism she brought to voice acting became the standard by which all subsequent voice actors are measured.
Who They Inspired
June Foray influenced generations of voice actors through both direct mentorship and the example she set with her work. Her ability to create distinct, memorable characters through voice alone became the benchmark for excellence in the field. Many contemporary voice actors cite her as their primary inspiration and model for professional conduct. Her advocacy for better recognition and compensation for voice actors helped improve working conditions across the industry. The versatility she demonstrated showed that voice actors could be true character actors, not just people doing funny voices, elevating the entire profession's artistic credibility.
Off Screen
June Foray never married or had children, dedicating her life entirely to her craft and the animation industry. She lived in Los Angeles for most of her career, maintaining a home studio where she continued working well into her 90s. Despite her immense success, Foray remained humble and approachable, known for mentoring younger voice actors and generously sharing her expertise. She was an avid supporter of animation as an art form and worked tirelessly to gain recognition for voice actors within the entertainment industry. Foray maintained close friendships with many animation pioneers and was considered the matriarch of the voice acting community.
Education
Attended Classical High School in Springfield, Massachusetts; largely self-taught in voice acting through radio experience and natural talent
Did You Know?
- She began her voice career at age 12 on local radio in Springfield
- Her birth name was June Lucille Forer, but she changed 'Forer' to 'Foray' professionally
- She could perform over 100 different voices
- She voiced both male and female characters throughout her career
- She continued working until just weeks before her death at age 99
- She founded the Annie Awards in 1972 to recognize excellence in animation
- She was the voice behind the 'Chatty Cathy' doll in the 1960s
- She performed in every episode of 'The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show'
- She was the first woman to be inducted into the Voice Actor Hall of Fame
- She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2000
- She voiced characters in over 200 animated productions
- She was the voice of the 'Talky Tina' doll in 'The Twilight Zone' episode 'Living Doll'
In Their Own Words
'Voice acting is not just doing funny voices. It's acting.'
'I love what I do. I've been very lucky to have done something I love all my life.'
'You have to be an actor first. The voice is just an instrument.'
'I've never thought of myself as a woman in the business. I've thought of myself as a voice actor.'
'Animation is not just for children. It's for the child in all of us.'
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was June Foray?
June Foray was one of the most legendary voice actresses in entertainment history, known as the 'First Lady of Voice Acting.' She voiced hundreds of iconic characters including Rocky the Flying Squirrel, Natasha Fatale, Granny from Looney Tunes, and Cindy Lou Who. Her career spanned over eight decades, making her one of the most prolific performers in animation history.
What films is June Foray best known for?
June Foray is best known for her voice work in 'The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show,' 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas,' and 'Susie, the Little Blue Coupe.' She also voiced Granny in numerous Looney Tunes cartoons and appeared in hundreds of other animated productions including 'Dudley Do-Right,' 'The Smurfs,' and Disney's 'Mulan.'
When was June Foray born and when did she die?
June Foray was born September 18, 1917, in Springfield, Massachusetts, and passed away on July 26, 2017, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 99. She maintained an active career until just weeks before her death, working professionally for over 80 years.
What awards did June Foray win?
June Foray received numerous prestigious awards including multiple Annie Awards, a Daytime Emmy, the Emmy Governors Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was also honored as a Disney Legend, inducted into the Television Hall of Fame, and received lifetime achievement awards from multiple animation organizations.
What was June Foray's acting style?
June Foray's acting style was characterized by incredible versatility and emotional depth. She approached voice acting as serious character acting, creating fully-realized personalities through vocal technique rather than just doing funny voices. Her performances featured precise timing, authentic emotional delivery, and the ability to voice characters of any age, gender, or species with complete conviction.
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Films
2 films
