Sadly, the animation industry lost a beloved figure this week.
June Foray, who voiced Rocky the Flying Squirrel and the evil Natasha Fatale in The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show throughout the ’60s, has passed away at the age of 99.
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In addition to her work on Rocky and Bullwinkle, Foray was the voice behind Witch Hazel on Looney Tunes, Neil on Dudley Do-Right, Cindy Lou Who in How The Grinch Stole Christmas, and Granny in the Tweety and Sylvester cartoons, among countless others.
While the work with her voice is what many remember, Foray was instrumental in advancing the industry. The actress was one of the original members of the organization ASIFA-Hollywood, and was the founder of the annual Annie Awards.
Foray was also instrumental in the addition of the Best Animated Feature category in the Academy Awards.
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ASIFA president Jerry Beck said in a statement: “On behalf of ASIFA-Hollywood, of which June was a founder, we are mourning the passing of animation’s best friend. She has touched so many lives: with her voice that of so many classic cartoon character, 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 trailblazer, a great talent and a truly wonderful person. We will never forget her.”
