Caroline Rhea, known for her role as Aunt Hilda on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, recently shared a fun and introspective moment about herself while rewatching an old episode of the beloved 90s sitcom.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Rhea, now 61, revealed how watching her past work made her realize how much her voice has changed over the years.
A Surprising Revelation on a Flight
During a conversation about her return to Phineas and Ferb, where she voices Linda Flynn-Fletcher, Rhea recalled an eye-opening moment while watching Sabrina the Teenage Witch on a flight to Hawaii. She was taken aback by how different her voice sounded when she rewatched the show.
“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 shared.
She went on to explain how she tries to maintain a similar tone to her character’s voice from Phineas and Ferb, but noted that it’s a little different now that she’s older. “I try to make it the same sound as Linda Flynn-Fletcher, older,” she added.
The Lasting Legacy of Sabrina the Teenage Witch
Sabrina the Teenage Witch aired from 1996 to 2003, and Rhea played Aunt Hilda, one of Sabrina Spellman’s magical and quirky aunts, alongside Beth Broderick as Zelda. The show followed Sabrina, played by Melissa Joan Hart, as she discovered she had magical powers on her 16th birthday.
Throughout the series, Hilda and Zelda guided Sabrina through the ups and downs of teenage life while helping her control her newfound abilities.
Despite the passage of time, Rhea and her castmates believe Sabrina would still resonate with audiences today, albeit with a slight update. Speaking at 90s Con in September, Hart mentioned that while the show could still air, one character’s dialogue—Salem the cat—would need to be adjusted for modern sensibilities.
“Salem, some of Salem’s lines might have to change,” Hart said, referring to the wisecracking 500-year-old witch who was transformed into a black cat as punishment. “Like he might’ve been a little racy, might have been a little inappropriate.”
The Enduring Impact of Sabrina on Fans
Rhea also reflected on the lasting impact Sabrina had on its audience. She expressed how heartwarming it is when fans tell her they grew up watching the show. “You know what I love seeing? It’s so kind when someone comes up and says, ‘I grew up watching you,’” she said.
Rhea also shared how meeting music stars like Taylor Swift and Pink has been a highlight of her career, especially when they revealed they were fans of Sabrina. “So, I’m literally gushing over Pink and she’s like, ‘You don’t understand what your show meant to me,'” Rhea recalled.
“And it’s just a generation of women. I really think in music, they’re so strong and impressive, and I think of them as like little Sabrina watchers.”
Caroline Rhea’s reflection on her voice change and the enduring popularity of Sabrina the Teenage Witch highlights the lasting impact the show has had on both fans and cast members.
With its timeless charm, Sabrina continues to connect with new generations, reminding us all of the magic that the show brought to television during its run.
