Martha Wentworth was an American actress known for her versatile roles in radio and animation. She is best recognized for voicing Madam Mim in Disney’s animated film “The Sword in the Stone” (1963) and the Wintergreen Witch in “The Cinnamon Bear.”
Personal and Family Life
Born Verna Martha Wentworth on June 2, 1889, in New York City, she made her acting debut at the age of 17. Martha was married to Albert Stuart Otto Sr. from 1914 until their divorce in 1926, and they had two children together, Albert and Jeanne.
Career Highlights
Martha Wentworth began her career in the theater and eventually became a prominent voice actress in radio. She gained fame for her roles in shows like “The Witch’s Tale,” where she voiced Old Nancy, and “The Abbott and Costello Show.” Her work in animation included characters in Disney productions and Warner Bros. cartoons.
Death and Legacy
Martha Wentworth passed away on March 8, 1974, in Sherman Oaks, California, at the age of 84. While her radio career has faded from mainstream recognition, she remains beloved among animation fans, and her iconic voice continues to entertain new generations.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Stranger | 1946-07-02 | Sara |
| One Hundred and One Dalmatians | 1961-01-25 | Nanny / Queenie / Lucy (voice) |
| The Sword in the Stone | 1963-12-25 | Madam Mim / Old Lady Squirrel (voice) |
| Fraidy Cat | 1942-01-17 | Radio Announcer (voice) (uncredited) |
| Bowery Blitzkrieg | 1941-08-01 | Mrs. Brady |
| Stagecoach to Denver | 1946-12-23 | The Duchess (Red’s Aunt) |
| I Love to Singa | 1936-07-18 | Mother (voice) |
| Pigs Is Pigs | 1937-01-08 | Mama Pig (voice) (uncredited) |
| I Haven’t Got a Hat | 1935-03-02 | Miss Cud (voice) (uncredited) |
| Marshal of Cripple Creek | 1947-08-15 | Duchess Wentworth |
| Walt Disney Treasures – Silly Symphonies | 2001-12-04 | |
| Disney’s Halloween Treat | 1982-10-30 | Madam Mim (voice) (archive footage) |
| Perry Mason | 1957-09-21 | Mrs. Lyle / Landlady / Motel Manager |
| General Electric Theater | 1953-02-01 | Landlady |