The famous cartoon woodpecker created by Walt Disney is named Woody Woodpecker. Woody Woodpecker first appeared in the 1940 animated short film Knock Knock and quickly became one of the most popular cartoon characters in animation history.
The Origins of Woody Woodpecker
Woody Woodpecker was created by storymen Ben “Bugs” Hardaway, who designed the character, and Alex Lovy, who gave Woody his trademark laugh. They both worked for the Walter Lantz Studio, which produced cartoons that were distributed by Universal Pictures. Hardaway and Lovy were under pressure in 1940 to come up with a new cartoon character since their most popular one, Andy Panda, was starting to lose momentum.
The inspiration for Woody came from an acorn woodpecker that Hardaway frequently saw around the golf course next to the studio. He began sketching some concepts based on the birds unique look and high-pitched call. Hardaway then showed the sketches to Lovy, who added in the famous laugh. They presented the idea to Walter Lantz, founder of the studio, who loved the design and personality. And thus Woody Woodpecker was born.
Woody Woodpecker’s Design and Personality
Woody Woodpecker has several signature design elements that have remained consistent through decades of cartoon appearances:
- Large head with a long, chisel-shaped bill
- White eyes with black pupils
- Shock of red hair
- White feathers covering most of his body
- White gloves on his wings
- Two-toed feet
His unique laugh, provided by voice actor Mel Blanc, is an instantly recognizable “ha-ha-HA-ha-ha” chortle.
Woody’s personality mirrors that of the real-life acorn woodpecker – energetic, mischievous, brash, and full of bravado. He is an antihero character who is always looking to stir up trouble, pull pranks and pester those around him. Underneath his annoying antics, he can show wit, cleverness and some heart from time to time.
Woody’s Cartoon Filmography
Woody Woodpecker appeared in theatrical short cartoons from 1940 to 1972 and then transitioned to television series in the decades after. Here is a rundown of his major cartoon appearances over the years:
| Year | Cartoon Series |
|---|---|
| 1940 | Knock Knock (debut) |
| 1941-1949 | Woody Woodpecker Theatrical Shorts |
| 1950-1972 | Walter Lantz “New Woody Woodpecker” Theatrical Shorts |
| 1957-1958 | The Woody Woodpecker Show (TV series) |
| 1970-1972 | The Woody Woodpecker Show (TV series animated/live-action hybrid) |
| 1979-1982 | The New Woody Woodpecker Show (TV series) |
| 1999-2002 | Fox Kids Woody Woodpecker (TV series) |
| 2017-Present | Woody Woodpecker (web series) |
As this filmography shows, Woody has managed to remain a presence in animation for over 80 years, transitioning across theatrical shorts, television series and now online media. Some of his most famous and beloved shorts include Pantry Panic, The Hollywood Matador, Banquet Busters and Ace in the Hole.
Voicing Woody Woodpecker
Woody Woodpecker has been voiced by several different performers over the decades:
- Mel Blanc: The original voice actor for Woody in the 1940s. He performed Woody’s trademark laugh but did not do regular dialogue.
- Ben Hardaway: Woody’s original creator also voiced him from 1941-1949. Hardaway gave Woody a more fleshed out voice and personality.
- Danny Webb: Took over as Woody’s voice from 1950-1972 for the Walter Lantz theatrical shorts.
- Grace Stafford: Wife of Walter Lantz. Voiced Woody in the 1950s and 1960s television series.
- Cherry Davis: Voiced Woody in The New Woody Woodpecker Show (1979-1982).
- Billy West: Modern voice of Woody from the late 1990s to present day.
Mel Blanc’s iconic laugh has been used consistently alongside these various voice artists throughout Woody’s history. Grace Stafford is considered the “official” voice of Woody Woodpecker, giving him a softer personality and motherly tone reminiscent of her relationship with Lantz.
Impact and Legacy
Woody Woodpecker stands alongside icons like Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny and Popeye as one of the most iconic American cartoon characters. His brash personality and unique design have endeared him to fans for generations. He was so popular in the 1940s that Woody Woodpecker fan clubs sprang up and the character started appearing on all types of merchandise.At the height of his theatrical run, Woody Woodpecker cartoons were some of the highest-grossing short subjects in the business.
Woody left a major impact on animation and culture in other ways:
- His theme song, “The Woody Woodpecker Song,” became a popular charting hit in the 1940s and has become Woody’s anthem.
- Early Walter Lantz cartoons like Knock Knock are considered influential in the history of “screwball” comedy animation.
- Later Woody cartoons like Puny Express (1951) were faster paced and more energetic, setting a template for wacky short form comedies.
- Woody was one of the first cartoon characters to make the jump from movies to television in the 1950s.
- Woody Woodpecker merchandise has ranged from toys and games to clothing and home décor over the decades.
- Woody endures as a symbol of mischief, brashness and cartoon zaniness.
Though his prominence has waned from his heyday, Woody Woodpecker remains a beloved icon of animated comedy. His classic cartoons and unique laugh continue to entertain audiences. And Woody lives on as an integral part of the Universal Studios brand.
Conclusion
Woody Woodpecker stands as one of the most iconic cartoon characters ever created. His distinctive design, signature laugh, brash personality and history of mischief have made him beloved by generations of animation fans. First emerging from Walter Lantz Studios in 1940, Woody starred in over 180 theatrical shorts and made a smooth transition to television in the 50s and beyond. Though many voice actors have portrayed him, Mel Blanc’s laugh remains an indelible part of Woody’s identity. More than 80 years after his debut, Woody Woodpecker remains a legendary figure in the pantheon of American animation.
