R.I.P. Janet Waldo, voice of Judy Jetson on 'The Jetsons'
Image: center, the Everett Collection; animation, Hanna-Barbera
Janet Waldo, who entertained children and adults alike as the voice of Judy Jetson on the animated series The Jetsons, died Sunday at the age of 96.
Waldo lent her voice to the Jetsons' spunky teenager in the original 1960s television series as well as the revival in the 1980s. Despite completing work for Jetsons: The Movie in 1990, she was abruptly replaced by the singer Tiffany. She had been the last surviving cast member of the original series, sometimes making appearances at fan conventions around the country.
In addition to Judy Jetson, Waldo was the voice behind some of Hanna-Barbera's most cherished cartoon characters. She used her youthful and energetic voice to portray Josie McCoy on Josie and the Pussycats, Penelope Pitstop on The Perils of Penelope Pitstop, Hogatha on The Smurfs, and Morticia Addams on The Addams Family. Waldo also contributed to shows like The Flintstones and Scooby Doo.
Although Waldo is most recognized for her work behind the scenes, she had plenty of roles in front of the camera. The actress had guest roles on some of the most popular TV shows of the 1950s and 1960s, including I Love Lucy, The Phil Silvers Show, The Andy Griffith Show, and The Lucy Show.
According to her daughter, Waldo passed away Sunday morning. Her cause of death has not been disclosed.