Marietta Canty

Marietta Canty (1905–1986) was an American actress, singer, and voice actress whose career spanned radio, film, television, and animation. Though she appeared in several live-action films during Hollywood's Golden Age, she is best remembered for her iconic voice work in the beloved Tom and Jerry cartoon series, where she provided the distinctive off-screen voice of the maid character from the 1940s through the 1950s. Her warm, recognizable vocal performance became synonymous with the character, and she appeared in dozens of episodes. Canty's work in animation was groundbreaking for African American performers during an era of significant racial limitations in entertainment. Her contributions to the entertainment industry, though sometimes uncredited in early broadcasts, left a lasting impression on generations of viewers who grew up with Tom and Jerry. She remained active in entertainment throughout her life, demonstrating remarkable longevity and professionalism in a competitive industry.