The voice and boisterous laugh of Woody Woodpecker, the famous cartoon character born in 1941, belonged to the wife of Walter Lantz, Woody’s creator.

Gracie Lantz had at first offered to do Woody’s voice, but was turned down by her husband because Woody was a boy.

So, she taped her own audition and submitted it anonymously with the others to be listened to by the studio. And Walter Lantz picked her voice not knowing whom it belonged to.

Gracie Lantz initially declined screen credit, thinking children would be disappointed to know that Woody’s voice was supplied by a woman.