Megan Cavanagh
Megan Cavanagh (born November 8, 1960) is an American actress and voice actress best known for her breakout role as the baseball player Marla Hooch in the 1992 comedy film A League of Their Own.[1][2] Born in Chicago and raised in the suburb of River Forest, Illinois, she has built a diverse career spanning film, television, theater, and voice work, often portraying comedic and character-driven roles.[3][4] Cavanagh grew up in the suburb of River Forest with four siblings and attended Oak Park and River Forest High School, graduating in 1977.[4] She later earned a degree from Rosary College (now Dominican University) in 1982.[4] Her early interest in performance led her to join the professional theater troupe New Age Vaudeville in the 1980s, where she honed her skills in live improvisation and vaudeville-style comedy as one of the group's original members.[5][3] She also performed with the Second City comedy troupe in Chicago and Santa Monica, California, establishing a foundation in stage work before transitioning to screen roles.[6] Cavanagh's film debut came with A League of Their Own, directed by Penny Marshall, which propelled her into mainstream recognition for her physical comedy and memorable line delivery.[1][5] She followed with supporting roles in Mel Brooks comedies such as Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993) as Broomhilde and Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995).[1][6] On television, she had a recurring role as Trudy on Home Improvement (1991–1999) and guest appearances on shows including Friends, Will & Grace, The West Wing, and ER.[1] In voice acting, she is widely recognized as Judy Neutron in the animated film Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (2001) and its subsequent Nickelodeon series The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (2002–2006).[2][3] Throughout her career, Cavanagh has maintained an active presence in theater, starring in productions like High Spirits and the long-running musical Menopause: The Musical since 2004.[3] A passionate Chicago Cubs fan, she has been honored at Major and Minor League baseball parks for her iconic role in A League of Their Own.[1] Her work continues to emphasize versatile, humorous performances across multiple media.[5]Early life and education
Childhood and family
Megan Cavanagh was born on November 8, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois, to parents Jim and Rita Cavanagh.[7] She grew up in the Chicago suburb of River Forest alongside four siblings.[7] At age four, Cavanagh gained her first exposure to the performing arts through a pre-kindergarten production of Puff the Magic Dragon, an experience that ignited her lifelong interest in acting amid Chicago's rich cultural landscape of community theater and local performances.[7] She later transitioned to formal education in the nearby community of Oak Park.[7]Academic background
Megan Cavanagh grew up in the Chicago suburb of River Forest and attended Oak Park and River Forest High School, where she graduated at the age of 16 in 1977.[7] During her time there, she became deeply involved in the school's theater program, participating in productions such as the musical Oklahoma!, alongside future notable performers including Dan Castellaneta, Kathy Griffin, and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio.[8] This early exposure to stage performance highlighted her comedic talents and fostered her passion for acting, setting the foundation for her future pursuits in theater.[7] Following high school, Cavanagh enrolled at Rosary College (now Dominican University) in River Forest, Illinois, where she pursued studies in theater.[7] She also attended an acting school in London.[8] She graduated in January 1982 with a bachelor's degree, having immersed herself in the performing arts curriculum that encouraged her shift toward comedic roles after initial interests in more dramatic work.[9] A college instructor's recommendation to explore Chicago's Second City improv scene further influenced her, recognizing her natural aptitude for humor and steering her toward professional performance opportunities immediately after graduation.[8]Career beginnings
Chicago theater scene
Following her graduation from Rosary College (now Dominican University) in January 1982, Megan Cavanagh immersed herself in Chicago's dynamic theater community, a hub renowned for its innovative ensemble work and improvisational traditions.[10][7] The city's vibrant scene, centered around off-Loop venues, provided a fertile ground for emerging performers, where collaborative environments fostered rapid skill development in acting, directing, and production roles. Cavanagh contributed to this ecosystem by taking on multifaceted positions at esteemed local theaters such as the Body Politic, Victory Gardens, and Absolute Theatre Company, handling duties from house management to understudying while honing her craft in ensemble settings.[7] In 1984, Cavanagh became an original member of the New Age Vaudeville troupe, a professional comedy ensemble that performed until 1987 and was among the first resident groups at Chicago's CrossCurrents cabaret.[7] This affiliation exposed her to vaudeville-inspired comedy, characterized by fast-paced sketches, musical numbers, and physical humor, drawing from the city's rich improvisational heritage. Influenced by institutions like The Second City, her work with the troupe emphasized spontaneous performance techniques and audience interaction, key elements of Chicago's improv culture.[11][9] Through these experiences, Cavanagh built essential networks within Chicago's tight-knit theater circles, collaborating with peers who later influenced national comedy and drama scenes. The local improv and ensemble environment sharpened her versatility, blending scripted roles with unscripted elements to cultivate a distinctive comedic timing that became a hallmark of her career.[7][12]Early stage performances
Megan Cavanagh began her professional stage career in the mid-1980s as an original member of the Chicago-based theater troupe New Age Vaudeville, formerly known as the Comedy Cabaret, where she contributed to ensemble sketches and vaudeville-style revues from 1984 to 1987.[3] The troupe, an Actors' Equity Association company, performed original comedic works in Chicago venues and at the Peninsula Players Theatre in Fish Creek, Wisconsin, emphasizing fast-paced humor and character-driven vignettes that showcased Cavanagh's emerging talents in ensemble comedy.[13] Her key early roles included appearances in cult favorites such as An Evening with Elmore & Gwendolyn Putts - The Neighbors Next Door and The TV Dinner Hour, productions that highlighted her ability to blend physicality with sharp character work in live settings.[13][14] Throughout the 1980s, Cavanagh honed her skills in Chicago's vibrant local theater circuit, taking on roles in various productions at smaller venues that prioritized comedic timing and character acting over dramatic leads. These experiences allowed her to develop a distinctive physical comedy style, characterized by exaggerated gestures and expressive facial contortions, which became a hallmark of her performances and drew audiences to her improvisational energy rooted in the city's improv tradition.[13][5] By engaging in these ensemble-driven shows, she transitioned from academic theater pursuits—where she first discovered her comedic aptitude—to professional stages, building resilience in a competitive environment that demanded versatility and quick adaptability.[9] By the late 1980s, Cavanagh had established a foothold in Chicago theater through consistent ensemble work, overcoming initial hurdles like the scarcity of lead roles for character comedians by leveraging her strengths in physical humor and collaborative formats. This period marked a breakthrough as her well-received performances in New Age Vaudeville revues solidified her reputation, paving the way for broader recognition while navigating the financial and logistical challenges of regional repertory theater.[13][3]Film and television career
Breakthrough in film
Cavanagh's breakthrough in film came with her debut role as Marla Hooch in Penny Marshall's A League of Their Own (1992), where she portrayed the awkward yet powerfully talented second baseman on an all-female professional baseball team during World War II. The film, which grossed over $107 million at the box office and earned critical acclaim for its blend of comedy and historical drama, catapulted Cavanagh to national recognition, with her character's home run prompting the memorable exclamation "What a hitter!" becoming a cultural touchstone. Her theater training from Chicago's improv and stage scenes lent a natural physicality to the role, allowing her to embody Hooch's shy demeanor and explosive athleticism.[7] Building on this success, Cavanagh collaborated with comedy legend Mel Brooks in two parodies: she played the robust Broomhilde in Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993), a satirical take on the Robin Hood legend, and Essie, a quirky nurse, in Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995).[1] These roles highlighted her knack for broad, physical humor in ensemble casts, with Brooks praising her timing during production.[15] The films, while mixed in reception, solidified her presence in 1990s comedy cinema. Cavanagh further showcased her comedic timing as Willow, a supportive friend in the Ivan Reitman-directed Junior (1994), starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito as scientists navigating an unexpected pregnancy. The role, though supporting, allowed her to deliver deadpan reactions amid the film's absurd premise, contributing to its box office haul of nearly $109 million. She later appeared as Officer Margie in the 2014 independent film Girltrash: All Night Long.[16] The baseball-themed portrayal of Marla Hooch profoundly shaped Cavanagh's public image, positioning her as a genuine sports enthusiast who has since participated in women-in-baseball events and reflected on the role's role in inspiring female athletes.[17] In interviews, she has noted how the character resonated with fans, leading to ongoing associations with baseball culture and advocacy for women's sports.[8]Television appearances
Megan Cavanagh began appearing in live-action television in the mid-1990s, following her breakthrough in film, which helped secure guest spots on prominent sitcoms and dramas.[18] Her roles often featured quirky, supportive characters that added comedic or emotional depth to ensemble casts.[15] One of her earliest notable guest appearances was in the NBC sitcom Friends in 1995, where she played Luisa Gianetti, an animal control officer and former classmate of Rachel and Monica, in the episode "The One Where the Monkey Gets Away."[19] In 1996, she appeared as a party guest in the ABC series Roseanne, contributing to the ensemble in the episode "Becky Howser, M.D." That same year, her film success further opened opportunities in television, allowing her to portray memorable supporting figures across genres.[18] Cavanagh's television work expanded into medical dramas with a 1997 guest role on ER as Darlene, a patient in the episode "Obstruction of Justice," highlighting her ability to blend humor with dramatic tension. She then took on a recurring role in the ABC sitcom Home Improvement from 1998 to 1999, playing Trudy McHale, the quirky neighbor who eventually marries tool man Al Borland in the series finale.[20] This five-episode arc showcased her as a reliable comedic foil in family-oriented narratives.[15] In 2000, Cavanagh guested on NBC's Will & Grace as Terry, a police officer in the episode "Girl Trouble," embodying her signature offbeat charm in a story about sensitivity training. Her dramatic range appeared in a 2002 episode of The West Wing titled "Election Night," where she portrayed Voting Shortcut, a voter adding levity to the high-stakes political plot. Cavanagh landed a lead role in the Logo network's lesbian comedy series Exes & Ohs from 2007 to 2009, playing Chris, a central figure in the ensemble of friends navigating relationships and humor in a Sex and the City-style format.[21] Across her television career, her portrayals consistently emphasized eccentric yet endearing supporting or lead characters in both sitcoms like Home Improvement and Will & Grace, and more serious fare such as ER and The West Wing, solidifying her as a versatile character actress.[22][15]Voice acting roles
Megan Cavanagh began her voice acting career in the mid-1990s, providing voices for animated series such as The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest, where she portrayed Julia and Kelly from 1996 to 1997.[23] Her breakthrough in voice work came with the role of Judy Neutron, the supportive mother of the titular boy genius, in the 2001 animated film Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius and its subsequent Nickelodeon television series The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius (2002–2006), for which she also voiced the computer system VOX in multiple episodes.[24] This role showcased Cavanagh's ability to blend warmth and wit, drawing from her comedic timing honed in live-action performances.[25] Throughout the 2000s, Cavanagh expanded her animation portfolio with recurring and guest roles, including Hillary Higgenbottom in The Mighty B! (2008–2009), Brunhilda in an episode of Back at the Barnyard (2009), and Slog in Tak and the Power of Juju (2007–2008).[23] She also contributed to the Winx Club franchise as Queen Luna and Queen Niobe in the Beyond Believix arc (2012–2013).[23] In direct-to-video Jimmy Neutron specials, she reprised Judy Neutron alongside VOX, such as in Attack of the Twonkies (2005) and Win, Lose and Kaboom (2004). Cavanagh's voice work extended to video games, where she provided additional voices for Star Trek (2013) and portrayed multiple characters including Feodra Iceslayer, Blacksmith Hegrenn, and Gretta Steinbeard in EverQuest II (2004).[23] She also voiced Judy Neutron in the tie-in game The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius: Attack of the Twonkies (2004). Into the 2020s, Cavanagh continued contributing to animated projects, including guest voices as Stern Fern and Hockey Fan in episodes of The Loud House from 2020 to 2025. In the Pixar series Cars on the Road (2022), she provided additional voices, notably as Mae Pillar-Durev and Bella Cadavre. These roles highlight her sustained presence in family-oriented animation, evolving from lead characters in early 2000s hits to versatile supporting parts in contemporary series.[25]Stage and ongoing work
Musical theater roles
Cavanagh's early involvement in musical theater included her time as an original member of the New Age Vaudeville troupe from 1984 to 1987 in the Chicago scene, contributing to shows like Just Visiting that featured original music and lyrics she co-wrote.[5][26] She continued performing in regional productions that blended comedy with song in the 1990s and 2000s. These early credits established her reputation for versatile stage work in intimate venues, often emphasizing humorous character portrayals supported by vocal performances. A significant milestone came in 2004 when Cavanagh joined the cast as the Earth Mother in Menopause: The Musical, a production she has maintained as a long-term commitment, performing in national tours and regional runs that highlight parodies of classic songs to explore women's experiences.[15] This role particularly showcased her strong singing voice and comedic timing, allowing her to connect with audiences through relatable, lighthearted depictions of midlife transitions.[27] In 2009, Cavanagh took on the eccentric medium Madame Arcati in a revival of High Spirits at 42nd Street Moon in San Francisco, a musical adaptation of Noël Coward's Blithe Spirit with book, lyrics, and music by Hugh Martin and Timothy Gray.[28][29] Her portrayal emphasized the character's whimsical supernatural antics through spirited vocals and physical comedy, further demonstrating her ability to blend musicality with theatrical flair in ensemble-driven narratives.[27]Recent and touring productions
In the 2010s and beyond, Cavanagh has maintained a steady presence in touring musical theater, most notably reprising her role as the Earth Mother in Menopause: The Musical, a production she first joined in 2004 and continues to perform in across the United States.[30] The show, a comedic celebration of midlife experiences set to parodies of classic songs, has allowed her to connect with audiences in various cities, emphasizing themes of empowerment and humor drawn from her extensive stage background.[1] In 2019, Cavanagh relocated to The Woodlands in the Greater Houston area to care for family while basing her touring schedule from there.[8][31] This move has not shifted her focus from national tours but has integrated her into the local arts community, where she draws on her Chicago theater roots for occasional engagements.[17] Cavanagh's enduring association with A League of Their Own has led to baseball-related honors, including on-field recognitions at Minor League games celebrating women in sports. In 2024, she appeared at Charlotte Knights' Women in Baseball Night on August 27, meeting fans and highlighting the film's impact on gender equity in athletics.[32] She also visited League Stadium in Huntingburg, Indiana, on July 6 for a community event tied to the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League legacy.[33] These continued into 2025, with appearances at Fort Wayne TinCaps' Daisies Night on May 17 and a subsequent event at Parkview Field on May 21, where she interacted with players and spectators to honor the film's historical inspiration.[34][35] As of November 2025, Cavanagh's activities have included guest spots at conventions like the Chiller Theatre Expo in October, focusing on fan engagements rather than new major stage roles.[36] Her work remains centered on touring revivals and celebratory events, reflecting a career sustained by iconic performances; as of November 2025, her primary stage commitment is Menopause: The Musical with ongoing national tours.[1]Filmography
Film credits
Megan Cavanagh's feature film roles span from her debut in 1992 to her most recent in 2019, primarily in supporting comedic parts.| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | A League of Their Own | Marla Hooch[37] |
| 1993 | Robin Hood: Men in Tights | Broomhilde[37] |
| 1994 | I Love Trouble | Mrs. Beekman[37] |
| 1994 | Junior | Willow[37] |
| 1995 | Dracula: Dead and Loving It | Essie[37] |
| 1997 | For Richer or Poorer | Levinia Yoder[37] |
| 1997 | That Darn Cat | Lu[37] |
| 1998 | Meet the Deedles | Mo[37] |
| 2001 | Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius | Mom / VOX (voice)[37] |
| 2002 | Bug | Meter Maid[37] |
| 2003 | Wasabi Tuna | Megan[37] |
| 2004 | Raising Genius | Charlene Hobbs[37] |
| 2005 | Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous | Shirley the Receptionist[14] |
| 2006 | Barnyard | Hanna the Hen (voice)[14] |
| 2007 | Big Stan | Parole Board Member[37] |
| 2012 | Scrooge & Marley | Ghost of Christmas Present[37] |
| 2014 | Girltrash: All Night Long | Officer Margie[37] |
| 2018 | Freelancers Anonymous | June[37] |
| 2019 | Thumb Wars Episode IX: The Thighs of Skywalker | General Bunhead[1] |
Television credits
Megan Cavanagh's live-action television credits span guest spots, recurring roles, and series regulars, primarily from the mid-1990s through the 2020s, with notable appearances in popular sitcoms and dramas.[23] Her work often featured comedic supporting characters, including a recurring role on Home Improvement where she played Trudy McHale, Al Borland's girlfriend who marries him in the series finale "The Long and Winding Road: Part 3" (1999).| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Condition: Critical | Helene | TV movie |
| 1993 | A League of Their Own | Marla Hooch | TV series, reprising film role |
| 1993 | Bob | Chris Szelinski | TV series |
| 1994 | Tales from the Crypt | Sister Mary What's Her Name | Episode: "Doctor of Horror" |
| 1995 | Friends | Luisa Gianetti | Episode: "The One Where the Monkey Gets Away"[38] |
| 1995 | Brotherly Love | Lotus | Guest spot |
| 1996 | Roseanne | Party Guest | Guest spot |
| 1997 | ER | Darlene | Episode: "Obstruction of Justice" |
| 1997 | Life's Work | Officer Colleen McManus | TV series |
| 1998 | Maggie | Yoli | TV series |
| 1998–1999 | Home Improvement | Trudy McHale | Recurring, 5 episodes |
| 1999 | Smart Guy | Coach Frayda | Guest spot |
| 2000 | Will & Grace | Terry | Episode: "Girl Trouble"[39] |
| 2000 | The Expendables | Prison Warden | TV movie |
| 2002 | The West Wing | Voting Shortcut | Guest spot |
| 2002 | The Bold and the Beautiful | Caller #2 | Guest spot |
| 2003 | Just Shoot Me! | Marjorie | Episode: "My Fair Finchy"[40] |
| 2003 | John Doe | Madeline | Guest spot |
| 2007–2009 | Exes & Ohs | Chris | Series regular, Logo network |
| 2015 | Harvard Court | Juliet | TV series |
| 2019 | Drunk History | Penny Marshall | Guest spot, reenactment role |
| 2020– | Boffo the Bear Show | Judy Neutron | TV series[1] |
Video games and animation
Cavanagh's voice acting career extends to animated television series, films, shorts, and video games, where she has portrayed a variety of characters, often in comedic and family-oriented productions.[23] The following is a chronological list of her credited roles in these media:Animated Television, Films, and Shorts
- The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest (TV series, 1996–1997) – Julia / Kelly[23]
- Thumb Wars: The Phantom Cuticle (TV short, 1999) – Fighter Pilot #2[23]
- Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (animated film, 2001) – Judy Neutron / VOX
- Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius Shorts (TV shorts, 2000–2001) – Judy Neutron / VOX[23]
- The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius (TV series, 2002–2006) – Judy Neutron / VOX / additional voices[23][25]
- Jimmy Neutron: Attack of the Twonkies (TV short, 2005) – Judy Neutron / VOX 2000[23]
- The Jimmy Timmy Power Hour 2: When Nerds Collide (TV short, 2006) – Judy Neutron[23]
- The Jimmy Timmy Power Hour 3: The Jerkinators (TV short, 2006) – Judy Neutron[23]
- Tak and the Power of Juju (TV series, 2007–2008) – Slog[23]
- The Mighty B! (TV series, 2008–2009) – Hillary Higgenbottom / Hilary[23]
- Back at the Barnyard (TV series, 2009) – Brunhilda / additional voices[23][25]
- Winx Club (TV series, 2012–2013) – Queen Luna / Queen Niobe / Luna[23]
- Cars on the Road (TV mini-series, 2022) – Mae Pillar-Durev / Bella Cadavre / additional voices (2 episodes)[41]
- The Loud House (TV series, 2020–2025) – Stern Fern / Hockey Fan (2 episodes)[1]
Video Games
- Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (2001) – Judy Neutron / Benny / VOX[23]
- The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius: Jimmy Neutron Vs. Jimmy Negatron (2002) – Judy Neutron / VOX[23]
- The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (2002) – Judy Neutron / Nissa[23]
- The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius: Attack of the Twonkies (2004) – Judy Neutron[23]
- EverQuest II (2004) – Feodra Iceslayer / Blacksmith Hegrenn / Gretta Steinbeard[23]
- Nicktoons: Freeze Frame Frenzy (2004) – Judy Neutron[25]
- Nicktoons: Battle for Volcano Island (2006) – Judy Neutron[25]
- Nicktoons: Attack of the Toybots (2007) – Judy Neutron[25]
- Star Trek (2013) – Additional voices[23]
- Nicktoons MLB (2011) – Judy Neutron[25]