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Nicole Jaffe

Nicole Jaffe (born May 23, 1941) is a Canadian actress and best known for voicing , the intelligent and bespectacled member of the Mystery Inc. gang, in the original animated series Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! from 1969 to 1973. Born in , , she brought a distinctive, thoughtful tone to Velma's character, including the iconic line "My glasses! I can't see without my glasses!" which was inspired by her own nearsightedness. Jaffe began her on-screen acting career in the late with small roles in feature films, including a hippie girl in a dune buggy in the Disney comedy (1968) and Betty Smith in the Elvis Presley musical The Trouble with Girls (1969). Her voice work as Velma extended to early spin-offs and specials, establishing her as a key figure in the franchise's foundational years, though she primarily retired from acting in 1973, with a brief reprise in 2003. Jaffe has expressed particular fondness for Velma's portrayal as a strong, independent female character who contributed ideas and led the group, viewing it as a positive example for young girls. Transitioning to the business side of entertainment, Jaffe began her career as a talent agent in 1982 by co-founding Rifkin/David with , which later became part of the through mergers and acquisition in 1992, where she represented high-profile clients including the late singer until her departure from its successor, William Morris Endeavor, in 2013. She continued in this role for decades, leveraging her industry experience to build meaningful connections with actors and performers.

Early Life

Birth and Upbringing

Nicole Jaffe was born Nicole Cowgill Jaffe on May 23, 1941, in , , . Jaffe, a member of the Jewish community, grew up in during the 1940s and 1950s. Her birth surname reflects her family's Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, common among many residents of 's Jewish population at the time. Upon her marriage to Brad David in 1969, she adopted the name Nicole Jaffe David.

Education and Initial Interests

Specific details about her higher education, such as studies in drama or attendance at institutions like or acting academies, are not documented in available .

Acting Career

Live-Action Roles

Nicole Jaffe's live-action acting career was short-lived, spanning the late , during which she appeared in three films and two television episodes, primarily in supporting or minor roles that captured the youthful spirit of the era's . Her on-screen presence was characterized by energetic, free-spirited portrayals that aligned with the movement's influence on at the time, though her contributions were often brief and uncredited in one instance. Jaffe debuted on screen in Walt Disney Productions' family comedy The Love Bug (1968), directed by Robert Stevenson, where she played the "Girl in Dune-Buggy" in a memorable chase scene featuring the sentient . This minor part involved her as a carefree alongside a male companion in a customized , adding a touch of 1960s flair to the film's high-speed antics amid San Francisco's vibrant backdrop. The production, which grossed over $12 million at the and spawned a , marked Jaffe's entry into following her move from , though her scene lasted mere moments and highlighted the era's fascination with youth rebellion and automotive escapades. Her television debut came in 1969 with a small role as a student in Pete's class in the episode "Richie's Story" of ABC's Room 222, a comedy-drama series set in a Los Angeles high school. Later that year, she had a more prominent guest role as Bobbie Walstone, a student organizing the school prom, in the episode "What Would We Do Without Bobbie?" of the same series. These appearances showcased her ability to portray relatable teenage characters in educational and social contexts. Her most prominent live-action role came in 1969 with MGM's musical comedy The Trouble with Girls, directed by Peter Tewksbury and starring as a traveling in a 1920s-inspired troupe. Jaffe portrayed , the feisty innkeeper's daughter and a rebellious teen who engages in witty banter and shows romantic interest in Presley's character, Walter Hale, contributing to the film's lighthearted exploration of generational clashes and small-town intrigue. Filmed in a period setting but infused with sensibilities, her performance included quirky lines that underscored Betty's curious and outspoken nature, such as inquiring about tickets to both cooking and lectures, reflecting the film's satirical tone. , the production was Presley's penultimate film before his concert resurgence, and Jaffe shared the set with a young ensemble, including future collaborators, in a collaborative atmosphere noted for its improvisational energy during location shooting in rural . The movie received mixed reviews but showcased Jaffe's ability to hold her own in ensemble scenes opposite established stars. Later that year, Jaffe had a small uncredited appearance as Lilly in the neo-noir detective film Marlowe (1969), directed by Paul Bogart and starring James Garner as private investigator Philip Marlowe, an adaptation of Raymond Chandler's The Little Sister. In this gritty thriller set in Los Angeles, her role was fleeting, appearing in a scene involving Rita Moreno's character, but it further demonstrated her versatility in blending into diverse genres during her brief film phase. Overall, Jaffe's live-action work emphasized vibrant, youthful characters that resonated with the late-1960s cultural shift toward and vibes, though her roles remained peripheral, paving a quick path to other pursuits as her on-camera opportunities waned by 1970.

Voice Acting Roles

Nicole Jaffe was cast as the voice of in Hanna-Barbera's Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! after recording director Gordon Hunt spotted her performance as the assertive in a 1969 stage production of You're a Good Man, . She voiced the intelligent, bespectacled mystery-solver across all 25 episodes of the series, which aired from 1969 to 1970, infusing Velma with a distinctive nasal tone and know-it-all demeanor that emphasized her logical problem-solving skills. Jaffe's portrayal included iconic catchphrases like "Jinkies!" to express surprise or realization, as well as the recurring line "My glasses! I can't see without my glasses!" which originated from an actual mishap during a recording session when she lost her glasses in the studio. In the recording sessions, Jaffe typically worked in a sound booth, though later episodes involved a group setup around a table with microphones, allowing for some interaction with co-stars like , who voiced , and , who voiced . She described crafting Velma's voice as a slight alteration from her own—nasal and confident—to suit the character's bookish yet resourceful persona, drawing on her stage experience to make the role feel authentic and empowering. Jaffe appreciated Velma's leadership qualities, noting in a later interview that the character led the group with ideas rather than following, setting a positive example for young viewers. Jaffe reprised the role of in , voicing the character in all 24 episodes from 1972 to 1973, where the gang teamed up with celebrity guests in crossover adventures. She made a brief return as in the two-part special "A Halloween Hassle at Dracula's Castle" from The New Scooby-Doo Mysteries in 1984. Decades later, Jaffe voiced again in two films: and the Legend of the Vampire (2002) and and the Monster of (2003). Beyond the franchise, Jaffe contributed minor voice work to other productions, including the one-episode role of the "Damsel Woman in Distress" in (1976). She also provided additional voices across 40 episodes of Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels from 1977 to 1980, supporting the show's comedic prehistoric adventures.

Departure from Acting

Nicole Jaffe's tenure as the voice of in the main series concluded with her final recordings for in 1973. She was subsequently replaced by , who assumed the role starting in 1974 for . This marked the end of Jaffe's primary contributions to the franchise during its early years. In interviews, Jaffe attributed her departure from regular acting to a combination of professional burnout and a lack of passion for performing. She described as a temporary means to earn a living rather than a fulfilling pursuit, noting that she had never intended to make it her long-term career. Her experiences with repetitive roles, including the demanding schedule of cartoon voice work, contributed to this disillusionment, as did a live-action film role opposite in The Trouble with Girls (1969), which highlighted her disinterest in on-camera performance. Jaffe expressed a growing preference for supporting other talents behind the scenes over continuing in front of the microphone or camera. Personal factors also played a role in her decision, including a desire to prioritize stability amid industry uncertainties in the mid-1970s. Married to Brad David since 1969, Jaffe chose to forgo having children, viewing it as incompatible with her emerging focus on professional management roles. These elements aligned with broader shifts in the sector, where often faced and limited opportunities beyond ensemble cartoons. After largely stepping away from full-time acting in 1973 to join the as a , Jaffe made occasional returns to voice work, including roles in (1976), Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels (1977–1980), a special (1984), and direct-to-video films (2002–2003). Her final credited performances were as in 2003. In the immediate aftermath of 1973, she entered a short exploratory phase, reassessing her career direction before fully committing to talent representation in the entertainment field.

Post-Acting Career

Talent Agency Founding

Following her retirement from acting in 1973, shortly after marrying Brad David, Nicole Jaffe transitioned into the talent representation industry by joining the as an agent in 1974. This move allowed her to apply her firsthand knowledge of the entertainment world and her established connections from to support aspiring performers. In 1982, Jaffe, using her married name Nicole David, co-founded the Rifkin/David agency in with business partner . The venture began with a modest roster, drawing on Jaffe's network to represent emerging actors, musicians, and voice talents. A key early milestone came in 1984 when Rifkin/David merged into the larger Artists agency, expanding its operations and client base while solidifying Jaffe's role in 's behind-the-scenes ecosystem.

Notable Clients and Achievements

Throughout her career in , Nicole Jaffe David represented several high-profile clients across film, music, and entertainment, leveraging her industry connections to secure prominent roles and deals. Notable among them was , whom she managed following her transition to agency work, contributing to his career trajectory in major productions. She also served as the longtime for from 1986 until 2012, guiding the singer through key milestones in her recording and performing career. David's professional impact extended through strategic agency growth and leadership. In 1992, Triad was acquired by the William Morris Agency in a deal valued at approximately $25 million, bringing new clients and bolstering Morris's motion picture division under Rifkin's leadership. David advanced to senior agent and senior vice president roles at William Morris and its successor, William Morris Endeavor (WME), where she operated until 2013. After leaving WME, she has focused on philanthropy and advocacy for diversity in the entertainment industry, receiving the Champion for Girls Award from Girls Inc. in 2024 for her contributions to supporting diverse talent. Her contributions were recognized in personal tributes, such as at Houston's 2012 funeral, where Houston's sister publicly thanked for her dedicated management and support. This longevity and influence underscore David's role in shaping careers within a competitive , with her agency affiliations facilitating expansions to offices in major cities like and by the 1990s and 2000s.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Nicole Jaffe married her classmate, actor Brad , on November 29, 1969. The couple divorced on December 5, 1979, after which Jaffe retained her married name, becoming known professionally as Nicole . In 1982, married Los Angeles-based photographer Brian Braff. Originally from , , , Jaffe relocated to the in the late to advance her acting career, establishing a long-term residence in with her family following her marriages. This move facilitated both her professional transitions and the stability of her personal relationships in the post-1970s period.

Later Years and Reflections

In her later years, Nicole Jaffe, born on May 23, 1941, has reached the age of 84 as of 2025, continuing to reflect on her multifaceted career while maintaining a lower public profile. She has expressed enduring pride in her voice acting work, particularly her role as , emphasizing the character's empowering qualities in recent discussions. On November 6, 2025, an article on Toons highlighted Jaffe's appreciation for Velma as a , drawing from her earlier statements where she noted, "I think my character set a good example for girls... They didn't have to follow around. They could lead, they could have the ideas, that's what I always liked about my character." This reflection underscores her fondness for Velma's independence and intellectual leadership, qualities she believed inspired young audiences. Earlier that year, in a September 3, 2025, reel, Jaffe shared personal insights into her experiences and her subsequent as a , discussing collaborations with notable figures and the joys of the industry. These appearances reveal her ongoing engagement with her professional past, focusing on the fulfillment derived from creative contributions and industry relationships.

Legacy

Impact on Franchise

Nicole Jaffe's portrayal of Velma Dinkley in the original Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! (1969–1970) and The New Scooby-Doo Movies (1972–1974) defined the character's core traits of intelligence and logical problem-solving, positioning her as the analytical force driving the group's mystery resolutions. Jaffe voiced Velma with a distinctive, confident tone that conveyed a "know-it-all" assertiveness, influenced by her stage role as the sharp-witted Peppermint Patty in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. This characterization not only highlighted Velma's intellectual prowess but also infused the role with subtle feminist undertones, portraying her as an independent thinker who challenged traditional gender expectations in 1960s children's animation by leading investigations through reason rather than reliance on others. Jaffe's performance contributed significantly to the franchise's appeal to young audiences, establishing as a for strong female s who could generate ideas and take charge. In a from The Voices of Scooby-Doo: In Their Own Words, Jaffe reflected, "I think my character set a good example for girls... They didn’t have to follow around. They could lead, they could have the ideas, that’s what I always liked about my character." This emphasis on resonated widely, fostering fan reception that persisted decades later, with Jaffe receiving ongoing letters and autograph requests from admirers who valued Velma's cerebral strength as inspirational. Her original recordings set a foundational template for Velma's voice and personality, influencing the character's depiction across more than 50 years of adaptations, from television series to films. Her voice style has been emulated by subsequent Velma voice actresses, maintaining the character's analytical and assertive personality in modern iterations. Jaffe briefly returned to voice Velma in the 2003 releases ! and the Legend of the Vampire and ! and the Monster of Mexico, providing archival continuity that bridged the franchise's early era with later installments and reinforced its nostalgic endurance.

Recognition and Interviews

Nicole Jaffe has received recognition for her pioneering role as the voice of in the original Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! series, particularly for portraying a strong, intelligent female character who challenged stereotypes in 1960s animation. In a titled The Voices of Scooby-Doo: In Their Own Words included on DVD releases of the series, Jaffe reflected on her character's significance, stating, "I think my character set a good example for girls. They didn't have to follow around. They could lead, they could have the ideas, that's what I always liked about my character." This appearance highlights her as a trailblazer, with her contributions praised by later performers like and in convention panels. Jaffe's pre-2025 interviews often centered on her era and the collaborative recording process with the original cast. In a 2011 profile on Noblemania.com, she described the joys of voicing , noting it was her first major role and emphasizing the fun dynamic with co-stars like and , while expressing surprise at the character's enduring popularity. A 2021 episode of the podcast featured Jaffe discussing her audition for , the behind-the-scenes energy at studios, and her appreciation for the role's intellectual appeal, alongside mentions of her later charity work supporting children with cancer. More recently, on September 3, 2025, Jaffe appeared in a video conversation for the Make Big Talk series on , where she revealed her iconic role as to the host, sharing that she resembled the character and initially aspired to voice the more glamorous instead. In the discussion, she reflected on the unexpected longevity of her brief acting stint and its impact on fans, marking a rare public reflection in her later years.

References

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    Sep 3, 2025 · Thank you to the legendary Nicole Jaffe David for our @makebigtalk conversation. ❤️ #makebigtalk #bigtalk #meaningfulconnections # ...