Enthusiasts of classic ’80s sitcoms and cherished animated shows were in for a delight on Wednesday, as one of its most prominent actors made a seldom public appearance in Los Angeles.
As an ardent admirer, I had the pleasure of witnessing the vibrant 86-year-old actress, renowned for her heartwarming role as Pearl on Diff’rent Strokes, exuding joy and vitality during a lively lunch rendezvous at the bustling celebrity hub, The Smokehouse, nestled in Burbank.
Wearing a cheerful floral blouse and leggings to match, she looked significantly different from the bold outfits she donned while playing Rita, opposite Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton, in the 1982 comedy “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.
For quite some time now, longtime admirers recognize her as the voice behind Mrs. Puff, the driving school teacher in SpongeBob SquarePants. This character is her longest-standing and best-known role to date.
She’s also appeared in MASH*, The Dukes of Hazzard, and General Hospital.
Can you name the iconic star?
If you guessed Mary Jo Catlett, you’re correct!
A person born in Denver initially embarked on their career in the performing arts on local theatre stages, refining their skills over time, eventually transitioning to perform on Broadway.
Initially, she proved skilled at creating unique, endearing characters, a skill that eventually became her defining characteristic.
In the mid-70s, she started receiving praise for her stage performances, winning Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards for outstanding roles in “Come Back, Little Sheba” (1976) and “Philadelphia, Here I Come!” (1980).
During the late ’90s, her successful Broadway journey was further recognized as she received a nomination for the Ovation Award, specifically for the category of Best Featured Actress in a Musical. This nod came in 1995, following her delightful and amusing portrayal of Madame de la Grande Bouche in Beauty and the Beast.
Through her role, she skillfully blended her exceptional comic delivery with a touch of dramatic grandeur, reinforcing her status as an adaptable actress capable of diverse characters.
In the fifth season, I made my television debut as a regular cast member on Diff’rent Strokes, taking over the role of Pearl Gallagher – the third household helper within the series.
Swiftly captivating audiences with her charm, wit, and unique vitality, Catlett effortlessly made an impression through her role performance.
Not only was she skilled in sitcoms, but she also received a Daytime Emmy nomination for her performance on General Hospital, demonstrating her ability to shine in both comedic and dramatic roles.
Enthusiasts of vintage television might recall her from notable guest roles on M*A*S*H, during which she infused the series with her unique wit and charm in several unforgettable episodes.
She was consistently recognized on TV screens during the 1980s and 1990s, effortlessly fitting into various acting groups as well as prominent individual appearances.
1998 marked a new venture for Catlett as she lent her voice to the character of Mrs. Puff, the weary driving instructor from the beloved Nickelodeon show, SpongeBob SquarePants, broadening her realm into animation.
For quite some time, she’s been the voice behind Mrs. Puff for each series installment, as well as in all movies, stage productions of SpongeBob, and connected video games.
Through her performance as the endearing, worry-prone pufferfish, she’s left an indelible mark, gaining legions of admirers who recognize her voice over, regardless of whether they are familiar with her physical appearance.
In all her versatile work spanning theater, TV, and animation, Catlett has consistently referred to herself modestly as a character artist.
During an interview with the Orlando Sentinel in 1988, she shared her thoughts, saying “Being a character actress has had its advantages.
There are many of them, however, the number is significantly smaller compared to ingenue or leading female roles, which might progress into character acting roles over time.
‘But I always was a character actress. I always was round and funny.’
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2025-08-23 17:03