June Foray
Voice of Rocky the Flying Squirrel, animation pioneer
June Foray (September 18, 1917 – January 17, 2017) was an American voice actress and pioneering figure in animation who had one of the longest and most prolific careers in the industry. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, Foray began her career in radio and transitioned to voice acting, becoming one of the first women to gain prominence in the male-dominated field of animation. She is best known for her iconic voice work as Rocky the Flying Squirrel in 'Rocky and Bullwinkle,' a role she performed for decades starting in 1959. Beyond Rocky, Foray's voice acting credits are extensive and include characters in numerous animated series, cartoons, and films. She voiced characters across multiple generations of animation, from 'The Twilight Zone' to 'Toy Story 3,' demonstrating remarkable versatility and longevity. Foray was a trailblazer who proved women could be central figures in animation voice acting, and she mentored younger voice actresses entering the field. She received multiple Emmy Awards and industry recognition for her contributions. Her career represents a crucial bridge between classic radio drama and modern animation, and she is remembered as a beloved figure who brought joy to millions through her distinctive and memorable character voices.
Entertainment
American
1917
2017
Thinking about the name
June
Latin origin
“Named after the sixth month, which derives from Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and protection. June became a beloved given name in the early 20th century, evoking warmth, summer brightness, and romantic nostalgia. The name has a graceful, vintage charm that feels both timeless and inherently feminine.”