Caroline Rhea, known for her role as witch Hilda Spellman in the iconic family fantasy series ‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch’, recently had a surprising revelation about herself while watching the show on a flight. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 61-year-old actress shared her thoughts on revisiting her past acting roles. Rhea, who reprised her voice role as Linda Flynn-Fletcher in the return of Phineas and Ferb, noted the changes in her voice over the years. She expressed her amazement at how much her voice had evolved since her time on ‘Sabrina’.
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During the flight to Hawaii, Rhea couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast in her voice while watching an episode of ‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch’. Reflecting on the experience, she remarked, “I was watching Sabrina… and I was literally like, ‘Was I 15 when I made this show?’ And then I was like, ‘Oh, OK.’ Now, I feel like my voice is much deeper than it was.” Rhea went on to explain how she strives to maintain the same sound as Linda Flynn-Fletcher in her current voice work for Phineas and Ferb.
‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch’, which originally aired from 1996 to 2003, starred Melissa Joan Hart as the lead character Sabrina Spellman, a teenager who discovers her magical powers on her 16th birthday. Alongside Hart, Rhea portrayed Hilda Spellman, one of Sabrina’s 600-year-old aunts who helps her navigate the world of magic. Despite the passage of time, Rhea and her co-stars believe that the show remains timeless, with one small exception.
At a recent event, Hart mentioned that ‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch’ could still resonate with audiences today, except for some adjustments needed in one character’s dialogue. Hart hinted at the character of Salem, a talking black house cat who often delivered sassy and potentially inappropriate lines in the series. She suggested that certain lines by Salem might not align with contemporary standards and would require reevaluation if the show were to air today.
During her interview with PEOPLE, Rhea expressed her appreciation for the impact that ‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch’ had on its viewers. She fondly recalled moments when fans approached her, expressing how the show had been a significant part of their childhood. From Taylor Swift to Pink, Rhea highlighted how influential the show had been on a generation of women. Meeting Pink, who shared her love for ‘Sabrina’, was a particularly touching moment for Rhea, emphasising the show’s enduring influence on popular culture.
The enduring popularity of ‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch’ serves as a testament to its timeless appeal and the lasting connections it forged with viewers. As Rhea continues to engage with fans and reflect on her past roles, her experience watching the show on the flight reaffirmed the profound impact that ‘Sabrina’ had on her own life and the lives of many others. With its legacy intact, the series continues to charm audiences across generations, proving that some magical stories truly stand the test of time.