Farfel the Dog facts for kids
Farfel the Dog is a famous puppet, or 'ventriloquist's dummy,' that looks like a hound dog. He was created by the talented ventriloquist Jimmy Nelson. Farfel is most famous for appearing in television commercials for Nestlé's Quik chocolate milk. These popular ads ran from 1953 to 1965. You can even see one of the original Farfel puppets at the Chocolate Experience Museum in Burlington, Wisconsin.
How Farfel the Dog Was Created
In 1950, Jimmy Nelson was performing at a nightclub in Wichita, Kansas. He was working with his human puppet, Danny O'Day. During a show, Nelson noticed a stuffed dog that a customer had left on the piano. He picked it up and started making a funny, low-pitched voice for it. This gave him a great idea for a new character!
Nelson then asked Frank Marshall, a puppet maker from Chicago, to create a special dog puppet. Nelson named this new puppet Farfel. He got the name from a Jewish pasta dish he had seen on menus during his tours. Farfel quickly became a big hit! This new character helped Nelson become even more popular as he moved from live shows to performing on television. Farfel often said, "No, I wouldn't say that," which was a funny line inspired by another famous character.
Farfel's Famous Nestlé Commercials
Starting in 1955, Farfel became a star in commercials for Nestlé. He was part of a catchy jingle for Nestlé's Quik. In the commercial, Jimmy Nelson's human puppet, Danny O'Day, would sing the first part:
Danny: "N-E-S-T-L-E-S, Nestlé's makes the very best..."
Farfel: Choc'-late
At the end of the jingle, Farfel's mouth would close with a distinct "clap" sound. This sound wasn't planned! It happened because Nelson was nervous during his audition for the Nestlé executives. His hands were sweaty, and his finger slipped off the puppet's mouth control. The executives loved the sound so much that they insisted Nelson keep it in the commercials!
These famous commercials ran for 10 years, from 1955 to 1965. Farfel even made a short return in the mid-1990s for a Nestlé's candy Christmas promotion. During this time, you could send away for a stuffed Farfel doll.
Farfel in Pop Culture
Farfel's fame spread beyond commercials. In 1959, music producer Archie Bleyer wanted Jimmy Nelson to use Farfel's voice in the Everly Brothers' song "Bird Dog." However, that idea didn't happen.
Farfel's name also appeared in a famous TV show. In an episode of Seinfeld called "The Dog", the main character, Jerry, had to take care of a dog named Farfel. This happened after the dog's owner had a heart attack on an airplane next to Jerry.
In another TV show, Curb Your Enthusiasm, the character Larry David sings the Nestlé's jingle. He even adds Farfel's special "clap" sound at the end, just like in the old commercials.
