Mr. Peanut facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mr. Peanut |
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| Planters character | |
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| First appearance | 1916 |
| Created by | Antonio Gentile |
| Voiced by | Robert Downey Jr. (2010–2013) Bill Hader (2013–2017) Keith Ferguson (2020–present) |
| Company | Planters |
| Information | |
| Species | A. hypogaea |
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation | Mascot, gentleman, hero |
Mr. Peanut is a famous character who helps advertise Planters, a company that makes tasty snacks. Planters is owned by Hormel. He looks like a peanut that has come to life! He wears fancy old-fashioned clothes, including a top hat, a monocle (a special eyeglass), white gloves, and carries a cane. He even wears special shoe covers called spats. His full name is Bartholomew Richard Fitzgerald-Smythe, and people say he has a British background.
The Story of Mr. Peanut
The Planters Peanut Company started in 1906 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. It was founded by Amedeo Obici. In 1916, the company held a special contest. They wanted someone to draw a character for their peanuts.
A young schoolboy named Antonio Gentile sent in his drawings. His idea was chosen as the winner! A commercial artist named Andrew S. Wallach then added some famous touches. He gave Mr. Peanut his monocle, top hat, and cane. These items made the character look like the gentleman we know today.
Antonio Gentile's family first received five dollars for winning the contest. Mr. Obici, the company founder, became friends with the family. He helped Antonio and four of his brothers and sisters go to college. Antonio even went to medical school and became a doctor.
By the 1930s, Mr. Peanut had become a very popular symbol. He represented the whole peanut industry! You can find him on almost every Planters package and advertisement. He is one of the most well-known characters in advertising history.
Mr. Peanut on Screen
Mr. Peanut has appeared in many TV commercials. At first, he was an animated cartoon character. Later, commercials showed him using stop-motion animation. This made him look like he was moving in the real world.
For a long time, Mr. Peanut never spoke in his commercials. An announcer would always talk for him. But on November 8, 2010, Planters made a big announcement. The famous actor Robert Downey Jr. became the first person to voice Mr. Peanut!
Later, other actors also voiced the character. These included Kevin Dillon and comedian Bill Hader. In 2018, Mr. Peanut became silent again in his commercials.
Mr. Peanut in Pop Culture
Mr. Peanut is so famous that he has appeared in other places too!
- In 1974, an artist named Vincent Trasov dressed as Mr. Peanut. He even ran as a fun candidate in the Vancouver, British Columbia, city elections.
- The Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery has a collection of items from this campaign. They also have other Mr. Peanut memorabilia.
- In the Netflix show F Is for Family, a character named Maureen dressed up as Mr. Peanut for Halloween.
