Actress · Soundtrack

Mary Jo Catlett is a beloved actress and comedienne, best known for voicing Mrs. Puff on the iconic animated series SpongeBob SquarePants since its debut in 1999. With a career spanning nearly six decades, she has become a household name, adored for her unmistakably cheerful voice and vibrant personality. Born in Denver, Colorado, on September 2, 1938, Catlett’s love for musical comedy started early, making her off-Broadway debut in 1963. She gained recognition in Broadway productions, including the original Hello, Dolly! and starred in several regional theater productions. Her natural comedic timing and presence led her to countless TV roles throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with appearances on shows like The Bob Newhart Show, MASH*, Diff'rent Strokes, and Maude. While Catlett is beloved for her comedic roles, she has also showcased a more dramatic side, winning Los Angeles Drama Critics Awards for her performances in Come Back, Little Sheba and Philadelphia, Here I Come. Though her film roles have been sparse, she made her debut in Woody Allen's Bananas (1971) and appeared in Serial Mom (1994) among others. A seasoned performer on stage, she’s taken part in musicals like Beauty and the Beast, Big River, and The Full Monty, along with various Nunsense productions. Beyond her acting, Mary Jo is known for her heartfelt charity work, often performing at fundraising events for causes like AIDS research and Broadway-oriented organizations, proving her generosity is as large as her talent.