Joan Gardner was a multifaceted American artist, born on November 16, 1926, in Chicago, Illinois, to Jack "Jumbo" Gardner, a renowned jazz musician, and Adelaide (Cline) Gardner. She began her career on the stage, showcasing her versatility as a performer.
In the late 1940s, Gardner made her mark on television by writing scripts for two prominent programs: Pantomime Quiz and Time For Beany, solidifying her reputation as a talented screenwriter. Her creative endeavors extended beyond television, as she also penned books and composed music for films.
However, it was her voice work that brought her the most recognition. She lent her voice to a wide range of iconic characters, including Spunky in The Adventures of Spunky and Tadpole, Tanta Kringle in the Christmas special Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town, Bonnie Bonnet and Madame Esmerelda in Here Comes Peter Cottontail, Josephine Bonaparte opposite Groucho Marx's Napoleon in The Mad, Mad, Mad Comedians, and Zazu the Fairy Godmother on Pound Puppies.
On December 8, 1960, Gardner married producer Edward Janis and adopted the pen name Joan Janis for her writing endeavors.
Tragically, Joan Gardner's life was cut short when she passed away on December 10, 1992, due to cancer, leaving behind a legacy as a talented and accomplished artist.
