Janet Waldo
The warm, witty voice behind a generation of cartoon heroines, from the futuristic Judy Jetson to the glamorous Penelope Pitstop.
1920–2016 (age 96)·American actress (1919/1920–2016)·Birthday: February 4·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Janet Waldo's voice was a staple of American childhoods for over four decades, though her face was rarely seen. Beginning in the golden age of radio, where she originated the title role in 'Meet Corliss Archer,' she seamlessly transitioned into the new world of animation. Her bright, girl-next-door delivery was perfectly cast as Judy Jetson, the teenage daughter in 'The Jetsons,' a role she would revisit for decades in various series and films. At Hanna-Barbera, she became a versatile utility player, voicing the adventurous Josie of Josie and the Pussycats, the perpetually-in-peril Penelope Pitstop, and the earnest Princess from 'Battle of the Planets.' Waldo's career was defined by reliability and charm; she gave her animated characters a genuine heart and personality that made them enduringly beloved.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Janet was born in 1920, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Janet Was Born
The biggest hits of 1920
#1 Movie
Way Down East
Janet's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1920Born
Women gain the right to vote in the US
Home: $3,395President: Woodrow Wilson"Swanee" — Al Jolson
1925Started school
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1933Became a teenager
FDR's New Deal launches; Prohibition ends
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stormy Weather" — Ethel WatersBest Picture: Cavalcade
1936Could drive
Jesse Owens wins four golds at the Berlin Olympics
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"The Way You Look Tonight" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: The Great Ziegfeld
1938Could vote
Kristallnacht and the escalation toward WWII
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $2,850Min wage: $0.25/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Begin the Beguine" — Artie ShawBest Picture: You Can't Take It with You
1941Turned 21
Pearl Harbor attack brings the US into WWII
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,060Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Chattanooga Choo Choo" — Glenn MillerBest Picture: How Green Was My Valley
1950Turned 30
Korean War begins
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,354Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Goodnight Irene" — Gordon Jenkins & The WeaversBest Picture: All About Eve
1960Turned 40
Kennedy-Nixon debates become first televised presidential debates
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $11,900Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Theme from A Summer Place" — Percy FaithBest Picture: The Apartment
1970Turned 50
First Earth Day; The Beatles break up
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $17,000Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Bridge over Troubled Water" — Simon & GarfunkelBest Picture: Patton
1980Turned 60
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1990Turned 70
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
2000Turned 80
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2016Died at 96
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
Key Achievements
- Was the definitive voice of Judy Jetson from the character's 1962 debut onward.
- Created the title role of 'Corliss Archer' on radio, a popular teen sitcom of the 1940s.
- Voiced multiple iconic Hanna-Barbera characters including Josie, Penelope Pitstop, and Nancy (in 'Shazzan').
- Maintained a consistent voice acting career spanning from the 1940s to the early 2000s.
Did You Know?
She was married to writer-producer Robert E. Lee (not the general) for over 50 years.
She briefly appeared on-screen in an episode of 'I Love Lucy.'
She replaced another actress as the voice of Judy Jetson after the original pilot.
Her daughter, Lucy Lee, also became a successful voice actress.
“null”
