Penguins fascinate people because, no matter the species, they always look like they are wearing tight tuxedos because of their appearance and waddling walk. People also find their feeding and mating habits interesting. Their cuteness alone have made them the focal point of different mediums. In the 21st century, penguins in popular culture have appeared in film and television. Penguins, though, have appealed to people since the early 20th century, with some not being cute and cuddly.
Chilly Willy
Chilly Willy is a cute little cartoon character of the 1950s who lived in Fairbanks, Alaska, and had a polar bear friend. This depiction of penguins living in the northern hemisphere and coming into close contact is inaccurate because they are native to the southern hemisphere, Despite this inaccuracy, he appeared in about 50 theatrical shorts until the 1970s.
The Penguin
The Penguin is a DC Comics supervillian and one of Batman’s most recognizable archenemies. Bullied as a child because of his short stature and long, pointed nose, the Penguin capitalizes on this by donning a tuxedo and calling himself a “gentleman of crime.” His top hat and cane double as weapons. He has appeared in “Batman” productions on television, film and animation. Academy Award-nominated actor Burgess Meredith portrays the villain in the 1960’s “Batman” television show. In 1992, Emmy-winning actor Danny DeVito plays the Penguin in “Batman Returns.” The Penguin also appears in a group of 1990s animated productions.
“Mary Poppins” (1964)
“Mary Poppins,” starring Julie Andrews as the title character and Dick Van Dyke as Bert the chimney sweep, tells the story of a fun flying and singing nanny. When Mary and Bert take the children into a painting, they dine at a restaurant with penguin waiters. Bert and the penguins perform an entertaining dance, an iconic scene in the movie.
“Happy Feet” (2006)
The Academy Award winner for Best Animated Feature tells the story of Mumble, a young empire penguin who doesn’t have a heartsong. A heartsong helps each penguin find their lifelong mate. Instead of singing, Mumble tap dances, which makes him weird among his fellow penguins. The film is filled with music hits such as “Kiss,” “My Way,” “Boogie Wonderland,” and Stevie Wonder’s “I Wish.”
“Surf’s Up” (2007)
“Surf’s Up,” an animated mockumentay film that parodies surfing films like “The Endless Summer,” chronicles a teenage rockhopper penguin named Cody from Antarctica who homes to follow in the footsteps of his hero Big Z. He meets a bunch of colorful characters on his trip to the Big Z Memorial Surf Contests, including a surfing chicken named Chicken Joe from Wisconsin. He finds out his surfing hero didn’t die in a surfing accident as earlier expected.
“Mr. Popper’s Penguins” (2011)
“Mr. Popper’s Penguins” is the film adaptation of the 1938 children’s book by Richard and Florence Atwater. The book tells the story of a poor house painter named Mr. Popper and his family. He unexpectedly inherits a penguin from an Antarctic explorer and mates it with a penguin he gets from the zoo. In the 2011 film adaptation, Jim Carrey, a divorced realtor, inherits a gentoo penguin when his father dies. Eventually, he gets six penguins. He penguins help Mr. Popper get closer to his children.
Penguins are the well-dressed creatures of the environment, making them a cute subject in popular culture. Ever since Antarctic explorers found penguins, people have enjoyed them. They have appeared in print, on television and in films. These penguins have created lasting memories for those who’ve had the chance to be entertained by them.
