A feature of many 1980s cartoons were "Public Service Announcements," which offered lessons on some of the more complex aspects of growing up and being a responsible individual. The most famous example comes from G.I. Joe and its famous catchphrase, "Knowing is half the battle!"
But other children's cartoons of the time followed suit, including superhero rock stars Jem and the Holograms. In the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, original Jem voice actor Samantha Newark has shared a remixed PSA from her original run on the show, instructing fans on how to mitigate the spread of the disease.
In the original PSA, Jem is warning a group of children to never take medications unless a parent or guardian is nearby. A young boy feeling ill is offered medication by a friend who has just picked it up for a parent. Jem warns them of the dangers of taking drugs without parental supervision. The remixed version also addresses the use of medications, but instead notes that there are no medications at present for COVID-19, and that social distancing practices are the best methods of stopping the spread of the virus and keeping oneself healthy. Ms. Newark's new voice over is a perfect match for her old Jem work, allowing one of the icons of the last century to lend a hand in our time of need.
Jem, or Jem and the Holograms, ran for three seasons from 1985 to 1988, and featured the voices of Samantha Newark, Cathianne Blore, Cindy McGee and Linda Dangcil. The series was a joint venture by Hasbro, Sunbow Productions and Marvel Productions. Jem was also the subject of a 2015 live-action film.
For more information on COVID-19, along with basic protective measures such as social distancing, please visit the World Health Organization website.