June Foray

June Foray
Name	June Foray
Birth name	June Lucille Forer
Birth date	September 18, 1917
Birth place	Springfield, Massachusetts, United States
Death date	July 26, 2017
Death place	Los Angeles, California, United States
Occupation	Voice actress, actor
Years active	1929–2014
Known for	Voice of Rocky the Flying Squirrel, Natasha Fatale, Granny, Jokey Smurf

June Foray (born June Lucille Forer; September 18, 1917 – July 26, 2017) was an American voice actress and performer renowned for her versatile vocal characterizations in animation, radio, television, and film. Her career spanned vaudeville, the Golden Age of Radio, the rise of theatrical animation, and the expansion of television animation, making her a pivotal figure associated with many studios, performers, and cultural institutions. She worked with leading creators, performers, and producers across multiple decades, influencing performers, organizations, and awards within the entertainment industry.

Early life and education

Foray was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, and raised in an environment linked to vaudeville and early American entertainment circuits, encountering performers from Vaudeville troupes, New York City stages, and regional theater companies. She studied dramatic arts and radio technique during periods in Boston, Massachusetts and New York City, engaging with instructors and institutions connected to Radio City Music Hall performers and regional theatrical training. Early influences included touring companies associated with Orson Welles, Al Jolson, and contemporaries from the Broadway and radio communities such as Ed Sullivan and George Burns.

Career beginnings and radio work

She began performing on radio during the 1920s and 1930s, working on programs produced by networks and studios like NBC, CBS, and independent production companies tied to the Golden Age of Radio. Early credits placed her alongside announcers and actors who worked with shows produced by figures such as William S. Paley, Lucky Strike, and producers connected to Jack Benny and Bob Hope. Foray honed dialects and character work used later in animation while performing on anthology programs and serialized dramas related to The Shadow, Suspense (radio drama), and variety showcases broadcast from Hollywood and New York City.

Animation and voice acting roles

Her animation career connected her to studios including Warner Bros., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Walt Disney Productions, United Productions of America, Hanna-Barbera, and Rankin/Bass Productions. She voiced iconic characters such as the female lead in productions alongside creators like Chuck Jones, Friz Freleng, and Tex Avery, and she originated roles that appeared in franchises related to The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show, Looney Tunes, Tom and Jerry, The Smurfs, and seasonal specials associated with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Her collaborations involved directors, animators, and writers including Jay Ward, Bill Scott, Joseph Barbera, and William Hanna.

Television, film, and radio appearances

Foray’s television and film appearances included guest spots and voice credits across productions distributed by networks and studios such as NBC, ABC, CBS, Universal Pictures, and Paramount Pictures. She appeared on variety programs, animated series, and specials alongside performers and hosts like Bugs Bunny voice actors, entertainers from The Tonight Show, and presenters at industry events tied to organizations such as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Her radio return engagements linked her with revival series and retrospectives honoring contributors like Mel Blanc, Daws Butler, June Allyson, and other Golden Age performers.

Awards, honors, and legacy

Her career earned recognition from institutions including the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the Emmy Awards, the Annie Awards, and the Audio Publishers Association as well as lifetime achievement accolades bestowed by organizations such as the International Animated Film Society (ASIFA-Hollywood). She was instrumental in advocacy for animation preservation and the establishment or support of awards and tributes connected to figures like Walt Disney, Walt Kelly, Winsor McCay, and the broader community of animators honored at festivals including Annecy International Animated Film Festival and ceremonies hosted by The Paley Center for Media.

Personal life and philanthropy

She lived in Los Angeles County, California and maintained relationships with colleagues from entertainment circles including agents, casting directors, and foundation trustees tied to institutions such as The Walt Disney Family Museum and preservation efforts connected to Library of Congress collections. Her philanthropic and advocacy work intersected with organizations focused on animation preservation, performer recognition, and charitable events alongside foundations associated with AFTRA, SAG-AFTRA, and arts endowments that celebrate voice performance and historical media conservation.

Category:1917 birthsCategory:2017 deathsCategory:American voice actresses