Betty Jean Ward
Betty Jean "B. J." Ward (born September 16, 1944, United States) is an American voice actress and singer. She worked extensively for Hanna-Barbera, beginning in the 1970s. Her first assignment was the title role in Jana of the Jungle, followed by Wonder Woman in the later incarnations of SuperFriends. Ward later took over as the voices of Betty Rubble, speaking with a Midwestern U.S. accent, from The Flintstones and as Velma Dinkley from Scooby-Doo from 1997 to 2002.
Ward was married to Gordon Hunt, a longtime Hanna-Barbera recording director, until his death in December 2016. Her occasional on-camera credits include various guest appearances and various bit parts in shows like St. Elsewhere, Frasier, ER, and Gilmore Girls, plus the 2005 film Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World. More active on the stage, she has performed in classical opera and musical theater, and launched her own one-woman show, Stand-Up Opera.
Hanna-Barbera Series Roles[]
- Jana of the Jungle: Jana
- Space Stars: Elektra
- The Little Rascals: Butch, Waldo
- The Biskitts: Lady
- Challenge of the GoBots: Smallfoot
- Snorks: Casey Kelp, Li'l Seaweed
- Pound Puppies: Whopper
- The Flintstone Kids: Betty Jean Bricker, Miss Rockbottom
- Popeye and Son: Rad
- Pink Panther and Sons: Panky, Punkin
- Sky Commanders: Dr. Erica Slade
- Superfriends: The Legendary Super Powers Show: Jayna
- The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians: Wonder Woman
- Fish Police: Widow Casino
- Capitol Critters: Max's mother
- Monster in My Pocket: "The Big Scream": Carrie Raven, Medusa
- Paddington Bear: Mrs. Brown
- Super Secret Secret Squirrel: Queen Bea
- The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest: Iris the Computer
- Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law: Betty Rubble, Velma Dinkley
Roles in Films and Specials[]
- The Good, the Bad, and Huckleberry Hound: Desert Flower, Chieftess, Rusty Nails
- The Greatest Adventure: Stories from the Bible: Haman's Wife
- The Little Troll Prince: Bjørn's Wife
- GoBots: Battle of the Rock Lords: Smallfoot
- Jonny's Golden Quest: 3-DAC
- Jetsons: The Movie: Gertie Furbelow
- Rockin' with Judy Jetson: Judy Jetson (singing), Zippy
- Scooby-Doo and the Reluctant Werewolf: Googie, Repulsa
- A Flintstone Family Christmas: Betty Rubble
- Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island: Velma Dinkley
- Night of the Living Doo: Velma Dinkley
- I Yabba-Dabba Do!: Betty Rubble
- Star Fairies: Princess Sparkle, Michelle, Hillary's Mother
Other Voice Roles[]
External Links[]
- B.J. Ward at Voice Chasers