June Foray dead: Rocky and Bullwinkle Show voice actress passes away aged 99
JUNE FORAY has passed away at the age of 99, her close friend has confirmed.
June Foray has passed away at the age of 99
The voice actress, who was famous for her work as Rocky the Flying Squirrel in The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show, died on Thursday, with her friend Dave Nimitz sharing the heartbreaking news on Facebook yesterday.
"With a heavy heart again I want to let you all know that we lost our little June today at 99 years old," he said. "She is resting peacefully now with her beloved sister Geri and Sam her brother-in-law.
"I am going out of my mind with the loss and losing all three of them within the last month-and-a-half but they're in a better place now," his emotional statement continued. "Truly cherish my time with June and the family for the last 14 years she is now in heaven with her family and my mother."
June was an iconic figure in the animation industry, with an illustrious career which also included Looney Tunes' Witch Hazel and Cindy Lou in 2000's How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
June was a legend in the animation industry
She died on Thursday with her friend Dave Nimitz confirming the news on Facebook
She also contributed to the creation of the Oscars' animated feature category, as a founding member of animation organisation ASIFA-Hollywood.
The organisation's Executive Director Frank Gladstone has paid tribute to the star, telling Variety: "We are all saddened by the news of June's passing, although it didn't come as a shock, it has really taken us back a bit."
ASIFA President Jerry Beck added: "On behalf of ASIFA-Hollywood, of which June was a founder, we are mourning the passing of animation's best friend.
"She has touched so many lives: with her voice of so many classic cartoon characters, her efforts to create ASIFA, to maintain the Academy's Oscar for Best Animated Short and her leadership in crafting the category of Best Animated Feature," he said.
Dave paid tribute to the star in an emotional post
Her illustrious career included work for Looney Tunes
"A trailblazer, a great talent and a truly wonderful person. We will never forget her."
June, having continued voice acting up until very recently, previously told the publication: "I'm still going. It keeps you thinking young.
"My body is old, but I think the same as I did when I was 20-years-old," she added.
A documentary delving into her incredible life and work, called The One and Only June Foray, was released in 2013.