Mae Questel
| Mae Questel | |
|---|---|
Questel in 1930
|
|
| Born |
Mae Kwestel September 13, 1908 Bronx, New York, U.S. |
| Died | January 4, 1998 (aged 89) New York, New York, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Alzheimer's Disease |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Columbia University |
| Occupation | Actress, voice artist |
| Years active | 1930–1989 |
| Known for | Betty Boop, Olive Oyl |
| Spouse(s) | Leo Balkin (m. 1930–?; divorced) Jack E. Shelby (m. 1970–?; his death) |
Mae Questel /ˈmeɪ ˌkwɛˈstɛl/ (September 13, 1908 – January 4, 1998) was an American actress and voice artist best known for providing the voices for the animated characters Betty Boop and Olive Oyl. She began in vaudeville, and played occasional small roles in films and television later in her career, most notably the role of Aunt Bethany in 1989's National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.
Born as Mae Kwestel in the Bronx New York City to Simon and Freida Kwestel, she attended Morris High School and studied acting at the American Theatre Wing and with the Theatre Guild. Although she wanted to be an entertainer, her parents, who were Orthodox Jews, actively discouraged her from doing so, at one time forcing her to leave the Theatre Guild school.
Nevertheless, at the age of 17 Questel won a talent contest held at the RKO Fordham Theatre in the Bronx by imitating Helen Kane. She was signed by an agent and began performing in vaudeville as an impressionist. Billed as "Mae Questel - Personality Singer of Personality Songs," she did Fanny Brice, Marlene Dietrich, Eddie Cantor, Mae West, Maurice Chevalier and others, as well as doing animal imitations. She was seen by animator Max Fleischer, who was looking for an actress to provide the voice for his Betty Boop character. Questel's "Boop-boop-a-doop" routine, done in a style similar to that of the song's originator, Helen Kane, while at the same time evoking something of the naughty allure of film star Clara Bow, was exactly what Fleischer wanted, and he hired Questel in 1931. She began as one of a number of actresses providing the character's voice, but soon took over the role exclusively.
...
Wikipedia