Billie Hayes

Billie Hayes (born August 5, 1924, died April 29, 2021) was an American actress best known for her comic portrayal as Witchie-poo in Sid and Marty Krofft's H.R. Pufnstuf. Her characteristic cackle and pointed hat made her an icon for witchdom on television since the series initial 17-episode run in 1969-1970. She reprised this role in The Paul Lynde Halloween Special.

Hayes portrayed a similar character in other roles, including episode 8.10 of Bewitched ("Hansel and Gretel in Samantha-Land"), Weenie the Genie in the Sid and Marty Krofft program Lidsville and Maw Weskitt in episode 39 of season two of The Monkees, ("Hillbilly Honeymoon"). Miss Hayes played Mammy Yokum in both the Broadway and film versions of Li'l Abner, had also appeared on the soap opera General Hospital in the 1980s and lent her voice to the character Mother Mae-Eye on the animated series Teen Titans and to the character of Granny Applecheeks in The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy. Hayes also had a short role in The Wacky Adventures of Ronald McDonald as "One-Eyed Sally".

Among her portrayals as a voice actress are roles on animated cartoon shows, such as Teen Titans, Johnny Bravo, W.I.T.C.H., The Batman, Tale Spin and Darkwing Duck. However Billie Hayes' first voice role was as a character named Orgoch on the Disney film The Black Cauldron in 1985.

She was the president of the abandoned animal rescue organization Pet Hope, which was created in 1984. On her personal website Billie offers autographed photos of herself, but in lieu of accepting payment to herself she had all money sent to Pet Hope as charity instead.

She died of natural causes at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, on April 29, 2021 at the age of 96.

Hayes adhered to Judaism and was a lifelong Democrat.