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List of Tom and Jerry characters
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This article contains the list of characters featured in the Tom and Jerry animated series, given in the order of the era, they first appeared in.
Main
[edit]Tom Cat and Jerry Mouse
[edit]Thomas "Tom"[1] (originally called "Jasper") is a bluish grey and white domestic shorthair cat. He is usually, but not always, portrayed as living a comfortable and pampered life, while Gerald "Jerry"[1] (originally called "Jinx"), a brown house mouse, is always living in close proximity to Tom. Despite being very energetic, determined, and much larger, Tom is no match for Jerry's wits. Jerry also possesses surprising strength for his size, sometimes even greater than Tom's, being able to lift items such as anvils with relative ease, and withstand big impacts. Although cats usually chase mice to eat them, it is quite rare for Tom to actually try to eat Jerry. Instead, he tends to compete with Jerry to taunt him (even as revenge) or to obtain a reward from a human (including his owner(s) or master(s)) for catching him or for generally doing his job as a house cat well. By the final "fade-out" of each cartoon, Jerry usually gets the best of Tom.
However, on rare occasions Tom triumphs over Jerry, and this usually happens when the latter pushes Tom a little too far, such as in The Million Dollar Cat, where Jerry learns that Tom will lose his newly acquired wealth if he harms any animal, "including mice." He then torments Tom a touch too much until he retaliates. In Timid Tabby, Tom's look-alike cousin pushes Jerry over the edge. Occasionally and ironically, sometimes they both lose, like when Jerry's final trap or attack on Tom backfires or he overlooks something, like in Filet Meow, where Jerry orders a shark from the pet store to scare Tom away from eating a goldfish, but finds himself entirely intimidated as well. They even occasionally end up being friends, although within this set of stories, the truce is often ruined by some last minute event. One story that has a friendly ending is Snowbody Loves Me.
Both characters display sadistic tendencies, usually taking pleasure in tormenting each other, although it is often in response to a triggering event. However, when one character appears to be in mortal danger from an unplanned situation, or due to actions by a third party, the other will develop a conscience and save him. Occasionally, the duo can bond over a mutual sentiment towards an unpleasant experience and their attacking each other is more of a game than serious. Multiple shorts show the two getting along with minimal difficulty, and they are more than capable of teamwork when the situation calls for it, usually against a third party who manages to torture and humiliate them both. These partnerships are usually forgotten about when an unexpected event happens, or when one character feels that the other is no longer necessary. This is the case in Posse Cat, when they agree that Jerry will allow himself to be caught if Tom agrees to share his reward dinner, but Tom then reneges. Other times, however, Tom does keep his promise to Jerry and the partnerships are not so quickly dissolved after a solution to the problem has been found.
Hanna-Barbera era (1940–1958, 2000–2005)
[edit]The following characters were introduced in the theatrical shorts that were directed by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera.
Spike and Tyke
[edit]Spike, occasionally referred to as Butch or Killer, is a stern though occasionally dim-witted grey bulldog who is particularly disapproving of cats, but is gentle towards mice (though in his debut appearance, Dog Trouble (1942), Spike goes after both Tom and Jerry), and later, his son Tyke. In the shorts, Jerry would often try to get Tom in trouble with Spike so that the bulldog would beat him. Spike has a few weaknesses that Tom tries to capitalize upon: his possessiveness about his bone and his ticklishness. His first speaking role was in The Bodyguard (1944), where he was voiced by Billy Bletcher up until 1949, from which point he was voiced by other actors, including Patrick McGeehan, Jerry Mann, Bob Shamrock, John Brown, Fred Karbo, Stan Freberg and Daws Butler.[2][3] Spike is very protective towards his son and gets very angry at Tom if Tyke is bothered or harmed. After Daws Butler, Maurice LaMarche, Frank Welker, John DiMaggio, Michael Donovan,[4] Phil LaMarr, Rick Zieff,[5] and Bobby Cannavale[6] would all perform Spike's voice. Unlike his father Spike, Tyke does not speak in Tom and Jerry or the 2014 TV series (aside from laughing in one short); he does speak in Tom and Jerry Kids, voiced by Patric Zimmerman.
Nibbles
[edit]Nibbles (also known as Tuffy) is a little, blue/gray, diaper-wearing orphan mouse who is close to Jerry and appears frequently with him, especially in the comics. His cartoon debut came in the short The Milky Waif (1946). Nibbles was later featured in the Academy Award-winning short The Little Orphan (1949).
He is sometimes seen as Jerry's nephew, but occasionally referred to as an orphan. Although these details are very inconclusive. Nibbles is often shown eating excessively as he is always hungry. In his first animated appearance, Tuffy was left on Jerry's doorstep, abandoned by his parents. Tom enjoys chasing Nibbles/Tuffy as much as he does Jerry.
Though the character was created under the name Tuffy for the comics in 1942, his early animated appearances (from 1945) gave him the name Nibbles. During the 1950s and subsequently, the mouse was called Tuffy on-screen as well. In Tom and Jerry: The Magic Ring (2002), the name Nibbles was used again; and he was depicted as a pet-store mouse whom Jerry doesn't know.
In the Mouseketeer shorts, Nibbles speaks in French and English. He also is not Jerry's nephew; rather, he is the son of François Mouse—who does not make an appearance, but his name was given in two letters in the short Touché, Pussy Cat! (1954).
Like his guardian Jerry, Nibbles is often mistaken for a girl due to his extraordinarily high pitched voice. He was voiced by Francoise Brun-Cottan in the Mouseketeer shorts,[2][3] Lucille Bliss in Robin Hoodwinked,[3] Lou Scheimer and Frank Welker in The Tom and Jerry Comedy Show, Charlie Adler in Tom & Jerry Kids, Tara Strong in Tom and Jerry: The Magic Ring, Reece Thompson in Tom and Jerry Tales (season 1),[4] Chantal Strand in Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale and Tom and Jerry Tales (season 2), Kath Soucie from 2010 onwards, and Alan Marriott in the video games Fists of Furry (2000) and War of the Whiskers (2002).[7][8]
Butch
[edit]| Butch | |
|---|---|
| First appearance | The Alley Cat (1941) |
| Voiced by | Harry E. Lang William Hanna Jack Mather Frank Graham (1946) Raul Martinez Jerry Mann Stan Freberg Daws Butler |
| In-universe information | |
| Species | Cat |
| Gender | Male |
Butch is a black alley cat who made his first appearance in the Tom and Jerry series in the short Baby Puss (1943), alongside Topsy and the already-established Meathead. His character, however (along with the character of Toodles Galore), first appeared in the MGM short (and Butch's only solo cartoon) The Alley Cat (1941), directed by Hugh Harman. Though unnamed in the short, he was referred to as "Tom" in a model sheet.[9][10] Butch is the leader of the alley cat bullies who are usually friends with Tom and help him catch Jerry. In his first appearance, Baby Puss, Butch was an antagonist, tormenting Tom after Tom's young girl owner treated him like a baby—to the point of dressing Tom up in a diaper, a bonnet, and pink paw mittens. Thus costumed, Tom couldn't help, but be a figure of fun—both for Butch and his gang, and for Jerry. Butch also battles with Tom over Toodles Galore and her affections, creating a love triangle between him and Tom in a couple of shorts including the shorts, Springtime for Thomas (1946) and Casanova Cat (1951). In some cartoons, such as A Mouse in the House (1947), Butch battles with Tom to catch Jerry. Butch is usually portrayed as a homeless alley/street cat although in the short, Blue Cat Blues (1956), Butch is apparently a millionaire who wins the attention of Tom's love interest due to his immense wealth much to Tom's dismay. Butch also appears in a cartoon in the short-lived Spike and Tyke cartoon series, Scat Cats (1957), as a house cat owned by George and Joan, who in later installments of the original series own Tom.
He is voiced by Harry E. Lang in The Alley Cat,[3] Jack Mather in Baby Puss,[3] Frank Graham in Springtime for Thomas and Trap Happy (1946),[3] Raul Martinez in Springtime for Thomas (singing voice),[3] Jerry Mann in Casanova Cat,[3] Stan Freberg in Baby Butch (1954),[3] Daws Butler in Smarty Cat (1955) and Scat Cats (1957),[3] Alan Marriott in Tom and Jerry in Fists of Furry (video game, 2000), Marc Silk in Tom and Jerry in War of the Whiskers (video game, 2002),[8] Maurice LaMarche in Tom and Jerry: The Magic Ring (2002), Tony Cervone in The Karate Guard (2005), Colin Murdock in Tom and Jerry Tales (2006–08),[4] Joey D'Auria in The Tom and Jerry Show (2014–2021) and Tom and Jerry in New York (2021),[5][11] and Nicky Jam in Tom & Jerry (2021).[12][6]
Toodles Galore
[edit]Toodles Galore is an attractive white female cat, who usually wears a large blue bow around her neck, and is supposedly Tom's love interest, although Tom is a reputed playboy, and had other love interests before and after Toodles. Toodles is the only love interest who appeared more than twice. During the classic era, Tom had to compete twice against Butch and even once against Spike for Toodles's affection, and he lost them all. In Casanova Cat (1951), Toodles even fell in love once with Jerry.
Toodles is one of the more anthropomorphic animals in the early series, but her depiction varies by period. She never speaks and she rarely moves around. She has a feline main body, not a human one; however, details like whiskers come and go. She also has cat ears and nose. However, she has many human attributes. She sits in very human poses and walks on two feet (as does Tom in all but the very early shorts, where he chases Jerry on all fours). She has human-shaped hands with painted nails, and rather human eyes and lips made up as a human woman of the era might. In most appearances, like the other cats, she wears nothing but her fur, but she wears a bathing-suit in Salt Water Tabby (1947) with a human feminine figure.
Toodles appears in four episodes of Tom and Jerry Tales (2006–08); "Joy Riding Jokers", "Spaced Out Cat", "Piranha Be Loved By You", "Abracadumb", and "Flamenco Fiasco", credited in the latter episode as "Senorita Cat" and voiced by Chantal Strand.[4] In the later series, The Tom and Jerry Show (2014–2021), she makes cameo appearances in the episodes "Belly Achin'", "Cat Napped", "Don't Cut the Cheese", and "A Star Forlorn". She would later make a full appearance in the Season 4 episode "Tap Cat". She also appears in Tom and Jerry in New York, voiced by Rachael MacFarlane.[11] A white cat similar in appearance to her appears in the 2021 film.
Mammy Two Shoes
[edit]Mammy Two Shoes (voiced by Lillian Randolph) is an African-American woman. Whether or not she is a maid taking care of the home in which Tom and Jerry reside or the homeowner is never made clear. Her face is never seen (with the exception of Saturday Evening Puss (1950), in which her face is very briefly seen as she runs towards the viewer), and she usually wallops the cat (whom she usually addresses as "Thomas") with a broom whenever he misbehaves. She sometimes tries to get rid of Jerry's presence in the house. Mammy would appear in 19 cartoons, starting with Puss Gets the Boot (1940) and ending with Push-Button Kitty (1952). She was voiced by Lillian Randolph in most of her appearances, with Anita Brown performing the role in The Mouse Comes to Dinner.[13][2][3] The character eventually became controversial due to being based on the Mammy archetype, and was retired from the series in 1953.[14][15] Gene Deitch opted not to use Mammy's character in his shorts, as he felt a "stereotypical black housekeep" character "didn't work in a modern context."[16] MGM Animation/Visual Arts, under the supervision of Chuck Jones, created replacement characters for Mammy in the Tom and Jerry cartoons featuring her for television. These versions used rotoscoping techniques to replace Mammy on-screen with a similarly stocky white woman (in most shorts) or a thin white woman (in Saturday Evening Puss); Randolph's voice on the soundtracks was replaced by an Irish-accented (or, in Puss, generic young adult) voice performed by actress June Foray.[13] Three years after Turner Broadcasting System acquired Tom and Jerry, the cartoons featuring Mammy were edited again, with Lillian Randolph's voice replaced with that of Thea Vidale, who re-recorded the dialogue to remove Mammy's stereotype.
Quacker
[edit]| Quacker | |
|---|---|
| First appearance | Little Quacker (1950) |
| In-universe information | |
| Species | Duck |
| Gender | Male |
Little Quacker is a duck and another recurring character in the series. He appears in Little Quacker (1950), Just Ducky (1953), Downhearted Duckling (1954), Southbound Duckling (1955), That's My Mommy (also 1955), Happy Go Ducky (1958), and The Vanishing Duck (1958). Quacker talks a lot compared to Tom and Jerry. His voice is a "duck voice" similar to Disney's Donald Duck. In many shorts, he is the only character who speaks. He is very trusting, even trusting Tom in many situations in which Tom wishes to eat him. He is a friend of Jerry, but unlike Jerry harbors no hard feelings towards Tom. In three cartoons, Quacker becomes separated from his mother at birth, only to reunite with her later in two of them (Little Quacker and Just Ducky). In That's My Mommy however, he is adopted by Tom. In Little Quacker, Quacker's father, Henry makes an appearance. Because his birth is shown differently in different cartoons, he may have siblings as seen in Just Ducky and Happy Go Ducky. Quacker also gets a girlfriend named Fifi in Downhearted Duckling. He appeared in The Tom and Jerry Show episode "The Lost Duckling" (1975). Quacker was used as a template for the Hanna-Barbera character Yakky Doodle, who made guest appearances in several Hanna-Barbera TV shows before starring in his own series of shorts on The Yogi Bear Show. In 1995, he was used as a template for the character Hard Luck Duck in the short of the same name in What a Cartoon!, voiced by Russi Taylor.
He was voiced by Red Coffey in the classic shorts,[2][3] Don Messick in The Tom and Jerry Show (1975), Alan Marriott in Tom and Jerry in Fists of Furry and Tom and Jerry in War of the Whiskers (he was named "Duckling" in those games),[7][8] and Sam Kwasman in The Tom and Jerry Show (2014) and Tom and Jerry in New York.[5][11]
Cuckoo
[edit]Cuckoo is a canary that first appeared in Kitty Foiled (1948). He also appeared in The Flying Cat (1952), Life with Tom (1953), Hic-cup Pup (1954), Two Little Indians (where he is red in color), and Matinee Mouse (which reuses clips from the previous episodes). He is Jerry's best friend. Despite being a little bird, he can actually carry heavy objects like a bowling ball in Kitty Foiled and a 2000 lb. weight in The Flying Cat.
Lightning
[edit]| Lightning | |
|---|---|
| First appearance | Old Rockin' Chair Tom (1948) |
| Voiced by | Paul Frees (1951) Daws Butler (1957) Manuel Paris (1957) Mel Blanc (1966) William Hanna (archive voice) (2016-2019) Joey Wells (2021) Stephen Stanton (2021-present) |
| In-universe information | |
| Species | Cat |
| Gender | Male |
Lightning is a ginger orange cat who first appeared in the short Old Rockin' Chair Tom (1948) as Tom's rival. Lightning is named as such because in his first short, he practically moved at the speed of lightning. In later cartoons, Lightning often appeared as one of Tom's alley cat buddies/rivals. Lightning has the same character design as Butch, but with an orange color (although his tone of his coloring and even his design occasionally varies from film-to-film). In Mucho Mouse, he speaks Spanish and is a house cat. He also appears in the Gene Deitch short Switchin' Kitten. In the Chuck Jones short Catty-Cornered (his final appearance), Lightning is portrayed with more of an orange-yellow color than before, with the additional changes of a black tail and ears. Lightning also appears in the live action film where he is voiced by Joey Wells.[6]
Topsy
[edit]| Topsy | |
|---|---|
| First appearance | Baby Puss (1943) |
| Voiced by | Harry E. Lang (1943) Fred Karbo (1953) Michael Donovan (2007) Harry Ratchford (2021) |
| In-universe information | |
| Species | Cat |
| Gender | Male |
Topsy is a grey/brown Scottish Fold kitten. He is one of Tom's alley cat friends/foes, although in Professor Tom he befriends Jerry. He first appeared in Baby Puss; his final appearance in the original theatrical shorts was in Scat Cats. He also appears in Tom and Jerry Tales with a more yellowish color (similar to Life with Tom). In Professor Tom, Topsy is explicitly a house cat; more often (as in Saturday Evening Puss and elsewhere), he is depicted as an alley cat or a cat of unknown origin. In the live action film, Topsy is voiced by Harry Ratchford.[6]
Meathead
[edit]| Meathead | |
|---|---|
| First appearance | Sufferin' Cats! (1943) |
| Voiced by | William Hanna (vocal sounds) Harry E. Lang (1943) Jack Mather (1943) Fred Karbo (1953) Colin Murdock (2007) Dave B. Mitchell (2014) Joey D'Auria (2014) Rick Zieff (2016-present) Na'im Lynn (2021) |
| In-universe information | |
| Species | Cat |
| Gender | Male |
Meathead is a brown, mangy alley cat who wears a red toupee (which is occasionally seen the same color as the rest of his fur). He is generally portrayed as dull-witted and first appeared in the short, Sufferin' Cats! (1943), as Tom's rival. He also appears in Baby Puss and additional shorts as one of Tom's alley cat buddies/foes. He is known as Frankie in Heavenly Puss. In Scat Cats, his final appearance in the original theatrical shorts, he is portrayed with an all-gray color.
Meathead appears in several episodes of Tom and Jerry Tales with an orange color similar to that of Lightning and also has a red nose and, in two episodes, a bushy tail. He re-appeared in The Tom and Jerry Show episode Cruisin' for a Bruisin' as a lead antagonist, while a drag version of the character named Meathelda appeared in the episode Hop to It! Meathead also makes multiple appearances in later seasons, usually alongside Butch and other alley cats. He appears in the live action film, voiced by Na'im Lynn.[6]
George and Joan
[edit]George and Joan (voiced by Daws Butler (1954–1957; George) and Richard Anderson (1958; George) and June Foray (1954–1956; Joan), Julie Bennett (1956–1958; Joan), Pilar Arcos (1957; Joan) and Perry Sheehan (1958; Joan),[3] respectively) are an average middle-class white couple, who debuted in the short Pet Peeve (1954), replacing Mammy Two Shoes. They are the owners of Tom, Jerry, and Spike, but Tom likes to keep Joan company and Spike likes to keep George company. Joan is often seen either cooking or sitting on her armchair knitting or sewing a dress with Tom keeping her company. George, on the other hand, hates the monthly bills and complains that they're too expensive. But when he's not complaining about the bills, he is sitting in his armchair or on the sofa reading the newspaper wearing his smart purple or grey suit and Spike is keeping him company. Both George and Joan are very kind and polite towards each other and Tom and Spike. In Pet Peeve, George and Joan decided to keep Jerry as a pet because he is easy to look after and doesn't eat too much and tell Tom and Spike to leave. However, in later shorts with George and Joan, Tom and Spike still happily live with them and Jerry is not a pet.
George and Joan also appeared in three other Tom and Jerry shorts: Tom's Photo Finish, Busy Buddies, and The Vanishing Duck (Quacker's last short), and one Spike and Tyke short, Scat Cats.
In some shorts, Joan appears without George, such as Mouse for Sale, The Flying Sorceress, Mucho Mouse, and Tot Watchers. It could be presumed that George would be working at his office during the settings of these cartoons.
Jeannie and the Baby
[edit]Jeannie, the babysitter of George and Joan's baby, is an average teenager who spends much of her time talking on the phone. She is often called on to look after the baby if they're going out. Jeannie proceeds to leap straight onto the phone just as George and Joan shut the front door, which implies that she is very negligent about her job. Despite this, Jeannie is very kind, friendly, cheerful, and rarely loses a smile—except to scold Tom for "bothering the baby", which she thinks that he and Jerry are doing on purpose to annoy her. Jeannie and the baby were seen in only two cartoons: Busy Buddies (1956) and Tot Watchers (1958). Jeannie is voiced by Janet Waldo in the original shorts. The baby also appears in Tom & Jerry Kids where the babysitter is slightly younger and a redhead instead of a blonde. Due to modern sensibilities, this negligent-based climax would no longer be replicated in the newer entrees since child neglect became a very serious matter.
A handful of teenage babysitters do the similar climax as Jeannie's on The Flintstones.
The Ants
[edit]The Ants are an army of red ants who steal food as they see them. They appeared in four cartoons Cat Napping, Pup on a Picnic, Barbecue Brawl, and Carmen Get It!. They also appeared in Tom & Jerry Kids. They are unusually heavy for their size, and their combined weight often causes many items, such as Tom's hammock, to break. It is unclear how or why the ants are so heavy, as they are even capable of making tables and diving boards shake as they march onto them.
Guardian devils
[edit]Each guardian devil for Tom and Jerry appeared in three cartoons Sufferin' Cats! (1943), Springtime for Thomas (1946), and Smitten Kitten (1952). In the first of these cartoons, one served as evil conscience for Tom and in the other one for Jerry.
Goldfish
[edit]A tiny goldfish who lives in the same house as Tom and Jerry. She appeared in first debuts in The Little Goldfish (1939) by Rudolf Ising. Later, major roles in Jerry and the Goldfish (1951) and Filet Meow (1966) (although the goldfish in the latter could be a different one), where Tom's attempts to eat her lead to Jerry winning her affections. She mostly appeared in cameo roles in other cartoons Puss Gets the Boot (1940), Puss n' Toots (1942), Baby Puss (1943), The Million Dollar Cat (1944), Casanova Cat (1951), The Missing Mouse (1953), Haunted Mouse (1965), and The Brothers Carry-Mouse-Off (1965).
Muscles
[edit]Muscles is Jerry's cousin and a mouse with incredible strength. In Jerry's Cousin (1951), Muscles appears to hate cats, including Tom. In Haunted Mouse, another mouse named Merlin, who is also a cousin of Jerry's, appears as a wizard with magical abilities. Muscles' other appearance was in Tom and Jerry: The Magic Ring, however, his name was changed to Freddie and he was hostile towards Jerry (although it could be a different mouse who is identical to Muscles). He was voiced by Paul Frees in Jerry's Cousin and by Billy West in Tom and Jerry: The Magic Ring. He also appeared in The Tom and Jerry Show.
George the Cat
[edit]George is the cat counterpart of Muscles, but with a personality that is in stark contrast to him. Like Muscles, George is identical to Tom (although he is shorter) and is his cousin. Unlike Muscles, however, George is a coward and is scared of mice. He first appeared at the beginning of Jerry's Cousin where he gets thrashed by Muscles (possibly the reason for his fear of mice). His bigger role was in Timid Tabby (1957) where he finally overcomes his fear. He also appeared in Tom & Jerry Kids, the early 1990s television series, where his fear seems to have re-instated even though he pretended it had not (his name was changed to Tim in that short). He is voiced by Bill Thompson.
Fluff, Muff, and Puff
[edit]Fluff, Muff, and Puff are a trio of brown, black, and orange kittens that first featured in Heavenly Puss (1949) in a cameo appearance (during Tom's dream) as charming kittens who drowned. They also appeared as cute but mischievous kittens in Triplet Trouble (1952). They also appeared on The Tom and Jerry Show.
Chérie
[edit]Chérie is a brown/grey female mouse who serves as Jerry's love interest. She first appeared at the end of Springtime for Thomas (1946), and then later in Smitten Kitten (1952), Touché, Pussy Cat! (1954, the only cartoon where she has an identical twin), Tom and Chérie (1955, the first cartoon where she is named, but only seen in silhouette form) and The Mouse from H.U.N.G.E.R. (1967, as a ticking time bomb set by Tom).
Toots
[edit]Toots is the name given to three different characters that have appeared infrequently. The first of these is a fluffy beige cat who appears in Puss n' Toots (1942) and in The Mouse Comes to Dinner (1945), the latter being her only speaking role. She also has a cameo in The Bodyguard (1944) and Smitten Kitten (1952). This version of Toots also appeared in some 1940s Tom and Jerry comics, and in The Tom and Jerry Show (2014–2021), mistakenly credited as "Toodles" and voiced by Alicyn Packard.[5] Toots is also a different cat by the same name who appears in The Zoot Cat (1944) and in the Tom and Jerry Tales episode "Kitty Cat Blues". She has occasionally and erroneously been referred to as "Sheikie", but this is actually Tom's nickname, as seen on a gift card in the cartoon. Finally, Toots is the name of a mouse who serves as Jerry's love interest in Blue Cat Blues (1956). Toots also appeared as an antagonist in Love Me, Love My Mouse (1966).
King of France
[edit]In some of the mouseketeer series of cartoons, Tom serves the king of France. This is an obvious reference to Louis XIV, who is shown as an extremely short-tempered and cruel monarch. In The Two Mouseketeers (1952), the king executes Tom while in Royal Cat Nap (1958), he orders for Tom's execution.
Mechano cat and Robot-Mouse
[edit]Mechano cat first appeared in Push Button Kitty (1952) as Tom's rival. Later, Mechano and Robot-Mouse are seen as a cat-like-robot and mouse-like-robot who serve Tom and Jerry (except at the end of Advance and Be Mechanized (1967), when they get revenge and switch roles with Tom and Jerry, as they control their minds and make them do the work) in the three Chuck Jones outer space cartoons O-Solar Meow , Guided Mouse-ille, and Advance and Be Mechanized (both 1967). Mechano's efforts to catch or trap Jerry or Robot-Mouse always backfire for Tom, except in Advance and Be Mechanized, when he succeeds to catch Robot-Mouse in the beginning. In Guided Mouse-ille, he can stand upright and have hands to use a gun to try and blast Jerry in his mobile tank. This backfired and left Mechano with a black face, while crying in frustration. He sneaks back and promptly shoots Tom, who attempts to shoot Mechano back for his insubordination. However, the shot came out on the wrong end and Tom faints leaving Mechano laughing himself silly. He also appeared in the Tom and Jerry Tales episode "Tin Cat of Tomorrow" (2006) where he is named Verminator 7000. Mechano (called "Robot Cat") also appeared as a fighter in the video game, War of the Whiskers (2002), and was voiced by Marc Silk.[8]
The St. Bernard
[edit]The St. Bernard is a dog who first appeared in Puttin' on the Dog (1944) and then again in The A-Tom-Inable Snowman (1966). Unlike the other dogs in the franchise, he is not hostile to cats and on one occasion becomes Tom's medical aid. He also appeared in War Dogs and Little Cesario.
Eagle
[edit]Eagle is an eagle that tries to steal Jerry for food from Tom. He first appeared in Flirty Birdy, then in The Tom and Jerry Show episode "The Egg and Tom and Jerry" (1975, where he is female instead of male) and then again in Tom and Jerry Tales episode "Bend it like Thomas" (2007). Eagle also appeared as a playable character in the video game War of the Whiskers (2002), voiced by Marc Silk.[8]
Lion
[edit]Lion is a lion that debuted in Slap Happy Lion (1947) by Tex Avery. He has switched from a tame one in Jerry and the Lion (1950), to a nervous one in The Tom and Jerry Show episode "The Hypochondriac Lion" (1975) to a monster in the Tom and Jerry Tales episode "You're Lion" (2007). He is also a playable character in Tom and Jerry in War of the Whiskers where he is voiced by Alan Marriott.[8]
Baby Woodpecker
[edit]A baby woodpecker that first appeared in Hatch Up Your Troubles (1949) and its remake The Egg and Jerry (1956) where he could peck into virtually anything including Tom's stomach or his golf club in Tee for Two (1945). Baby Woodpecker and his Mama would re-appear by making cameo appearances in The Tom and Jerry Show which ran from 2014.
Uncle Pecos
[edit]Uncle Pecos is Jerry's cowboyish uncle who appears in Pecos Pest (1955). He was voiced by Shug Fisher.[2][3] He is known to always play a guitar and wears a black cowboy hat that covers his eyes. He plucks each of Tom's whiskers off to replace broken strings on the guitar. Being from Texas, he is shown to be super strong and is also shown to have a stammer, especially while singing.
Uncle Pecos returned in the Tom and Jerry Tales episode "Cry Uncle" (2006), voiced by Scott McNeil.[4] In the episode, he arrives at Tom and Jerry's house and annoys Tom and Jerry with his music. He later leaves with Auntie Spinner in the end of the episode. Uncle Pecos made his second return in The Tom and Jerry Show, voiced by Stephen Stanton.[5] He appears in the episodes, "I Quit" , "Uncle Pecos Rides Again" and "Cat-A-Tonic Mouse" (all 2018).
The Exterminators
[edit]A trio of cats colored black, brown and orange who offer 'extermination' services on demand. They first appeared in Jerry's Cousin and then again in Karate Guard, failing to live on their promise in each cartoon. Butch is the leader of the gang in the latter cartoon, but he appeared in this role alone in Trap Happy.
Radio
[edit]A radio with a male human voice that broadcasts music, cookery shows and warnings on escaped animals, bomb threats etc. In Jerry's Diary (1949), the radio is shown to be anthropomorphic (with the announcer's name as "Uncle Dudley") but this is not the case with other cartoons. The radio's announcements often cause troubles for Tom, as in Jerry and the Lion (1950), Little Runaway, (1952) The Missing Mouse (1953), and Down Beat Bear (1956), fear in Fraidy Cat (1942), embarrassment in Jerry's Diary (1949) and Life with Tom (1953) or as in Jerry and the Goldfish (1951) may be the cause of evil intentions.
The radio was voiced by Martha Wentworth in Fraidy Cat,[3] Jerry Mann in The Zoot Cat and Life with Tom,[3] Harry E. Lang in Jerry's Diary,[3] Frank Graham in Jerry and the Lion,[3] Daws Butler in Jerry and the Goldfish and Down Beat Bear,[3] and Paul Frees in The Missing Mouse and Down Beat Bear.[3]
Jackass
[edit]Unlike the other Tom and Jerry characters, this one is not a character per se, but rather a substitution for a character, such as Spike the Bulldog, for a brief visual gag. Usually, a character turns into a jackass when it is fooled such as Spike in Solid Serenade (1946), The Framed Cat (1950), and Pet Peeve (1954) or Tom in Polka-Dot Puss (1949). In Pup on a Picnic (1955), 'Jackass' is replaced with 'Sucker'.
Gene Deitch era (1961–1962)
[edit]The following characters were introduced in the theatrical shorts that were directed by Gene Deitch in the early 1960s.
The Grumpy Owner
[edit]An overweight, short-tempered, average height, middle-aged, and bald white man became Tom's owner only in three of the thirteen cartoons: Down and Outing (1961), High Steaks (1962), and Sorry Safari (also 1962). Unlike any of the other owners and like Spike, he has severe anger issues and is repeatedly violent toward Tom for his actions. He is voiced by Allen Swift.[17]
The Grumpy Owner bears a strong resemblance to another character created by Deitch: Clint Clobber (also voiced by Swift), the property manager of a rundown apartment building who had been created for Terrytoons in the mid to late 1950s.[18] There is some debate as to whether the Owner and Clobber were the same character; however, Deitch claimed they were in fact different characters.
Mad Scientist
[edit]He is a mad scientist reminiscent of Frankenstein. He first appeared in Switchin' Kitten (1961) and subsequently was the subject of a number of television episodes (for e.g. 'Trojan Dog' in The Tom and Jerry Comedy Show, 1980–82) and movies thereafter. In his first appearance, the mad scientist is the owner of Jerry (who is also his assistant) and has numerous cats trapped in a prison. When Jerry picks an orange cat named Lightning, the other cats flee in terror as the scientist pulls him out for his latest experiment. He switches the mind of the orange cat with that of a bulldog and presents him as his present to Jerry.
Thin Lady
[edit]An unnamed thin white lady was Tom's owner in Buddies Thicker Than Water (1962). Chuck Jones would also use her in The Unshrinkable Jerry Mouse (1964) and in the revised version of Saturday Evening Puss. She also appeared in the movie Tom and Jerry: The Fast and the Furry (2005). Like many other early owners, her face was never shown.
Chuck Jones era (1963–1967)
[edit]The following characters were introduced in the theatrical shorts that were produced by Chuck Jones in the mid to late-1960s.
Tiny Bulldog
[edit]This nameless mouse-sized bulldog, designed similarly to Spike the Bulldog, is Jerry's pet dog companion in only two shorts: The Cat's Me-Ouch (1965) and Purr-Chance to Dream (1967). His role is similar to Spike in cartoons such as The Bodyguard (1944), Fit To Be Tied (1952), and Much Ado About Mousing (1964), which is to defend Jerry against Tom. He is presumably the oldest son of Spike before Tyke, and this could be identified by his looks and personality that is similar to his father Spike. Unlike Spike and Tyke, he has a big bite (similar to those of Looney Tunes' Tasmanian Devil).
Shark
[edit]A shark who tries to eat Tom and Jerry. He appears in Puss 'n' Boats and Filet Meow (both 1966) and Surf-Bored Cat and Cannery Rodent (both 1967). The creature's color and species varies, in Cannery Rodent and Surf-Bored Cat it is a blue shark, while in Filet Meow and Puss 'n' Boats it is a great white shark.
The Tom and Jerry Show (1975)
[edit]The following characters were introduced in The Tom and Jerry Show television series which ran for the first half of the 1975 season.
Broke
[edit]A gopher that devours vegetables, who appears in Gopher Broke and The Son of Gopher Broke.
Robin Ho Ho and His Merry Men
[edit]A parody of Robin Hood and His Merry Men, they appeared in Robin Ho Ho. They also appeared in Tom and Jerry: Robin Hood and His Merry Mouse (2012).
Sheriff of Nottingham
[edit]The primary antagonist in Robin Ho Ho and also in Tom and Jerry: Robin Hood and His Merry Mouse. He is based on the character from the Robin Hood tales.
Yvonne Jockalong
[edit]Love interest to both Tom and Jerry, she appears in The Ski Bunny and The Tennis Menace.
Sergeant Farce
[edit]A police officer who appears in See Dr. Jackal and Hide and in The Police Kitten where he is the superior officer to both Tom and Jerry.
The Tom and Jerry Comedy Show (1980 series)
[edit]The following characters were introduced in the television series The Tom and Jerry Comedy Show.
Droopy
[edit]A Basset Hound often with a miserable look on his face, originally introduced in the Tex Avery shorts of the 1940s. He first made a poster cameo in Matinee Mouse (1966) in the Chuck Jones era. He also appeared in the Droopy and Dripple segments of Tom and Jerry Kids. He is sometimes an adversary of Spike. He would also appear in Tom and Jerry Tales and would appear in the direct-to-video films.
Barney Bear
[edit]An anthropomorphic cartoon character, a sluggish, sleepy bear who often is in pursuit of nothing, but peace and quiet, originally introduced in the Harman-Ising shorts of the 1930s. He would also appear in the direct-to-video films.
McWolf
[edit]McWolf, initially named "Slick Wolf" is the villain of the "Droopy and Dripple" segments. A bad and cruel wolf whose only mission is to ruin the life of Droopy (and Dripple and sometimes to remain with Miss Vavoom in Tom & Jerry Kids). McWolf sometimes appears as a crazy scientist whom loves to try and dominate the world, as a space villain, or a criminal fat person (known as "The Chubby Man"), etc. His character is based on the wolf in Red Hot Riding Hood. He is voiced by Frank Welker.
Tom & Jerry Kids (1990–92)
[edit]The following characters were introduced in the television series Tom & Jerry Kids.
Dripple
[edit]The son of Droopy, essentially an older version of the infant pup from Homesteader Droopy (1954). He is always with his father and they always do the same (although sometimes Dripple thinks "better" than his father). The identity of his mother is never mentioned or even addressed, although, due to Droopy's frequent relationships with Miss Vavoom, it can be assumed that his mother is either dead or is divorced from Droopy with no visitation rights prior to the events of the series. He is voiced by Charlie Adler.
Miss Vavoom
[edit]The contiguous woman of the show. She is very seductive and she always takes different hairdos. She always is conquered by Droopy and most of times is the greater target of McWolf. Sometimes, she is called Bubbles Vavoom, Ultra Vavoom, Sugar Vavoom, etc. Her character is based on Red from Red Hot Riding Hood (1943). She is voiced by Teresa Ganzel.
Calaboose Cal
[edit]A gold cat owner of a show of demonstration and participation. He is arrogant (sometimes), has a rancher accent, and is sometimes presented as an enemy to Tom. Purportedly inspired by legendary Southern California car dealer Cal Worthington. He is voiced by Phil Hartman.
Urfo
[edit]Urfo is a six-legged alien dog that arrives on Earth many times and helps Jerry fend off Tom. His owners often send people to retrieve him.
Clyde
[edit]A fat cat who often causes problems for Tom while trying to be friendly and helpful to him. He is voiced by Brian Cummings. He also appears (uncredited) in the live action film as one of the many alley cats in Butch's gang.
Kyle the Cat
[edit]A mangy orange cat that first appeared as the antagonist of Spike and/or Tyke. Voiced by Pat Fraley.
Bernie the Swallow
[edit]A medically challenged yellow swallow that is friends with Jerry in "Hard to Swallow". He had a color change to blue in "Swallow the Swallow" and "Grab that Bird" as he is chased mostly by Clyde and Kyle. Voiced by David L. Lander.
Wild Mouse
[edit]A grayish-green, shaggy fanged mouse who occasionally replaces Jerry and outwits his foes. Like Tom and Jerry, Wildmouse is voiced by Frank Welker. He first appears in the episode "Wildmouse" and is last seen in the episode "King Windmouse."
Moncy
[edit]A cougar who loves tormenting Spike and Tyke. He wants to eat Tyke's lunch (and Spike prevents him). He was voiced by Frank Welker.
Sheriff Potgut
[edit]The elderly sheriff of Hokey Finokey Swamp. He is arrogant, rude, and self-centered. He threatened to send Swampy back to the circus (which Swampy is aware of the fact that it promotes animal cruelty), throwing Swampy into tears. He also envies the map Swampy made to search for the hidden treasure. He appears in the episode "Cajun Gumbo" as the episode's main antagonist. Aside from the lone episode where he battled Swampy, the Sheriff and the Gator Brothers were also used as antagonists in an episode featuring Wild Mouse.
Gator Brothers
[edit]Sheriff Potgut's henchmen. They appear in the episode "Cajun Gumbo" as antagonists and in another episode featuring Wild Mouse.
Stinky Jr. McWolf
[edit]Stinky Jr. is the son of McWolf who has the same personality as him.
Screwball Squirrel
[edit]Screwball Squirrel is based on the original Screwball "Screwy" Squirrel in 1944, but now his adventures take place in a public city park, as he messes with hot-headed park attendant Dweeble and his dumb guard dog, Rumpley. He was voiced by Charlie Adler. He would also appear in one direct-to-video film, Tom and Jerry's Giant Adventure, voiced by Paul Reubens. He would also make a cameo appearance in the Season 3 episode of The Tom and Jerry Show, "Kid Stuff".
Lightning Bolt the Super Squirrel
[edit]A squirrel superhero. He is a rather campy and flamboyant superhero who throws lightning bolts. He also speaks with a slight Minnesotan accent and appeared in the spin-off series Droopy, Master Detective. He was voiced by Charlie Adler.
Tom and Jerry Tales (2006 series)
[edit]The following characters were introduced in the television series Tom and Jerry Tales.
Mauricio
[edit]Mauricio is a very amorous octopus gentleman who first appeared in the mainly live-action musical film Dangerous When Wet (1953) during a Tom and Jerry sequence with Esther Williams.[19] He was voiced by Fernando Lamas. In the Tom and Jerry Tales episode "Octo Sauve", Tom encounters him, and he mistakes Tom for a mermaid. Mauricio wants to date Tom, and they end up getting lost in the sea. He is voiced by David Kaye.[4]
Princess
[edit]The princess appears in Medieval Menace, where she kisses Tom, who has turned into a frog, thinking he is a prince transformed by a spell. She is voiced by Nicole Bouma.[4]
Mrs. Two Shoes
[edit]Mrs. Two Shoes is a white woman with a personality and a name similar to Mammy Two Shoes. Several photos on a mantel in "Ho, Ho Horrors" imply that Mrs. Two Shoes has a family (a man and a boy, also shown only as legs and partial torsos). Mrs. Two Shoes would be voiced by Nicole Oliver.[4]
The Tom and Jerry Show (2014 series)
[edit]The following characters were introduced in the 2014 television series Tom and Jerry Show.
Rick and Ginger
[edit]Rick (voiced by Jason Alexander and later Stephen Stanton) and Ginger (voiced by Grey DeLisle) are a middle-class couple. Rick is more sympathetic towards Spike while Ginger favors Tom. Their faces are never seen in the show, but their voices are featured.
Hamster
[edit]The Hamster is a small "anti-social, overachieving" hamster with light brown fur. He wears glasses and is the smartest hamster in the lab.
Bot
[edit]Bot is a robot that cleans the lab with its vacuum cleaner and control arm. It has a red screen that spots trash all over the lab and most often mistakes Tom as such out of its programming.
Beatie and Hildie
[edit]Beatie and Hildie are witch sisters who act as Tom and Jerry's medieval owners.
The Detective
[edit]The detective is a detective who is the owner of Tom (and presumably Jerry too). In his absence, Tom and Jerry work as sleuths themselves, in the process using his name and fame. He appeared in the first-season episodes, "Feline Fatale", "One of a Kind", "Haunted Mouse", "Sleuth or Consequences", "Poof!", "Bone Dry", "Cat Napped", and "Curse Case Scenario".
Dr. Bigby
[edit]Dr. Bigby is an eccentric scientist whose experiments don't always often go according to plan, he is also an owner of Jerry, Napoleon, Hamster and Bot.
Skid
[edit]Skid is an orange cat that was always the great leader and also always makes the election of the Top cat. Both Tom and Butch compete for the Golden Fez in the United Mouse Catchers when they both attempt to capture Jerry.
George and Junior
[edit]George and Junior are based on the original George and Junior from their only four shorts in the 1940s directed by Tex Avery. They appear in the Season 4 episode of The Tom and Jerry Show, "Shadow of a Doubt".
Tom and Jerry movies
[edit]The following recurring characters were introduced in the various Tom and Jerry movies.
Robyn Starling
[edit]Robyn Starling is a young girl whose father Tom and Jerry helped her to find in Tom and Jerry: The Movie. She is voiced by Anndi McAfee.
Biff Buzzard and Buzz Blister
[edit]Biff Buzzard and Buzz Blister are characters in Tom and Jerry: Blast Off to Mars and Tom and Jerry: The Fast and the Furry. In Tom and Jerry: The Fast and the Furry, they were news reporters. In Tom and Jerry: Blast Off to Mars, they were astronauts. Biff is voiced by Billy West and Buzz by Jess Harnell.
Blue Parrot Betty
[edit]Blue Parrot Betty is a pet parrot owned by Blue Pirate Bob in Tom and Jerry: Shiver Me Whiskers.[20] She is voiced by the American actress, Kathy Najimy.[21]
Red
[edit]Tin, Pan, and Alley
[edit]Tin, Pan, and Alley are a trio of male Siamese cats created especially for the new direct-to-video films, they are secondary antagonists in Tom and Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes, Tom and Jerry: Robin Hood and His Merry Mouse, Tom and Jerry's Giant Adventure, Tom and Jerry: The Lost Dragon, and Tom and Jerry: Spy Quest, acting as henchmen for the main antagonists. In their first appearance in Tom and Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes, they are local gravediggers who work for Professor Moriarty. In Tom and Jerry: Robin Hood and His Merry Mouse, they worked as spies for Prince John. In Tom and Jerry: The Lost Dragon, they are the Hench-cats of Drizelda. In Tom and Jerry: Spy Quest, they are seen working for Doctor Zin. They also make an appearance in Tom and Jerry: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. They were named after the Warner Bros. 1943 short Tin Pan Alley Cats. Tin is voiced by Greg Ellis, Pan by Jess Harnell, and Alley by Richard McGonagle.
Butch (dog)
[edit]Butch (originally known as Spike, until renamed as Butch to avoid confusion with Spike from the Tom and Jerry cartoons) is the name of another bulldog from Tex Avery's shorts in the 1940s and 1950s. He was one of the main antagonists in Droopy shorts (although he was replaced by Hanna-Barbera's Spike in the 1980s) and also had a series of his own. He appears in a number of movies e.g. Tom and Jerry and the Wizard of Oz and Tom and Jerry: The Magic Ring.
References
[edit]- ^ a b "MultiVersus Roster". MultiVersus.com. Archived from the original on July 30, 2022. Retrieved November 21, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e Scott, Keith (October 3, 2022). Cartoon Voices of the Golden Age, Vol. 1. BearManor Media.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Scott, Keith (October 3, 2022). Cartoon Voices of the Golden Age, Vol. 2. BearManor Media.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Tom and Jerry Tales (2006)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e "The Tom and Jerry Show (2014)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e "Tom and Jerry (2021)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
- ^ a b "Tom and Jerry in Fists of Furry". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f VIS Entertainment (2002). Tom and Jerry in War of the Whiskers instruction manual. NewKidCo.
- ^ "Animation Anecdotes #339". Cartoon Research. Retrieved June 6, 2025.
- ^ "The Alley Cat Model Sheet". Van Eaton Galleries. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
- ^ a b c "Tom and Jerry in New York". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
- ^ Nicky Jam reveló qué personaje interpretará en Tom y Jerry, la película (in Spanish)
- ^ a b Cohen (2004), p. 57
- ^ Lehman (2007), p. 97-99
- ^ Pilgrim, David (December 30, 2017). Watermelons, nooses, and straight razors: stories from the Jim Crow Museum. Oakland, CA. ISBN 978-1-62963-459-3. OCLC 1009241552.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - ^ Deitch, Gene (2015). Tom and Jerry...and Gene in Tom and Jerry: The Gene Deitch Collection (DVD). Warner Home Video.
- ^ "Tom & Jerry – The Gene Deitch Collection". Cartoon Research. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
- ^ Lenburg, Jeff (1999). The Encyclopedia of Animated Cartoons. Checkmark Books. p. 66. ISBN 0-8160-3831-7. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
- ^ "Tom and Jerry Originally Had Way Different Names & Other Fun Facts About the Cartoon". MSN. April 24, 2024. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
- ^ "Tom and Jerry in Shiver Me Whiskers (Video 2006) - IMDb". IMDb.
- ^ "Kathy Najimy". IMDb.
List of Tom and Jerry characters
View on GrokipediaPrimary Characters
Tom Cat and Jerry Mouse
Tom Cat is a bluish-gray anthropomorphic domestic shorthair cat with white markings on his face, paws, belly, and tail tip, characterized as an ordinary house cat of limited intelligence whose primary motivations include eating, sleeping, and pursuing Jerry Mouse.[5] He debuted in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer animated short Puss Gets the Boot, released on February 10, 1940, where he was initially named Jasper on-screen by the human housekeeper.[6] [7] In the Hanna-Barbera era (1940–1958), Tom's design evolved from a more realistic feline appearance in early shorts to a stylized, bipedal form emphasizing exaggerated expressions for slapstick comedy, often portraying him as aggressive yet comically inept in his attempts to capture Jerry.[8] Sound effects for Tom's yelps, screams, and impacts were primarily provided by co-creator William Hanna, with rare vocalizations by Harry E. Lang in select early shorts.[9] Jerry Mouse is a small, brown anthropomorphic house mouse depicted as clever and resourceful, residing in a typical household and consistently outmaneuvering Tom through ingenuity and environmental improvisation.[10] Like Tom, Jerry first appeared in Puss Gets the Boot (February 10, 1940), referred to as Jinx in pre-production materials though unnamed on-screen.[6] [11] During the original theatrical run under Hanna and Barbera, Jerry's design featured large ears, a long tail, and expressive eyes suited to non-verbal humor, with Hanna supplying his occasional squeaks and laughs; full dialogue was minimal across 114 shorts, preserving the series' focus on physical gags over spoken narrative.[12] The duo's dynamic centers on an unending rivalry of pursuit and evasion, rooted in cat-and-mouse predation but amplified into hyperbolic violence and resilience, where Tom inflicts and suffers extreme cartoonish injuries without lasting harm, and Jerry retaliates opportunistically.[13] This "best of enemies" interplay, as described by Hanna and Barbera, underscores mutual respect amid conflict, with outcomes varying per short—Tom occasionally triumphs temporarily, but Jerry more frequently prevails through wit.[14] No permanent victor emerges, sustaining the formula across the 1940–1958 MGM productions, which earned seven Academy Awards for Animated Short Subject.[6]Voice Actors
Notable voice actors for the primary characters Tom Cat and Jerry Mouse, who are largely non-speaking and rely on sound effects, include:- William Hanna: Vocal effects, screams, yelps, and squeaks for both Tom and Jerry in the original Hanna-Barbera era shorts (1940–1958), with recordings reused in later adaptations.[15]
- Harry E. Lang: Rare vocalizations for Tom in early shorts (1940–1953).[15]
- Richard Kind: Tom in Tom and Jerry: The Movie (1992).[16]
- Dana Hill: Jerry in Tom and Jerry: The Movie (1992).[16]
Original Theatrical Shorts (1940–1967)
Hanna-Barbera Era Characters (1940–1958)
The Hanna-Barbera era of the Tom and Jerry series, comprising 114 theatrical shorts produced for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer from 1940 to 1958, expanded the core rivalry between the cat and mouse through recurring supporting characters that introduced new conflicts, alliances, and slapstick elements.[17] These figures, often unnamed in early appearances but later retroactively identified, included animals and humans who interacted with Tom and Jerry in domestic, outdoor, or fantastical settings, voiced primarily by William Hanna for animal growls and effects, with Lillian Randolph providing the voice for human roles.[18] The characters' designs emphasized exaggerated physicality and personality traits to heighten comedic tension, such as protective instincts or territorial aggression, without relying on dialogue-heavy narratives. Key supporting animals debuted progressively: the bulldog Spike in Dog Trouble (1942), who often menaced Tom while safeguarding Jerry or his own interests; the duckling Quacker in Little Quacker (1950), a naive hatchling whose vulnerability prompted Jerry's protective interventions against Tom's predatory pursuits; and the orphan mouse Nibbles (later called Tuffy) in The Milky Waif (1946), Jerry's voracious nephew requiring guidance amid chases.[19][20] Rival cats like Butch, originating from the non-series short The Alley Cat (1941) but integrated into Tom and Jerry via Baby Puss (1943), added competitive layers by challenging Tom's dominance or forming temporary partnerships.[21] Human elements, notably the housekeeper Mammy Two Shoes from the inaugural Puss Gets the Boot (1940), enforced discipline on Tom, scolding him for household damage and inadvertently aiding Jerry's escapes, appearing in 19 shorts until Push-Button Kitty (1952).[22] Female cat Toodles Galore, also from The Alley Cat, served as Tom's occasional romantic interest, sparking jealousy-fueled antics with alley rivals. Minor or one-off figures like the cuckoo clock (a living bird antagonist in shorts such as The Clock Watcher, 1945), Lightning (a swift rival cat in The Truce Hurts, 1948), Topsy (a kitten in Baby Puss), and Meathead (an early black cat bully) further diversified episodes but appeared less frequently, often as foils to amplify Tom's misfortunes.[23] These characters' integrations reflected the era's focus on physical gags and escalating chaos, contributing to seven Academy Awards for Animated Short Film won by the series.[24]Spike and Tyke
Spike is a grey bulldog who serves as an antagonist to Tom and occasional protector of Jerry, frequently threatening the cat with violence if he disturbs the household or harms the mouse.[25] He debuted unnamed in the 1942 short Dog Trouble, where Tom and Jerry temporarily ally against him during a neighborhood dog hunt.[26] Spike's design evolved from a more realistic mute bulldog in early appearances to an anthropomorphic character with spoken dialogue, gruff demeanor, and a protective instinct toward smaller animals, though he often falls victim to Tom's schemes or his own temper.[25] His voice was initially provided by Bill Thompson, later by Daws Butler in the original theatrical era.[25] Tyke, Spike's young son and a small, playful puppy, was introduced in the 1949 short Love That Pup, marking the first joint appearance of the father-son duo.[27] Tyke is depicted as innocent, mischievous, and eager to emulate his father, often engaging in puppy-like antics that draw Tom into chases or accidentally aid Jerry, while Spike dotes on him protectively.[25] In the Hanna-Barbera era shorts (1940–1958), Tyke rarely speaks, relying on barks and physical comedy, with his presence amplifying themes of family dynamics and unintended chaos in the Tom-Jerry rivalry.[25] The pair appeared together in roughly a dozen original MGM shorts, emphasizing Spike's tough exterior contrasting Tyke's vulnerability.[28]Nibbles (Tuffy)
Nibbles, also referred to as Tuffy in certain comic adaptations and international dubs, is a small, gray orphan mouse clad in a diaper, established as Jerry Mouse's nephew in the Tom and Jerry animated shorts. He is characterized by his voracious appetite, childlike mischief, and reliance on Jerry for protection against Tom Cat, often escalating conflicts through impulsive actions like raiding food sources.[29][30] His debut occurred in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer short "The Milky Waif," released on May 18, 1946, and directed by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. In this installment, Jerry awakens to find the abandoned infant Nibbles at his hole's entrance during a stormy night; desperate to feed the crying mouse milk, Jerry repeatedly attempts to siphon it from Tom's bowl, resulting in slapstick chases and Tom's retaliatory flooding of Jerry's home. Nibbles' cries amplify the urgency, marking his role as a catalyst for Jerry's schemes.[29][31] Nibbles featured in twelve additional Hanna-Barbera era shorts through 1958, including the Academy Award-winning "The Little Orphan" (released April 30, 1949), where his Thanksgiving hunger prompts Jerry to pilfer Tom's turkey, leading to collaborative antics against the cat. Other notable appearances encompass "The Two Mousketeers" (1952), portraying Nibbles as a pint-sized musketeer aiding Jerry's beheading plot, and "Two Little Indians" (1953), in which the duo feigns cannibalistic rituals to evade Tom. The character originated in MGM's Our Gang Comics #1 (1942) as Tuffy, initially Jerry's peer rather than relative, before adaptation into cartoons as an orphan nephew by 1953's "Life with Tom."[32][30][33]Butch Cat
Butch Cat is a recurring black alley cat in the Hanna-Barbera era of Tom and Jerry theatrical shorts, typically serving as a bullyish rival to Tom Cat who competes for food, shelter, or romantic interests. The character debuted outside the series in MGM's one-shot short The Alley Cat on July 5, 1941, directed by William Hanna, where he pursues a female cat amid canine interference.[34] His first integration into Tom and Jerry occurred in Baby Puss, released December 18, 1943, in which he leads a trio of strays—including the pre-existing Meathead Cat and newcomer Topsy Cat—to ridicule Tom for behaving kittenishly under human discipline. Depicted with a white chest patch, paws, and a prominent forehead tuft, Butch embodies a street-tough persona, often muscling in on Tom's domain or allying briefly against Jerry Mouse when mutual gain arises, as in The Lonesome Mouse (May 22, 1943), where he aids Tom in chasing the empowered rodent before turning antagonistic. He frequently heads informal gangs of alley cats, asserting dominance through physicality rather than Tom's scheming, and shows recurring interest in Toodles Galore, another alley feline introduced alongside him.[34] Butch's role underscores the shorts' chaotic cat hierarchies, with appearances spanning over 20 Hanna-Barbera productions up to 1958, including Saturday Evening Puss (January 14, 1950), where he and peers invade Tom's party, and The Duck Doctor (February 23, 1952), involving indirect clashes via Jerry's duckling. Unlike Tom's domestic entanglements, Butch represents feral opportunism, occasionally voiced in later revivals but mute in originals to emphasize slapstick over dialogue.[21]Toodles Galore
Toodles Galore is a female cat character in the early Tom and Jerry theatrical shorts, characterized as a slender, white-furred feline with a prominent blue bow around her neck, often positioned as Tom Cat's romantic interest. The character originated in the non-Tom and Jerry MGM short The Alley Cat, released July 5, 1941, directed by Hugh Harman, where an alley cat (later retroactively identified as Butch) attempts to court her amid rival suitors and a bulldog antagonist.[35] Her integration into the Tom and Jerry canon occurred in the Hanna-Barbera-produced short Springtime for Thomas, released March 30, 1946, marking her first on-screen appearance alongside Tom and Jerry.[34] [36] In Springtime for Thomas, Toodles attends a garden party and becomes the focus of competition between Tom and Butch, who engage in chases and sabotage to win her favor, with Jerry exploiting the rivalry to thwart Tom. She reappears in Salt Water Tabby (July 24, 1948), sunbathing at the beach while Tom performs acrobatic dives to retrieve her dropped locket from the ocean, only for Jerry's interference to undermine his efforts. Toodles remains a non-speaking character throughout her appearances, her allure driving Tom's exaggerated pursuits without verbal interaction.[34] These roles emphasize her as a passive catalyst for slapstick humor rather than an active participant in the chases.Mammy Two Shoes
Mammy Two Shoes is the designation for the recurring African American housekeeper character in the Hanna-Barbera-produced Tom and Jerry theatrical shorts, depicted as a large, no-nonsense domestic worker in Tom's household.[37] She typically appears scolding Tom for his destructive antics or chasing him with a broom, while occasionally interacting with Jerry, often shown only from the waist down in a simple dress and apron to emphasize her imposing physical presence and authority.[38] Her full face is revealed in just two shorts: Saturday Evening Puss (1950), where she hosts a party, and Push-Button Kitty (1952), her final appearance.[37] The character was voiced by actress Lillian Randolph, an African American performer known for radio and film roles, from her debut in Puss Gets the Boot (February 10, 1940) through 1952, contributing to 19 shorts in total.[37] [39] Randolph's distinctive, booming voice conveyed exasperation and command, as in Part Time Pal (1957, though her last original voicing predates this reissue context), where she disciplines a drunken Tom.[37] In later remastered versions, her dialogue was dubbed by white actress June Foray to alter the original audio.[38] Mammy Two Shoes draws from the "mammy" archetype—a stock figure in early-to-mid-20th-century American media portraying stout black women as loyal, subservient housekeepers rooted in post-Civil War plantation nostalgia—which was commonplace in cartoons during the Jim Crow era but reflected prevailing cultural depictions rather than individual malice by creators Hanna and Barbera.[38] The character faced criticism from the NAACP starting around 1949 for reinforcing stereotypes, prompting her phased retirement after Push-Button Kitty, after which white housewife characters like Joan replaced her in subsequent shorts.[40] Modern releases often include disclaimers or edits, though defenders argue such measures impose anachronistic judgments on historical animation practices.[41]Quacker the Duck
Quacker, also known as Little Quacker, is a recurring character in the Tom and Jerry animated shorts produced by Hanna-Barbera for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. He is depicted as a small, yellow duckling with a naive and childlike demeanor, often seeking protection from Jerry while evading Tom's pursuits. Quacker first appeared in the theatrical short "Little Quacker", released on January 7, 1950, where Tom hatches him from an egg stolen from a duck's nest, leading Quacker to initially imprint on Tom as his "mama" before aligning with Jerry.[19] He was voiced by American comedian and voice actor Red Coffey, who provided Quacker's distinctive high-pitched, babyish "duck voice" characterized by repetitive "quack quack" exclamations and simplistic speech patterns, differing from the largely silent protagonists Tom and Jerry.[42][43] In his appearances, Quacker typically embodies innocence and vulnerability, frequently placing him in peril from Tom's predatory instincts or environmental hazards, with Jerry intervening as a protector or sibling figure. This dynamic highlights themes of unlikely alliances and slapstick survival in the series' Hanna-Barbera era shorts from 1950 to 1958. Quacker's verbal expressiveness contrasts with the minimal dialogue in core episodes, making him one of the few supporting characters to regularly speak, often pleading for help in a whiny tone.[19] His design features exaggerated baby duck proportions—large head, small body—and he appears in eight theatrical shorts during this period, including follow-ups like "That's My Mommy" (1955) and "The Vanishing Duck" (1958), where his misadventures escalate comedic chases involving Tom.[19] Quacker's role underscores the series' reliance on recurring animal archetypes for varied conflict, with his duckling vulnerability amplifying Tom's failures and Jerry's resourcefulness without altering the core cat-mouse antagonism. Coffey's vocal performance, drawing from nightclub comedy routines, lent Quacker a persistent, endearing annoyance that persisted across reissues and later compilations by Warner Bros.[42]Cuckoo Clock
Cuckoo Clock is the name given to a yellow canary bird character, also referred to simply as Cuckoo, who serves as Jerry's occasional ally in outmaneuvering Tom during the Hanna-Barbera era of the series.[44] The bird first appears in the short Kitty Foiled, released on June 1, 1948, where he escapes his cage amid Tom's pursuit of Jerry and aids the mouse by dropping an iron on the cat's head and later whistling "Yankee Doodle" to mimic a gunshot, tricking Tom into believing he has been shot.[44][45] This short marks the introduction of the canary as a feathered antagonist to Tom, emphasizing slapstick teamwork with Jerry.[44] Cuckoo reappears in The Flying Cat, released January 12, 1952, in which Tom attempts to capture the sleeping bird for a meal, only for Jerry to intervene, causing Tom's cage contraption to launch him into accidental flight across the house and outdoors. The canary's presence heightens the chaos, as Tom pursues both Jerry and Cuckoo in aerial antics, culminating in the cat's repeated crashes. A third cameo occurs in Life with Tom, released November 21, 1953, a semi-recap short framed as Jerry authoring a book mocking Tom's failures, with flashbacks including prior encounters involving the bird.[46] Visually, Cuckoo features yellow feathers, a small beak, and extended tail feathers, distinguishing him from similar avian characters like Quacker the duck while fitting the era's stylized animation.[45] His role underscores the recurring theme of small animals uniting against Tom's predation, though appearances are limited to these three shorts within the 1940–1958 period.[44][46]Lightning the Cat
Lightning the Cat is a swift, orange-furred tomcat who debuts as Tom's rival in the theatrical short "Old Rockin' Chair Tom," released September 18, 1948.[47] In the episode, the housekeeper Mammy Two Shoes deems Tom too slow and replaces him with Lightning, who demonstrates exceptional speed by rapidly completing chores like polishing silver and pursuing Jerry, often moving in a blur to emphasize his velocity—hence his moniker.[47][48] Tom and Jerry forge a rare truce, using an iron and magnet to control and discredit Lightning, resulting in his ousting from the household.[47] In later original shorts from the Hanna-Barbera era, Lightning recurs as a lean, agile alley cat, typically aligned with Tom's roughneck peers like Butch and Meathead, serving as either a competitive foe or occasional cohort in pursuits against Jerry.[49] His design features a slender build suited to quick dashes, contrasting Tom's bulkier form, and he embodies efficiency and cunning without voiced dialogue, relying on physical comedy.[50] Appearances remain sporadic, underscoring his role as a specialized antagonist rather than a mainstay.[51]Topsy Cat
Topsy is a small gray kitten frequently portrayed as a member of Tom's alley cat gang, alongside characters such as Butch, Meathead, and Lightning.[52] He typically exhibits rowdy behavior and serves as a minor antagonist or comic foil in the shorts.[53] Topsy first appears in the short Baby Puss, released on December 25, 1943, where he joins other alley cats in bullying Tom, who is forced to wear baby clothes and act infantile after scratching the furniture.[52] In this debut, Topsy contributes to the group's mockery by imitating a baby's cry to tease Tom.[52] A notable role occurs in Professor Tom, released on October 30, 1948, in which Topsy acts as Tom's eager but inattentive pupil in a lesson on capturing mice.[53] Tom, dressed as a professor, demonstrates techniques using Jerry as the target, but Topsy grows bored, falls asleep, and later bonds with Jerry after the mouse draws a peace symbol suggesting cats and mice should coexist.[53] This short uniquely positions Topsy as sympathetic to Jerry, diverging from his usual alignment with Tom.[53] Topsy recurs in group scenes with the alley cats, such as in Saturday Evening Puss (1950), where he waits outside while Tom sneaks out for a party.[54] His final theatrical appearance is in Scat Cats, released on July 26, 1957, attempting alongside Tom and the gang to infiltrate the house for a feast while evading guard dog Spike; Topsy's entry via slingshot fails when Spike catches him in a baseball mitt.[55] Throughout these Hanna-Barbera era shorts, Topsy remains a background figure emphasizing the chaotic dynamics of Tom's feline rivals.[55]Meathead Cat
Meathead Cat is an alley cat antagonist in the Tom and Jerry series, portrayed as a scruffy, brown-furred feline with a dim-witted demeanor who rivals Tom in pursuits of Jerry during the Hanna-Barbera era. He debuted in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer short "Sufferin' Cats!", released on January 16, 1943, directed by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, where Tom chases Jerry outdoors and encounters Meathead, prompting both cats to independently attempt—and comically fail—to capture the mouse using improvised methods like fishing lines and bait.[56][57] In this short, Meathead's role underscores the theme of futile predation among stray cats, as he speaks briefly (voiced uncredited by Jack Sabel) and exhibits stubborn persistence despite repeated mishaps, such as getting tangled in lines or outmaneuvered by Jerry's escapes.[56] His appearances in subsequent Hanna-Barbera-produced originals (1940–1958) are typically as a background or rival alley cat in group scenes, aligning with the era's emphasis on chaotic, slapstick chases involving multiple felines, though specific credited roles beyond the debut remain limited in verified production records.[58]George and Joan
George and Joan are a middle-class married couple who serve as the human owners of Tom the cat and Spike the bulldog in several MGM-produced Tom and Jerry theatrical shorts from the 1950s. They represent typical suburban homeowners of the era, often depicted in domestic settings where pet antics disrupt household harmony. George favors Spike, while Joan prefers Tom, reflecting their divided loyalties amid the animals' conflicts with Jerry the mouse.[59][60] The couple debuted in the short Pet Peeve, released on November 20, 1954, and directed by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. In this episode, facing budget constraints from high pet food costs—evidenced by empty wallets and bill complaints—George and Joan decide they can afford only one animal, challenging Tom and Spike to catch Jerry first to determine who stays. The pets' ensuing rivalry escalates into chaos, including a sword fight parody and furniture destruction, underscoring the couple's frustration with pet maintenance expenses. Their voices were provided by George O'Hanlon as George and Julie Bennett as Joan in this initial outing.[61][62][63] George and Joan return in Busy Buddies, released on May 4, 1956, where they hire babysitter Jeannie to watch their infant child while heading out for the evening. The baby's cries draw Tom and Spike into further mishaps with Jerry, highlighting the couple's reliance on pets for minor household tasks amid parental duties. Later shorts feature Joan solo, such as in Mouse for Sale (1955), where she attempts to sell Tom after his antics, but George appears less frequently thereafter. Overall, their portrayals shifted from earlier Tom and Jerry human characters like Mammy Two Shoes, aligning with mid-1950s cultural transitions toward white middle-class suburban depictions in animation.[64][65]Jeannie and the Baby
Jeannie is a teenage babysitter who appears in two Tom and Jerry MGM shorts: Busy Buddies (1956) and Tot Watchers (1958).[66][67] In both episodes, she is hired to watch over the infant child of George and Joan but consistently neglects her responsibilities, often distracted by lengthy telephone conversations or personal activities, which forces Tom and Jerry to repeatedly rescue the baby from various perils.[66][67] Her character embodies a stereotypical inattentive adolescent, prioritizing social interactions over childcare duties.[68] The Baby, an unnamed infant son of George and Joan, serves as the central figure requiring protection in these shorts.[66] First introduced in Busy Buddies, the child is depicted as mobile and prone to mishaps, such as wandering into dangerous situations unattended due to Jeannie's oversight.[66] In Tot Watchers, the final MGM cartoon directed by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, the Baby's antics culminate in a chase sequence involving Tom, Jerry, and escaped convicts, marking the last on-screen appearances of both Jeannie and the Baby in the original series.[67] The character's design features typical 1950s infant attire, emphasizing vulnerability in the comedic chaos.[67]The Ants
The Ants are a collective group of unnamed red ants serving as antagonistic pests in various Tom and Jerry productions, primarily known for swarming food items during outdoor events like picnics and birthdays, leading to chaotic confrontations with Tom, Jerry, and other characters.[69] These ants operate as an organized army, often marching in formation to overrun targets such as cakes or picnic baskets, emphasizing themes of opportunistic thievery and disruption in the cartoons' slapstick humor.[69] In the Tom & Jerry Kids series (1990–1994), the ants prominently feature in "The Ant Attack," where they invade Tom's birthday celebration, dismantle his cake, and evade attempts to repel them.[69] They return in "Return of the Ants," targeting a beach picnic basket abandoned by Spike and Tyke, resulting in a pursuit that escalates into physical comedy involving the bulldogs.[70] Another appearance occurs in "This Is No Picnic," with the ants disrupting Spike and Tyke's father-son outing by commandeering their food supplies.[71] These depictions portray the ants as relentless and coordinated, contrasting with the individual efforts of the main characters to defend their provisions. Later iterations include a fire ant variant in Tom and Jerry Tales (2006–2008), appearing in "Don't Bring Your Pet to School Day," where they interfere with Jerry's school presentation by overwhelming a display.[72] In the 1975 Tom and Jerry Show, ants play a similar role in "It's No Picnic," heightening the frustration of an outdoor meal.[73] Across these episodes, the ants lack individualized personalities or dialogue, functioning instead as a swarm-like force that amplifies the series' recurring motifs of failed leisure and retaliatory violence.Guardian Devils
The guardian devils are miniature, devilish alter egos embodying the mischievous or destructive impulses of Tom and Jerry, often shown as red-hued imps with horns, tails, and tridents perched on their shoulders to incite bad behavior. These figures function as shoulder devils in the classic trope of internal moral conflict, tempting the protagonists toward betrayal or sabotage.[58][74] Tom's guardian devil debuts in Sufferin' Cats! (released January 16, 1943, directed by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera), urging him to renege on a truce with Jerry by proposing they divide the mouse for a meal, complete with an axe poised for the deed. The character is voiced by Frank Graham.[56] In Smitten Kitten (1952), Jerry's variant—a small green devil—manifests to exploit Tom's infatuation with a female cat, replaying flashbacks of Tom's prior romantic disasters (from Puss n' Toots and Springtime for Thomas) to provoke interference and chaos.[75][76][77] Such devils sporadically recur in other shorts like Springtime for Thomas (March 30, 1946), reinforcing themes of temptation amid romantic rivalry, though they lack consistent naming or ongoing roles across the series.[78]Goldfish
The Goldfish, referred to as Goldie in its primary appearance, is a minor non-anthropomorphic character in the Tom and Jerry animated shorts produced by MGM. It serves as a household pet confined to a fishbowl, portraying a vulnerable target for Tom's predatory instincts while forming a brief alliance with Jerry.[79] The character debuts in the short Jerry and the Goldfish, released on March 3, 1951, as the 56th entry in the series directed by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. In the plot, Jerry awakens the sleeping Goldie by feeding it a biscuit, prompting an immediate friendship between the mouse and the fish; Tom, meanwhile, overhears a radio broadcast detailing recipes for cooking fish, motivating him to pursue Goldie as a meal, with Jerry repeatedly thwarting these attempts through clever sabotage.[79][80] The Goldfish exhibits no dialogue or advanced behaviors beyond basic swimming and gasping for air when removed from water, emphasizing its role as a helpless victim in the chase dynamics central to the series.[81] A similar goldfish appears in the preceding short Filet Meow (February 17, 1951), where Tom again schemes to consume the pet fish, only for Jerry to intervene with improvised rescues, such as using a decoy or mechanical aids; while not explicitly named, the scenario mirrors Goldie's predicament, suggesting continuity as the same household pet.[82] This fish's vulnerability underscores recurring themes in early 1950s Tom and Jerry shorts of Tom targeting smaller, defenseless creatures, often leading to his comedic downfall without altering the Goldfish's static characterization.[79]Muscles Mouse
Muscles Mouse is Jerry Mouse's muscular cousin, characterized by exceptional physical strength and an antagonistic stance toward cats. He wears a bowler hat and lacks the eyelashes typical of Jerry, with slightly curvier whiskers distinguishing his appearance.[83] Muscles debuted in the Tom and Jerry short "Jerry's Cousin," released on April 7, 1951, in the United States.[84] Directed by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, the seven-minute Technicolor cartoon depicts Jerry summoning Muscles via a letter after enduring intensified harassment from Tom Cat. Upon arrival, Muscles crushes Tom's paw in a handshake, bends iron bars, smashes furniture, and propels Tom through walls and ceilings, culminating in forcing Tom to sign a contract vowing never to harm Jerry or any mouse.[84][85] The short was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film at the 24th Academy Awards.[84] Paul Frees provided the voice for Muscles in his original appearance.[84] The character reemerged in later iterations, including episodes of The Tom and Jerry Show (2014 television series).[83]George the Cat
George the Cat is Tom's cousin in the Tom and Jerry animated shorts, introduced as an ultra-timid feline overwhelmed by fear of mice. He appears exclusively in the 1957 theatrical short Timid Tabby, directed by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera and released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer on April 19, 1957.[86] In the episode, George arrives at Tom's residence seeking refuge from his mouse phobia, prompting the duo to collaborate on frightening Jerry Mouse; however, George's panic escalates the chaos, culminating in Jerry's retaliation that sends both cats fleeing.[86] Voiced through sound effects typical of the series, George's design mirrors Tom's gray tabby form but emphasizes his skittish demeanor through exaggerated trembling and wide-eyed expressions.[87] This portrayal positions George as a foil to bolder characters like Tom, highlighting themes of cowardice amid slapstick pursuit.[51] No subsequent classic-era appearances feature George, limiting his role to this single installment produced during Hanna-Barbera's tenure at MGM.[88]Fluff, Muff, and Puff
Fluff, Muff, and Puff are a trio of identical triplet kittens featured in the Tom and Jerry animated shorts produced by MGM.[89] They debut in the 1949 short Heavenly Puss, directed by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, where they appear briefly as deceased kittens granted entry to heaven after drowning in a bag of water, prompting a disgusted reaction from the gatekeeper upon reading their names from the list.[89][90] The kittens receive a starring antagonistic role in the 1952 short Triplet Trouble, also directed by Hanna and Barbera, in which Mammy Two-Shoes reluctantly agrees to babysit them while she steps out to buy cream.[91] Once unsupervised, the initially innocent-seeming trio reveals their bratty nature by tormenting Tom through pranks like pulling his tail and yanking his whiskers, while simultaneously chasing and harassing Jerry in coordinated antics that escalate into widespread household destruction.[91] This episode highlights their synchronized mischievous behavior, marking one of the rare instances where Tom and Jerry temporarily unite against a common foe before resuming their rivalry.[92] Subsequent appearances portray them variably as either adorable or troublemaking, depending on the context, though they remain minor characters overall in the classic series.[59]Chérie
Chérie is a female mouse character who serves as Jerry's occasional love interest in the classic Tom and Jerry theatrical shorts produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. She debuts in the episode Springtime for Thomas, released March 30, 1946, appearing briefly at the conclusion where Jerry dances romantically with her following his interference in Tom's pursuit of a sunbathing female cat.[80] In this Hanna-directed short, Chérie is portrayed as a slender, light-furred mouse, emphasizing Jerry's triumphant romantic subplot amid the chaos.[93] She reappears in Casanova Cat (January 1951), attending a black-tie mouse masquerade ball with Jerry, dressed in an evening gown, while Tom schemes to impress other female mice. These limited roles highlight Chérie's function as a symbol of Jerry's relational success, contrasting Tom's repeated failures, though she lacks a distinct personality or voice acting in the originals. In later adaptations, such as The Tom and Jerry Show (2014), the character is expanded with voice work by Kari Wahlgren and renamed or conflated with "Toots" in some contexts, appearing in episodes focused on Jerry's affections.[94]Toots
Toots is a female cat who debuts as Tom's love interest in the Tom and Jerry short Puss n' Toots, released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer on May 30, 1942.[95][96] In the episode, Tom vies for her affection by lavishing her with gifts and staging magic tricks that involve capturing and manipulating Jerry as a compliant assistant, highlighting Toots's role as a catalyst for Tom's exaggerated courtship efforts.[95] The character is portrayed as a petite, yellow-furred munchkin breed cat, distinguished by pink bows on her head and neck, embodying a flirtatious and alluring archetype typical of wartime-era animation tropes for female figures.[96] Toots does not recur prominently in subsequent classic shorts, marking her as a one-off romantic foil designed to drive the plot's comedic rivalry between Tom and Jerry.[95] Later iterations or merchandise occasionally reference similar designs, but these diverge from the original 1942 depiction.[97]King of France
The King of France is a minor antagonist in the 1952 Tom and Jerry short "The Two Mouseketeers", directed by William Hanna and released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer on March 15.[98] Set in a stylized 17th-century France, the character serves as Tom's employer and the owner of a lavish banquet table that Tom is ordered to guard against rodents.[98] Depicted as an obese, mustachioed monarch in regal attire, he exhibits a volatile temper, immediately sentencing Tom to decapitation by guillotine after Jerry and his protégé Nibbles—disguised as mouseketeers—successfully pilfer cheese and other foods from the unguarded feast, leading to the short's comedic climax.[99] The King's portrayal draws on historical stereotypes of absolute monarchy, incorporating anachronistic elements like the guillotine, which evokes the later French Revolution despite the episode's earlier temporal setting.[98] He does not appear in other Tom and Jerry shorts, functioning primarily as a plot device to heighten Tom's peril in this Academy Award-winning installment.[98]Mechano Cat and Robot Mouse
Mechano Cat is a robotic feline antagonist introduced in the Tom and Jerry short film Push-Button Kitty, released on October 6, 1952, and directed by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera.[100] In the episode, the character arrives via mail-order package to replace the indolent Tom as the household mouser after he fails to prevent Jerry from raiding the kitchen.[100] Assembled by Mammy Two Shoes, Mechano operates via push-button controls that adjust its behavior from standard mouse pursuit to escalated "violent" and "obliterate" modes, enabling it to rapidly capture and deposit mice into a collection chute while causing incidental property damage.[100] Tom's subsequent alliance with Jerry leads to the robot's reprogramming, causing it to malfunction and pursue Tom under the delusion it is a mouse, ultimately resulting in its destruction by electrical overload.[100] The Robot Mouse serves as Jerry's mechanical proxy in the 1967 short Advance and Be Mechanized, directed by Chuck Jones as part of the Chuck Jones-produced era of Tom and Jerry cartoons.[101] Set in a lunar mining facility extracting cheese, the robot—controlled remotely by Jerry—attempts to steal samples from the operation, prompting Tom to deploy his own robot cat in pursuit.[101] Unlike organic characters, the Robot Mouse exhibits precise, programmable agility suited to the zero-gravity environment, navigating obstacles and evading capture until Jerry's intervention redirects the chase, leading to Tom's robotic counterpart's disassembly.[101] This episode marks one of the series' forays into science fiction theming, with the robots embodying automated versions of the protagonists' perennial conflict.[101]The St. Bernard
The St. Bernard is an unnamed canine character portrayed as a classic alpine rescue dog, carrying a small keg of brandy intended to revive frozen or injured individuals in snowy conditions. In its primary role within the series, the dog administers the brandy to unconscious victims, but the alcohol's effects often lead to intoxication rather than mere resuscitation. This character embodies the historical Saint Bernard rescue tradition, where the breed was trained by monks at the Great St. Bernard Hospice to aid travelers in the Alps, though the cartoon exaggerates the trope for slapstick humor.[102] The character debuts prominently in the 1966 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer short The A-Tom-Inable Snowman, directed by Abe Levitow under Chuck Jones's production oversight and released on December 23, 1966. Throughout the cartoon, Tom Cat repeatedly suffers head trauma while chasing Jerry Mouse across winter landscapes, prompting the St. Bernard to intervene multiple times by pouring brandy into Tom's mouth from the keg. Each revival temporarily restores Tom's mobility but induces drunken staggering and heightened aggression toward Jerry, perpetuating the chase cycle even extending to a tropical island setting where the dog improbably appears after Tom is struck by a falling coconut. The dog's interventions highlight the series' recurring theme of unintended consequences in rescue attempts, with no dialogue or vocalization attributed to the character.[102] A similar St. Bernard figure appears earlier in the 1944 short Puttin' on the Dog, directed by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera and released on October 28, 1944, amid a dog show sequence featuring various breeds, including Tom and Jerry disguised among canine contestants. However, this instance lacks the rescue motif and keg accessory, serving instead as background in a parade of dressed-up dogs rather than a recurring helper role. The 1966 depiction establishes the character's signature identity, influencing its recognition in later compilations and references within the franchise.Eagle
The Eagle is a minor antagonist in the Tom and Jerry animated short Flirty Birdy, released on March 31, 1945, by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.[103] In the episode, the Eagle, depicted as a large, aggressive bird of prey, mistakes Jerry for a female bird after spotting him in a nest and attempts to court him before capturing the mouse to eat.[104] Tom intervenes by donning a makeshift female eagle disguise using feathers and a beak prop to distract the Eagle and rescue Jerry, leading to a chase sequence involving aerial pursuits and comedic mishaps.[105] Voiced by Frank Graham, the Eagle exhibits a lustful and predatory personality, initially flirting with Jerry before revealing his intent to devour him, which underscores the short's slapstick humor rooted in mistaken identities and animal instincts. The character does not appear in subsequent classic-era Tom and Jerry shorts but exemplifies the series' use of opportunistic wild animals as temporary threats to heighten chaos in Tom's pursuit of Jerry.[104]Lion
The Lion is an escaped circus lion who appears in the Tom and Jerry animated short Jerry and the Lion, released on April 8, 1950, by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.[106] In the episode, the Lion hides from authorities in the house occupied by Tom the cat and Jerry the mouse, quickly befriending Jerry after the mouse provides him food and shelter, while Tom attempts to capture him for a $50,000 reward advertised on a radio bulletin.[107] [108] The Lion's gentle and playful demeanor contrasts with Tom's aggressive pursuit, leading to comedic chases involving household objects and Tom's failed traps.[106] Voiced by Frank Graham, the character is depicted as large, tawny-furred, and initially timid but capable of roaring ferociously when threatened, ultimately overpowering Tom in the short's climax before departing with Jerry's assistance.[109] This marks the Lion's sole prominent appearance in the classic Hanna-Barbera era of the series, though lions feature in other MGM cartoons outside the Tom and Jerry franchise.[106]Baby Woodpecker
Baby Woodpecker is a minor antagonist-turned-ally character in the Tom and Jerry series, introduced in the 1949 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer short "Hatch Up Your Troubles," directed by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. In the cartoon, a woodpecker's egg rolls from its nest into Jerry's hole and hatches beneath the sleeping mouse, leading the chick to imprint on Jerry as its mother; the bird's voracious hunger prompts it to peck through Jerry's wooden furnishings and accidentally bite his hand during feeding attempts, escalating tensions as Jerry reluctantly shields it from Tom's predatory pursuits.[110][111] The character's defining trait is its comically indestructible beak, capable of penetrating dense materials like wood and metal, culminating in scenes where it drills into Tom's skull without harm, aiding Jerry's evasion efforts. This short served as the basis for the 1956 remake "The Egg and Jerry," which reprises the core plot of the chick mistaking Jerry for its parent and requiring protection from Tom, emphasizing the bird's persistent pecking as both nuisance and weapon.[112]Uncle Pecos
Uncle Pecos is a recurring character in the Tom and Jerry animated series, depicted as an elderly cowboy mouse and the uncle of protagonist Jerry Mouse. He first appeared in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer short "Pecos Pest," released on November 11, 1955, where he arrives unannounced at Jerry's home to rehearse for a television singing debut, repeatedly breaking his guitar strings and replacing them by plucking whiskers from the antagonist Tom Cat, all while singing tunes such as "Crambone" and "Froggy Went A-Courtin'."[113] The character was voiced by musician Shug Fisher, known for his work with the Sons of the Pioneers, who provided both the speaking voice and guitar accompaniment.[114] Pecos embodies a stereotypical Western gunslinger archetype, complete with a large mustache, oversized cowboy hat, and boastful demeanor, often ignoring the chaos his actions cause for Tom and Jerry. He returned in later iterations, including the 2006 Tom and Jerry Tales episode "Cry Uncle," voiced by Scott McNeil, and the 2014 The Tom and Jerry Show segment "Uncle Pecos Rides Again," voiced by Stephen Stanton, maintaining his penchant for musical mishaps and whisker-plucking antics.[115][116]The Exterminators
The exterminators are minor recurring antagonists in the classic Tom and Jerry theatrical shorts, typically depicted as professional pest control operators summoned by Tom to eliminate Jerry. In the 1946 short Trap Happy, directed by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera and released on June 29, 1946, Tom, frustrated by his ongoing failures, consults the Yellow Pages and calls the Ajax Mouse Exterminator service. The responding exterminator is a cat in professional garb, equipped with gadgets like spring-loaded traps, cheese-baited decoys (including a painted steel nut), and a manual on trapping techniques. Despite methodical attempts—such as studying mouse behavior from a book and deploying electrified wires—the exterminator repeatedly outsmarts himself through Jerry's interventions, resulting in self-inflicted injuries like electrocution, explosions, and falls. The character ultimately flees in defeat, underscoring the theme of futile professional intervention in the cat-and-mouse rivalry.[117][118][119] Similar exterminator figures appear sporadically in later episodes and spin-offs, often as cats posing as humans to access the home, but the Trap Happy incarnation establishes the archetype of overconfident, gadget-reliant foes who amplify rather than resolve Tom's predicaments. These portrayals draw from mid-20th-century tropes of bumbling service professionals, with no canonical names or backstories provided in the originals.[117]Radio
The Radio Host serves as a non-visual recurring element in the classic Tom and Jerry theatrical shorts, manifesting as the voice from radios that deliver broadcasts such as music programs, cooking instructions, or urgent alerts about escaped animals and bomb threats, often precipitating mishaps for Tom.[120] These announcements typically exacerbate Tom's predicaments, inducing fear, embarrassment, or unintended consequences in the narrative.[120] In the episode Jerry's Diary (released June 4, 1949), the radio is uniquely anthropomorphized and named Uncle Dudley, interacting directly in the storyline.[120] Otherwise, it remains an inanimate device whose content drives plot complications, as seen in scenarios where warnings about mice or lions alert authorities or heighten Tom's anxiety. The role has been voiced by several actors across episodes:| Episode | Release Date | Voice Actor |
|---|---|---|
| Fraidy Cat | January 17, 1942 | Martha Wentworth[120] |
| The Zoot Cat | February 26, 1944 | Jerry Mann[120] |
| Jerry's Diary | June 4, 1949 | Harry E. Lang[120] |
| Jerry and the Lion | April 8, 1950 | Frank Graham[120] |
| Jerry and the Goldfish | August 16, 1951 (noted in some listings as 1958 contextually) | Daws Butler[120] |
| Little Runaway | June 14, 1952 | Unknown[120] |
| Life with Tom | November 21, 1953 | Jerry Mann[120] |
| The Missing Mouse | July 11, 1953 | Paul Frees[120] |
| Down Beat Bear | September 22, 1956 | Unknown[120] |
Jackass
The Jackass gag features in multiple theatrical shorts from the original Tom and Jerry series produced by Hanna-Barbera between 1940 and 1958, manifesting as a character's head transforming into that of a donkey—symbolizing idiocy upon realization of being deceived. This visual substitution, rather than a named anthropomorphic figure, equates foolishness with the animal connotation of "jackass." The trope typically involves Tom or another antagonist braying or displaying equine ears and a muzzle after a failed scheme against Jerry.[121] It debuted in the 1946 short Solid Serenade, marking the initial use of the donkey metamorphosis for comedic emphasis on gullibility.[122] A prominent later instance occurs in Polka-Dot Puss (1949), where Tom, mistaking red paint spots for measles after Jerry's ruse, views his mirror reflection as a donkey head emblazoned with the word "JACKASS."[123] The gag recurs in various forms across episodes, underscoring slapstick themes of deception and self-inflicted humiliation without evolving into a standalone character.[124]Gene Deitch Era Characters (1961–1962)
The Gene Deitch era produced 13 theatrical Tom and Jerry shorts between September 1961 and December 1962, outsourced to Rembrandt Films in Prague under American animator Gene Deitch's direction due to MGM's cost-cutting measures. This period marked a stylistic departure with limited animation, Eastern European influences in design, and the introduction of more prominent human antagonists interacting with Tom, often amplifying themes of abuse and cosmic misfortune for the cat. Voices for human characters were provided by Allen Swift, known for Terrytoons roles.[125][126] Key figures included Tom's unnamed owner, a bald, overweight, middle-aged man with explosive anger who physically punishes Tom more harshly than Jerry, appearing in multiple shorts like "Switchin' Kitten" and "High Steaks" as a sadistic authority figure inspired by Deitch's earlier creation Clint Clobber.[127] The Mad Scientist, featured exclusively in "Mouse into Space" (released April 13, 1962), is a disheveled inventor who recruits and trains Jerry for an astronaut program amid Cold War space race motifs, inadvertently enabling Tom's stowaway antics. The Thin Lady, a slender, nagging neighbor or landlady, appears in shorts such as "Down and Outing" (October 26, 1961), where she evicts Tom and Jerry, emphasizing eviction and homelessness tropes with her shrill demeanor. These humans contrasted prior eras' minimal anthropomorphic focus, heightening Tom's victimhood in a chain of escalating harms.[128]The Grumpy Owner
The Grumpy Owner is an unnamed human antagonist who functions as Tom's abusive proprietor in three shorts directed by Gene Deitch for MGM between 1961 and 1962: Down and Outing (May 26, 1961), High Steaks (August 17, 1962), and Sorry Safari (August 3, 1962). In each, he occupies a distinct role—fisherman in Down and Outing, steakhouse chef in High Steaks, and big-game hunter in Sorry Safari—while exhibiting consistent traits of explosive temper and disproportionate retaliation against Tom, often oblivious to Jerry's instigations. Voiced by Allen Swift, who supplied gruff exclamations and sound effects, the character rarely utters full dialogue but conveys rage through facial contortions, such as reddening and baring sharp teeth when enraged.[129] Depicted as a middle-aged, overweight, bald Caucasian man of average height, the Grumpy Owner physically dominates Tom with kicks, beatings, and evictions over trivial damages or perceived laziness, even when Tom's actions stem from chasing Jerry or external chaos. This sadistic hypocrisy peaks in scenarios like High Steaks, where he assaults Tom with kitchen utensils after a fire inadvertently started by Jerry, or Sorry Safari, where he blames Tom for wildlife disruptions during a hunt. Rare moments of approval, such as briefly praising Tom's fishing aid in Down and Outing, underscore his conditional regard, quickly revoked by subsequent mishaps. Fan communities often conflate the Grumpy Owner with Clint Clobber, a hot-tempered cop from Deitch's earlier Terrytoons series Deputy Dawg (also voiced by Swift), due to superficial resemblances in design and demeanor; however, the characters originate from separate productions with no canonical overlap. The Grumpy Owner's absence from later Deitch shorts and subsequent eras reflects backlash against the heightened violence in these entries, which deviated from the Hanna-Barbera formula by emphasizing Tom's victimization under human authority.Mad Scientist
The Mad Scientist is a one-time antagonist in the Tom and Jerry series, debuting in the 1961 short "Switchin' Kitten", directed by Gene Deitch as part of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production. He operates from a laboratory within a gothic castle, where he conducts unethical experiments swapping the brains of animals to alter their behaviors, such as exchanging a dog's mind with that of a cat.[130] In the plot, Jerry Mouse unwittingly becomes his assistant, helping prepare subjects for these procedures, which inadvertently leads to Tom Cat receiving canine instincts and pursuing Jerry with dog-like aggression.[130] [126] Voiced by Allen Swift, the character is portrayed with wild white hair, oversized glasses, and a lab coat, emphasizing his deranged and inventive persona amid the Deitch era's shift toward more abstract, Eastern European-influenced animation styles produced in Prague.[130] His experiments serve as the inciting incident for the cartoon's chaos, highlighting themes of unintended consequences in scientific tampering, though the short critiques no real ethical boundaries beyond slapstick outcomes. The Mad Scientist does not recur in subsequent Deitch-directed episodes (1961–1962), distinguishing him as a short-lived element unique to this entry among the 13 cartoons of that period.[130]Thin Lady
The Thin Lady is an unnamed human character serving as Tom's owner in the Gene Deitch-produced Tom and Jerry short "Buddies Thicker Than Water," released November 1, 1962.[131] This installment, the final one in Deitch's 13-short tenure for MGM via Rembrandt Films, depicts her residing in an urban penthouse apartment amid a blizzard, where Jerry maintains a cozy mouse hole.[132] [133] She replaces the short-tempered male owner from prior Deitch cartoons, such as "Sorry Safari," providing a less antagonistic human presence.[134] Portrayed as a slender young woman, the Thin Lady encounters Jerry directly, reacting with a scream upon spotting the mouse—a reflexive fear response aligning with human portrayals in the series but contrasting the era's often volatile owner-cat interactions.[134] Her role is minor and limited to this single appearance in the Deitch era, emphasizing the short's focus on Tom and Jerry's temporary alliance amid betrayal and environmental peril outside the penthouse.[132]Chuck Jones Era Characters (1963–1967)
The Chuck Jones era of Tom and Jerry, encompassing 34 theatrical shorts released from 1963 to 1967, shifted the series toward a more caricatured aesthetic with elongated proportions and exaggerated expressions for Tom and Jerry, drawing from Jones' Looney Tunes background.[135] This period prioritized intricate gag sequences involving mechanical devices, psychological tension, and environmental hazards over expansive supporting ensembles, resulting in fewer wholly new recurring characters compared to earlier eras.[135] Introduced figures like the Tiny Bulldog and the Shark provided targeted antagonism or alliance in specific scenarios, enhancing the core cat-and-mouse pursuit without dominating narratives. Occasional returns of prior characters, such as Spike the Bulldog in "Much Ado About Mousing" (1964), occurred but were not central to the era's innovations. The Tiny Bulldog, a pint-sized canine designed with a tough, Spike-like build scaled to mouse dimensions, functions as Jerry's fierce guardian. Debuting in "The Cat's Me-Ouch!" (released December 1, 1965), the character repeatedly assaults Tom with disproportionate ferocity, using bites and tackles to repel the cat's advances despite his small stature. This dynamic underscores themes of unexpected power imbalances, as the bulldog's loyalty to Jerry turns Tom's chases into humiliating defeats. The Tiny Bulldog reprises this role in "Purr-Chance to Dream" (released January 6, 1967), where Tom's nightmares of giant dogs materialize as this tiny terror, amplifying the short's exploration of fear and reversal.[136] Limited to these two appearances, the character exemplifies the era's economical use of allies to heighten comedic stakes.[137] The Shark emerges as a predatory aquatic threat in water-based escapades, often materializing as an opportunistic hunter to complicate Tom's pursuits. In "Filet Meow" (released December 16, 1966), a Shark inhabits the fishbowl alongside Goldie the Goldfish, lunging at Jerry and forcing alliances amid Tom's interference. It escalates chaos in "Surf-Bored Cat" (released July 21, 1967), where the Shark attacks Tom during a cruise-side surfing attempt, combining with a persistent starfish to create multi-front perils.[138] Similarly, "Cannery Rodent" (released March 14, 1967) features a Shark chasing Tom into the sea after a cannery mishap, emphasizing relentless underwater danger.[139] These instances portray the Shark not as a singular personality but as a archetypal foe exploiting marine environments, aligning with Jones' penchant for elemental antagonists in contrived settings.[138]Tiny Bulldog
The Tiny Bulldog is a minor, unnamed character introduced in the Chuck Jones era of the Tom and Jerry series, produced between 1963 and 1967. Resembling a diminutive version of the established bulldog Spike, this mouse-sized canine functions primarily as Jerry's aggressive pet and bodyguard, aggressively defending the mouse from Tom's pursuits with disproportionate ferocity relative to its stature.[136] The character debuts in the short "The Cat's Me-Ouch!", released December 22, 1965, directed by Chuck Jones. In this episode, Jerry acquires the Tiny Bulldog from a pet shop after Tom fails to capture him; the bulldog then savagely attacks Tom multiple times—biting, pummeling, and hospitalizing the cat—establishing its role as an overpowered ally for Jerry despite its tiny frame. Tiny Bulldog's sole other appearance occurs in "Purr-Chance to Dream", released December 9, 1967, and directed by Ben Washam under Jones's production oversight; this marked the final theatrical Tom and Jerry short from MGM. Here, following Tom's nightmare of being hammered like a nail by a giant dog, Jerry deploys the Tiny Bulldog to replicate the torment in reality, luring Tom into repeated brutal encounters that escalate the cat's suffering through the bulldog's relentless assaults.[136][137] No voice acting credits are associated with the Tiny Bulldog, consistent with the era's emphasis on visual gags and minimal dialogue in the series. The character's limited appearances highlight Jones's stylistic shift toward more surreal, Looney Tunes-influenced humor, temporarily supplanting Spike's protective archetype with a comically mismatched miniature enforcer.Shark
The Shark is a recurring aquatic antagonist in four Chuck Jones-directed Tom and Jerry shorts produced from 1966 to 1967, depicted as a large, aggressive predator that repeatedly attempts to consume Tom and Jerry in marine or watery settings.[138][139] Unlike incidental sea creatures in earlier eras, this character exhibits persistent malice across episodes, emerging as a secondary threat amid Tom and Jerry's conflicts. It lacks dialogue or named attribution in the cartoons, relying on visual menace through sharp teeth, finned silhouette, and predatory lunges. The Shark debuts in Filet Meow (February 1966), where Jerry enters an aquarium to aid a small goldfish, only for the Shark to growl and pursue him aggressively within the confined space.[140] In Puss 'n' Boats (March 1966), it stalks the duo during a boating mishap on open water, heightening the peril of their chase. By Surf-Bored Cat (August 1967), the Shark harasses Tom while he surfs on a cruise ship, repeatedly disrupting his balance and dragging him underwater. Its final appearance occurs in Cannery Rodent (January 1967), inside a Monterey cannery where Tom and Jerry escape a tin only to confront the Shark amid processing machinery and conveyor belts, nearly succeeding in devouring Tom before Jerry intervenes.[138][139] These encounters underscore Chuck Jones's stylistic emphasis on exaggerated peril and fluid animation in aquatic sequences, distinguishing the Shark from Hanna-Barbera's more slapstick foes.Television Series Characters
The Tom and Jerry Show (1975)
The Tom and Jerry Show (1975), a Hanna-Barbera Productions series, aired 16 half-hour episodes on ABC from September 6, 1975, to December 4, 1976, each comprising two Tom and Jerry segments and one Laurel and Hardy cartoon.[141] The format emphasized Tom and Jerry as collaborative friends rather than rivals, engaging in slapstick adventures against external foes to suit 1970s children's programming restrictions on violence.[142] Voices included John Stephenson providing vocal effects for both Tom and Jerry, as well as voicing Spike and other characters; Don Messick providing Spike's growls, voicing Quacker, and additional roles; with supporting voices by Joe E. Ross, Henry Corden, Kathy Gori, Janet Waldo, and others.[143] New characters appeared primarily as one-off antagonists or supporting figures in genre parodies, enhancing episodic plots without establishing long-term arcs. Broke, a ravenous gopher, serves as the pest in "Gopher Broke," repeatedly raiding and outsmarting Tom and Jerry's vegetable patch defenses.[144] In "Robin Ho Ho," the titular laughing outlaw leads a band of merry men parodying Robin Hood, enlisting the duo via trials like archery before they steal a plume from the Sheriff of Nottingham's helmet as the ultimate test.[145] The Sheriff of Nottingham acts as the episode's authoritarian foe, ruling oppressively with a crow sidekick.[146] Yvonne Jockalong, an athletic female cat first seen in the 1956 theatrical short "Muscle Beach Tom," reemerged in sports-themed segments like "The Ski Bunny" and "The Tennis Menace," partnering with Jerry in competitions against Tom.[147] Sergeant Farce, a comically inept police officer voiced by John Stephenson, pursues the protagonists in the Jekyll-and-Hyde spoof "See Dr. Jackal and Hide."[144] These figures underscored the series' shift toward teamwork and humorous obstacles over personal conflict.[141]Broke
Broke, commonly known as Gopher Broke, is an anthropomorphic gopher character serving as the central antagonist in the "Gopher Broke" episode of The Tom and Jerry Show, a Hanna-Barbera-produced animated series that aired from September 1975 to 1977. In the segment, which originally broadcast on September 27, 1975, Broke persistently raids and devours vegetables from a garden maintained by Tom and Jerry, who employ increasingly elaborate traps and schemes—such as dynamite, flooding, and mechanical devices—to evict him, only for the gopher to outmaneuver them each time through cunning and physical agility. His design features a small, brown-furred body with prominent buck teeth, expressive eyes, and a mischievous demeanor typical of Hanna-Barbera's comedic adversaries. Broke returns in the follow-up episode "Son of Gopher Broke," where Tom and Jerry, now employed as groundskeepers for a wealthy estate, confront him again as he undermines their landscaping efforts by tunneling and consuming plants, leading to further chaotic confrontations with household staff and gadgets.[148] This appearance reinforces his role as a resilient pest, emphasizing themes of futile human (or animal) intervention against nature's opportunists, without dialogue but through slapstick physicality and sound effects. No voice actor is credited for Broke, aligning with the era's focus on visual gags over verbal humor in the toned-down, family-friendly format of the 1975 series.[149]Robin Ho Ho and His Merry Men
Robin Ho Ho and his Merry Men constitute a band of anthropomorphic outlaws parodying the legendary Robin Hood and his followers, introduced in the episode "Robin Ho Ho" of The Tom and Jerry Show.[150] The group operates in a medieval forest setting, where they test aspiring members through challenges such as archery and combat trials.[150] In the storyline, Tom and Jerry successfully complete these initiations to join the merry men, only for conflict to arise with antagonistic forces led by the Sheriff of Nottingham.[150] The episode originally aired on September 20, 1975, as part of a multi-segment broadcast including "Mammoth Manhunt" and "The Wacky World of Sports."[145]Sheriff of Nottingham
The Sheriff of Nottingham serves as the main antagonist in the "Robin Ho Ho" storyline of The Tom and Jerry Show, which aired its first episodes on ABC starting September 6, 1975. This multi-segment parody of the Robin Hood legend depicts him as a despotic ruler enforcing oppressive taxation on Nottingham's residents, clashing with the heroic Robin Ho Ho—a bloodhound outlaw—and his band of merry men who redistribute stolen wealth to the impoverished. Tom and Jerry become involved by aiding Robin Ho Ho in pilfering a signature red plume from the Sheriff's helmet as proof of its origin, leading to chaotic chases involving the Sheriff's forces.[142] Voiced by Frank Welker, the character is portrayed as a burly, scheming enforcer accompanied by a cawing crow sidekick for reconnaissance and packs of wolfhounds deployed to track and capture intruders in Sherwood Forest. His schemes consistently fail due to the interference of Tom, Jerry, and the outlaws, emphasizing slapstick pursuits and medieval-themed gags typical of the series' format. The segments, including the initial "Robin Ho Ho" episode broadcast on September 20, 1975, highlight the Sheriff's greed and incompetence as foils to the protagonists' antics.[146][150]Yvonne Jockalong
Yvonne Jockalong is a tall, slender female cat with a brownish coat who serves as a romantic interest for both Tom and Jerry in The Tom and Jerry Show (1975). Her name parodies Australian tennis player Evonne Goolagong, aligning with her athletic depictions in skiing and tennis scenarios.[151] She first appears in the episode "The Ski Bunny," which aired on September 6, 1975, as part of the series premiere half-hour. In this story, Tom and Jerry vie for her affection on a ski slope, leading to competitive antics that temporarily involve Spike as a rival suitor before the duo disrupts the pairing. Janet Waldo provides her voice in this, her only speaking role.[152][153] Yvonne returns in "The Tennis Menace," aired on October 4, 1975, where she partners with Jerry in a mixed doubles tennis match against Tom and the larger cat Big Bertha. Tom employs various tricks to gain an advantage, but the contest devolves into chaos typical of the series' formula.[151]Sergeant Farce
Sergeant Farce is a minor anthropomorphic canine police officer who appears solely in the episode "See Dr. Jackal and Hide," the fortieth installment of The Tom and Jerry Show (1975), which originally aired on November 29, 1975. In the storyline, a parody of Robert Louis Stevenson's Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, he responds to frantic neighborhood complaints about monstrous disturbances stemming from a scientist's experimental serum that transforms victims into were-rat-like creatures, including Jerry after accidental exposure. Farce arrives skeptical, dismissing initial reports as pranks before confronting the chaos directly, highlighting his role as a comically inept authority figure amid Tom and Jerry's antics. The character was voiced by John Stephenson, a prolific Hanna-Barbera actor known for gruff, authoritative roles.[144][154]The Tom and Jerry Comedy Show (1980)
The Tom and Jerry Comedy Show, produced by Filmation and airing on CBS from September 6 to November 1, 1980, consisted of 16 half-hour episodes, each with two Tom and Jerry shorts framed by additional animated segments.[155] These included Droopy cartoons as the central feature, where the titular character hosted wraparounds and starred in plots involving clever triumphs over adversaries, alongside occasional Barney Bear appearances in comedic, standalone or crossover scenarios.[156] The wolf antagonist McWolf emerged as a recurring foil specifically in the Droopy portions, emphasizing chase-and-foiling dynamics akin to the main duo's formula.[157] DroopyDroopy, a lethargic yet resourceful basset hound with a monotone voice and unflappable demeanor, originated in MGM shorts but anchored the interstitial segments here, voiced primarily by Lou Scheimer. In episodes like "Droopy's Restless Night," he navigates absurd predicaments, consistently prevailing through understated wit and physical prowess against scheming opponents.[158] His role extended to introducing the show's structure, maintaining the character's signature deadpan humor from prior Tex Avery-directed works. Barney Bear
Barney Bear, the affable but inept anthropomorphic bear from classic MGM animations, appeared in select episodes such as "Pest in the West" and "Scared Bear," often in bungled adventure or fright-based gags.[158] Voiced by Lou Scheimer, he portrayed a well-meaning but comically hapless figure, sometimes intersecting with Droopy or McWolf in ensemble scenarios like studio mishaps or Western parodies.[159] These spots highlighted his enduring trait of optimistic failure amid escalating chaos. McWolf
Slick McWolf, a cunning and verbose wolf villain voiced by Frank Welker, functioned as Droopy's primary antagonist across multiple segments, devising elaborate ruses in vain attempts at domination or capture. Known fully as Slick J. McWolf in production contexts, he embodied slick-talking greed and frustration, with plots in episodes like "Matterhorn Droopy" revolving around his thwarted schemes in settings from mountains to motels.[158] This character adapted Tex Avery's wolf archetype for Filmation's format, emphasizing verbal bluster undercut by inevitable defeat.[156]
Droopy
Droopy is an anthropomorphic basset hound character who starred in self-contained segments of The Tom and Jerry Comedy Show, an anthology series produced by Filmation that ran for two seasons from 1980 to 1982. In these shorts, Droopy typically engages in deadpan pursuits against a persistent wolf antagonist, often identified as Slick or McWolf, who schemes to outmaneuver him but invariably fails due to Droopy's understated cleverness and persistence. The character's portrayal emphasized his lethargic gait, monotone delivery, and habit of surprising foes with sudden competence, maintaining the style from his original MGM shorts.[157] Lou Scheimer provided the voice for Droopy in the series, delivering the character's signature laconic lines such as "You know what? That makes me mad." Segments occasionally incorporated elements from the main Tom and Jerry storyline, including crossovers with Spike the bulldog as an additional foil, blending Droopy's world with the cat-and-mouse chaos. Notable episodes include "Droopy's Restless Night," which depicts Droopy attempting to sleep amid disruptions from the wolf, and "Matterhorn Droopy," involving a mountain-climbing rivalry; both premiered on September 6, 1980.[160][161][162]Barney Bear
Barney Bear is an anthropomorphic bear who served as a recurring character in the Droopy Dog segments of The Tom and Jerry Comedy Show, an animated series produced by Filmation that premiered on CBS on September 6, 1980.[155] Originally introduced in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's theatrical short The Bear That Couldn't Sleep, released on June 10, 1939, Barney was revived for television after no new appearances since the 1950s, portraying a brown-furred, everyman bear defined by his indolent, somnolent nature and futile quests for undisturbed rest amid escalating disruptions.[163] In the show, he typically acted as Droopy's reluctant partner or subordinate in misadventures, such as guarding valuables or exploring eerie locations, where his laid-back disposition contrasted with the persistent interference of wolfish foes. The character was voiced by Frank Welker.[159]McWolf
McWolf, also known as Slick McWolf or Slick Wolf, functions as the chief antagonist in the Droopy segments of The Tom and Jerry Comedy Show, a Hanna-Barbera series that debuted on September 6, 1980, and ran for 16 episodes through 1982. Portrayed as a cunning, opportunistic wolf with a penchant for elaborate schemes and disguises, he repeatedly targets Droopy in pursuits involving business rivalries, chases, or sabotage attempts, only to suffer humiliating defeats due to Droopy's unflappable wit and physical prowess.[164] Voiced by Frank Welker, whose versatile performances included growls, exclamations, and sly dialogue, McWolf embodies the archetypal slick villain archetype derived from earlier MGM wolf characters, emphasizing verbal bluster contrasted with physical incompetence.[165] His debut occurs in the segment "Droopy's Restless Night," where he embodies the frustrated schemer archetype central to the show's blend of Tom and Jerry-style slapstick with Droopy's deadpan heroism.[166]Tom & Jerry Kids (1990–1993)
Tom & Jerry Kids was an American animated television series produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions that premiered on Fox Kids on September 8, 1990, and concluded after 65 episodes across four seasons by 1993.[167] The program depicted kitten-aged Tom Cat and baby Jerry Mouse in slapstick chases, alongside standalone shorts featuring other anthropomorphic animals, maintaining the mute rivalry format of the originals while incorporating younger family members of established characters like Spike and Droopy.[167] Frank Welker provided voices for Tom, Jerry, and antagonist McWolf, with Don Messick reprising Droopy.[168] Key recurring characters beyond the core duo included Dripple, Droopy's basset hound puppy son, who participates in clever schemes against foes, voiced by Charlie Adler.[167] Miss Vavoom, a voluptuous female feline serving as a romantic foil in Droopy segments, was voiced by Teresa Ganzel and drew from Tex Avery's Red Hot Riding Hood archetype, often pursued by McWolf.[167] Calaboose Cal appeared in parody infomercial shorts as a boastful cat salesman demonstrating gadgets like the "Calaboose Cal 495," highlighting the series' satirical elements.[169] Additional figures encompassed Urfo, an extraterrestrial dog in sci-fi themed escapades; Clyde, a mischievous frog associate; Kyle the Cat, a rival feline; Bernie the Swallow, a bird sidekick; Wild Mouse, a hyperactive rodent antagonist; Moncy, a monkey character in comedic pursuits; and Sheriff Potgut, a portly lawman in Western spoofs.[167] These supporting roles expanded the franchise's ensemble, emphasizing generational antics and villainous archetypes like McWolf, without altering the core cat-mouse dynamic.[168]Dripple
Dripple is the anthropomorphic basset hound son of Droopy Dog, introduced as a recurring character in the "Droopy and Dripple" segments of the animated television series Tom & Jerry Kids, which aired 65 episodes from September 8, 1990, to February 12, 1993, on Fox Kids. In these segments, Dripple appears as a young, laid-back puppy who frequently aids his father in outwitting antagonists like McWolf, mirroring Droopy's signature deadpan demeanor and unexpected cleverness in resolving conflicts.[166] Voiced by Charlie Adler throughout the series, Dripple's character draws from an unnamed infant basset hound pup who briefly appeared with Droopy and his mother in the 1954 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer theatrical short Homesteader Droopy, directed by Tex Avery, though the pup was not identified by name until Tom & Jerry Kids.[170] His debut named episode in the series was "Dakota Droopy and the Lost Dutch Boy Mine" in season 1, episode 1, where he joins Droopy in a Western-themed pursuit of treasure against McWolf. Dripple features in approximately 20-25 of the show's Droopy-focused segments, often involving chases, inventions, or heroic feats, such as in "Super Droop and Dripple Boy Meet the Yolker," emphasizing father-son teamwork.[171]Miss Vavoom
Miss Vavoom is a recurring supporting character in the animated television series Tom & Jerry Kids, which ran from September 8, 1990, to February 12, 1994, produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions and Turner Entertainment.[172] She primarily features in segments involving Droopy and McWolf, portrayed as a glamorous, seductive anthropomorphic female figure inspired by classic Tex Avery designs, often serving as a romantic interest who favors the laid-back Droopy over the aggressive McWolf.[166] Her appearances emphasize comedic pursuits and romantic resolutions, with Droopy consistently winning her affection despite competition.[164] Voiced by actress Teresa Ganzel throughout the series, Miss Vavoom's character embodies exaggerated allure, frequently depicted in scenarios like gym rivalries or social events where her presence sparks rivalry between male characters.[173] She debuted in early episodes, such as those involving Droopy's antics, and continued in later ones, including interactions with McWolf's schemes, reinforcing her role as a catalyst for humor centered on unrequited pursuit and unexpected victories by underdogs like Droopy.[174] Ganzel's performance highlights her sultry persona, contributing to the show's blend of slapstick and mild romantic tropes adapted for a younger audience.[175]Calaboose Cal
Calaboose Cal is a feline antagonist and occasional ally to Tom in the animated series Tom & Jerry Kids, which aired from September 8, 1990, to 1993 on Fox Kids. The character, a large cat, participates in slapstick scenarios typically centered on pest control or chases involving Jerry, reflecting the show's expansion of the classic Tom and Jerry formula with kid-oriented humor and supporting casts.[172] Voiced by Phil Hartman, known for his versatile comedic timing in animations like The Simpsons, Calaboose Cal brings a gruff, exaggerated persona to episodes.[176] His appearances include "Exterminator Cometh," where he engages in fumigation antics, and "Penthouse Mouse/12 Angry Sheep/The Ant Attack" (Season 3, Episode 21, aired circa 1992), in which he teams up with Tom to evict Jerry from a luxury apartment.[177][69] The character also headlines the segment "The Calaboose Cal 495: Marked Down from 500" in Season 1, parodying action tropes with over-the-top physical comedy, and makes recurring cameos in other shorts emphasizing his bulky build and persistent failures against rodents.[178] These roles underscore Hanna-Barbera's approach to blending Western-inspired names—"calaboose" denoting a jailhouse—with cartoonish exaggeration, though Calaboose functions more as a bumbling enforcer than a lawman.[172]Urfo
Urfo is an extraterrestrial canine character in the animated series Tom & Jerry Kids, which aired from 1990 to 1993. Portrayed as a space pup approximately one and a half times the size of Jerry Mouse, Urfo demonstrates superhuman abilities including laser projection from its tail, teleportation, and telekinetic manipulation of objects.[179] The character is voiced by Frank Welker.[180] Urfo debuts in the 1990 episode "Urfo Returns," where the alien dog, while scouting a forest for a private spot to urinate, encounters Tom pursuing Jerry and repeatedly thwarts the cat using its powers to rescue and protect the mouse.[164] The character reappears in the second-season episode "The Little Thinker," assisting a young boy named Buzz who discovers Urfo hiding from a pursuing alien hunter dubbed Big Feet.[181] These limited appearances highlight Urfo's role as a benevolent, technologically advanced ally in the series' comedic antics.Clyde
Clyde is a recurring anthropomorphic cat character in the animated series Tom & Jerry Kids, which aired from September 8, 1990, to 1994.[167] Voiced by Brian Cummings, he typically appears as an overeager ally to the young Tom, attempting to assist in pursuits of Jerry but often exacerbating situations through clumsiness and poor judgment.[182] Clyde's debut occurs in the episode "My Pal," part of the segment "Toys Will Be Toys/Droop and Deliver/My Pal," where Tom frees Clyde's head from a flower pot during a chase, leading Clyde to persistently "help" despite hindering Tom's efforts.[183] In "Clyde to the Rescue," the titular segment of episode 9 from season 1, Clyde repeatedly gets his head stuck while aiding golfer Tom in capturing Jerry on a course, resulting in repeated failures and comedic disruptions.[184] He features in additional episodes, such as "Grab That Bird," partnering with Kyle the Cat to capture prey, and "Star Wrek," where he joins efforts against Bernie the Swallow, consistently portraying a dim-witted, well-intentioned but accident-prone feline.[185][186]Kyle the Cat
Kyle the Cat is a recurring antagonist in the animated series Tom & Jerry Kids, which aired from September 8, 1990, to 1993 on Fox Kids. Voiced by Patrick Fraley, he appears in at least four episodes between 1990 and 1992, typically portrayed as a stray cat engaging in schemes against other characters.[187][188] In the season 3 episode "Pound Hound," aired December 12, 1992, Kyle features in a solo segment where he becomes handcuffed to a dog after attempting to evade animal control, leading to comedic pursuits. He also appears in "Bat Mouse/Puss'n Pups/Outer Space Rover," contributing to antagonistic roles alongside other street-dwelling felines.[189] These appearances highlight Kyle's role as a opportunistic alley cat, often clashing with protagonists in short-form gags consistent with the series' slapstick format.[187]Bernie the Swallow
Bernie the Swallow is a recurring avian character in the animated series Tom & Jerry Kids, which aired from 1990 to 1993 on Fox Kids. Portrayed as a neurotic yellow swallow prone to complaining about injuries from slapstick mishaps, he often allies with Jerry Mouse against feline antagonists like Clyde and Kyle the Cat.[164] The character debuted in the episode "Hard to Swallow," where he interacts with Jerry amid chaotic pursuits, and features prominently in "Swallow the Swallow," a segment of the December 5, 1992, broadcast involving cats attempting to capture him at a farm.[186] Bernie was voiced by David L. Lander, known for Laverne & Shirley, in at least three episodes, contributing to his whiny, hypochondriac persona amid the series' kid-oriented adaptations of classic Tom and Jerry gags.[190]Wild Mouse
Wild Mouse is a feral, shaggy-furred mouse character in the animated series Tom & Jerry Kids (1990–1993), depicted as aggressive, cunning, and scavenging, often raised in wild settings like wolf packs that inform his untamed demeanor.[164] He typically outmaneuvers feline hunters or lawmen through traps and environmental exploits, serving as a standalone protagonist in shorts or an occasional aid to Jerry against Tom.[172] Unlike the more domestic Jerry, Wild Mouse embodies chaotic wilderness instincts, appearing in over a dozen segments across seasons 2 through 4.[164] His debut segment, "Wild Mouse" (Season 2, Episode 7; aired February 2, 1991), places him in snowy mountains where he raids a cabin's food stores, prompting Tom to pursue him with failed traps until a boulder mishap leads to capture, followed by an unlikely truce with the owner Hungry Pierre.[164] In "Catawumpus Cat" (Season 3, Episode 1; aired March 23, 1991), Tom attempts to snag him as a tribal initiation rite but repeatedly fails, resulting in his own exile by Native American-style "Catawumpus Cats."[164] "Wildmouse II" (Season 3, Episode 12; aired November 2, 1991) shifts to the Okefenokee Swamp, where he scavenges amid gators, dodging Sheriff Potgut and the Gator Brothers via a boiling gumbo snare.[164] Additional pursuits highlight his resilience: in "Hunter Pierre" (Season 3, Episode 19; aired December 21, 1991), a bounty hunter eyes a $1,000,000 reward, only to end mounted as Wild Mouse's trophy.[164] "King Wildmouse" (Season 4, Episode 11; aired October 31, 1992) unfolds on Mouse Skull Island, with showman P.T. Pompbottom and Tom scheming capture for exhibition, undone by the mouse's escapes.[164] Other clashes include medieval knight Tom in "When Knights Were Cold" (Season 4, Episode 6; September 26, 1992) and a bowling alley rampage in "Wild World of Bowling" (Season 3, Episode 22; January 11, 1992), underscoring his disruptive velocity across terrains.[164] These vignettes emphasize slapstick evasion over dialogue, aligning with the series' chase-comedy roots.[172]Moncy
Moncy is an anthropomorphic cougar introduced as a recurring antagonist in the animated series Tom & Jerry Kids (1990–1993), primarily targeting the bulldogs Spike and Tyke during wilderness escapades.[164] He embodies a predatory role, scheming to capture or devour Tyke or his possessions, often through disguises and ambushes that escalate comedic chases.[191] Moncy first appears in the segment "Tyke on a Hike," aired as part of season 2, episode 13 on December 7, 1991, where Spike leads Tyke on a forest hike only for the starving cougar to repeatedly stalk them, disguising himself as a bush, a sandwich, and a distressed explorer to access Tyke's packed lunch.[192] [193] In subsequent encounters, such as when the dogs return home, Moncy persists in his pursuit, highlighting his relentless, opportunistic nature as a foil to Spike's protective instincts.[164] Unlike core characters like Tom or Jerry, Moncy lacks deep backstory but functions as a situational villain to amplify slapstick peril in outdoor settings.[194]Sheriff Potgut
Sheriff Potgut is an anthropomorphic alligator character in the animated series Tom & Jerry Kids (1990–1993), depicted as the elderly sheriff of Hokey-Finokey Swamp. Voiced by Robert Ridgely, he functions primarily as an antagonist in swamp-themed segments, often engaging in pursuits involving local wildlife or rivals.[195] He debuts in the season 3 episode "Wild Mouse II," aired October 25, 1992, where he employs the Gator Brothers to thwart a wild mouse's attempts to steal his soup via speedboat chases across the swamp. Potgut reappears in the season 3 episode "Cajun Gumbo," aired November 15, 1992, guarding his prized gumbo pot against potential intruders like the wild mouse.[196] These appearances highlight his role in comedic conflict, leveraging his authority to protect personal culinary interests amid chaotic antics.Gator Brothers
The Gator Brothers are a duo of anthropomorphic alligator bounty hunters featured in the animated series Tom & Jerry Kids, which premiered on Fox Kids on September 8, 1990, and ran until 1993. They appear primarily in the Droopy and Dripple segments as comedic antagonists, characterized by their dim-witted nature and pirate-inspired attire, including bandanas and sleeveless shirts in contrasting colors.[166] The brothers operate from a swamp setting, often hired by figures like Sheriff Potgut to pursue targets such as the thief Wild Mouse or the sly Swampy Fox. Notable appearances include the 1992 episode "Cajun Gumbo," where they chase Swampy Fox amid slapstick chases involving soup theft and speedboats, highlighting their bungled efforts and exaggerated alligator traits for humor. Their incompetent bounty hunting style aligns with the series' kid-friendly adaptation of classic slapstick, reducing violence compared to original Tom and Jerry shorts while emphasizing visual gags.[88]Stinky Jr. McWolf
Stinky Jr. McWolf, also known as Lil' Stinky, is a minor antagonistic character in the animated series Tom & Jerry Kids, which aired from 1990 to 1993.[166] He is depicted as the son of McWolf, a recurring wolf villain modeled after classic Big Bad Wolf archetypes, and inherits a similar sly, scheming demeanor.[197] Stinky Jr. primarily appears in Droopy-focused segments, teaming up with his father in competitive scenarios against Droopy and his son Dripple. Notable appearances include the 1993 episode "Fallen Archers," set in medieval times, where McWolf and Stinky Jr. enter a father-son archery contest against Droopy and Dripple, with the winner claiming a prize of a castle and gold.[198] Another episode, "Order in the Volleyball Court," features them competing in a volleyball championship against Droopy and Dripple for a $100,000 prize and a date with Volley Vavoom.[198] These outings highlight Stinky Jr.'s role as a youthful accomplice in his father's futile attempts to outmaneuver the unflappable Droopy.[199]Screwball Squirrel
Screwball Squirrel, also known as Screwy Squirrel, is an anthropomorphic red squirrel character created by animator Tex Avery for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. He debuted in the 1944 short film Screwball Squirrel, directed by Avery, which introduced the character's signature hyperactive and anarchic behavior, including tormenting a hapless dog named Meathead through escalating pranks and fourth-wall breaks.[200][201] The series consisted of five shorts produced between 1944 and 1946, noted for their deliberate subversion of cartoon conventions and unlikable protagonist designed as a counterpoint to more sympathetic characters in rival series like Tom and Jerry.[202] The character has appeared in later Tom and Jerry media as a guest antagonist. In the 2014 The Tom and Jerry Show, Screwball Squirrel features in season 3 episodes, including "Double Dog Trouble," where he incites chaos involving Tom, Jerry, and Droopy, and "Sock It to Me," portraying him as a disruptive force in comedic scenarios.[203][204] He also cameos in the direct-to-video film Tom and Jerry's Giant Adventure (2013) and the 2021 Tom and Jerry theatrical film.[205] These appearances retain his original manic traits, voiced by actors such as Jason Alexander in select roles.[205]Lightning Bolt the Super Squirrel
Lightning Bolt the Super Squirrel is a superhero character featured in the animated series Tom & Jerry Kids, produced by Hanna-Barbera and aired on Fox Kids from 1990 to 1993. Depicted as a squirrel with lightning-themed powers, he intervenes to rescue Jerry from Tom's pursuits, often in a bumbling yet heroic manner.[206][207] The character first appeared in the segment "Lightning Bolt the Super Squirrel," part of the episode "Father's Day/Scourge of the Sky/Lightning Bolt the Super Squirrel," which originally aired on October 12, 1991. Lightning Bolt returned in "Lightning Bolt - The Super Squirrel Strikes Again," a segment from the December 6, 1992, episode sharing its title with two other shorts, "Surely You Joust" and "Rootin' Tootin' Slowpoke." These are his only known appearances in the franchise.[206][207][208]Tom and Jerry Tales (2006–2008)
Tom and Jerry Tales, an American animated series, aired 52 eleven-minute shorts across two seasons from September 23, 2006, to March 1, 2008, on Kids' WB, emphasizing slapstick chases between Tom Cat (voiced by Don Brown) and Jerry Mouse (voiced by Sam Vincent) with modern animation while reviving classic supporting roles.[209] Recurring bulldog Spike (Michael Donovan) and his pup Tyke protect Jerry from Tom's pursuits, appearing in multiple episodes alongside alley cat Butch (Colin Murdock) and mouse Tuffy/Nibbles (Reece Thompson/Chantal Strand).[210] Droopy Dog (Don Brown/Michael Donovan) returns as a laid-back antagonist in select stories.[210] Mrs. Two Shoes, the human homeowner from original 1940s shorts, reappears redesigned as a slim, light-skinned woman (voiced by Nicole Oliver), interacting with Tom in domestic settings unlike her original portrayal.[211] Mauricio, a charismatic octopus (voiced by David Kaye), debuts in underwater episodes like "Octo Suave," where he pursues Tom disguised as a mermaid, employing tentacles for comedic entanglement.[212][213] Princess, a damsel archetype (voiced by Nicole Bouma), features in "Medieval Menace," awakening Tom with a kiss amid knightly parody, highlighting the series' occasional fairy-tale tropes.[214]Mauricio
Mauricio is a recurring octopus character in the animated television series Tom and Jerry Tales (2006–2008), portrayed as a suave and persistently amorous suitor. He is voiced by David Kaye.[212] Mauricio debuts in the episode "Octo Suave," which originally aired on February 24, 2007, as part of the segment trio including "Beach Bully Bingo" and "Treasure Map Scrap." In the plot, Tom Cat becomes entangled in an underwater coral reef, causing him to resemble a mermaid or jellyfish, which prompts Mauricio to aggressively court him under the mistaken belief that Tom is an attractive female sea creature. Mauricio's relentless advances, including attempts to propose marriage, drive much of the episode's slapstick humor as Tom and Jerry navigate the ensuing chaos.[215][216] The character's design and behavior draw visual parallels to an octopus antagonist from the 1947 Tom and Jerry short "The Mouse Come Over," though Mauricio's personality emphasizes exaggerated romantic obsession akin to classic cartoon archetypes. No further canonical appearances beyond Tom and Jerry Tales have been documented in official Warner Bros. productions.[216]Princess
Princess is a minor human character in the Tom and Jerry Tales animated series, appearing exclusively in the "Medieval Menace" segment of the episode "Fire Breathing Tom Cat/Medieval Menace/The Itch," which originally aired on February 3, 2007.[217] In the story, Tom pursues Jerry into a medieval castle, where the princess resides amid magical elements and chaotic chases involving spells and castle inhabitants.[218] She is portrayed as a young girl participating in the episode's antics, complicating the cat-and-mouse rivalry within the fantastical setting.[219] The character is voiced by Canadian actress Nicole Bouma.[220]Mrs. Two Shoes
Mrs. Two Shoes is a recurring character in the animated series Tom and Jerry Tales, which aired on Kids' WB from September 23, 2006, to March 22, 2008, consisting of 26 episodes across two seasons. She functions as the white female homeowner of the residence shared by Tom the cat and Jerry the mouse, often appearing to scold Tom for the property damage resulting from his attempts to capture Jerry.[221] This portrayal marks a departure from the original theatrical shorts' Mammy Two Shoes, an African-American housekeeper voiced by Lillian Randolph in 19 cartoons between 1940 and 1952, whose design and dialect reflected mid-20th-century animation conventions but later faced editing and removal in rebroadcasts due to perceived racial stereotypes.[37][221] Voiced by Canadian voice actress Nicole Oliver, Mrs. Two Shoes retains core traits like frustration with Tom's antics but is fully visible and lacks the partial framing and ethnic coding of her predecessor, with her name explicitly used for the first time in this series.[222] She features in episodes such as "The Cat Whisperer," "Summer Squashing," and those parodying classics like Push-Button Kitty (1952), where household automation exacerbates Tom and Jerry's conflicts under her oversight.[223] The redesign aligned with post-2000s production shifts at Warner Bros. Animation to mitigate controversy over historical depictions while preserving the housekeeper's narrative role.[221]The Tom and Jerry Show (2014–2021)
The Tom and Jerry Show (2014–2021) featured recurring characters designed to frame Tom and Jerry's chases in diverse environments, such as suburban homes, scientific labs, and supernatural dwellings, across 130 episodes produced by Warner Bros. Animation and Renegade Animation. These supporting figures often owned or interacted with the duo, amplifying the physical comedy through inventions, spells, or domestic rivalries. Classic elements like Spike the bulldog persisted, but new additions emphasized segmented storytelling with self-contained gags.[224] Rick and Ginger form a married human couple who own Tom and Spike in everyday household segments, with Rick favoring the dog and Ginger showing preference for the cat, leading to pet-driven conflicts. Rick is voiced by Stephen Stanton, while Ginger is voiced by Grey DeLisle.[225] [226] Beatie and Hildie, antagonistic witch sisters, own Tom in haunted house plots where their magical mishaps intersect with the cat-and-mouse rivalry; Beatie is voiced by Cree Summer and Hildie by Rachael MacFarlane.[227] [228] Laboratory arcs center on Dr. Bigby, an eccentric scientist voiced by Tom Kenny, who employs Jerry as a test subject and deploys gadgets like teleportation devices or super-strength cookies, often backfiring amid Tom's intrusions. His lab houses the clever, unnamed hamster (also voiced by Tom Kenny), a scheming pet that competes with Jerry, and the robot Bot, upgraded for security duties in episodes like "My Bot-y Guard."[229] [230] [231] Detective-themed stories cast Tom and Jerry as partners under human oversight, solving cases like retrieving Polly's stolen collar, with figures such as "The Detective" providing noir-style framing. Reprised bears George and Junior, along with minor roles like Skid and Dollface, appear in select chases, maintaining continuity with franchise humor.[232]Rick and Ginger
Rick and Ginger are a married human couple introduced as recurring characters in The Tom and Jerry Show (2014–2021), serving as the primary owners of Spike the bulldog and Tom the cat, respectively.[224] Ginger owns Tom and is depicted as taller and slimmer than her husband, while Rick owns Spike and is the son-in-law of the recurring character Rosemary.[233] The couple often becomes exasperated by the destructive rivalry between their pets, leading to scenarios where they attempt to enforce discipline or embark on outings disrupted by Tom and Jerry's chaos, such as vacations or household mishaps.[234] Ginger is voiced by Grey DeLisle, and Rick by Stephen Stanton.[226]Hamster
The Hamster is an unnamed character in the American animated series The Tom and Jerry Show, which aired from April 9, 2014, to 2021. It serves as a laboratory resident under Dr. Bigby, cohabiting with Jerry and the rat Napoleon in various antics involving scientific mishaps. Voiced by Tom Kenny, the Hamster collaborates with Jerry and Napoleon to thwart Tom, as seen in episodes like "No Brain, No Gain," where the trio works to undermine Tom after Dr. Bigby equips him with a genius-enhancing helmet.[235][236] The character also appears in "Curse Case Scenario/Say Cheese," credited with Kenny's voice performance amid lab-based chaos.[237]Bot
Bot is a robotic assistant character in the animated series The Tom and Jerry Show (2014–2021), owned and utilized by the scientist Dr. Bigby for laboratory maintenance.[238] Initially designed as a cleaning robot equipped with a vacuum function to tidy Dr. Bigby's workspace, Bot exhibits mechanical efficiency in routine tasks amid the chaos caused by Tom and Jerry's pursuits.[231] In the episode "My Bot-y Guard," Dr. Bigby enhances Bot's capabilities, transforming it into an advanced security system dubbed the "Bot-y Guard" to protect the lab from intruders, featuring defensive mechanisms like automated responses to threats.[239] This upgrade leads to complications when Tom accidentally activates Bot's defenses, prompting Jerry and the hamster Napoleon to intervene and deactivate the overzealous robot without causing damage.[238] Bot's design contrasts with organic characters through its rigid, metallic form and metronomic movements, underscoring themes of technology's unreliability in the series' slapstick scenarios.[240]Beatie and Hildie
Beatie and Hildie are a pair of elderly witch sisters who serve as recurring antagonists and owners to Tom and Jerry in The Tom and Jerry Show (2014–2021). Residing in a haunted house, they frequently enlist the cat and mouse in their magical schemes, such as acquiring enchanted artifacts or performing spells, only for their pets' chaotic rivalry to thwart their plans.[227] [241] The characters debuted in the series' first season, which premiered on March 17, 2014, and appeared across multiple shorts within the anthology format.[242] Beatie, the taller sister, is voiced by Cree Summer, while Hildie is voiced by Rachael MacFarlane.[228] [242] Their dynamic often involves bickering over failed incantations or pet management, as seen in episodes like "Mummy Dearest" (aired July 21, 2014), where they commemorate their deceased mother and Tom inadvertently revives her as a mummy.[243] In "Magic Mirror" (Season 1, Episode 39), the sisters obtain a fortune-telling mirror that predicts misfortune for Tom, prompting further disruptions.[244] Another installment, "Black Cat," depicts them threatening to replace Tom with a traditional black witch's cat, leading him to use a transformative potion.[241] The witches also interact with family members, including their ghost nephew Grayson, who visits during their absences, as in "Ghost Party" (Season 1).[245] Their segments emphasize slapstick comedy rooted in magical mishaps, contrasting the series' other modern or detective-themed stories. Beatie and Hildie do not appear in the show's fourth season.[232]The Detective
The Detective is a human character introduced in the first season of The Tom and Jerry Show, which aired from 2014 to 2021 on Cartoon Network. He functions as Tom's owner and operates a private detective agency, where Tom resides. The character appears in brief capacities, often depicted entering or exiting his office or providing minimal interaction with Tom, such as feeding him.[226] In certain storylines, his absence from the agency prompts Tom and Jerry to temporarily assume investigative roles, as seen in scenarios where they handle cases independently. He is voiced by Tom Kenny.[226] The Detective's role underscores recurring themes of Tom and Jerry's opportunistic exploits within human-led environments, limited to early episodes without significant narrative expansion in later seasons.[224]Dr. Bigby
Dr. Bigby is a recurring human character introduced in the first season of The Tom and Jerry Show (2014 television series), depicted as an eccentric scientist conducting experiments in a high-tech laboratory.[246] He serves as the owner and apparent caretaker of Jerry the mouse, Napoleon the rat, an unnamed hamster, and a robotic pet named Bot.[247] Voiced by Tom Kenny, Bigby's appearances typically revolve around his inventive gadgets and serums that inadvertently draw Tom and Jerry into chaotic scenarios, such as a teleportation device that shrinks the duo to molecular size in the episode "Molecular Breakup" (Season 1, Episode 34).[229][248] In "Superfied" (Season 1, Episode 20), Bigby develops cookies granting superhuman strength to animals, which Jerry and Napoleon consume, leading to amplified antics against Tom.[249] Other inventions include a helmet enhancing intelligence, as seen in "No Brain, No Gain" (Season 1, Episode 44), where it temporarily turns Tom into a cunning adversary, and upgrades to Bot for guarding duties in "My Bot-y Guard" (Season 1, Episode 21).[250][247] These episodes highlight Bigby's role as a catalyst for the series' slapstick humor, often portraying him as oblivious to the destruction wrought by his creations amid Tom and Jerry's rivalry.[251] His character does not recur prominently in later seasons, confining his contributions to early storylines centered on scientific mishaps.[247]Skid
Skid is a feline character in The Tom and Jerry Show (2014 TV series), appearing in the season 1 episode "Top Cat/Mummy Dearest."[252] He is voiced by Rick Zieff, who also provides voices for other characters in the series such as Spike.[253] The episode features a competition among cats, including Tom, to determine superiority in mouse-catching abilities.[254]George and Junior
George and Junior are anthropomorphic bears who appear as zookeepers in the season 4 episode "Shadow of a Doubt" of The Tom and Jerry Show (2014), which originally aired in 2021.[255] In the story, the duo inadvertently allows a black panther to escape from the city zoo, leading detectives Tom and Jerry to aid in its recovery amid chaotic pursuits.[256] This marks their primary role within the series, drawing from their original depiction as a comedic pair in earlier MGM shorts directed by Tex Avery, where George exhibits short-tempered intelligence and Junior displays dim-witted simplicity.[257] George is voiced by Ben Diskin, while Junior is voiced by Stephen Stanton.[255] Their characterization maintains the dynamic of a savvy but irritable leader and a bumbling follower, contributing to slapstick scenarios involving animal containment failures.[258]Polly
Polly is a female poodle dog who appears as a one-time character in the episode "One of a Kind" from The Tom and Jerry Show (2014 television series), produced by Warner Bros. Animation.[238] Voiced by Nika Futterman, she is depicted as an elderly pink poodle whose collar is stolen by the aggressive bulldog Barkley while at the park.[259] Polly hires Tom and Jerry, temporarily working as detectives, to retrieve the item, during which Barkley encounters her and promptly falls in love, reforming his behavior as a result.[238] The character does not appear in subsequent episodes of the series, which ran from 2014 to 2021.[224]Dollface
Dollface is a recurring female cat character in The Tom and Jerry Show (2014–2021), introduced as the girlfriend of Butch, Tom's rival alley cat.[260][261] She is depicted as a glaucous tuxedo-patterned Ragdoll cat with a bushy tail, emphasizing her elegant and fluffy appearance in the series' modern animation style.[262][263] Voiced by Julie Wittner, Dollface typically features in episodes involving romantic pursuits or cat gang dynamics, where she interacts with Tom, Butch, and other felines in comedic scenarios centered on jealousy or courtship.[263] Her role highlights themes of feline rivalry, with appearances underscoring Butch's possessive behavior toward her amid Tom's schemes.[260] Specific episodes include those exploring Tom's attempts to attract her attention, such as in storylines involving disguises or competitions for affection.[264]Gigi
Gigi is a female mouse character introduced in the animated series The Tom and Jerry Show (2014), which premiered on Cartoon Network on March 1, 2014, and ran for multiple seasons until 2021. She is depicted with brown fur, pink inner ears, and a beige underbelly, often appearing in segments involving Jerry Mouse.[265] Voiced by Kath Soucie, Gigi interacts with Jerry in scenarios suggesting romantic interest, as seen in clips where Jerry attempts to kiss or hold her.[266][267] Her design draws visual similarities to earlier female mouse characters like Cherie from prior Tom and Jerry iterations.[265] Gigi appears in select episodes across the series' first season and beyond, contributing to the show's chase-and-romance dynamics typical of the franchise.[268]Rita
Rita is a female canine character featured in the animated series The Tom and Jerry Show (2014), produced by Warner Bros. Animation.<grok:richcontent id="d6e3f" type="citation_id">web:29</grok:richcontent> Voiced by actress Kari Wahlgren, she appears as the date of the bulldog character Red Herring in the season three episode "The Last Laugh," which originally aired on April 20, 2019.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">Feature Films and Specials
Characters from Tom and Jerry: The Movie (1992)
Tom and Jerry: The Movie (1992), the first theatrical feature film in the franchise, expands the cast beyond the silent cat-and-mouse duo by introducing human characters and additional animals to support a narrative focused on alliance and rescue. Tom and Jerry, provided with voices for the first time—Richard Kind as Tom and Dana Hill as Jerry—team up after being abandoned during a move, encountering street life and aiding Robyn Starling, an eight-year-old orphan who has fled her neglectful guardian to locate her presumed-lost father. Robyn, voiced by Anndi McAfee, serves as the story's emotional anchor, enlisting the duo's help amid threats to her inheritance.[269][270] The primary antagonists are Robyn's aunt, Pristine Figg (voiced by Charlotte Rae), an uncaring woman intent on institutionalizing Robyn for financial gain, and her attorney Lickboot (Tony Jay), who enforces Figg's schemes with ruthless efficiency. These human foes drive the conflict, contrasting the protagonists' chaotic but protective dynamic. On the allies' side, Puggsy, a rugged stray dog abandoned by his relocating owners two years earlier and voiced by Ed Gilbert, imparts survival wisdom alongside his wisecracking flea companion, Frankie da Flea (David Lander), adding humorous banter and loyalty to the group.[271][272] Additional characters include Ferdinand, a bulky bulldog guard at Figg's estate voiced by Michael Bell, embodying physical menace through pursuits and confrontations. A gang of aggressive alley cats ambushes Tom in a musical sequence titled "What Do We Care?", showcasing territorial hostility before being thwarted. Minor roles feature Dr. Applecheek (Henry Gibson), an inept veterinarian involved in comedic animal mishaps, and Captain Kiddie (Rip Taylor), a theatrical ferry captain aiding the journey. These elements integrate musical numbers and chases, with the new cast enabling spoken interactions absent in prior shorts.[271][269]Robyn Starling
Robyn Starling is the primary human protagonist in the 1992 animated feature film Tom and Jerry: The Movie, depicted as an eight-year-old orphan girl seeking reunion with her presumed-deceased father after escaping her abusive legal guardian, Aunt Pristine Figg.[273][274] In the story, Robyn encounters the evicted cat Tom and mouse Jerry under a bridge, forming an alliance with them as they navigate dangers including Figg's henchmen and a dog pound, ultimately leading to the discovery that her father is alive and operating a squire business.[273] Her character arc emphasizes themes of friendship and resilience, with Tom and Jerry shifting from adversaries to protectors in supporting her journey. Voiced by Anndi McAfee, Robyn is portrayed as a tomboyish yet compassionate child whose dialogue and actions drive much of the film's narrative, including songs like "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows" performed during her travels.[275] McAfee, born September 28, 1979, provided the voice at age 12 or 13 during production, contributing to Robyn's expressive pleas for help and optimistic resolve.[276] The character's design features red hair, a yellow dress, and a backpack, reflecting her runaway status, and she appears exclusively in this film without recurrence in subsequent Tom and Jerry media.[269]Biff Buzzard and Buzz Blister
Biff Buzzard and Buzz Blister are a pair of human characters introduced in the direct-to-video animated film Tom and Jerry: Blast Off to Mars, released on October 18, 2005. In the story, they serve as astronauts affiliated with the International Space Place, tasked with a mission to Mars alongside other crew members.[277] Biff Buzzard is depicted as the dim-witted counterpart to the more snarky Buzz Blister, forming a comedic duo often exhibiting incompetence during high-stakes scenarios.[278] Biff Buzzard is voiced by Billy West, while Buzz Blister is voiced by Jess Harnell.[279] Their names parody astronaut Buzz Aldrin, reflecting the space-themed narrative.[280] The characters reprise their roles in Tom and Jerry: The Fast and the Furry (2005), appearing as hosts of a televised race event, with Buzz as the primary announcer and Biff as his bumbling assistant.[281] These portrayals emphasize slapstick humor aligned with the franchise's style, though they do not feature in earlier entries like Tom and Jerry: The Movie (1992).Blue Parrot Betty
Blue Parrot Betty is a blue-feathered parrot character in the 2006 direct-to-video animated film Tom and Jerry: Shiver Me Whiskers, directed by Scott Jeralds and produced by Warner Bros. Animation.[282] She serves as the loyal pet and speech aid to Blue Pirate Bob, one of three color-coded pirate brothers seeking the Treasure of the Spanish Mane, with Betty voicing or translating Bob's intentions during confrontations involving Tom and Jerry. The character is voiced by American actress Kathy Najimy, who delivers lines in a sassy, avian tone befitting the pirate adventure setting.[283] Released on August 22, 2006, the film features Betty in supporting antagonistic roles alongside her counterpart, Red Parrot Stan, highlighting the parrots' utility in the mute pirates' communications.[284]Red
Red is a minor character in the 1992 animated film Tom and Jerry: The Movie, appearing as a cameo representative of classic MGM animation figures. Originating from Tex Avery's wartime-era shorts produced by MGM, such as Red Hot Riding Hood (1943), she is depicted as a voluptuous, red-haired human female embodying a flirtatious and confident nightclub singer archetype, often pursued by anthropomorphic wolves in those original cartoons. Her brief presence in the film serves as an Easter egg nodding to Hanna-Barbera's roots in the MGM cartoon library, though she has no speaking lines or significant plot involvement in the story of Tom, Jerry, and Robyn Starling's adventure.[285][286]Tin, Pan, and Alley
Tin, Pan, and Alley constitute a trio of antagonistic Siamese cats introduced in the direct-to-video animated film Tom and Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes (2010). In their debut, they operate as gravediggers and jewel thieves under the employment of Professor Moriarty, tasked with stealing a priceless diamond from the British embassy. The characters exhibit acrobatic prowess and engage in chase sequences, often pursuing Tom and Jerry with coordinated aggression.[287] They recur in subsequent entries, including Tom and Jerry: Robin Hood and His Merry Mouse (2012), where they align with antagonistic forces; Tom and Jerry: The Lost Dragon (2014), portraying them as opportunistic villains; and Tom and Jerry: Spy Quest (2015). Their collective name references the 1943 Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies short Tin Pan Alley Cats, a jazz-infused cartoon featuring anthropomorphic feline musicians. Voice acting credits include Greg Ellis as Tin across multiple films, Jess Harnell as Pan, and Richard McGonagle as Alley.[288][289] The trio's design emphasizes sleek, agile builds suited to their roles as nimble pursuers, distinguishing them from earlier unnamed alley cat groups in prior Tom and Jerry productions.Butch (Dog)
Butch the Dog is an anthropomorphic Irish bulldog character originally introduced in Tex Avery's Droopy shorts as a greedy and arrogant antagonist to the calm Droopy. While integrated into the broader MGM animation universe overlapping with Tom and Jerry, Butch does not appear or receive credit in Tom and Jerry: The Movie (1992), which features distinct canine roles filled by characters like the supportive stray Puggsy (voiced by Michael Bell), the cowardly dachshund Ferdinand (also voiced by Bell), and a brief cameo by Droopy aiding an escape.[271] His earliest verified crossover into Tom and Jerry productions occurs in the direct-to-video film Tom and Jerry: The Magic Ring (2002), where he acts as the primary antagonist, scheming to seize Jerry's magic ring and causing chaos for Tom in the process. In subsequent entries like Tom and Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes (2010), Butch collaborates with Droopy in supportive guard roles, contrasting his typical buffoonish villainy.Characters from Tom and Jerry (2021 Film)
Kayla Forester is the human deuteragonist of the 2021 film Tom & Jerry, portrayed by Chloë Grace Moretz. A street-smart but unemployed young woman in New York City, she fabricates professional credentials on a stolen résumé to secure a job as an event coordinator at the Royal Gate Hotel ahead of a high-society wedding.[290] When Jerry takes up residence in the hotel and begins causing disruptions, Kayla hires Tom to capture him discreetly to protect her position and ensure the event proceeds smoothly.[291] Her character arc involves navigating deception and forming an unlikely alliance with the cat and mouse duo.[292] Terence Mendoza, played by Michael Peña, acts as the primary human antagonist. As the deputy general manager and events manager of the Royal Gate Hotel, a proud Cornell University graduate, he oversees operations and views Kayla as a threat to his authority after she usurps a role he coveted.[290][293] Mendoza schemes to undermine Kayla by exploiting the chaos from Tom and Jerry, attempting to frame her for failures during the wedding preparations.[291] Ben, portrayed by Colin Jost, is the groom in the film's central wedding event. A member of New York high society, he arrives at the Royal Gate Hotel with his fiancée Preeta Mehta for their "wedding of the century," accompanied by their bulldog Spike, unaware of the escalating antics between Tom, Jerry, and the hotel staff.[294][295] Mr. Henry Dubros, played by Rob Delaney, serves as the wealthy owner and general manager of the Royal Gate Hotel. He hires Kayla based on her falsified credentials and entrusts her with managing the high-profile wedding, demonstrating a friendly but somewhat oblivious demeanor toward the underlying disruptions caused by the animals.[296][297] Preeta Mehta, portrayed by Pallavi Sharda, is the bride whose wedding to Ben anchors the plot's stakes. A affluent New Yorker from a prominent family, she and her entourage check into the Royal Gate Hotel, where Jerry steals her engagement ring, intensifying the need to resolve the animal conflict before the ceremony.[290][296]Kayla Forester
Kayla Forester is the deuteragonist of the 2021 live-action/animated hybrid film Tom & Jerry, directed by Tim Story and released by Warner Bros. Pictures on February 26, 2021.[290] [292] Portrayed by Chloë Grace Moretz, she is depicted as a driven yet inexperienced young woman navigating job instability in New York City.[290] [298] Forester secures a position at the Royal Gate Hotel by using a stolen resume to impersonate a more qualified candidate, positioning herself to assist with preparations for a high-profile wedding event hosted there.[290] Her employment coincides with the arrival of the cat Tom and mouse Jerry, whose rivalry disrupts hotel operations; in response, she recruits Tom to remove Jerry, who has infested the premises, escalating the comedic conflicts central to the plot.[292] Throughout the narrative, Forester demonstrates ambition and adaptability, relying on quick thinking amid the animals' antics and workplace pressures, though her lack of formal connections and expertise leads to improvised solutions.[299]Terence Mendoza
Terence Mendoza is a human character in the 2021 live-action/animated hybrid film Tom & Jerry, portrayed by Michael Peña. He functions as the events manager at the Royal Gate Hotel in New York City, overseeing preparations for a high-profile celebrity wedding between Ben and Preeta Mehta.[290][300] Mendoza hires Kayla Forester as his assistant after she secures the position using a falsified résumé, but he grows suspicious of her credentials and threatens her employment.[292][301] He becomes entangled in the film's central conflict by demanding Tom capture Jerry to prevent disruptions to the event, and later manipulates the cat and mouse by spreading falsehoods to provoke their rivalry anew. Mendoza is depicted as ambitious, prideful—boasting a Cornell University education—and prone to underestimating the extent of Tom and Jerry's destructive antics.[290][302]Ben
Ben is a supporting human character in the 2021 live-action/animated hybrid film Tom and Jerry, directed by Tim Story and released on February 26, 2021. Portrayed by comedian and Saturday Night Live cast member Colin Jost, Ben is introduced as the affluent fiancé of Preeta Mehta, whose high-profile wedding at the Royal Gate Hotel in New York City drives key elements of the plot involving the hotel staff and the antics of Tom and Jerry.[296][303] As Preeta's groom, Ben exhibits traits of coastal elite entitlement, casually referencing involvement in white-collar crimes such as stock fraud during conversations, which underscores his privileged background and detachment from everyday consequences.[290] He owns the bulldog Spike, a recurring Tom and Jerry character reimagined in the film as a protective pet who participates in the chase sequences and hotel disruptions.[304] Ben's role amplifies the film's comedic tension around the wedding preparations, though his screen time is limited compared to the central human antagonist Terence Mendoza.Mr. Henry Dubros
Mr. Henry Dubros serves as the owner and general manager of the Royal Gate Hotel in the 2021 hybrid live-action/animated film Tom and Jerry.[291] Portrayed by actor Rob Delaney, he is characterized as a jovial and affluent executive who responds to disruptions caused by Jerry Mouse by hiring Tom Cat as an exterminator, based on a recommendation from hotel employee Kayla Forester.[291] His role underscores the film's comedic escalation of chaos at the luxury venue ahead of a high-profile wedding event.[291]Preeta Mehta
Preeta Mehta is a supporting human character in the 2021 hybrid live-action/animated film Tom and Jerry, portrayed by actress Pallavi Sharda.[296] She is depicted as a high-society New Yorker and local celebrity serving as the bride in a lavish wedding at the Royal Gate Hotel, accompanied by her fiancé Ben.[290][291] Preeta's preparations and ceremony become central to the plot's chaos, as the hotel staff enlists Tom the cat to evict Jerry the mouse ahead of the event, leading to escalating disruptions including the loss of her wedding ring.[290] The character is portrayed as a brilliant doctor and socialite whose professional background is implied but not emphasized in the narrative.[305] Preeta owns a fluffy cat named Toots, who engages in interactions with Tom and other animals, adding to the film's comedic animal dynamics.[306][301] Her parents, Mr. Mehta and Mrs. Mehta, appear in supporting roles, portrayed by Ajay Chhabra and Somi De Souza.[296]Controversial Character Depictions
Mammy Two Shoes and Historical Editing
Mammy Two Shoes served as a recurring human character in nineteen Tom and Jerry theatrical shorts produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer between 1940 and 1952, debuting in Puss Gets the Boot and concluding in Push-Button Kitty.[38] Voiced by African-American actress and singer Lillian Randolph, known for radio and film roles including domestic servants, the character was portrayed as an overweight, middle-aged Black housekeeper tasked with maintaining order in the household amid the cats' and mouse's disruptions.[37] Initially depicted only from the waist down to emphasize her imposing presence—typically in a maid's uniform with her legs and feet prominently featured—full-body shots appeared in later shorts like Saturday Evening Puss (1950), revealing her as a large-framed woman with exaggerated physical features and a dialect-heavy Southern accent.[38] The character's design and mannerisms drew from the "mammy" archetype common in early-to-mid-20th-century American popular culture, representing a loyal, boisterous Black female domestic worker derived from real historical roles filled disproportionately by Black women in post-slavery urban households, though amplified for comedic effect through slapstick reactions to chaos.[38] This portrayal, while reflective of era-specific occupational demographics and animation tropes, has been critiqued since the 1950s for perpetuating racial stereotypes associating Black women with subservience, loudness, and physical excess.[38] Post-production alterations to Mammy Two Shoes's appearances began in the 1960s under MGM's successor entities, including reanimation in select shorts to substitute her with a thinner white woman and redubbing her dialogue with non-stereotypical voices, such as June Foray's in edited versions of Part Time Pal (1947).[307] In 1995, Turner Home Entertainment overdubbed Randolph's original recordings in multiple cartoons with comedian Thea Vidale's voice, toning down accent and phrasing to align with contemporary standards while retaining core scenes.[307] Television syndication from the 1970s onward frequently excised her entirely—such as cutting her from Saturday Evening Puss—or omitted shorts featuring her prominently, with networks like Cartoon Network later imposing outright bans on affected episodes to preempt viewer complaints over outdated depictions.[307] These edits, justified by broadcasters as mitigating offense from historical racial caricatures, have sparked debate over archival integrity; proponents of preservation contend that excising or altering elements sanitizes cultural artifacts, obscuring insights into mid-20th-century societal norms and comedic conventions without evidence that such content causally instilled bias in audiences.[40] Restored releases, including some DVD sets with contextual introductions—such as one featuring Whoopi Goldberg emphasizing the value of retaining original versions for historical accuracy—have occasionally reinstated unedited footage to balance education with access.[307]Other Instances of Stereotyping and Censorship
Several episodes feature characters or gags employing blackface, a minstrel show trope caricaturing African Americans, which have been censored in modern releases. In Mouse Cleaning (1948), Tom covers himself in soot to mimic a Black person, speaking in exaggerated dialect to evade punishment; this scene was edited out following the 1954 Comics Code Authority guidelines and the episode was excluded from the Tom and Jerry Golden Collection DVD sets.[308][38] Similarly, in Casanova Cat (1951), Jerry appears in blackface performing a minstrel dance to "Old Folks at Home" while wearing a bow tie; the episode was omitted from Spotlight Collection and Golden Collection releases due to the offensive portrayal.[308][309] His Mouse Friday (1951) includes Jerry disguising himself in blackface as a cannibal, incorporating pidgin English and a minstrel routine; post-1954 edits removed these elements, and the short was later banned from syndication.[308] Native American stereotypes appear in disguises and gags mocking indigenous traits and customs. In Kitty Foiled (1948), Jerry and a canary don headbands and a papoose, greeting with an inaccurate "háu"; such scenes were edited for television under Comics Code standards.[308] The Little Orphan (1949) depicts Tom in a warbonnet issuing a stereotypical war cry during a Thanksgiving sequence, contributing to edits in rebroadcasts.[308] Two Little Indians (1953) portrays orphan mice as aggressive Native Americans scalping Tom with improper headgear, rendering the short rarely aired on networks like Boomerang due to its offensive content.[308][310] Asian stereotypes involve gags ridiculing cultural elements or physical features, often censored for insensitivity. Puss n’ Toots (1942) and Little Runaway (1952) include sequences mocking Asian motifs, such as a gramophone gag and bird bath parody, which were removed from TV versions post-1954 to comply with content codes prohibiting ethnic ridicule.[308] Additional instances, like pickaninny gags in The Truce Hurts (1948) and an "Uncle Tom" submissive figure in Old Rockin’ Chair Tom (1948), reflect derogatory Black child and male archetypes, respectively, with scenes excised from syndicated broadcasts.[308] These edits, alongside broader cuts for violence, stem from evolving standards, including 2014 warnings by broadcasters like the BBC and Amazon Prime alerting viewers to "ethnic and racial prejudices" commonplace in mid-20th-century American animation.[311][312] While such depictions mirrored era-specific tropes in MGM shorts, their removal in home video and TV has preserved fewer unedited originals, limiting access to historical context.[313]Recurring Elements Across Adaptations
Reappearing Characters in Modern Iterations
Spike, the bulldog originally introduced as an antagonist and occasional ally in the 1940s shorts, reappears prominently in Tom and Jerry Tales (2006–2008), where he frequently intervenes in Tom and Jerry's chases, often protecting Jerry or enforcing household rules against Tom.[210] Voiced by Michael Donovan in this series, Spike's portrayal retains his gruff, authoritative demeanor, appearing in multiple episodes alongside other classic figures like Butch and Quacker.[211] In The Tom and Jerry Show (2014–2021), Spike returns as a staple character, voiced by Rick Zieff, continuing his role as a muscular enforcer who clashes with Tom while bonding with Jerry in various antics.[224] Tyke, Spike's young son and a playful puppy from the late 1940s, also recurs in these modern series, typically depicted as innocent and mischievous, prompting Spike's protective interventions. In Tom and Jerry Tales, Tyke features in episodes involving family dynamics and backyard escapades with Tom and Jerry.[59] The 2014 series expands on Tyke's appearances, showing him in segments where his curiosity leads to chaotic alliances or rivalries, preserving the father-son duo's dynamic from earlier eras.[314] Butch, the tough alley cat and rival to Tom, reemerges in Tom and Jerry Tales as a recurring antagonist, often leading gangs of cats in pursuits of Jerry or competing with Tom for dominance. Voiced by Colin Murdock, Butch's sly, street-smart personality drives plots involving territorial disputes.[209] He likewise appears in The Tom and Jerry Show (2014), maintaining his role as a black-furred, scheming cat in episodes focused on cat hierarchies and chases.[314] Quacker, the naive duckling companion to Jerry, returns in modern iterations with his characteristic innocence and vulnerability to Tom's schemes. In Tom and Jerry Tales, Quacker participates in water-themed or farmyard adventures, quacking pleas for help that escalate conflicts.[315] The 2014 series includes Quacker in segments highlighting his friendship with Jerry, where he evades Tom's predatory pursuits while adding comedic vulnerability.[314] Tuffy (also known as Nibbles), the small gray mouse and Jerry's adoptive nephew from the 1940s, reappears in both series as a diminutive ally to Jerry, often amplifying the duo's clever escapes from Tom. In Tom and Jerry Tales, Tuffy's gluttonous and adventurous traits feature in episodes like those involving food heists or explorations. Voiced by Kath Soucie in the 2014 show, Tuffy continues as a pint-sized troublemaker, assisting Jerry in outmaneuvering Tom and Spike.[226]Unnamed or Minor Recurring Types
The alley cats constitute a recurring type of unnamed stray felines that interact with Tom as rivals, temporary allies, or social peers across multiple MGM shorts from the 1940s onward. Depicted as rough, urban toughs often involved in brawls, serenades, or chases, these generic gang members supplement named cats like Butch by providing background muscle or comic foils, as seen in "Life with Tom" (1953), where a group of them laughs at Tom's misfortunes during a musical sequence.[316] Their archetype draws from pre-Tom and Jerry integration in the 1941 MGM short "The Alley Cat," establishing the motif of feline street gangs that Tom navigates for survival or status.[34] Unnamed bulldog types recur as formidable, indiscriminate antagonists, embodying aggressive canine threats that pursue Tom (and sometimes Jerry) without distinction, originating in "Dog Trouble" (1942), where a mute, howling bulldog attacks both protagonists amid their chase. This archetype appears in various forms across early shorts, serving as obstacles in domestic or outdoor settings before evolving into the formalized recurring role of Spike, with the initial instances highlighting brute force and territorial instincts over dialogue or personality. Other minor recurring types include generic goldfish that Tom repeatedly attempts to devour as easy prey, featured in aquatic mishap gags like those in "The Cat and the Mermouse" (1949) variants, and nameless canaries or birds that trigger Tom's predatory instincts in household antics, underscoring the series' emphasis on instinctive animal behaviors without individualized backstories. These elements reinforce the environmental hazards and fauna interactions central to the slapstick formula, appearing sporadically but consistently to heighten Tom's failures.References
- https://wikigenius.org/wiki/Tom_and_Jerry
