Christine Cavanaugh
About
Biography
Biography
Famous for her scratchy, youthful voice, performer Christine Cavanaugh was best known for her voice acting, providing the personalities for beloved animated characters like Chuckie on "Rugrats" (Nickelodeon, 1991-2004) and Dexter on "Dexter's Laboratory" (Cartoon Network, 1996-2003). Born in Layton, Utah, Christine Sandberg spent her self-described "redneck" childhood immersed in the fantasy of books and movies, especially after the tragic loss of her mother due to illness when she was 15. Though Cavanaugh would take refuge in the home of a surrogate family, the Johnsons, the young woman still sought a more emotional solace in the drama of movies like "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1939), which provided an outlet for the teenager's complex feelings.
After attending Utah State University for a short while, Cavanaugh eventually transferred to the sunny campus of the University of Hawaii, where she met her future husband, Kevin James Cavanaugh, though the two would eventually divorce. Cavanaugh traveled to California not long after graduating, hoping to pursue a career in show business. Spritely and beautiful, she was able to snag a few small roles on shows like "Cheers" (NBC, 1982-1993) and "Salute Your Shorts" (Nickelodeon, 1991-1993) before a friend in animation helped her channel her unique voice into the realm of voice acting.
Her first big break came in 1991, when Cavanaugh was cast in starring roles on the animated series "Darkwing Duck" (ABC, 1991-1992) and "Rugrats." Soon, she was auditioning for more and more prominent roles, like the voice of the titular pig in the movie "Babe" (1995). Though producers initially turned her down for the role, Cavanaugh eventually won the part by submitting another audition tape, this time under the name "Chris Cavanaugh," which gave no indication of her age or gender. Cavanaugh's memorable take on the beloved character would become integral to the movie's success, and when "Babe" was nominated for seven Academy Awards, she memorably walked the red carpet at the event wearing a glamorous pink dress with a small, sparkling, pig shaped handbag.
A slew of major voice roles followed for Cavanaugh. She was still portraying the nervous toddler Chuckie on the ever-popular "Rugrats" and additionally began playing the Slavic-accented boy genius Dexter on the cult-favorite show "Dexter's Laboratory," as well as a number of characters on "101 Dalmatians: The Series" (ABC, 1997-98). A bittersweet moment came in 1998, however, when pre-production began for a sequel to "Babe." Having been reportedly paid only $27,000 for her performance in the original blockbuster, Cavanaugh turned down the opportunity to reprise the role when it didn't come with a chance for more compensation. She was replaced in the role by her "Rugrats" co-star Elizabeth Daily, who was asked to impersonate Cavanaugh's naturally scratchy voice.
Cavanaugh's other projects continued to soar, however, as "Rugrats" and "Dexter's Laboratory" blossomed into major franchises, spawning numerous specials, direct to video releases, and even feature films. Cavanaugh also peppered her career with on-camera roles, memorably portraying a hard-luck mother on a 2000 episode of "ER" (NBC, 1994-2009).
In 2001, Cavanaugh decided to retire from show business entirely, opting to keep her motivations mainly to herself. Her public explanation for her departure maintained that she simply wished to stop voice acting for "personal reasons." She returned to her home state of Utah to spend more time with her family and godchildren. Cavanaugh died on December 22, 2014 at her home in Utah. She was 51 years old.
Filmography
Cast (Feature Film)
Music (Feature Film)
Cast (Special)
Cast (TV Mini-Series)
Life Events
1991
Starred as Chuckie on Nickelodeon's "Rugrats."
1995
Starred in the title role of the Oscar-nominated film "Babe."
