Pat Welsh was an American actress who is best known for her work in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, and E.T. Adventure.
Personal and Family Life
Pat Welsh was born Patricia Anderson Carroll on February 11, 1915, in San Francisco, California. She was married to Tom Welsh from April 2, 1961, until her passing on January 26, 1995. Welsh had a career as a radio soap opera actress during her younger years in San Francisco.
Career Highlights
Welsh’s distinctive, raspy voice was a result of her chain smoking, which she famously used in the film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) when she shared voice duties with Debra Winger. She was initially discovered by sound designer Ben Burtt, who heard her speaking in a camera store and invited her to audition for the voice of E.T. Welsh earned $380 for her work on the film.
Death and Legacy
Pat Welsh passed away on January 26, 1995, in Green Valley, Arizona due to pneumonia. Her influence in the film industry continues, and her biography titled “Pat Welsh: The Voice of E.T.” written by J.D. Goldberg was published in July 2016.
Filmography
| Title | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| E.T. Adventure | 1990 | Tickli (voice) |
| Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi | 1983 | Boushh (voice, uncredited) |
| E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial | 1982 | E.T. (voice, uncredited) |
| Waterloo Bridge | 1940 | (uncredited) |