The Rugrats TV show that aired from 1991 to 2004 featured a memorable cast of baby characters that became wildly popular with kids and adults alike. The main characters included Tommy Pickles, Chuckie Finster, Phil and Lil DeVille, and Angelica Pickles. Supporting baby characters included Susie Carmichael and Kimi Finster. Let’s take a closer look at each of the Rugrats’ characters names and backgrounds.
Tommy Pickles
Thomas “Tommy” Malcolm Pickles is the main character and leader of the babies. He has a recognizable head of spiky hair and is almost always seen wearing just a t-shirt and a diaper. Tommy was born prematurely which resulted in his lack of hair early on. He is best friends with Chuckie Finster. Some key facts about Tommy Pickles:
- Full name: Thomas Malcolm Pickles
- Nickname: Tommy
- Age: 1 year old
- Parents: Stu and Didi Pickles
- Siblings: Dil Pickles (younger brother)
- Love interest: Kimi Finster
- Best friend: Chuckie Finster
- Known for: Curiosity, bravery, leadership
As the main character, Tommy is at the center of most of the Rugrats adventures. He is curious, courageous and a natural leader. Tommy often gets the babies into tricky situations but also works hard to get them back out safely. He has an active imagination and encouraged fantasy play among the Rugrats. Tommy lives with his parents Stu and Didi Pickles, as well as baby brother Dil who arrives later in the series.
Chuckie Finster
Charles Crandall “Chuckie” Finster III is Tommy’s best friend. He has messy red hair and glasses and is known for being anxious, scared, and pessimistic. Chuckie’s feared and paranoia often lead to funny moments and jokes. Key facts about Chuckie Finster include:
- Full name: Charles Crandall Finster III
- Nickname: Chuckie
- Age: 2 years old
- Father: Chas Finster
- Mother: Melinda Finster (died prior to events of show)
- Siblings: Kimi Finster (stepsister)
- Love interest: Kimi Finster
- Best friend: Tommy Pickles
- Known for: Anxiety, caution, fear
As Tommy’s best friend, Chuckie serves as a voice of caution and fear to balance out Tommy’s curiosity and bravery. Chuckie is a loving, sweet boy who cares deeply about his friends, even though he’s easily scared. After the death of his mother Melinda, Chuckie’s father Chas remarried a woman named Kira who had a daughter named Kimi, becoming Chuckie’s stepsister.
Phil and Lil DeVille
Phillip “Phil” and Lillian “Lil” DeVille are fraternal twins who are best friends with Tommy and Chuckie. They have similar outfits but different hairstyles – Phil has a spiky short haircut while Lil has two pigtails. Key facts about the DeVille twins:
- Full names: Phillip “Phil” and Lillian “Lil” DeVille
- Ages: 1 year old
- Parents: Howard and Betty DeVille
- Sibling: Each other (fraternal twins)
- Known for: Playing jokes, making messes, getting dirty
Phil and Lil are fun-loving, mischievous twins who enjoy getting messy and playing pranks. They have a silly, goofy sense of humor and add to the energetic dynamic of the Rugrats friend group. Phil and Lil have a strong bond as brother and sister. They live with their parents Howard and Betty, who are often stressed and overwhelmed by the challenge of raising twins.
Angelica Pickles
Angelica Charlotte Pickles is Tommy’s older cousin and the main antagonist of the show. She is bossy, manipulative, and likes getting the babies in trouble. However, she has a softer side and does care about Tommy deep down. Facts about Angelica Pickles:
- Full name: Angelica Charlotte Pickles
- Age: 3 years old
- Parents: Drew and Charlotte Pickles
- Cousin: Tommy Pickles
- Known for: Being bossy, manipulating the babies, sarcasm
As the only major character who can speak as an older child, Angelica often serves as an antagonist to the babies. She is spoiled and jealous of the attention Tommy gets. Angelica is very imaginative and convinces the babies to act out her fantastical creations. Her sarcasm and dry wit are funny for adult viewers. Despite her bossy nature, she does care for the Rugrats, especially her cousin Tommy.
Supporting Baby Characters
In addition to the main baby characters, the show also included some other memorable Rugrats babies in supporting roles:
Susie Carmichael
- Full name: Susanna Yvonne Carmichael
- Age: 1 year older than Tommy
- Parents: Randy and Lucy Carmichael
- Known for: Intelligence, talent, standing up to Angelica
Susie Carmichael lives across the street from the Pickles and becomes good friends with Tommy and the gang. She is smart, generous, talented and stands up to bully Angelica. Susie is a voice of wisdom among the babies.
Kimi Finster
- Full name: Kimiko “Kimi” Watanabe-Finster
- Age: 2 years old
- Mother: Kira Finster
- Father: Hiro Watanabe
- Sibling: Chuckie Finster (stepbrother)
- Love interest: Tommy Pickles
- Known for: Adventurous spirit, imaginative
Kimi becomes Chuckie’s stepsister when her mother Kira marries Chuckie’s dad Chas. Kimi is bold, brave adventurous and encourages Tommy’s curiosity. She has an active imagination and becomes Tommy’s love interest later in the series.
Conclusion
The Rugrats TV show featured a host of baby characters that became cultural icons. Tommy Pickles, Chuckie Finster, Phil and Lil DeVille, and Angelica Pickles form the core group of main characters. Additional babies like Susie Carmichael and Kimi Finster play key supporting roles. Each character has unique personality traits and quirks that made the show hugely popular and helped define a generation of kids entertainment in the 1990s and early 2000s.
