Joan Gardner

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Joan Gardner (November 16, 1926 – December 10, 1992) was an American actress who was most active in voice over roles. She was also a screenwriter, songwriter, author and composer.

She was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 16, 1926 to Jack "Jumbo" Gardner, a prominent jazz musician and Adelaide (Cline) Gardner.

She started her career on the stage. In 1948-1949, she wrote scripts for the television programs Pantomime Quiz and Time For Beany.

Apart from writing scripts and books, Gardner also worked as a music composer for films. However, she was most active as an actress for radio and television animated series.

She voiced Spunky in The Adventures of Spunky and Tadpole, Tanta Kringle and various other female roles on the Christmas special Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town, Bonnie Bonnet and Madame Esmerelda on the TV special Here Comes Peter Cottontail, played Josephine Bonaparte opposite Groucho Marx's Napoleon in the animated special The Mad, Mad, Mad Comedians and Zazu the Fairy Godmother on Pound Puppies.

She married producer Edward Janis on December 8, 1960, and wrote under the name Joan Janis.

Joan Gardner died on December 10, 1992 from cancer.