Grace Stafford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Grace Stafford
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Stafford in 1958.
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| Born |
Grace Boyle
November 7, 1903 New York City, U.S.
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| Died | March 17, 1992 (aged 88) Burbank, California, U.S.
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| Resting place | Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills) |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1935–1975 |
| Known for | Woody Woodpecker |
| Spouse(s) | |
Grace Lantz (born Grace Boyle, November 7, 1903 – March 17, 1992), also known by her stage name Grace Stafford, was an American actress. She was married to the famous animation producer Walter Lantz. Grace Stafford is best known for giving her voice to the cartoon character Woody Woodpecker. She voiced Woody from 1950 all the way to 1991.
Grace Stafford's Acting Career
Grace Stafford started her acting journey in Hollywood in 1935. She appeared in many live-action movies. Some of her well-known roles were in films like Anthony Adverse and Blossoms in the Dust. Her last movie role was in 1975.
Voicing Woody Woodpecker
Before Grace Stafford, another actor named Mel Blanc voiced Woody Woodpecker. Mel Blanc later had a disagreement with Walter Lantz, the creator of Woody. Lantz wanted to find a new voice for Woody to avoid any more problems.
In 1950, Walter Lantz held auditions for Woody's new voice. Grace Stafford, his wife, wanted to try out. However, Lantz thought Woody should be voiced by a man, so he didn't pick her. But Grace didn't give up! She secretly made her own audition tape and sent it in without telling him it was her.
Walter Lantz listened to many tapes. He didn't know who was on Grace's tape, but he loved the voice he heard. He chose it for Woody Woodpecker! Grace Stafford then voiced Woody from 1950 to 1972. She also did voices for other cartoons.
At first, Grace didn't want her name to be shown in the credits. She thought that kids and adults might be disappointed if they knew Woody was voiced by a woman. But she soon realized how much fun it was to be Woody's voice. Starting in 1958, her name finally appeared on screen. Her version of Woody was seen as cuter and friendlier than the earlier, wilder Woody.
Grace Stafford also appeared on a popular TV show called What's My Line? in 1963. On this show, a panel of celebrities tried to guess what a guest's job was.
Later Life and Passing
Grace Lantz passed away on March 17, 1992. She was 88 years old and died from spinal cancer.
Film Roles
Grace Stafford acted in many films during her career. Here are a few examples:
- Dr. Socrates (1935)
- Anthony Adverse (1936)
- Confessions of a Nazi Spy (1939)
- Blossoms In the Dust (1941)
- Destination Moon (1950) - as the voice of Woody Woodpecker
- Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze (1975) - her last film role
