Prolific voice actress Christine Cavanaugh dies at 51

LOS ANGELES — Christine Cavanaugh, best known for her prolific vocal work — including memorable roles as the titular character in “Babe” and lovable scaredy-cat Chuckie Finster on Nickelodeon’s “Rugrats” — died on Dec. 22 of unknown causes at her home in Cedar City, Utah. She was 51.

In addition to 1995’s “Babe” and her enduring role on “Rugrats” from 1991-2002, she also voiced Marty Sherman (“The Critic,” 1994-95), Oblina (“Aaahh!!! Real Monsters,” 1994-97) and maniacal child genius Dexter on Cartoon Network’s “Dexter’s Laboratory” from 1996-2003. In addition she made live-action guest appearances on shows including “ER,” “The X-Files” and “Everybody Loves Raymond.”

Cavanaugh broke into the business as an actress in 1988 after attending Utah State University and University of Hawaii. Her first prominent casting came in 1991 as Gosalyn Mallard on Disney’s animated series “Darkwing Duck.”

Cavanaugh retired from her voice career in 2001 in order to be closer to her family.

Cavanaugh is survived by her father; her sister, Deionn Masock and her children, Alec, Nash and Madison; her brother, Kirtis Johnson and his children Felicia and Amanda; and a number of half siblings.

A memorial ceremony was held in her honor on Antelope Island in Utah.