Cast Of Goober And The Ghost Chasers
The animated seriesGoober and the Ghost Chasersfeatures a memorable ensemble of voice actors who bring to life a quirky team of teenage ghost hunters and their invisible dog. While the show aired briefly in the mid1970s, it left a lasting impression thanks to its distinct characters and comedic spooky themes. The cast includes both the core investigative quartet and notable guest voices that made occasional appearances.
Main Voice Cast
Paul Winchell as Goober
Paul Winchell provides the voice for Goober, the lovable and cowardly dog who becomes invisible when frightened. Winchell was a seasoned ventriloquist and voice talent, known for his warm and expressive performance that made Goober both comedic and endearing.
Jerry Dexter as Ted
Jerry Dexter voices Ted, the young and enthusiastic leader of the Ghost Chasers team. Ted, a reporter for Ghost Chasers magazine, often takes charge during their paranormal adventures. Dexter was known for voicing energetic and heroic characters in Hanna-Barbera cartoons.
Jo Ann Harris as Tina
Jo Ann Harris portrays Tina, the investigative writer of the group and frequently the voice of reason. Tina’s intellect and quick thinking help guide the team through ghostly mysteries. Harris added a sharp personality and wit to the character.
Ronnie Schell as Gilly
Ronnie Schell plays Gilly, the photographer of the Ghost Chasers. Often sporting glasses, Gilly captures images of their supernatural encounters. Schell contributed a memorable bubbly presence to the team dynamics.
Guest Appearances and Supporting Voices
The Partridge Family Kids
Several episodes featured guest appearances from child actors ofThe Partridge Family, including:
- Danny Bonaduce as Danny Partridge
- Suzanne Crough as Tracy Partridge
- Susan Dey as Laurie Partridge
- Brian Forster as Chris Partridge
These cameos added cross-show appeal and lighthearted interactions, particularly in the opening episodes like ‘Assignment: The Ahab Apparition’ and ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare’.
Wilt Chamberlain and Other Notables
In one episode, basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain appeared as himself, joining Goober and the team during a paranormal mystery. His inclusion brings an unexpected celebrity twist to the show. Additional miscellaneous voice contributions were made by talents such as Michael Gray and others involved in single episodes or cameo roles.
Show Production Background
HannaBarbera Production
The series was produced by the iconic HannaBarbera studio and aired on ABC from September 8 to December 22, 1973. Sixteen halfhour episodes comprised its single season. The show later appeared as part of syndicated packages likeFred Flintstone and Friendsand was featured on cable channels including USA Cartoon Express and Boomerang.
Laugh Track Convention
Following a common HannaBarbera trend, the series used a laugh track. Though often muted in later cable airings, the laugh track reflects its 1970s production style and comedic tone.
Character Dynamics and Team Roles
Goober The Invisible Canine
Goober acts as both comic relief and team mascot. His invisibility when frightened leads to many humorous situations and accidental ghost encounters. Despite his reluctance, he often ends up helping the team in unexpected ways.
Ted The Driven Reporter
Ted’s assertive nature and curiosity drive most of the investigations. His leadership helps maintain focus, especially when the team encounters strange or spooky occurrences.
Tina The Analytical Thinker
Tina provides rational commentary and handles much of the research. Her character balances the enthusiasm of Ted and the comic chaos surrounding Goober.
Gilly The Documenter
Gilly’s role as photographer adds visual documentation to their investigations, though he often gets into goofy predicaments. His perspective brings visual storytelling into their ghost chasing adventures.
Legacy and Reprise in Modern Cartoons
Reappearance in Jellystone!
Elements fromGoober and the Ghost Chaserswere later incorporated intoJellystone!, a modern animated series. In one episode, characters who appear to be the Ghost Chasers turn out to be imposters among the Really Rottens, although Goober is confirmed as the real character in disguise.
Cultural and Nostalgic Significance
While the series had a short run, its blend of teenage sleuthing, ghostly humor, and a quirky invisible dog distinguished it in the HannaBarbera catalog. The voices of Winchell, Dexter, Harris, and Schell continue to be fondly remembered by fans of classic Saturday morning cartoons.
Summary of Cast Roles
- Paul Winchell as Goober (the invisible dog)
- Jerry Dexter as Ted (team leader and reporter)
- Jo Ann Harris as Tina (writer and rational thinker)
- Ronnie Schell as Gilly (photographer and comic foil)
Supporting guest voices included members of The Partridge Family and celebrity guests like Wilt Chamberlain, enhancing the show’s unique appeal.
Why the Cast Matters
The voice cast shaped the characters’ personalities and dynamics, making the series engaging despite its short run. Their performances helped anchor the supernatural themes in relatable teenage energy and quirky canine charm.
The ensemble cast ofGoober and the Ghost Chasersbrought together talented voice actors like Paul Winchell, Jerry Dexter, Jo Ann Harris, and Ronnie Schell to create a fun and memorable ghost-hunting team. Guest voices such as The Partridge Family kids and Wilt Chamberlain added variety and crossover appeal. Though just one season long, the show’s characters and voice performances continue to capture nostalgia for fans of vintage animation and HannaBarbera storytelling.