June Foray, Voice of Rocky the Flying Squirrel and More, Dies at 99
Today we say goodbye to the “First Lady of Voice Actors,” June Foray. The iconic voice behind Rocky the Flying Squirrel, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and countless others has passed away two months shy of her 100th birthday.
Per The Hollywood Reporter, Foray’s passing was announced by a close friend on Facebook, though no details were included. Foray gave voice to hundreds of famous characters over the years, including Rocky and Bullwinkle villain Natasha Fatale, Looney Tunes’ Granny and Witch Hazel, Grinch character Cindy Lou Who, Mulan grandmother Fa, Aunt May in Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends, Lucifer the cat from Cinderella, and even ADR work for the Brody children in Jaws.
Here’s what Dave Nimitz said in the announcement:
With a heavy heart again I want to let you all know that we lost our little June today at 99 years old she is resting peacefully now with her beloved sister Geri and Sam her brother-in-law I’m going out of my mind with the loss and losing all three of them within the last month-and-a-half but they’re in a better place now truly cherish my time with June and in the family for the last 14 years she is now in heaven with her family and my mother if I don’t respond right away please forgive me I need to disappear from Facebook for a while Saturday we are having a private family only memorial for Sam So lts very bittersweet for me
ASIFA president Jerry Beck also noted her contributions to the field:
On behalf of ASIFA-Hollywood, which June was a founder of, we are mourning the passing of animation’s best friend. She has touched so many lives — her voice was so many classic cartoon characters — her efforts to create ASIFA, to maintain the Academy’s Oscar for Best Animated Short — and her leadership in crafting the category of Best Animated Feature. She was one of a kind. A trail blazer, a great talent, and a truly wonderful person. We will never forget her.
Best wishes to those remembering Foray’s incredible body of work today. She will be missed.