Dr. Liz Wilson

Lore & Background

Liz Wilson first appeared on June 26, 1978, establishing her role as the object of Jon Arbuckle's affection. For years, Jon attempted to ask her out with limited success; when dates did occur, they frequently devolved into disasters, often because Garfield crashed the outing or Jon suffered an injury. A significant turning point occurred in 2006 during a date where Jon was suffering from amnesia and was alone. At that same restaurant, Jon discovered Liz dating someone else. Following an awkward encounter between the two, Liz finally admitted she held feelings for him. Since that revelation, the pair have been portrayed as a consistent couple, though Jon's trademark geekiness continues to both amuse and embarrass her. Her presence highlights the contrast between her professional competence and Jon's domestic clumsiness.

In Their Own Story

In the animated universe, Dr. Liz Wilson has enjoyed a robust vocal history. On 'Garfield and Friends,' she was voiced by Julie K Payne, appearing occasionally in the first two seasons and once during the fourth season. Her television debut occurred in the second special, 'Garfield on the Town.' Later, in 'The Garfield Show,' Julie Payne returned to voice the character. In live-action adaptations, Jennifer Love Hewitt portrayed Liz in the movies. Most recently, for 'The Garfield Movie' release, the role of Dr. Liz Wilson was voiced by Dev Joshi. These iterations maintain her core identity as the patient partner who endures the antics of a talking cat and his clumsy owner.

Reader's Guide

Dr. Liz Wilson is defined by her profession as a veterinarian and her enduring patience with Jon Arbuckle. She serves as the romantic counterpoint to Garfield's cynicism, often finding herself the target of his schemes when she tries to date Jon. While she successfully manages animal patients in her clinic, her social life with Jon is perpetually threatened by the orange tabby's desire for solitude and lasagna. Fans should note that despite early struggles where dates rarely succeeded, the characters solidified their bond after 2006. For those tracking voice actors across media, Julie K Payne and Julie Payne are credited in animation, while Jennifer Love Hewitt and Dev Joshi have brought her to life on screen.

Did You Know?

• Dr. Liz Wilson first appeared in the comic strip on June 26, 1978.
• In 2006, Liz admitted her feelings for Jon after a chance meeting at a restaurant where she was dating someone else while Jon was amnesiac.
• Julie K Payne voiced Dr. Liz Wilson in multiple seasons of 'Garfield and Friends.'
• Jennifer Love Hewitt portrayed Dr. Liz Wilson in 'Garfield: The Movie' and 'Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties', and also voiced her in 'Garfield Gets Real' and its sequels.