Did you know that Jim Cummings, who is the voice of Winnie-the-Pooh, also voices Tony the Tiger?
If you had a TV growing up, you are probably familiar with Tony the Tiger, the huge, muscle-bound figure that is pretty much the king of advertisement mascots. However, how much do you actually know about him?
Here at The Fact Site, we’ve got you covered with some obscure details.
In case you are unsure about who Tony the Tiger is, you may recognize him from the cereal aisle on the box of Frosted Flakes or Frosties…
Frosted Flakes or Frosties?
If you live in the U.S., you know them as Frosted Flakes, and in Europe, they are known as Frosties.
Tony the Tiger became the mascot for “Sugar Frosted Flakes” in the U.S. until 1983 when the name changed to Frosted Flakes due to the nation’s growing health concerns with sugar.
But Tony doesn’t just sell Frosted Flakes; he has graced the boxes of several Frosties related cereals, such as Tiger Power and Tony’s Cinnamon Krunchers.
Tony the Tiger Origin Story.
Tony the Tiger first appeared on cereal boxes in 1951 after a short competition with three other cereal mascots: Elmo the Elephant, Katy the Kangaroo, and Newt the Gnu.
As with all cartoons and adverts, Tony was the product of a collaboration. His original design was a simple sketch by Eugene Kolkey and Edward Kern of the Leo Burnett ad agency. Tony’s finalized artwork was supplied by Martin Provensen.
All four mascots were put to the public vote, and by 1952, Katy, Elmo, and Newt were gone, and Tony had been given a makeover by Quartet Films to make him cereal box ready. Quartet Films, a group of former Disney animators, also created Snap, Crackle, and Pop, and the Jolly Green Giant.
In addition to a Disney-style makeover, Tony the Tiger was given a son, Tony Jr.
From Cereal Box to TV.
In 1958, Kellogg’s launched a marketing campaign called “Put a Tiger on Your Team” that reached out to children’s sports organizations and teams. This campaign saw the earlier versions of the Frosted Flakes TV adverts we know today, featuring an animated Tony and Tony Jr. interacting with a live-action world.
Tony’s Family and Personal Life.
In the 1970s, Tony was given a nationality: Italian American. With it came Mama Tony, Mrs. Tony, and a young daughter, Antoinette. There was even a TV ad showing a nervous Tony the Tiger feeding his new daughter Frosted Flakes.
During the 70s, Tony the Tiger was so popular that he even graced the cover of Italian GQ and Panorama. Tony’s popularity even prompted Kellogg’s to give Tony Jr. a cereal, the short-lived Frosted Rice.
Kellogg’s used Tony Jr. as their mascot to introduce six breakfast products that were not successful but very nutritious during the decade. Tony the Tiger underwent a certain amount of “surgery” to prepare for the TV industry. In just seven years, Tony transformed from a small tiger with a football-shaped head who walked on all fours to a six-foot bipedal tiger. He had a facelift, a change in eye color, and the addition of “whisker bones” for facial contouring. Kellogg’s changed Tony’s physique to suit the nation’s growing obsession with health and fitness. Tony is the most popular tiger mascot and has been to court over copyright infringement, which Kellogg’s won. Thurl Ravenscroft voiced Tony for the longest period, and Lee Marshall and Tex Brashear took over after his death. Tony the Tiger’s family has not been seen since the seventies.
FAQ
1. Who is Tony the Tiger?
Tony the Tiger is a beloved mascot for Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes cereal. He is a cartoon character that is known for his enthusiastic catchphrase “They’re Grrrrreat!” He was created in 1951 by an advertising executive named Eugene Kolkey.
2. What kind of animal is Tony the Tiger?
Tony the Tiger is a fictional anthropomorphic tiger. He is typically shown standing on two legs and wearing a red bandana around his neck. His fur is orange with black stripes.
3. What are some of Tony the Tiger’s catchphrases?
Tony the Tiger is famous for his catchphrase “They’re Grrrrreat!” He has also been known to say “That’s Tony’s taste!” and “You know what tastes grrrrreat in a bowl? Frosted Flakes!”
4. What other products has Tony the Tiger been featured on?
Over the years, Tony the Tiger has been featured on a variety of products beyond just Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes. He has appeared on clothing, toys, and other food products such as Pop-Tarts and Rice Krispies Treats.
5. Does Tony the Tiger have a backstory?
Yes, Tony the Tiger has a backstory. According to Kellogg’s, Tony was born in the jungle and raised by a family of tigers. He was always bigger and stronger than the other tigers, which is why he became a natural leader.
6. How has Tony the Tiger’s appearance changed over the years?
Since his creation in 1951, Tony the Tiger’s appearance has changed slightly over the years. He has gone through several redesigns, but he has always remained an orange tiger with black stripes and a red bandana around his neck.
7. Who is the voice actor for Tony the Tiger?
Over the years, Tony the Tiger has been voiced by several different actors. The most famous voice actor for Tony the Tiger was Thurl Ravenscroft, who voiced Tony for more than 50 years until his death in 2005.
8. What is Tony the Tiger’s personality like?
Tony the Tiger is known for being friendly, confident, and enthusiastic. He is always encouraging people to try Frosted Flakes and to live a healthy lifestyle. He is also known for being a bit of a show-off, often flexing his muscles and showing off his strength.
9. Is Tony the Tiger popular around the world?
Yes, Tony the Tiger is a popular mascot around the world. Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes is sold in more than 180 countries, and Tony the Tiger can be seen on the packaging in many of these countries. He is recognized and loved by people of all ages and backgrounds.
Zayn Anderson is a prolific writer with a passion for uncovering the world’s intriguing facts. Armed with an insatiable curiosity, he delves into various subjects, from history and science to nature and technology.