Martha Wentworth was a talented American actress from New York City, renowned for her versatility in radio and animation voice acting. She left an indelible mark on the world of animation, particularly for her iconic portrayal of the shape-shifting witch Madam Mim in the classic Arthurian animated film "The Sword in the Stone" (1963).
Born in 1889 in New York City, Wentworth began her theatrical career around 1906, at the age of 17. She was fortunate to be mentored by the esteemed actress Minnie Maddern Fiske, who played a significant role in shaping her early years as a performer.
In the early 1920s, Wentworth transitioned to radio voice acting, where she quickly gained popularity for her distinctive voice and range. One of her most notable early roles was voicing the character of Old Nancy, the Witch of Salem in the horror-themed radio series "The Witch's Tale" (1931-1938).
Wentworth's impressive repertoire of characters included Jenny Wren in "Who Killed Cock Robin?" (1935),a Disney "Silly Symphony," as well as the villainous Wintergreen the Witch in the Christmas-themed serial "The Cinnamon Bear" (1937). She also lent her voice to several minor characters in late 1930s "Merrie Melodies" and voiced the radio announcer in the "witching hour" of "Fraidy Cat" (1942),an early Tom and Jerry short film.
In addition to her work in radio, Wentworth was a regular supporting player in the popular radio show "The Abbott and Costello Show" (1940-1949),starring the comedy duo Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. She also voiced Daffy Duck's domineering wife in "His Bitter Half" (1950).
Wentworth's voice acting career continued to flourish, with notable roles in the animated feature film "One Hundred and One Dalmatians" (1961),where she voiced three characters: the loyal housekeeper Nanny, the helpful goose Lucy, and Queenie, the leader of a group of cows. The film, which earned 14 million dollars at the domestic box office during its initial release, remains a beloved classic.
After a long and illustrious career, Wentworth retired from acting in the mid-1960s. She passed away in March 1974, at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy that continues to entertain and inspire generations of animation fans. Despite her radio fame having faded, her iconic voice has continued to captivate audiences, ensuring her place as a beloved and enduring figure in the world of animation.
