Born in the vibrant city of New York, in the state of New York, Grace Stafford entered the world as Grace Boyle, a name that would later be replaced by her more famous moniker. As an actress and off-screen voice extraordinaire, Stafford gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of the beloved and iconic character, Woody Woodpecker, brought to life by her second husband, the renowned animator and filmmaker, Walter Lantz.
Throughout her illustrious career, Stafford appeared in a trio of theatrical films, including the 1939 espionage thriller, Confessions of a Nazi Spy, and the 1972 comedies, Chili Con Corny and Bye, Bye, Blackboard. Her impressive range and versatility as an actress allowed her to seamlessly transition between dramatic and comedic roles.
Stafford's personal life was marked by two significant marriages, the first to the esteemed actor, Tom Keene, which lasted for an impressive 20 or 21 years, from 1919 to 1940. Following the end of her first marriage, Stafford wed Walter Lantz in 1940, a union that would endure for an astonishing 51+ years, until her passing in 1992.
Tragically, Grace Stafford's life came to a close on Tuesday, March 17th, 1992, a day that marked the end of an era for those who knew and loved her.
