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Dennis the Menace (U.S. comics)

2023-01-12T20:53:46Z

90.206.235.192: Again.

{{Short description|American newspaper comic strip}}
{{for|the British comic of the same name|Dennis the Menace and Gnasher}}
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{{primary sources|date=April 2021}}
{{unreliable sources|date=April 2021}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2013}}
{{Infobox comic strip
|title= Dennis the Menace
|image= [[File:Dennisketcham.jpg]]
|author= [[Hank Ketcham]] Marcus Hamilton Ron Ferdinand Scott Ketcham
|url=
|rss=
|atom=
|status= Still running
|first= March 12, 1951–present
|last=
|syndicate= [[King Features Syndicate]]
|publisher= [[Fantagraphics Books]]
|genre= [[Gag cartoon]]
|rating=
|preceded by=
|followed by=
}}
'''''Dennis the Menace''''' is a daily [[print syndication|syndicated]] newspaper [[comic strip]] originally created, written, and illustrated by [[Hank Ketcham]]. The comic strip made its debut on March 12, 1951, in 16 newspapers<ref>{{cite web |title=History |url=http://dennisthemenace.com/history/ |publisher=Dennisthemenace.com |access-date=August 5, 2017}}</ref> and was originally distributed by [[Publishers-Hall Syndicate|Post-Hall Syndicate]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Markstein |first=Donald D. |date=2010 |title=Dennis the Menace |url=http://www.toonopedia.com/dennis.htm |publisher=Don Markstein's Toonopedia |access-date=August 5, 2017}}</ref> It is now written and drawn by Ketcham's former assistants, Marcus Hamilton (weekdays, since 1995), Ron Ferdinand (Sundays, since 1981), and son Scott Ketcham (since 2010), and distributed to at least 1,000 newspapers in 48 countries and in 19 languages by [[King Features Syndicate]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Lawrence |last=Van Gelder |date=June 2, 2001 |title=Hank Ketcham, Father of Dennis the Menace, Dies at 81 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/02/arts/hank-ketcham-father-of-dennis-the-menace-dies-at-81.html |work=The New York Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113053354/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/02/obituaries/02KETC.html |archive-date=November 13, 2013 |url-status=live |access-date=August 5, 2017}}</ref> The comic strip usually runs for a [[panel (comics)|single panel]] on weekdays and a full strip on [[Sunday comics|Sundays]].

The comic strip became so successful that it was adapted to other popular media, including a [[Dennis the Menace (1986 TV series)|1986 series''''']], several television shows, both live-action and animated, and several feature films, including theatrical and [[direct-to-video]] releases.

Coincidentally, a [[Dennis the Menace and Gnasher|UK comic strip]] of the same name debuted on the same day.<ref>{{cite news |title=The curious tale of two menacing children named Dennis |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/dundee/916761/the-curious-tale-of-two-menacing-children-named-dennis/ |access-date=29 January 2022 |work=[[The Courier (Dundee)|The Courier]]}}</ref> The two are not related and change their names subtly in each other's respective home bases to avoid confusion.

== Characters and setting ==
''Dennis the Menace'' takes place in a [[Middle class|middle-class]] [[Suburb|suburban]] neighborhood in [[Wichita, Kansas]].<ref>"'Dennis the Menace' creator dies at 81; strip to continue"</ref> In the comics, the Mitchell family lives in a two-story house at the fictional address of 2251 Pine Street.<ref>Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun #2. Christmas Double Feature "I want a..." p. 77.</ref> The Wilson family lives next door at 2253 Pine Street.<ref>''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #2. p. 171.</ref> The television series differs, putting the Wilsons at the also-fictional 627 Elm Street.<ref>{{citation |title=Dennis the Menace |date=June 27, 2014 |url=https://nostalgiacentral.com/television/tv-by-decade/tv-shows-1950s/dennis-menace/ |publisher=Nostalgia Central |access-date= November 8, 2021}}</ref>

=== The Mitchell family ===
* '''Dennis Roger Mitchell''' is a [[freckle]]-faced 5-year-old<ref>Dennis the Menace cartoon march-14-2014</ref> boy with a troublesome but good-hearted and helpful personality. His long-suffering parents, Henry and Alice Mitchell, can only shake their heads and try to explain their son's antics to others, yet they very much love and care for him. The comic efficacy of Dennis's personality lies within how his genuine attempts to help those in need, combined with his youthful energy and enthusiasm, frequently lead to trouble wherever he goes (usually at Mr. Wilson's expense). He wears a black T-shirt with blue stripes with red [[overalls]] and white [[sneakers]], yet he often prefers going [[barefoot]]. He hates [[Carrot|carrots]] and baths, loves [[root beer]] (especially with [[Cookie|cookies]] or [[Chocolate brownie|brownies]]), [[ketchup]], [[Sandwich|sandwiches]], [[Water gun|water pistols]], playing with other boys his age, mud puddles, [[camping]], and [[Western (genre)|Westerns]] (especially those starring Cowboy Bob, the comic's take on the [[Lone Ranger]]), and has occasionally been depicted wearing a [[cowboy]] costume.<ref>Dennis the Menace comic june-2-2014</ref> Dennis has a Cowboy Bob Deputy Badge,<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_050_Hallden-Fawcett/page/n37 Dennis the Menace 050]</ref> poster, and an autographed picture of Cowboy Bob, as well. Among the [[Running gag|running gags]]: Dennis has a soft spot for animals such as [[Kitten|kittens]] and [[Puppy|puppies]], which he is always taking home to feed; he loves loud instruments, such as [[Horn (instrument)|horns]] and [[Drum kit|drums]], and he ruins [[Christmas music|Christmas songs]] with shouts of cowboy songs or annoys adults by shouting out loud.<ref name="Dennis the Menace Fawcett comic 3">[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_003_Pines_Hallden_Dennis_The_Menace_Giant_Christmas_I/page/n7 Dennis the Menace Fawcett comic 3]</ref> When Dennis is in the local [[department store]] trying out toys, such as [[Tricycle|tricycles]], he often ends up breaking them and making his parents buy them. In fact, Dennis nearly causes [[Portrait photography|portrait photographers]], [[Hairdresser|hairdressers]],<ref name="Dennis the Menace Fawcett Comic #18">[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_018_Pines/page/n11 Dennis the Menace Fawcett Comic #18]</ref> bank presidents,<ref>Dennis the Menace 28</ref> grocery-store personnel,<ref name="Dennis the Menace 42">[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_042_Hallden-Fawcett/page/n23 Dennis the Menace 42]</ref> [[kindergarten]] teachers,<ref>Dennis the Menace comic march-27-2014</ref><ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_The_Menace_094_1968 Dennis the Menace 94]</ref> restaurant [[Waiting staff|waiters]], [[Librarian|librarians]],<ref>Dennis the Menace Comic strip Nov 13, 1987</ref> museum [[Security guard|guards]], [[Police officer|police officers]], [[Bus driver|bus drivers]],<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_025_Pines/page/n35 Dennis the Menace 25]</ref> house heating equipment repairmen,<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_034_Hallden-Fawcett_1958/page/n13 Dennis the Menace 34]</ref> town [[mayor]],<ref name="Dennis the Menace Fawcett comic 3"/> department-store Christmas Santas and saleswomen, [[Pharmacy (shop)|drug store]] salesmen, [[hardware store]] salesmen, shoe salesmen, [[Barber|barbers]],<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_039_Hallden-Fawcett_1959/page/n31 Dennis the Menace # 39]</ref> and the local [[post office]] workers<ref name="Dennis the Menace Fawcett COMIC 61">[[iarchive:fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_061_Hallden-Fawcett_1968/page/n1|Dennis the Menace Fawcett Comic 61]]</ref> to have nervous breakdowns when he comes around.<ref>For an example of Dennis the Menace chaos in a department store, see "Dennis Goes Christmas Shopping" in ''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #2.</ref> A running gag is that Dennis causes chaos wherever he visits, such as the [[Urban park|city park]],<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_018_Pines Dennis the Menace 18]</ref> a Marineland Aquarium, <ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Bonus_Magazine_Series_165_1977/page/n25 Dennis the Menace 165]</ref> [[United States Army|the US Army]], <ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_037_Hallden-Fawcett/page/n5 Dennis the Menace 37]</ref> and even on vacation trips to [[Mexico]]<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_008_Hallden-Fawcett Dennis the Menace in Mexico]</ref> and [[Hollywood, Los Angeles|Hollywood]].<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_007_Hallden-Fawcett_1959/page/n47 Dennis the Menace 007]</ref> Despite all this, he is a "popular kid" with his peers, having countless friends both at his school and around the neighborhood, who are taken with his very fun-loving demeanor. Dennis also believes in the [[Easter Bunny]] and [[Santa Claus]]. Another running gag is Dennis dreaming that he meets Santa Claus on [[Christmas Eve]] and causing chaos for everyone else.<ref name="Dennis the Menace Fawcett COMIC 61"/>
* '''Henry Mitchell''', age 32,<ref name="dennis.kingfeatures.org">[http://dennis.kingfeatures.org/cast-and-crew/] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504140343/http://dennis.kingfeatures.org/cast-and-crew/|date=May 4, 2014}}</ref> is Dennis' father, a workaday [[teacher]] at Dennis's school; he is an alumnus of [[Wilberforce University]] with a [[master's degree]] in [[architecture]].<ref>Dennis the Menace 20</ref> Henry seems to understand Dennis more than his wife does, especially in affairs of the heart. One example was when a furious Dennis stormed in, saying, "Wimmin can say some of the stupidest things!," Henry knowingly said to Alice, "Margaret." Another time, while Dennis was watching Gina, he confided to his dad, "There's somethin' about Gina that I can't figger out." Henry wisely advised his son, "Wait." Again, Henry and Alice overhear Dennis tell Gina that she "smelled better than a plateful of peanut butter samwiches." Henry remarks, "The ultimate compliment." Like his creator Hank Ketcham, Henry served in the [[United States Navy]]; starting as a position as a quartermaster (helmsman) second class on a US Navy ship,<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_105_Hallden-Fawcett_1969/page/n13 Dennis the Menace # 105 1969]</ref> he ended up on an aircraft carrier<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_The_Menace_155_1978/page/n9 Dennis the Menace 155]</ref> and rose to the rank of [[chief petty officer]].{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} Among his hobbies are playing [[card games]] such as [[poker]],<ref>Dennis the Menace 34</ref> [[Birdwatching|bird watching]],<ref>Dennis the Menace 43</ref> and playing the [[ukulele]] and singing old songs. A running gag is that Henry often plays the [[straight man]] dupe—either resulting from Dennis's "helpfulness," or because of his own foolishness; once, he tried to save money on a Christmas tree by cutting one down in the country—and ended up paying $20.00 ($10.00 for a fine and $10.00 for the owner charging him for the tree).<ref>''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #2, "Up a tree"</ref>
* '''Alice Mitchell, née Aberdeen''' is Dennis' [[Housewife|stay-at-home mother]], who is usually the reassuring figure to whom Dennis can run when things get too overwhelming, ready to greet him with a warm [[hug]]. Although she grew up among animals on a [[Poultry farming|chicken ranch]], a [[running gag]] is that Alice is [[Ophidiophobia|ophidiophobic]]. (She also dislikes mice and white rats, implying she is [[Fear of mice and rats|musophobic]] as well.)<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_050_Hallden-Fawcett/page/n13 Dennis_the_Menace_050]</ref> {{citation needed|date=April 2021}} She is the president of a local [[Bridge (card game)|bridge]] club.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_021_Pines/page/n25 Dennis the Menace Fawcett Comics 21]</ref> Another running gag involves Dennis's ever-changing parade of new [[Babysitting|babysitters]];<ref>Dennis the Menace comic June 28, 2019</ref> no one will take the job twice, much to Alice's annoyance.<ref>Dennis the Menace comic June 13, 1958</ref><ref>Dennis the Menace December 9, 1959</ref><ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Bonus_Magazine_Series_165_1977/page/n25 Dennis the Menace Bonus Magazine Series 165]</ref> Alice is the disciplinarian in the Mitchell household; for example, she punishes Dennis for his misbehavior by having him sit in the corner in a [[rocking chair]] for timeout.<ref>Dennis the Menace comic february-28-2014</ref><ref>Dennis the Menace march-16-2014</ref><ref>Dennis the Menace march-18-2014</ref>
* '''Ruff Mitchell''' is Dennis's pet [[dog]] (a [[Newfoundland dog|Newfoundland]] mix{{Citation needed|date=October 2019}}) and best friend. He is always eagerly following him around, accompanying him while Dennis is [[running]], or riding his [[Bicycle|bike]] or [[skateboard]]. Another [[running gag]] is that although Ruff chases cats, he is actually afraid of them.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_114_Hallden-Fawcett_1971/page/n13 Dennis the Menace 114]</ref>
* '''Hot Dog''' is Dennis's rarely seen [[cat]], which usually commiserates with him while he sits in the corner and reflects on his wrongdoings. Dennis gave the cat its name after the cat ate a package of [[Hot dog|hot dogs]].<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_143_Hallden-Fawcett_1976/page/n23 Dennis the Menace No 143]</ref>
* '''Barney''' is another cat of the Mitchells.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}
* '''Grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell'''<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_037_Hallden-Fawcett/page/n5 Dennis the Meanace 37]</ref>
* '''Grampa''' (Arnold "Swede" Aberdeen) is Alice's father, who spoils Dennis often. He evokes the unintentional jealousy of Mr. Wilson, for he gets to see Dennis occasionally, but Mr. Wilson sees him all the time. Because they are so much alike, Dennis and Grampa Johnson get along well. Mr. Wilson also thinks that Johnson should act his age, but this advice is often ignored. To Grampa, life is worth living and he encourages Dennis to live it to the fullest. His wife's status is unknown; she is never seen in the comics, although she is mentioned four times—twice when, thanks to Dennis, Alice finds out Henry destroyed his Christmas gift (a tie) from his mother in law;<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_003_Pines_Hallden_Dennis_The_Menace_Giant_Christmas_I/page/n97 Dennis the Menace giant Christmas]</ref> another time a furious Alice finds out that Henry had thrown his mother-in-law's gift (a tie) into the trash.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Another time, Alice wished her mother a Happy Mother's Day by telephone.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Grandpa mentions his wife to Dennis but not her status{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}
* '''Uncle Fred and Aunt Mollie'''<ref>''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #2 "Too Many Santas"</ref>
* '''Uncle Richard and Aunt Ginny'''<ref>''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #2</ref>
* '''Uncle John''' lives in [[Florida]]. The Mitchells visited him once for a vacation.<ref name="ReferenceA">''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #8</ref>
* '''Uncle Al''' lives in [[Texas]] and works in the "oil business." He runs a small oil and [[Filling station|gas station]].<ref>Dennis the menace #15</ref>
* '''Uncle Charlie'''<ref name="Dennis the Menace Fawcett Comic #18"/>
* '''Uncle Ernie and Aunt Blanche'''
*'''Aunt Betty'''<ref name="ReferenceA" />
* '''Aunt Hetty'''<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
* '''Aunt Sue'''<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

=== The Wilsons ===
* '''George Everett Wilson Sr.''' is Dennis's cranky, cantankerous, middle-aged next-door neighbor, a retired [[postal carrier]] and (at least as far as Dennis is concerned) his best adult friend. Not much is told about his early life except he grew up on a farm, went through [[The Great Depression]] of the 1930s, and served in [[World War II]]. Dennis loves Mr. Wilson, but unintentionally annoys him, as he regularly disrupts Mr. Wilson's attempts at a serene, quiet life; he often interrupts Mr. Wilson's hobbies such as gardening and bird watching, at times accidentally damaging his property. As a result, he displays a less than cordial attitude towards the young boy, though Dennis continues his well-meaning intrusions unabated. Actually, as many readers suspected, he is secretly fond of Dennis and misses him when he is away, although he would never openly admit it. On one occasion when the Mitchells went to Hollywood for two weeks, Mr. Wilson kept seeing Dennis' face everywhere!<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_007_Hallden-Fawcett_1959/page/n47 Dennis the Menace Giant 007]</ref> Mr. Wilson is named after a teacher Hank Ketcham knew. Dennis often (especially in the television series) refers to him as "Good Ol' Mr. Wilson." Although a running gag is that Dennis's pranks drive Mr. Wilson crazy, at times Dennis tries to do nice things for Mr. Wilson, such as the time Dennis left Ruff the dog and Hot Dog the cat with Mr Wilson so he would not be lonely on [[Father's Day]], while Dennis and his father went to a baseball game,<ref>"Dennis the Menace" June 20, 2010</ref> or the time Dennis tries to cheer Mr. Wilson up on [[April Fool]]'s day by placing a fake "Mitchell House for sale" sign up.<ref>"Dennis the Menace" comic April 2, 2012</ref>
* '''Martha Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's engaging wife, who adores Dennis. Mrs. Wilson freely dotes on him and plies him with freshly baked cookies and [[Dairy milk|milk]]. Martha sees Dennis as a surrogate grandson. By 1975, George and Martha had been married for 25 years.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Bonus_Magazine_Series_142 Dennis the Menace Bonus Magazine Series 142]</ref>
* '''John Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's brother.
* '''Eloise Wilson''' is John's wife, Mr. Wilson's sister-in-law.
* '''Earl Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's estranged son.
* '''Elena Wilson''' is Earl's wife.
* '''Winnie Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's granddaughter and Earl's daughter.
* '''Walter "Walt" Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's grandson and Earl's son.
* '''Keith Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's grandson and Earl's son.
* '''Sammy Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's grandson and Earl's son.
* '''George Wilson Jr.''' is Mr. Wilson's son.
* '''Edna Wilson''' is George Jr.'s wife.
* '''Tammy Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's daughter.
* '''George Wilson III''' is Mr. Wilson's grandson.
* '''Will Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's grandson.
* '''Helga Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's granddaughter.
* '''Uncle Ned''' is Mr Wilson's 70-year-old uncle who visited his nephew in 1964.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Television_Special_022 Dennis the Menace Television Special 022 Fawcett comic]</ref>

=== Dennis' friends ===
* '''Tommy Anderson''' is Dennis' best friend (after Mr. Wilson). This character eventually disappeared from the strip, although he does make appearances in the ''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' books.
* '''Joey McDonald''' is loyal, timid, and not too bright. He is a year younger than Dennis. He usually plays the [[sidekick]] to Dennis's schemes, and sees him as a big-brother figure. Dennis often gives him naïve advice, and gives him little "nuggets" of wisdom and insight.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_086_Fawcett_-_1966/page/n33 Dennis the Menace 86]</ref> Joey's baby sister was introduced on November 13, 2016. {{citation needed|date=April 2021}}
* '''Margaret Wade''' is a freckled, [[Red hair|red-haired]], [[Glasses|bespectacled]] [[know-it-all]] whose cloying and self-important demeanor is always getting on Dennis's nerves. She is attracted to Dennis and is stubbornly confident in the belief that she will [[Marriage|marry]] him when they are adults,<ref>Dennis the Menace June 2, 1958 comic</ref> but he clearly has no interest in her. She always tries to improve Dennis and his manners, but succeeds only in annoying him. She has a certain amount of dislike for Gina, whom she sees as her competition. Gina gains Dennis' respect and admiration by just being herself, and Margaret's pretensions fail to make a mark on him. Margaret, who is two years older than Dennis,<ref name="dennis.kingfeatures.org"/> is very ambitious: when she was five, she decided to join the [[Camp Fire (organization)|Camp Fire]] Girls when she reaches the age of seven;<ref name="ReferenceA"/> an organization in which she is very active,{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} and in one cartoon, she sells [[Girl Scout Cookies (cannabis strain)|Girl Scout cookies]] to the Mitchells.<ref>Dennis the Menace february-22-2014</ref> She likes taking [[gymnastics]] and [[ballet]],<ref name="Dennis the Menace 143">[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_143_Hallden-Fawcett_1976 Dennis the Menace 143]</ref> singing Christmas carols,<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_074_Hallden-Fawcett_1969/page/n15 Dennis the Menace 74]</ref> and taking piano lessons; she also plays the [[saxophone]],{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} the [[Fife (instrument)|fife]],{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} and the [[violin]].{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} She is a devout religious believer, and has had pets<ref name="ReferenceA"/> of her own—four white [[Persian cat|Persian cats]]: one named Charlie,<ref>Dennis The Menace Giant 004 Pines Hallden 1957</ref> one named Prudence,<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_The_Menace_095_1968/page/n25 Dennis The Menace 095 1968]</ref> one named Snowflake,<ref>Dennis the Menace comic April 7, 2013</ref> and another named Mr. Coodles (whom she wheels around in a [[baby carriage]]). Besides hoping to marry Dennis,<ref name="Dennis the Menace #39">[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_039_Hallden-Fawcett_1959/page/n31 Dennis the Menace #39]</ref> she also has decided to be the first female [[President of the United States]].{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} A running gag is that whenever Margaret tries to be genuinely nice to Dennis, such as inviting him over to her house to help decorate a [[Christmas tree]],<ref name="ReferenceB">''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #2 "How not to Decorate a Tree"</ref> be a guest at her birthday party,<ref name="ReferenceA"/> or when Dennis tries to have Margaret give him too much candy<ref name="ReferenceA"/>—Dennis' "helpfulness" results in him being sent home. One weakness of Dennis is that no matter how much he dislikes Margaret, he cannot resist eating food at the Wades'.<ref name="ReferenceB"/> Margaret and Dennis are not always adversaries. In one scene, Dennis sprayed both Margaret and Gina with his mother's [[perfume]] with a water pistol, which resulted in both girls playing with him and Dennis' mother becoming very angry with him.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> A running gag is that Margaret is a victim of Dennis's [[Practical joke|practical jokes]], such as being sprayed on by a [[garden hose]].<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_086_Fawcett_-_1966/page/n31 Dennis the Menace 86]</ref> On one Valentine's Day, Dennis gave "trick" Valentine's messages to Margaret, Gina, and Sally that had messages read "I DON'T Like." This earned Dennis having to sit in the corner as punishment.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_050_Hallden-Fawcett/page/n3 Dennis the Menace 050 Hallden-Fawcett]</ref> In one April Fool's Day comic, Dennis decided to trick Margaret with compliments instead of pranks; to Dennis' horror, Margaret accepted the joke as real and dragged Dennis to hear her piano playing.<ref>Dennis the Menace comic April 1, 2012</ref> Although she is fond of Dennis, she can on occasion lose her temper and "bop" him,<ref name="Dennis the Menace #39"/><ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_The_Menace_094_1968/page/n27 Dennis The Menace 094 ]</ref><ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_The_Menace_154_1977_/page/n17 Dennis the Menace 154]</ref> and once "flipped" him after she graduated to a [[Black belt (martial arts)|black belt]] in karate.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}
* '''Gina Gillotti''' is a fiercely independent young [[Italian Americans|Italian-American]] girl, on whom Dennis is mostly unaware that he has a crush. Gina is [[Tomboy|tomboyish]] yet still feminine in appearance. She also likes Dennis in a future-sweethearts kind of way, but in contrast to his dislike of Margaret, Dennis actually enjoys being with Gina. He likes her because she is as independent-minded as he is, and she enjoys the same things that he does. Gina is aware that she is a girl, and woe betide anyone who thinks otherwise. Just as Margaret had "flipped" Dennis in [[karate]], Gina once "flipped" Dennis in [[judo]]<ref name="Dennis the Menace 143"/>
* '''Jackson''' is an [[African Americans|African American]] character whom Ketcham decided to add to the cast in the late 1960s. Ketcham designed Jackson in the tradition of a stereotypical cartoon [[pickaninny]], with huge lips, big white eyes, and just a suggestion of an [[Afro]] hair style. A panel from May 13, 1970, depicted Jackson and Dennis playing in the backyard, with Dennis saying to his father, "I'm havin' some race trouble with Jackson. He runs FASTER than I do!"<ref>[http://i46.tinypic.com/2nhhunr.jpg] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225064628/http://i46.tinypic.com/2nhhunr.jpg|date=February 25, 2012}}</ref> The character depiction was not received well. Protests erupted in [[Detroit]], [[Little Rock, Arkansas|Little Rock]], [[Miami]], and [[St. Louis]], and debris was thrown at the offices of the ''[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch|Post Dispatch]]''. Taken aback, Ketcham issued a statement explaining that his intentions were innocent, and Jackson was not seen in the comics again.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fantagraphics.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=977 |title=Dennis the Menace – Introduction |author=Brian Walker |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |access-date=February 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613150309/http://www.fantagraphics.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=977 |archive-date=June 13, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> However, another African American character named Jay Weldon appeared in the 1986 animated series to far less controversy, as he was not a stereotype.
* '''Ben''' is a [[Jewish]] friend of Dennis.<ref>{{cite web |title=October 26, 2014 Dennis the Menace strip |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/comics-kingdom/index.ssf?feature_id=Dennis_The_Menace&feature_date=2014-10-26 |access-date=October 28, 2014}}</ref>
* '''Cowboy Bob''' is a film cowboy, whom Dennis idolizes. He appears in a series of Westerns known as Cowboy Bob films. The boy fails to realize that Westerns are rarely made in these times and that the films he is seeing are actually old repeats. In one story arc where Dennis' parents invite the retired actor to a party, they have Dennis meet him, to which Dennis comments that he must be "Cowboy Bob's grandpa!"

== History ==
=== Inspiration ===
The inspiration for the comic strip came from Dennis Ketcham, the real-life son of Hank Ketcham,<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinraub| first = Judith| title = Dennis's Dear Old Dad| newspaper = The Washington Post| date = May 5, 1990| url = https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/72586949.html?dids=72586949:72586949&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=MAY+05%2C+1990&author=Judith+Weinraub&pub=The+Washington+Post&desc=Dennis's+Dear+Old+Dad%3BCartoonist+Hank+Ketcham%2C+In+a+World+Without+Menace&pqatl=google}}</ref> who, at four years old, refused to take a nap and made a complete mess of his room. Hank tried many possible names for the character, and translated them into rough pencil sketches, but when his studio door flew open, and his then-wife Alice, in utter exasperation, exclaimed, "Your son is a menace!,"<ref name="nytimesobit">{{cite news | last = Van Gelder| first = Lawrence| title = Hank Ketcham, Father of Dennis the Menace, Dies at 81| newspaper = The New York Times| date = June 2, 2001| url = https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9B01E4D8163FF931A35755C0A9679C8B63&n=Top/News/Business/Companies/Google%20Inc.| access-date = 2007-09-17}}</ref> the "Dennis the Menace" name stuck. The character of Henry Mitchell bore a striking resemblance to Ketcham, while the Mitchell family of Dennis, Henry/Hank, and Alice were all named after the Ketchams.

=== Visuals ===
Ketcham's line work has been highly praised over the years. A review on comicbookbin.com states: "...a growing legion of cartoonists, scholars, aficionados, etc. have come to appreciate the artistry of Dennis's creator, Hank Ketcham. Ketcham's beautiful artwork defines cartooning elegance. The design, the composition, and the line: it's all too, too beautiful."<ref name="cbbin">{{cite news | last = Douresseaux| first = Leroy| title = Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace: 1953–1954 (review)| publisher = comicbookbin.com| date = August 20, 2007| url = http://www.comicbookbin.com/completedennisthemenace002.html| access-date = 2008-12-21}}</ref> AV Club reviewer Noel Murray wrote: "Ketcham also experimented with his line a little early on, tightening and thickening without losing the looseness and spontaneity that remains the strip's best aspect even now."<ref name="avclub">{{cite news | last = Murray| first = Noel| title = Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis The Menace 1951–1952 (review)| publisher = The Onion's avlub.com | date = September 28, 2005| url = https://www.avclub.com/content/node/41135| access-date = 2008-12-21}}</ref>

In 2005, Dennis appeared as a guest for Blondie and Dagwood's 75th anniversary party in the comic strip ''[[Blondie (comic strip)|Blondie]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.chron.com/apps/comics/showComick.mpl?week=1&date=20050904&name=Blondie |title=Comics and cartoons |publisher=Chron.com – Houston Chronicle|date=September 4, 2005 |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>

=== Awards ===
Ketcham received the [[Reuben Award]] for the strip in 1953.<ref>{{cite web | title = The Reuben Award 1946–1974| publisher = The National Cartoonists Society| url = http://www.reuben.org/ncs/archive/divisions/reuben.asp| access-date = 2007-09-18}}</ref>
He also was made [[title of honor|honorary]] mayor of Wichita. He was quoted as saying, "I set the whole thing in Wichita, Kansas, and as a result I got made an [[title of honor|honorary]] mayor of Wichita."<ref>{{cite web | title = Biography for Hank Ketcham| website=[[IMDb]]| url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0450477/bio| access-date = 2007-09-18}}</ref>

=== Ketcham retires ===
[[File:Ron Ferdinand NAS 2013.jpg|thumb|Ron Ferdinand in 2013]]
Hank Ketcham retired from the comic strip in 1994,<ref name="nytimesobit" /> turning over production of the strip to his assistants Ron Ferdinand and Marcus Hamilton. They [[zombie strip|continued their run]] after Ketcham's death in 2001, alongside Scott Ketcham since 2010.<ref name="nytimesobit" />

== Advertising ==
Dennis the Menace appeared in [[A&W Restaurants]] advertising in the 1960s, then [[Dairy Queen]] marketing from 1971 until 2001, when he was dropped because Dairy Queen felt children could no longer relate to him. Dennis also appeared in the Sears Roebuck Wish Book Christmas catalog in the 1970s.

== Comic books ==
Dennis the Menace has been published in comic books and comic [[digest size|digests]] from the 1950s through the 1980s by a variety of publishers, including [[Nedor Comics|Standard/Pines]] (1953–58), [[Fawcett Comics]] (1958–80, during their only return to comics after settling the Captain Marvel lawsuit and selling much of their comics division to [[Charlton Comics]]), and [[Marvel Comics]] (1981–82). These included both newspaper strip reprints and original ''Dennis the Menace'' comic book stories, produced by others besides Ketcham. [[Al Wiseman]], one of Ketcham's assistants in the 1950s and '60s, worked on many of them. Ron Ferdinand, Ketcham's Sunday page artist, drew several of the Dennis stories in the Marvel books, including the cover for issue No. 11.

=== Giant series ===
The main comic book series (simply named ''Dennis the Menace'') ran in tandem with the "Giant" series. The ''Dennis the Menace Giant Vacation Special''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11130 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref> and ''Dennis the Menace Christmas Issue''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11248 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref> were published by Standard in 1955. Those issues inaugurated the Giants series, which was published by Pines for issues 2–6,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11131 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref> and continued by Hallden/Fawcett for issues 6–75.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11132 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref> The Giant series was later renamed the ''Dennis the Menace Bonus Magazine Series'', which started with issue No. 76 in 1970.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11133 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref> CBS and Hallden later retitled the series as ''The Dennis the Menace Big Bonus Series'', which ran through issue #194 in October 1979.

=== Other series ===
By October 1979, Fawcett began publishing a separate series of 36 issues titled ''Dennis the Menace and Mr. Wilson''. By the second issue, the series was rechristened ''Dennis the Menace and His Friends'' which now involved Dennis, Mr. Wilson, friends Joey and Margaret, and dog Ruff. Because of this, the Mr. Wilson stories were alternated with the three characters as ''Ruff, Joey, and Margaret'' who each shared a No. 1 issue with Dennis.

Three other series of Dennis the Menace comic books also were published, beginning in 1961. First was ''Dennis the Menace and His Dog, Ruff.'' ''Dennis the Menace and His Pal, Joey'' was published in summer 1961, and ''Dennis the Menace and Margaret'' was published in the winter of 1969.

In 1972, as part of a bonus magazine series, Fawcett published a "Short Stuff Special" where Dennis visited [[Children's Fairyland]] in [[Oakland, California]].

=== Bible Kids series ===
In 1977, Word Books, Inc. (now [[HarperCollins]]) commissioned Hank Ketcham Enterprises, Inc. to produce a series of 10 comic books under the title ''Dennis and the Bible Kids'', with the usual cast of characters reading (and sometimes partly acting out) the stories of [[Joseph (Hebrew Bible)|Joseph]], [[Moses]], [[David]], [[Esther]], [[Jesus]], and other Biblical characters. These were sold through Christian [[bookstore]]s and related outlets. Each issue contained several inspirational renderings by Hank Ketcham himself.

=== Marvel series ===
The ''Dennis the Menace Fun Fest'' and the ''Dennis the Menace Big Bonus'' series were revived for a short-issue run in 1980:
* January: ''The Dennis the Menace Fun Fest'' #16
* February: ''The Dennis the Menace Big Bonus'' #10
* March: ''The Dennis the Menace Fun Fest'' #17
* April: ''The Dennis the Menace Big Bonus'' #11

After these revival series, the Hallden and CBS comics run came to an end in 1980. Ketcham had half of the comic book rights purchased by [[Stan Lee]] and Marvel Comics, so they were able to produce a new series of ''Dennis the Menace'' comic books. The new Marvel series ran from December 1981 to November 1982. The smaller ''Dennis the Menace'' comic digests were published continually by Fawcett and Hallden between 1969 and 1980, and they were briefly resurrected in reprints by Marvel in 1982 for a run of three issues.

=== List of comic books ===
==== Main series ====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Title
! Starting year
! Publisher
|-
| ''Dennis the Menace'' (#1–14)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11127 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1953
| Standard
|-
| ''Dennis the Menace'' (#15–31)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11128 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1956
| Pines
|-
| ''Dennis the Menace'' (#32–166)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11129 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1959
| Hallden/Fawcett/CBS
|-
| ''Dennis the Menace'' (#1–13)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=2597 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1981
| Marvel
|}

==== Other series ====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Title
! Starting year
! Publisher
|-
| ''The Best of Dennis the Menace'' (#1–5)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11250 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1959
| Hallden
|-
| ''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' digest (#1–50)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11135 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1969
| Fawcett
|-
| ''Dennis The Menace and the Bible Kids'' (#1–10)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=13834 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1977
| Word Books
|}

== Book compilations ==
''Dennis the Menace'' has also been published in [[Mass market paperbacks|mass market paperback]] collections, made up of newspaper strip reprints:
{{refbegin|2}}
* ''Dennis the Menace'' (1952) Avon (also published in hardcover by Henry Holt & Co.)
* ''More Dennis the Menace'' (1954) Avon (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Baby Sitter's Guide by Dennis the Menace'' (1955, 1961) Pocket Books, Fawcett (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Wanted: Dennis the Menace'' (1955) Fawcett (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Dennis the Menace Rides Again'' (1956, 1971) PB, Fawcett (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Dennis the Menace vs. Everybody'' (1957) PB (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Dennis the Menace: Household Hurricane'' (1958, 1963) PB, Fawcett (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''The Adventures of the Pickle'' (1958) Corgi Books
* ''In this Corner... Dennis the Menace'' (1959) Fawcett (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Dennis the Menace ...Teacher's Threat'' (1960) Fawcett (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Dennis the Menace: Voted Most Likely'' (1960) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace, A.M. *Ambassador of Mischief'' (1961) Fawcett (also in hardcover by HRW)
* ''Dennis the Menace: Happy Half-Pint'' (1962) Fawcett (also in hardcover by Random House)
* ''Dennis the Menace ...Who, Me?'' (1963) Fawcett (also in hardcover by Random House)
* ''Dennis the Menace: Make-Believe Angel'' (1964) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace ...Here Comes Trouble'' (1966) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace and Poor Ol' Mr. Wilson'' (1967) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: All-American Kid'' (1968) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace and His Pal Joey'' (1968) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Your Friendly Neighborhood Kid'' (1969) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Perpetual Motion'' (1969) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace ...Everybody's Little Helper'' (1970) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Non-Stop Nuisance'' (1970) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Surprise Package'' (1971) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Short 'n' Snappy'' (1971) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Where the Action Is'' (1971) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Dennis Power'' (1972) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Just for Fun'' (1973) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: The Kid Next Door'' (1973) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Busybody'' (1974) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Little Pip-Squeak'' (1974) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Play It Again, Dennis'' (1975) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace to the Core'' (1975) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Little Man in a Big Hurry'' (1976) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Short Swinger'' (1976) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace and His Girls'' (1977) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: "Your Mother's Calling!"'' (1977) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Ol' Droopy Drawers'' (1978) Fawcett
* ''Someone's in the Kitchen with Dennis the Menace'' (1978) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Driving Mother Up the Wall'' (1979) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: I Done It MY Way'' (1979) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Short in the Saddle'' (1979) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Ain't Misbehavin''' (1980) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Stayin' Alive'' (1980) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Good Intenshuns'' (1981) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: One More Time!'' (1981) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: The Way I Look at It...'' (1982) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Dog's Best Friend'' (1982) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Supercharged and Ever Ready'' (1983) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Sunrise Express'' (1983) Fawcett
{{refend}}

In 1990, [[Abbeville Press]] published Hank Ketcham's fully illustrated autobiography: ''The Merchant of Dennis'' ({{ISBN|9780896599437}}, hardcover). The book was reprinted by [[Fantagraphics]] in 2005 ({{ISBN|1560977140}}, [[Trade paperback (comics)|trade paperback]]). Abbeville also published a softcover retrospective of the strip in 1991, ''Dennis the Menace: His First 40 Years''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=31651 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>

=== ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace'' ===
In 2005, comics publisher Fantagraphics began to reprint Ketcham's entire run on ''Dennis the Menace'' (excluding Sunday strips) in a projected 25-volume series over 11 years. No new volumes have been issued since 2009 and it is unknown when and if the series will resume.<ref>{{cite news | last = Estrada| first = George| title = Antics of "Dennis the Menace" back in print| publisher = The Seattle Times Company| date = August 8, 2005| url = http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/artsentertainment/2002426706_dennis08.html| access-date = 2008-09-18 }}</ref> They are published in hardcover editions as well as paperback.

# ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace, 1951–1952'' (2005) {{ISBN|1-56097-680-2}}
# ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace, 1953–1954'' (2006) {{ISBN|1-56097-725-6}}
# ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace, 1955–1956'' (2006) {{ISBN|1-56097-770-1}}
# ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace, 1957–1958'' (2007) {{ISBN|978-1-56097-880-0}}
# ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace, 1959–1960'' (2008) {{ISBN|978-1-56097-966-1}}
# ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace, 1961–1962'' (2009) {{ISBN|978-1-60699-311-8}}

== Worldwide success ==
=== Film and television ===
''Dennis the Menace'' has been the subject of a number of adaptations. The [[Dennis the Menace (1959 TV series)|first one produced]] is a [[CBS]] sitcom that aired from 1959 to 1963 starring [[Jay North]] as Dennis,<ref>{{cite news| title = Dennis the Menace Goes on TV| last = Korman| first = Seymour| publisher = Chicago Daily Tribune| date = September 26, 1959| url = https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/593551392.html?dids=593551392:593551392&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&date=Sep+26%2C+1959&author=Seymour+Korman&pub=Chicago+Daily+Tribune&desc=DENNIS+THE+MENACE&pqatl=google| access-date = 2008-09-18 }}</ref> [[Herbert Anderson]] as Henry Mitchell; [[Joseph Kearns]]<ref>{{cite news | title = Joseph Kearns, 55, TV Actor, is Dead; Played Mr. Wilson of 'Dennis the Menace' on C.B.S.| publisher = The Seattle Times Company| date = February 18, 1962| url = http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30C12FB3C5910728DDDA10994DA405B828AF1D3| access-date = 2008-09-18 }}</ref> as George Wilson, and subsequently [[Gale Gordon]] as his brother, John Wilson. North also appeared as Dennis on an episode of ''[[The Donna Reed Show]]''<ref>{{cite news | title = Full cast and crew for The Donna Reed Show Donna Decorates (1960)| publisher = imdb| url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0564225/fullcredits#cast | access-date = 2008-12-08 }}</ref> and in the theatrical film ''[[Pepe (film)|Pepe]]'' (both 1960). On September 11, 1987, a ''Dennis the Menace'' live-action [[television film]] was broadcast; it was later released on video under the title ''Dennis the Menace: Dinosaur Hunter''.<ref>{{cite book |last= Kohn|first= Martin F. |date= 1996 |title= Videohound's Family Video Guide |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=n7fS6-zVgh4C&q=%22Dennis+the+Menace%22+dinosaur+videohound |publisher= Visible Ink Press|page= 1960|isbn= 0787609846 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HWRnDwAAQBAJ&q=all-new+dennis+the+menace+dic&pg=PT461|title=Pocket Full of Dennis the Menace|first=Mark|last=Arnold|author-link=Mark Arnold (historian)|quote="[...] there was a Dennis the Menace TV-movie called 'Dennis the Menace' that was later renamed 'Dennis the Menace: Dinosaur Hunter' to avoid confusion with the 1993 theatrical feature film. [...] It first aired on September 11, 1978 [...]"|date=2017|access-date=2019-07-09|isbn=978-1629331195}}</ref> Another live-action ''[[Dennis the Menace (1993 film)|Dennis the Menace]]'' film, starring [[Walter Matthau]] as Mr. Wilson and [[Mason Gamble]] as Dennis, was released to theaters in 1993. It was originally titled ''The Real Dennis the Menace'' before the final name was approved. This was followed with the direct-to-video ''[[Dennis the Menace Strikes Again]]'' in 1998, starring [[Don Rickles]] as Mr. Wilson. The most recent film adaptation, ''A Dennis the Menace Christmas'' was released to DVD on November 6, 2007. The [[Warner Bros.]] production starred [[Robert Wagner]] as Mr. Wilson, [[Louise Fletcher]] as Mrs. Wilson, and [[Maxwell Perry Cotton]], then a six-year-old actor, as Dennis.

=== Animation ===
''Dennis the Menace'' was adapted into an animated special, ''[[Dennis the Menace in Mayday for Mother]]'' which aired in 1981 and was produced by [[DePatie–Freleng Enterprises]] and [[Mirisch Films]].<ref>{{cite news | title = Dennis the Menace in Mayday for Mother (1981)| publisher = IMDb| url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0285518/ | access-date = 2015-11-21 }}</ref> A [[Dennis the Menace (1986 TV series)|daily animated syndicated series]] was produced by [[DiC Entertainment]] in 1986 with Brennan Thicke as the voice of Dennis, also featuring [[Phil Hartman]] who voiced George Wilson and Henry Mitchell.<ref>{{cite news | title = Dennis the Menace (1986)| publisher = IMDb| url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0166910/?ref_=fn_al_tt_3 | access-date = 2015-11-21 }}</ref> DiC also produced the ''[[All-New Dennis the Menace]]'' for CBS Saturday Mornings in 1993 with Adam Wylie voicing Dennis.<ref>{{cite news | title = All-New Dennis the Menace (1993)| publisher = IMDb| url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0287192/?ref_=fn_al_tt_9 | access-date = 2015-11-21 }}</ref> An animated movie, ''Dennis the Menace in Cruise Control'', premiered as part of [[Nickelodeon|Nickelodeon's]] ''[[Nickelodeon Sunday Movie Toons|Sunday Movie Toons]]'' block in 2002 and later released to DVD.<ref>{{cite news | title = Dennis the Menace in Cruise Control (TV Movie 2002) | publisher = IMDb| url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0337974/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 | access-date = 2015-11-21 }}</ref>

==== List of film and TV adaptations ====
'''Films'''
* ''[[Dennis the Menace: Dinosaur Hunter]]'' (1987, live-action TV movie)
* ''[[Dennis the Menace (1993 film)|Dennis the Menace]]'' (1993, live-action)
* ''[[Dennis the Menace Strikes Again]]'' (1998, live-action DTV)
* ''Dennis the Menace in Cruise Control'' (2002, animated TV movie)
* ''A Dennis the Menace Christmas'' (2007, live-action DTV)

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%;"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Crew/detail
! colspan="5" | Film
|-
! ''[[Dennis the Menace: Dinosaur Hunter|Dennis the Menace: Dinosaur Hunter]]'' (1987)
! ''[[Dennis the Menace (1993 film)|Dennis the Menace]]'' (1993)
! ''[[Dennis the Menace Strikes Again|Dennis the Menace Strikes Again]]'' (1998)
! ''Dennis the Menace: Cruise Control'' (2002)
! ''A Dennis the Menace Christmas'' (2007)
|-
! Director
| Doug Rogers
| [[Nick Castle]]
| Charles T. Kanganis
| Pat Ventura
| [[Ron Oliver]]
|-
! Producer
| Philip D. Fehrle
| John Hughes and Richard Vane
| Jeffrey Silver and Bobby Newmyer
| '''Executive producers:''' [[Andy Heyward]] and Michael Maliani
| [[Steven J. Wolfe]]
|-
! Writers
| [[Bruce Kalish]] & David Garber and K.C. Dee
| [[John Hughes (filmmaker)|John Hughes]]
| [[Tim McCanlies]] (screenplay); Tim McCanlies and [[Jeff Schechter]] (story)
| Steve Granat and Cydne Clark
| Kathleen Laccinole
|-
! Editor
| Edward Salier
| [[Alan Heim]]
| [[Jeffrey Reiner]]
| N/A
| Zack Arnold
|-
! Composer
| [[Randy Edelman]]
| [[Jerry Goldsmith]]
| [[Graeme Revell]]
| [[Matt McGuire]]
| [[Peter Allen (composer)|Peter Allen]]
|-
! Cinematography
| [[Arledge Armenaki]]
| [[Thomas E. Ackerman]]
| Christopher Faloona
| N/A
| C. Kim Miles
|-
! Production company
| [[DIC Enterprises]] [[Coca-Cola Telecommunications]]
| [[John Hughes (filmmaker)|Hughes Entertainment]] [[Warner Bros. Family Entertainment|Warner Bros. Family Entertainment]]
| [[Outlaw Productions]] Warner Bros. Family Entertainment
| [[DIC Entertainment Corporation]]
| DTM3 Productions Sneak Preview Entertainment Valkyrie Films [[Warner Premiere]]
|-
! Distribution
| [[Sony Pictures Television]]
| colspan="2" | [[Warner Bros.]]
| [[Nickelodeon]] [[MGM Home Entertainment]]
| [[Warner Home Video]]
|-
! Released
| 11 September 1987
| 25 June 1993
| 14 July 1998
| 27 October 2002
| 13 November 2007
|-
! Duration
| 118 minutes
| 94 minutes
| 75 minutes
| 72 minutes
| 83 minutes
|}

'''Television shows and specials'''
* ''[[Dennis the Menace (1959 TV series)|Dennis the Menace]]'' (1959, live-action)
* ''[[Dennis the Menace in Mayday for Mother]]'' (1981, animated, TV special)
* ''[[Dennis the Menace (1986 TV series)|Dennis the Menace]]'' (1986, animated)
* ''[[All-New Dennis the Menace]]'' (1993, animated)

=== Merchandising ===
* From 1971 to 2001, Dennis the Menace was licensed by [[Dairy Queen]] as their official mascot, appearing in many commercials and on the chain's cups, bags, and other promotional items, until he was dropped because the chain felt children could no longer relate to him as much.

=== Playground ===
In 1952, Hank Ketcham spearheaded the construction of the Dennis the Menace Playground, designed by [[Archibald Garner|Arch Garner]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Archibald garner: a brief biographical sketch| publisher = words-and-art.com| url = http://words-and-art.com/archbio.html | access-date = 2008-12-18 }}</ref> It opened in [[Monterey, California]] on November 17, 1956.<ref>{{cite web| title = Dennis the Menace Playground Flyer| publisher = Monterey.org – City of Monterey| url = http://www.monterey.org/rec/denmenace06.pdf| access-date = 2008-12-18| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090220020222/http://www.monterey.org/rec/denmenace06.pdf| archive-date = February 20, 2009| df = mdy-all}}</ref> The playground featured a bronze statue of Dennis sculpted by [[Wah Chang]]. On the night of October 25, 2006, the 125 lb statue, which was estimated to be worth $30,000, was stolen from the playground.<ref>{{cite news | title = Statue of Dennis the Menace Stolen| date = October 28, 2006| url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/28/AR2006102800324_pf.html| access-date = 2007-09-18| publisher=[[Associated Press]]|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|via=washingtonpost.com}}</ref> In April 2007, it was replaced by a reproduction of another Dennis statue Chang made for the Ketchams. It was donated by Willis W. and Ethel M. Clark Foundation. In 2015 the missing statue was found in a scrap yard in Florida, returned to Monterey,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coury |first=Nic |title=Missing Dennis the Menace statue returns to Monterey. |url=https://www.montereycountyweekly.com/blogs/news_blog/missing-dennis-the-menace-statue-returns-to-monterey/article_81b766cc-6196-11e5-becd-6f55241b1fee.html |access-date=2022-05-16 |website=Monterey County Weekly |language=en}}</ref> and installed in front of the city recreation office.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coury |first=Nic |title=Dennis the Menace statue finds permanent home in Monterey. |url=https://www.montereycountyweekly.com/blogs/news_blog/dennis-the-menace-statue-finds-permanent-home-in-monterey/article_1e815cdc-3a32-11e6-8b1b-df210ceea6d5.html |access-date=2022-05-16 |website=Monterey County Weekly |language=en}}</ref>

=== Video games ===
* ''[[Dennis the Menace (video game)|Dennis the Menace]]'' (known as '''''Dennis''''' in Europe), a video game [[tie-in]] to the 1993 feature film, was released that same year by [[Ocean Software]] for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]], [[Amiga]] and [[Game Boy]].

===''Dennis the Menace'' in other languages===
The comic strip has been translated into many foreign languages, which has helped make the strip's characters famous worldwide.
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed"
|-
! List of foreign language titles
|-
| Arabic: 'ّماهر الصغير' (Little Maher)
|-
| Brazilian Portuguese: ''Dennis, o Pimentinha''
|-
| Catalan: ''Daniel el trapella''
|-
| Chinese: ''淘氣阿丹''
|-
| Croatian: ''Vragolasti Denis''
|-
| Danish: ''Jern-Henrik'' (means Iron-Henrik)
|-
| Dutch: ''Dennis de Bengel''
|-
| Estonian: ''Nuhtlus Nimega Dennis''
|-
| Finnish: ''Ville Vallaton''
|-
| French: ''Denis la malice''
|-
| French Canadian: ''Denis la petite peste''
|-
| German: ''Dennis der Lausejunge'' (also known as ''Dennis die Nervensäge'')
|-
| Greek: ''Ντένις ο Τρομερός'' (Dénis o Tromeros)
|-
| Hebrew: ''דני שובבני'' (Danny Shovevani)
|-
| Hungarian: ''Dennisz, a komisz''
|-
| Icelandic: ''Denni Dæmalausi''
|-
| Italian: ''Dennis la Minaccia''
|-
| Japanese: ''わんぱくデニス'' (''Wanpaku Dennis'')
|-
| Korean: ''개구쟁이 데니스''
|-
| Norwegian: ''Dennis''
|-
| Persian: ''دنیس دردسر''
|-
| Polish: ''Dennis Rozrabiaka''
|-
| Portuguese: ''Dennis o Pimentinha''
|-
| Romanian: ''Denis pericol public''
|-
| Russian:''Дэннис непоседа''
|-
| Serbian: ''Denis Napast''
|-
| Sinhalese ([[Sri Lanka]]): ''Dangaya (දඟයා)''
|-
| Spanish: ''Daniel el Travieso''
|-
| Slovenian: ''Dennis pokora''
|-
| Swedish: ''Dennis'' (also called ''Lill-Knas'', ''Bosse Bus'' or ''[[Kristian Tyrann]]'' in some publications in the 50s).
|-
| Turkish: ''Afacan Denis''
|}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website|https://comicskingdom.com/dennis-the-menace/}}
* [https://kingfeatures.com/comics/comics-a-z/?id=Dennis_The_Menace ''Dennis the Menace'' at King Features]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110717125916/http://www.kingfeatures.com/features/comics/dennis/charactMaina.htm List and short bios of the strip's characters]
* [https://nationalcartoonists.com/ncs/archive/divisions/advertising.asp NCS Awards]

{{Dennis the Menace}}
{{King Features Syndicate Comics}}

[[Category:Dennis the Menace (U.S. comics)| ]]
[[Category:1951 comics debuts]]
[[Category:American comic strips]]
[[Category:Comics set in Kansas]]
[[Category:Comic strips set in the United States]]
[[Category:Gag cartoon comics]]
[[Category:Gag-a-day comics]]
[[Category:American comics adapted into films]]
[[Category:Comics adapted into animated series]]
[[Category:Comics adapted into television series]]
[[Category:Comics adapted into video games]]

Dennis the Menace (U.S. comics)

2023-01-12T20:52:39Z

90.206.235.192:

{{Short description|American newspaper comic strip}}
{{for|the British comic of the same name|Dennis the Menace and Gnasher}}
{{multiple issues|
{{cleanup|date=April 2021|reason=reliance on primary sources, inappropriate sources, and tone/fancruft issues}}
{{primary sources|date=April 2021}}
{{unreliable sources|date=April 2021}}
{{overly detailed|date=April 2021}}
{{tone|date=April 2021}}
}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2013}}
{{Infobox comic strip
|title= Dennis the Menace
|image= [[File:Dennisketcham.jpg]]
|author= [[Hank Ketcham]] Marcus Hamilton Ron Ferdinand Scott Ketcham
|url=
|rss=
|atom=
|status= Still running
|first= March 12, 1951–present
|last=
|syndicate= [[King Features Syndicate]]
|publisher= [[Fantagraphics Books]]
|genre= [[Gag cartoon]]
|rating=
|preceded by=
|followed by=
}}
'''''Dennis the Menace''''' is a daily [[print syndication|syndicated]] newspaper [[comic strip]] originally created, written, and illustrated by [[Hank Ketcham]]. The comic strip made its debut on March 12, 1951, in 16 newspapers<ref>{{cite web |title=History |url=http://dennisthemenace.com/history/ |publisher=Dennisthemenace.com |access-date=August 5, 2017}}</ref> and was originally distributed by [[Publishers-Hall Syndicate|Post-Hall Syndicate]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Markstein |first=Donald D. |date=2010 |title=Dennis the Menace |url=http://www.toonopedia.com/dennis.htm |publisher=Don Markstein's Toonopedia |access-date=August 5, 2017}}</ref> It is now written and drawn by Ketcham's former assistants, Marcus Hamilton (weekdays, since 1995), Ron Ferdinand (Sundays, since 1981), and son Scott Ketcham (since 2010), and distributed to at least 1,000 newspapers in 48 countries and in 19 languages by [[King Features Syndicate]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Lawrence |last=Van Gelder |date=June 2, 2001 |title=Hank Ketcham, Father of Dennis the Menace, Dies at 81 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/02/arts/hank-ketcham-father-of-dennis-the-menace-dies-at-81.html |work=The New York Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113053354/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/02/obituaries/02KETC.html |archive-date=November 13, 2013 |url-status=live |access-date=August 5, 2017}}</ref> The comic strip usually runs for a [[panel (comics)|single panel]] on weekdays and a full strip on [[Sunday comics|Sundays]].

The comic strip became so successful that it was adapted to other popular media, including a [[Dennis the Menace|1986 series''''']], several television shows, both live-action and animated, and several feature films, including theatrical and [[direct-to-video]] releases.

Coincidentally, a [[Dennis the Menace and Gnasher|UK comic strip]] of the same name debuted on the same day.<ref>{{cite news |title=The curious tale of two menacing children named Dennis |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/dundee/916761/the-curious-tale-of-two-menacing-children-named-dennis/ |access-date=29 January 2022 |work=[[The Courier (Dundee)|The Courier]]}}</ref> The two are not related and change their names subtly in each other's respective home bases to avoid confusion.

== Characters and setting ==
''Dennis the Menace'' takes place in a [[Middle class|middle-class]] [[Suburb|suburban]] neighborhood in [[Wichita, Kansas]].<ref>"'Dennis the Menace' creator dies at 81; strip to continue"</ref> In the comics, the Mitchell family lives in a two-story house at the fictional address of 2251 Pine Street.<ref>Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun #2. Christmas Double Feature "I want a..." p. 77.</ref> The Wilson family lives next door at 2253 Pine Street.<ref>''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #2. p. 171.</ref> The television series differs, putting the Wilsons at the also-fictional 627 Elm Street.<ref>{{citation |title=Dennis the Menace |date=June 27, 2014 |url=https://nostalgiacentral.com/television/tv-by-decade/tv-shows-1950s/dennis-menace/ |publisher=Nostalgia Central |access-date= November 8, 2021}}</ref>

=== The Mitchell family ===
* '''Dennis Roger Mitchell''' is a [[freckle]]-faced 5-year-old<ref>Dennis the Menace cartoon march-14-2014</ref> boy with a troublesome but good-hearted and helpful personality. His long-suffering parents, Henry and Alice Mitchell, can only shake their heads and try to explain their son's antics to others, yet they very much love and care for him. The comic efficacy of Dennis's personality lies within how his genuine attempts to help those in need, combined with his youthful energy and enthusiasm, frequently lead to trouble wherever he goes (usually at Mr. Wilson's expense). He wears a black T-shirt with blue stripes with red [[overalls]] and white [[sneakers]], yet he often prefers going [[barefoot]]. He hates [[Carrot|carrots]] and baths, loves [[root beer]] (especially with [[Cookie|cookies]] or [[Chocolate brownie|brownies]]), [[ketchup]], [[Sandwich|sandwiches]], [[Water gun|water pistols]], playing with other boys his age, mud puddles, [[camping]], and [[Western (genre)|Westerns]] (especially those starring Cowboy Bob, the comic's take on the [[Lone Ranger]]), and has occasionally been depicted wearing a [[cowboy]] costume.<ref>Dennis the Menace comic june-2-2014</ref> Dennis has a Cowboy Bob Deputy Badge,<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_050_Hallden-Fawcett/page/n37 Dennis the Menace 050]</ref> poster, and an autographed picture of Cowboy Bob, as well. Among the [[Running gag|running gags]]: Dennis has a soft spot for animals such as [[Kitten|kittens]] and [[Puppy|puppies]], which he is always taking home to feed; he loves loud instruments, such as [[Horn (instrument)|horns]] and [[Drum kit|drums]], and he ruins [[Christmas music|Christmas songs]] with shouts of cowboy songs or annoys adults by shouting out loud.<ref name="Dennis the Menace Fawcett comic 3">[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_003_Pines_Hallden_Dennis_The_Menace_Giant_Christmas_I/page/n7 Dennis the Menace Fawcett comic 3]</ref> When Dennis is in the local [[department store]] trying out toys, such as [[Tricycle|tricycles]], he often ends up breaking them and making his parents buy them. In fact, Dennis nearly causes [[Portrait photography|portrait photographers]], [[Hairdresser|hairdressers]],<ref name="Dennis the Menace Fawcett Comic #18">[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_018_Pines/page/n11 Dennis the Menace Fawcett Comic #18]</ref> bank presidents,<ref>Dennis the Menace 28</ref> grocery-store personnel,<ref name="Dennis the Menace 42">[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_042_Hallden-Fawcett/page/n23 Dennis the Menace 42]</ref> [[kindergarten]] teachers,<ref>Dennis the Menace comic march-27-2014</ref><ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_The_Menace_094_1968 Dennis the Menace 94]</ref> restaurant [[Waiting staff|waiters]], [[Librarian|librarians]],<ref>Dennis the Menace Comic strip Nov 13, 1987</ref> museum [[Security guard|guards]], [[Police officer|police officers]], [[Bus driver|bus drivers]],<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_025_Pines/page/n35 Dennis the Menace 25]</ref> house heating equipment repairmen,<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_034_Hallden-Fawcett_1958/page/n13 Dennis the Menace 34]</ref> town [[mayor]],<ref name="Dennis the Menace Fawcett comic 3"/> department-store Christmas Santas and saleswomen, [[Pharmacy (shop)|drug store]] salesmen, [[hardware store]] salesmen, shoe salesmen, [[Barber|barbers]],<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_039_Hallden-Fawcett_1959/page/n31 Dennis the Menace # 39]</ref> and the local [[post office]] workers<ref name="Dennis the Menace Fawcett COMIC 61">[[iarchive:fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_061_Hallden-Fawcett_1968/page/n1|Dennis the Menace Fawcett Comic 61]]</ref> to have nervous breakdowns when he comes around.<ref>For an example of Dennis the Menace chaos in a department store, see "Dennis Goes Christmas Shopping" in ''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #2.</ref> A running gag is that Dennis causes chaos wherever he visits, such as the [[Urban park|city park]],<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_018_Pines Dennis the Menace 18]</ref> a Marineland Aquarium, <ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Bonus_Magazine_Series_165_1977/page/n25 Dennis the Menace 165]</ref> [[United States Army|the US Army]], <ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_037_Hallden-Fawcett/page/n5 Dennis the Menace 37]</ref> and even on vacation trips to [[Mexico]]<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_008_Hallden-Fawcett Dennis the Menace in Mexico]</ref> and [[Hollywood, Los Angeles|Hollywood]].<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_007_Hallden-Fawcett_1959/page/n47 Dennis the Menace 007]</ref> Despite all this, he is a "popular kid" with his peers, having countless friends both at his school and around the neighborhood, who are taken with his very fun-loving demeanor. Dennis also believes in the [[Easter Bunny]] and [[Santa Claus]]. Another running gag is Dennis dreaming that he meets Santa Claus on [[Christmas Eve]] and causing chaos for everyone else.<ref name="Dennis the Menace Fawcett COMIC 61"/>
* '''Henry Mitchell''', age 32,<ref name="dennis.kingfeatures.org">[http://dennis.kingfeatures.org/cast-and-crew/] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504140343/http://dennis.kingfeatures.org/cast-and-crew/|date=May 4, 2014}}</ref> is Dennis' father, a workaday [[teacher]] at Dennis's school; he is an alumnus of [[Wilberforce University]] with a [[master's degree]] in [[architecture]].<ref>Dennis the Menace 20</ref> Henry seems to understand Dennis more than his wife does, especially in affairs of the heart. One example was when a furious Dennis stormed in, saying, "Wimmin can say some of the stupidest things!," Henry knowingly said to Alice, "Margaret." Another time, while Dennis was watching Gina, he confided to his dad, "There's somethin' about Gina that I can't figger out." Henry wisely advised his son, "Wait." Again, Henry and Alice overhear Dennis tell Gina that she "smelled better than a plateful of peanut butter samwiches." Henry remarks, "The ultimate compliment." Like his creator Hank Ketcham, Henry served in the [[United States Navy]]; starting as a position as a quartermaster (helmsman) second class on a US Navy ship,<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_105_Hallden-Fawcett_1969/page/n13 Dennis the Menace # 105 1969]</ref> he ended up on an aircraft carrier<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_The_Menace_155_1978/page/n9 Dennis the Menace 155]</ref> and rose to the rank of [[chief petty officer]].{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} Among his hobbies are playing [[card games]] such as [[poker]],<ref>Dennis the Menace 34</ref> [[Birdwatching|bird watching]],<ref>Dennis the Menace 43</ref> and playing the [[ukulele]] and singing old songs. A running gag is that Henry often plays the [[straight man]] dupe—either resulting from Dennis's "helpfulness," or because of his own foolishness; once, he tried to save money on a Christmas tree by cutting one down in the country—and ended up paying $20.00 ($10.00 for a fine and $10.00 for the owner charging him for the tree).<ref>''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #2, "Up a tree"</ref>
* '''Alice Mitchell, née Aberdeen''' is Dennis' [[Housewife|stay-at-home mother]], who is usually the reassuring figure to whom Dennis can run when things get too overwhelming, ready to greet him with a warm [[hug]]. Although she grew up among animals on a [[Poultry farming|chicken ranch]], a [[running gag]] is that Alice is [[Ophidiophobia|ophidiophobic]]. (She also dislikes mice and white rats, implying she is [[Fear of mice and rats|musophobic]] as well.)<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_050_Hallden-Fawcett/page/n13 Dennis_the_Menace_050]</ref> {{citation needed|date=April 2021}} She is the president of a local [[Bridge (card game)|bridge]] club.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_021_Pines/page/n25 Dennis the Menace Fawcett Comics 21]</ref> Another running gag involves Dennis's ever-changing parade of new [[Babysitting|babysitters]];<ref>Dennis the Menace comic June 28, 2019</ref> no one will take the job twice, much to Alice's annoyance.<ref>Dennis the Menace comic June 13, 1958</ref><ref>Dennis the Menace December 9, 1959</ref><ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Bonus_Magazine_Series_165_1977/page/n25 Dennis the Menace Bonus Magazine Series 165]</ref> Alice is the disciplinarian in the Mitchell household; for example, she punishes Dennis for his misbehavior by having him sit in the corner in a [[rocking chair]] for timeout.<ref>Dennis the Menace comic february-28-2014</ref><ref>Dennis the Menace march-16-2014</ref><ref>Dennis the Menace march-18-2014</ref>
* '''Ruff Mitchell''' is Dennis's pet [[dog]] (a [[Newfoundland dog|Newfoundland]] mix{{Citation needed|date=October 2019}}) and best friend. He is always eagerly following him around, accompanying him while Dennis is [[running]], or riding his [[Bicycle|bike]] or [[skateboard]]. Another [[running gag]] is that although Ruff chases cats, he is actually afraid of them.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_114_Hallden-Fawcett_1971/page/n13 Dennis the Menace 114]</ref>
* '''Hot Dog''' is Dennis's rarely seen [[cat]], which usually commiserates with him while he sits in the corner and reflects on his wrongdoings. Dennis gave the cat its name after the cat ate a package of [[Hot dog|hot dogs]].<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_143_Hallden-Fawcett_1976/page/n23 Dennis the Menace No 143]</ref>
* '''Barney''' is another cat of the Mitchells.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}
* '''Grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell'''<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_037_Hallden-Fawcett/page/n5 Dennis the Meanace 37]</ref>
* '''Grampa''' (Arnold "Swede" Aberdeen) is Alice's father, who spoils Dennis often. He evokes the unintentional jealousy of Mr. Wilson, for he gets to see Dennis occasionally, but Mr. Wilson sees him all the time. Because they are so much alike, Dennis and Grampa Johnson get along well. Mr. Wilson also thinks that Johnson should act his age, but this advice is often ignored. To Grampa, life is worth living and he encourages Dennis to live it to the fullest. His wife's status is unknown; she is never seen in the comics, although she is mentioned four times—twice when, thanks to Dennis, Alice finds out Henry destroyed his Christmas gift (a tie) from his mother in law;<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_003_Pines_Hallden_Dennis_The_Menace_Giant_Christmas_I/page/n97 Dennis the Menace giant Christmas]</ref> another time a furious Alice finds out that Henry had thrown his mother-in-law's gift (a tie) into the trash.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Another time, Alice wished her mother a Happy Mother's Day by telephone.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Grandpa mentions his wife to Dennis but not her status{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}
* '''Uncle Fred and Aunt Mollie'''<ref>''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #2 "Too Many Santas"</ref>
* '''Uncle Richard and Aunt Ginny'''<ref>''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #2</ref>
* '''Uncle John''' lives in [[Florida]]. The Mitchells visited him once for a vacation.<ref name="ReferenceA">''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #8</ref>
* '''Uncle Al''' lives in [[Texas]] and works in the "oil business." He runs a small oil and [[Filling station|gas station]].<ref>Dennis the menace #15</ref>
* '''Uncle Charlie'''<ref name="Dennis the Menace Fawcett Comic #18"/>
* '''Uncle Ernie and Aunt Blanche'''
*'''Aunt Betty'''<ref name="ReferenceA" />
* '''Aunt Hetty'''<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
* '''Aunt Sue'''<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

=== The Wilsons ===
* '''George Everett Wilson Sr.''' is Dennis's cranky, cantankerous, middle-aged next-door neighbor, a retired [[postal carrier]] and (at least as far as Dennis is concerned) his best adult friend. Not much is told about his early life except he grew up on a farm, went through [[The Great Depression]] of the 1930s, and served in [[World War II]]. Dennis loves Mr. Wilson, but unintentionally annoys him, as he regularly disrupts Mr. Wilson's attempts at a serene, quiet life; he often interrupts Mr. Wilson's hobbies such as gardening and bird watching, at times accidentally damaging his property. As a result, he displays a less than cordial attitude towards the young boy, though Dennis continues his well-meaning intrusions unabated. Actually, as many readers suspected, he is secretly fond of Dennis and misses him when he is away, although he would never openly admit it. On one occasion when the Mitchells went to Hollywood for two weeks, Mr. Wilson kept seeing Dennis' face everywhere!<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_007_Hallden-Fawcett_1959/page/n47 Dennis the Menace Giant 007]</ref> Mr. Wilson is named after a teacher Hank Ketcham knew. Dennis often (especially in the television series) refers to him as "Good Ol' Mr. Wilson." Although a running gag is that Dennis's pranks drive Mr. Wilson crazy, at times Dennis tries to do nice things for Mr. Wilson, such as the time Dennis left Ruff the dog and Hot Dog the cat with Mr Wilson so he would not be lonely on [[Father's Day]], while Dennis and his father went to a baseball game,<ref>"Dennis the Menace" June 20, 2010</ref> or the time Dennis tries to cheer Mr. Wilson up on [[April Fool]]'s day by placing a fake "Mitchell House for sale" sign up.<ref>"Dennis the Menace" comic April 2, 2012</ref>
* '''Martha Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's engaging wife, who adores Dennis. Mrs. Wilson freely dotes on him and plies him with freshly baked cookies and [[Dairy milk|milk]]. Martha sees Dennis as a surrogate grandson. By 1975, George and Martha had been married for 25 years.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Bonus_Magazine_Series_142 Dennis the Menace Bonus Magazine Series 142]</ref>
* '''John Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's brother.
* '''Eloise Wilson''' is John's wife, Mr. Wilson's sister-in-law.
* '''Earl Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's estranged son.
* '''Elena Wilson''' is Earl's wife.
* '''Winnie Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's granddaughter and Earl's daughter.
* '''Walter "Walt" Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's grandson and Earl's son.
* '''Keith Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's grandson and Earl's son.
* '''Sammy Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's grandson and Earl's son.
* '''George Wilson Jr.''' is Mr. Wilson's son.
* '''Edna Wilson''' is George Jr.'s wife.
* '''Tammy Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's daughter.
* '''George Wilson III''' is Mr. Wilson's grandson.
* '''Will Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's grandson.
* '''Helga Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's granddaughter.
* '''Uncle Ned''' is Mr Wilson's 70-year-old uncle who visited his nephew in 1964.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Television_Special_022 Dennis the Menace Television Special 022 Fawcett comic]</ref>

=== Dennis' friends ===
* '''Tommy Anderson''' is Dennis' best friend (after Mr. Wilson). This character eventually disappeared from the strip, although he does make appearances in the ''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' books.
* '''Joey McDonald''' is loyal, timid, and not too bright. He is a year younger than Dennis. He usually plays the [[sidekick]] to Dennis's schemes, and sees him as a big-brother figure. Dennis often gives him naïve advice, and gives him little "nuggets" of wisdom and insight.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_086_Fawcett_-_1966/page/n33 Dennis the Menace 86]</ref> Joey's baby sister was introduced on November 13, 2016. {{citation needed|date=April 2021}}
* '''Margaret Wade''' is a freckled, [[Red hair|red-haired]], [[Glasses|bespectacled]] [[know-it-all]] whose cloying and self-important demeanor is always getting on Dennis's nerves. She is attracted to Dennis and is stubbornly confident in the belief that she will [[Marriage|marry]] him when they are adults,<ref>Dennis the Menace June 2, 1958 comic</ref> but he clearly has no interest in her. She always tries to improve Dennis and his manners, but succeeds only in annoying him. She has a certain amount of dislike for Gina, whom she sees as her competition. Gina gains Dennis' respect and admiration by just being herself, and Margaret's pretensions fail to make a mark on him. Margaret, who is two years older than Dennis,<ref name="dennis.kingfeatures.org"/> is very ambitious: when she was five, she decided to join the [[Camp Fire (organization)|Camp Fire]] Girls when she reaches the age of seven;<ref name="ReferenceA"/> an organization in which she is very active,{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} and in one cartoon, she sells [[Girl Scout Cookies (cannabis strain)|Girl Scout cookies]] to the Mitchells.<ref>Dennis the Menace february-22-2014</ref> She likes taking [[gymnastics]] and [[ballet]],<ref name="Dennis the Menace 143">[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_143_Hallden-Fawcett_1976 Dennis the Menace 143]</ref> singing Christmas carols,<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_074_Hallden-Fawcett_1969/page/n15 Dennis the Menace 74]</ref> and taking piano lessons; she also plays the [[saxophone]],{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} the [[Fife (instrument)|fife]],{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} and the [[violin]].{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} She is a devout religious believer, and has had pets<ref name="ReferenceA"/> of her own—four white [[Persian cat|Persian cats]]: one named Charlie,<ref>Dennis The Menace Giant 004 Pines Hallden 1957</ref> one named Prudence,<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_The_Menace_095_1968/page/n25 Dennis The Menace 095 1968]</ref> one named Snowflake,<ref>Dennis the Menace comic April 7, 2013</ref> and another named Mr. Coodles (whom she wheels around in a [[baby carriage]]). Besides hoping to marry Dennis,<ref name="Dennis the Menace #39">[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_039_Hallden-Fawcett_1959/page/n31 Dennis the Menace #39]</ref> she also has decided to be the first female [[President of the United States]].{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} A running gag is that whenever Margaret tries to be genuinely nice to Dennis, such as inviting him over to her house to help decorate a [[Christmas tree]],<ref name="ReferenceB">''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #2 "How not to Decorate a Tree"</ref> be a guest at her birthday party,<ref name="ReferenceA"/> or when Dennis tries to have Margaret give him too much candy<ref name="ReferenceA"/>—Dennis' "helpfulness" results in him being sent home. One weakness of Dennis is that no matter how much he dislikes Margaret, he cannot resist eating food at the Wades'.<ref name="ReferenceB"/> Margaret and Dennis are not always adversaries. In one scene, Dennis sprayed both Margaret and Gina with his mother's [[perfume]] with a water pistol, which resulted in both girls playing with him and Dennis' mother becoming very angry with him.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> A running gag is that Margaret is a victim of Dennis's [[Practical joke|practical jokes]], such as being sprayed on by a [[garden hose]].<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_086_Fawcett_-_1966/page/n31 Dennis the Menace 86]</ref> On one Valentine's Day, Dennis gave "trick" Valentine's messages to Margaret, Gina, and Sally that had messages read "I DON'T Like." This earned Dennis having to sit in the corner as punishment.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_050_Hallden-Fawcett/page/n3 Dennis the Menace 050 Hallden-Fawcett]</ref> In one April Fool's Day comic, Dennis decided to trick Margaret with compliments instead of pranks; to Dennis' horror, Margaret accepted the joke as real and dragged Dennis to hear her piano playing.<ref>Dennis the Menace comic April 1, 2012</ref> Although she is fond of Dennis, she can on occasion lose her temper and "bop" him,<ref name="Dennis the Menace #39"/><ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_The_Menace_094_1968/page/n27 Dennis The Menace 094 ]</ref><ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_The_Menace_154_1977_/page/n17 Dennis the Menace 154]</ref> and once "flipped" him after she graduated to a [[Black belt (martial arts)|black belt]] in karate.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}
* '''Gina Gillotti''' is a fiercely independent young [[Italian Americans|Italian-American]] girl, on whom Dennis is mostly unaware that he has a crush. Gina is [[Tomboy|tomboyish]] yet still feminine in appearance. She also likes Dennis in a future-sweethearts kind of way, but in contrast to his dislike of Margaret, Dennis actually enjoys being with Gina. He likes her because she is as independent-minded as he is, and she enjoys the same things that he does. Gina is aware that she is a girl, and woe betide anyone who thinks otherwise. Just as Margaret had "flipped" Dennis in [[karate]], Gina once "flipped" Dennis in [[judo]]<ref name="Dennis the Menace 143"/>
* '''Jackson''' is an [[African Americans|African American]] character whom Ketcham decided to add to the cast in the late 1960s. Ketcham designed Jackson in the tradition of a stereotypical cartoon [[pickaninny]], with huge lips, big white eyes, and just a suggestion of an [[Afro]] hair style. A panel from May 13, 1970, depicted Jackson and Dennis playing in the backyard, with Dennis saying to his father, "I'm havin' some race trouble with Jackson. He runs FASTER than I do!"<ref>[http://i46.tinypic.com/2nhhunr.jpg] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225064628/http://i46.tinypic.com/2nhhunr.jpg|date=February 25, 2012}}</ref> The character depiction was not received well. Protests erupted in [[Detroit]], [[Little Rock, Arkansas|Little Rock]], [[Miami]], and [[St. Louis]], and debris was thrown at the offices of the ''[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch|Post Dispatch]]''. Taken aback, Ketcham issued a statement explaining that his intentions were innocent, and Jackson was not seen in the comics again.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fantagraphics.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=977 |title=Dennis the Menace – Introduction |author=Brian Walker |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |access-date=February 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613150309/http://www.fantagraphics.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=977 |archive-date=June 13, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> However, another African American character named Jay Weldon appeared in the 1986 animated series to far less controversy, as he was not a stereotype.
* '''Ben''' is a [[Jewish]] friend of Dennis.<ref>{{cite web |title=October 26, 2014 Dennis the Menace strip |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/comics-kingdom/index.ssf?feature_id=Dennis_The_Menace&feature_date=2014-10-26 |access-date=October 28, 2014}}</ref>
* '''Cowboy Bob''' is a film cowboy, whom Dennis idolizes. He appears in a series of Westerns known as Cowboy Bob films. The boy fails to realize that Westerns are rarely made in these times and that the films he is seeing are actually old repeats. In one story arc where Dennis' parents invite the retired actor to a party, they have Dennis meet him, to which Dennis comments that he must be "Cowboy Bob's grandpa!"

== History ==
=== Inspiration ===
The inspiration for the comic strip came from Dennis Ketcham, the real-life son of Hank Ketcham,<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinraub| first = Judith| title = Dennis's Dear Old Dad| newspaper = The Washington Post| date = May 5, 1990| url = https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/72586949.html?dids=72586949:72586949&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=MAY+05%2C+1990&author=Judith+Weinraub&pub=The+Washington+Post&desc=Dennis's+Dear+Old+Dad%3BCartoonist+Hank+Ketcham%2C+In+a+World+Without+Menace&pqatl=google}}</ref> who, at four years old, refused to take a nap and made a complete mess of his room. Hank tried many possible names for the character, and translated them into rough pencil sketches, but when his studio door flew open, and his then-wife Alice, in utter exasperation, exclaimed, "Your son is a menace!,"<ref name="nytimesobit">{{cite news | last = Van Gelder| first = Lawrence| title = Hank Ketcham, Father of Dennis the Menace, Dies at 81| newspaper = The New York Times| date = June 2, 2001| url = https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9B01E4D8163FF931A35755C0A9679C8B63&n=Top/News/Business/Companies/Google%20Inc.| access-date = 2007-09-17}}</ref> the "Dennis the Menace" name stuck. The character of Henry Mitchell bore a striking resemblance to Ketcham, while the Mitchell family of Dennis, Henry/Hank, and Alice were all named after the Ketchams.

=== Visuals ===
Ketcham's line work has been highly praised over the years. A review on comicbookbin.com states: "...a growing legion of cartoonists, scholars, aficionados, etc. have come to appreciate the artistry of Dennis's creator, Hank Ketcham. Ketcham's beautiful artwork defines cartooning elegance. The design, the composition, and the line: it's all too, too beautiful."<ref name="cbbin">{{cite news | last = Douresseaux| first = Leroy| title = Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace: 1953–1954 (review)| publisher = comicbookbin.com| date = August 20, 2007| url = http://www.comicbookbin.com/completedennisthemenace002.html| access-date = 2008-12-21}}</ref> AV Club reviewer Noel Murray wrote: "Ketcham also experimented with his line a little early on, tightening and thickening without losing the looseness and spontaneity that remains the strip's best aspect even now."<ref name="avclub">{{cite news | last = Murray| first = Noel| title = Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis The Menace 1951–1952 (review)| publisher = The Onion's avlub.com | date = September 28, 2005| url = https://www.avclub.com/content/node/41135| access-date = 2008-12-21}}</ref>

In 2005, Dennis appeared as a guest for Blondie and Dagwood's 75th anniversary party in the comic strip ''[[Blondie (comic strip)|Blondie]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.chron.com/apps/comics/showComick.mpl?week=1&date=20050904&name=Blondie |title=Comics and cartoons |publisher=Chron.com – Houston Chronicle|date=September 4, 2005 |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>

=== Awards ===
Ketcham received the [[Reuben Award]] for the strip in 1953.<ref>{{cite web | title = The Reuben Award 1946–1974| publisher = The National Cartoonists Society| url = http://www.reuben.org/ncs/archive/divisions/reuben.asp| access-date = 2007-09-18}}</ref>
He also was made [[title of honor|honorary]] mayor of Wichita. He was quoted as saying, "I set the whole thing in Wichita, Kansas, and as a result I got made an [[title of honor|honorary]] mayor of Wichita."<ref>{{cite web | title = Biography for Hank Ketcham| website=[[IMDb]]| url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0450477/bio| access-date = 2007-09-18}}</ref>

=== Ketcham retires ===
[[File:Ron Ferdinand NAS 2013.jpg|thumb|Ron Ferdinand in 2013]]
Hank Ketcham retired from the comic strip in 1994,<ref name="nytimesobit" /> turning over production of the strip to his assistants Ron Ferdinand and Marcus Hamilton. They [[zombie strip|continued their run]] after Ketcham's death in 2001, alongside Scott Ketcham since 2010.<ref name="nytimesobit" />

== Advertising ==
Dennis the Menace appeared in [[A&W Restaurants]] advertising in the 1960s, then [[Dairy Queen]] marketing from 1971 until 2001, when he was dropped because Dairy Queen felt children could no longer relate to him. Dennis also appeared in the Sears Roebuck Wish Book Christmas catalog in the 1970s.

== Comic books ==
Dennis the Menace has been published in comic books and comic [[digest size|digests]] from the 1950s through the 1980s by a variety of publishers, including [[Nedor Comics|Standard/Pines]] (1953–58), [[Fawcett Comics]] (1958–80, during their only return to comics after settling the Captain Marvel lawsuit and selling much of their comics division to [[Charlton Comics]]), and [[Marvel Comics]] (1981–82). These included both newspaper strip reprints and original ''Dennis the Menace'' comic book stories, produced by others besides Ketcham. [[Al Wiseman]], one of Ketcham's assistants in the 1950s and '60s, worked on many of them. Ron Ferdinand, Ketcham's Sunday page artist, drew several of the Dennis stories in the Marvel books, including the cover for issue No. 11.

=== Giant series ===
The main comic book series (simply named ''Dennis the Menace'') ran in tandem with the "Giant" series. The ''Dennis the Menace Giant Vacation Special''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11130 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref> and ''Dennis the Menace Christmas Issue''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11248 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref> were published by Standard in 1955. Those issues inaugurated the Giants series, which was published by Pines for issues 2–6,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11131 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref> and continued by Hallden/Fawcett for issues 6–75.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11132 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref> The Giant series was later renamed the ''Dennis the Menace Bonus Magazine Series'', which started with issue No. 76 in 1970.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11133 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref> CBS and Hallden later retitled the series as ''The Dennis the Menace Big Bonus Series'', which ran through issue #194 in October 1979.

=== Other series ===
By October 1979, Fawcett began publishing a separate series of 36 issues titled ''Dennis the Menace and Mr. Wilson''. By the second issue, the series was rechristened ''Dennis the Menace and His Friends'' which now involved Dennis, Mr. Wilson, friends Joey and Margaret, and dog Ruff. Because of this, the Mr. Wilson stories were alternated with the three characters as ''Ruff, Joey, and Margaret'' who each shared a No. 1 issue with Dennis.

Three other series of Dennis the Menace comic books also were published, beginning in 1961. First was ''Dennis the Menace and His Dog, Ruff.'' ''Dennis the Menace and His Pal, Joey'' was published in summer 1961, and ''Dennis the Menace and Margaret'' was published in the winter of 1969.

In 1972, as part of a bonus magazine series, Fawcett published a "Short Stuff Special" where Dennis visited [[Children's Fairyland]] in [[Oakland, California]].

=== Bible Kids series ===
In 1977, Word Books, Inc. (now [[HarperCollins]]) commissioned Hank Ketcham Enterprises, Inc. to produce a series of 10 comic books under the title ''Dennis and the Bible Kids'', with the usual cast of characters reading (and sometimes partly acting out) the stories of [[Joseph (Hebrew Bible)|Joseph]], [[Moses]], [[David]], [[Esther]], [[Jesus]], and other Biblical characters. These were sold through Christian [[bookstore]]s and related outlets. Each issue contained several inspirational renderings by Hank Ketcham himself.

=== Marvel series ===
The ''Dennis the Menace Fun Fest'' and the ''Dennis the Menace Big Bonus'' series were revived for a short-issue run in 1980:
* January: ''The Dennis the Menace Fun Fest'' #16
* February: ''The Dennis the Menace Big Bonus'' #10
* March: ''The Dennis the Menace Fun Fest'' #17
* April: ''The Dennis the Menace Big Bonus'' #11

After these revival series, the Hallden and CBS comics run came to an end in 1980. Ketcham had half of the comic book rights purchased by [[Stan Lee]] and Marvel Comics, so they were able to produce a new series of ''Dennis the Menace'' comic books. The new Marvel series ran from December 1981 to November 1982. The smaller ''Dennis the Menace'' comic digests were published continually by Fawcett and Hallden between 1969 and 1980, and they were briefly resurrected in reprints by Marvel in 1982 for a run of three issues.

=== List of comic books ===
==== Main series ====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Title
! Starting year
! Publisher
|-
| ''Dennis the Menace'' (#1–14)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11127 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1953
| Standard
|-
| ''Dennis the Menace'' (#15–31)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11128 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1956
| Pines
|-
| ''Dennis the Menace'' (#32–166)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11129 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1959
| Hallden/Fawcett/CBS
|-
| ''Dennis the Menace'' (#1–13)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=2597 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1981
| Marvel
|}

==== Other series ====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Title
! Starting year
! Publisher
|-
| ''The Best of Dennis the Menace'' (#1–5)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11250 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1959
| Hallden
|-
| ''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' digest (#1–50)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11135 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1969
| Fawcett
|-
| ''Dennis The Menace and the Bible Kids'' (#1–10)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=13834 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1977
| Word Books
|}

== Book compilations ==
''Dennis the Menace'' has also been published in [[Mass market paperbacks|mass market paperback]] collections, made up of newspaper strip reprints:
{{refbegin|2}}
* ''Dennis the Menace'' (1952) Avon (also published in hardcover by Henry Holt & Co.)
* ''More Dennis the Menace'' (1954) Avon (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Baby Sitter's Guide by Dennis the Menace'' (1955, 1961) Pocket Books, Fawcett (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Wanted: Dennis the Menace'' (1955) Fawcett (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Dennis the Menace Rides Again'' (1956, 1971) PB, Fawcett (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Dennis the Menace vs. Everybody'' (1957) PB (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Dennis the Menace: Household Hurricane'' (1958, 1963) PB, Fawcett (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''The Adventures of the Pickle'' (1958) Corgi Books
* ''In this Corner... Dennis the Menace'' (1959) Fawcett (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Dennis the Menace ...Teacher's Threat'' (1960) Fawcett (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Dennis the Menace: Voted Most Likely'' (1960) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace, A.M. *Ambassador of Mischief'' (1961) Fawcett (also in hardcover by HRW)
* ''Dennis the Menace: Happy Half-Pint'' (1962) Fawcett (also in hardcover by Random House)
* ''Dennis the Menace ...Who, Me?'' (1963) Fawcett (also in hardcover by Random House)
* ''Dennis the Menace: Make-Believe Angel'' (1964) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace ...Here Comes Trouble'' (1966) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace and Poor Ol' Mr. Wilson'' (1967) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: All-American Kid'' (1968) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace and His Pal Joey'' (1968) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Your Friendly Neighborhood Kid'' (1969) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Perpetual Motion'' (1969) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace ...Everybody's Little Helper'' (1970) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Non-Stop Nuisance'' (1970) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Surprise Package'' (1971) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Short 'n' Snappy'' (1971) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Where the Action Is'' (1971) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Dennis Power'' (1972) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Just for Fun'' (1973) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: The Kid Next Door'' (1973) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Busybody'' (1974) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Little Pip-Squeak'' (1974) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Play It Again, Dennis'' (1975) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace to the Core'' (1975) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Little Man in a Big Hurry'' (1976) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Short Swinger'' (1976) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace and His Girls'' (1977) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: "Your Mother's Calling!"'' (1977) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Ol' Droopy Drawers'' (1978) Fawcett
* ''Someone's in the Kitchen with Dennis the Menace'' (1978) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Driving Mother Up the Wall'' (1979) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: I Done It MY Way'' (1979) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Short in the Saddle'' (1979) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Ain't Misbehavin''' (1980) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Stayin' Alive'' (1980) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Good Intenshuns'' (1981) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: One More Time!'' (1981) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: The Way I Look at It...'' (1982) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Dog's Best Friend'' (1982) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Supercharged and Ever Ready'' (1983) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Sunrise Express'' (1983) Fawcett
{{refend}}

In 1990, [[Abbeville Press]] published Hank Ketcham's fully illustrated autobiography: ''The Merchant of Dennis'' ({{ISBN|9780896599437}}, hardcover). The book was reprinted by [[Fantagraphics]] in 2005 ({{ISBN|1560977140}}, [[Trade paperback (comics)|trade paperback]]). Abbeville also published a softcover retrospective of the strip in 1991, ''Dennis the Menace: His First 40 Years''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=31651 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>

=== ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace'' ===
In 2005, comics publisher Fantagraphics began to reprint Ketcham's entire run on ''Dennis the Menace'' (excluding Sunday strips) in a projected 25-volume series over 11 years. No new volumes have been issued since 2009 and it is unknown when and if the series will resume.<ref>{{cite news | last = Estrada| first = George| title = Antics of "Dennis the Menace" back in print| publisher = The Seattle Times Company| date = August 8, 2005| url = http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/artsentertainment/2002426706_dennis08.html| access-date = 2008-09-18 }}</ref> They are published in hardcover editions as well as paperback.

# ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace, 1951–1952'' (2005) {{ISBN|1-56097-680-2}}
# ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace, 1953–1954'' (2006) {{ISBN|1-56097-725-6}}
# ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace, 1955–1956'' (2006) {{ISBN|1-56097-770-1}}
# ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace, 1957–1958'' (2007) {{ISBN|978-1-56097-880-0}}
# ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace, 1959–1960'' (2008) {{ISBN|978-1-56097-966-1}}
# ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace, 1961–1962'' (2009) {{ISBN|978-1-60699-311-8}}

== Worldwide success ==
=== Film and television ===
''Dennis the Menace'' has been the subject of a number of adaptations. The [[Dennis the Menace (1959 TV series)|first one produced]] is a [[CBS]] sitcom that aired from 1959 to 1963 starring [[Jay North]] as Dennis,<ref>{{cite news| title = Dennis the Menace Goes on TV| last = Korman| first = Seymour| publisher = Chicago Daily Tribune| date = September 26, 1959| url = https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/593551392.html?dids=593551392:593551392&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&date=Sep+26%2C+1959&author=Seymour+Korman&pub=Chicago+Daily+Tribune&desc=DENNIS+THE+MENACE&pqatl=google| access-date = 2008-09-18 }}</ref> [[Herbert Anderson]] as Henry Mitchell; [[Joseph Kearns]]<ref>{{cite news | title = Joseph Kearns, 55, TV Actor, is Dead; Played Mr. Wilson of 'Dennis the Menace' on C.B.S.| publisher = The Seattle Times Company| date = February 18, 1962| url = http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30C12FB3C5910728DDDA10994DA405B828AF1D3| access-date = 2008-09-18 }}</ref> as George Wilson, and subsequently [[Gale Gordon]] as his brother, John Wilson. North also appeared as Dennis on an episode of ''[[The Donna Reed Show]]''<ref>{{cite news | title = Full cast and crew for The Donna Reed Show Donna Decorates (1960)| publisher = imdb| url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0564225/fullcredits#cast | access-date = 2008-12-08 }}</ref> and in the theatrical film ''[[Pepe (film)|Pepe]]'' (both 1960). On September 11, 1987, a ''Dennis the Menace'' live-action [[television film]] was broadcast; it was later released on video under the title ''Dennis the Menace: Dinosaur Hunter''.<ref>{{cite book |last= Kohn|first= Martin F. |date= 1996 |title= Videohound's Family Video Guide |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=n7fS6-zVgh4C&q=%22Dennis+the+Menace%22+dinosaur+videohound |publisher= Visible Ink Press|page= 1960|isbn= 0787609846 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HWRnDwAAQBAJ&q=all-new+dennis+the+menace+dic&pg=PT461|title=Pocket Full of Dennis the Menace|first=Mark|last=Arnold|author-link=Mark Arnold (historian)|quote="[...] there was a Dennis the Menace TV-movie called 'Dennis the Menace' that was later renamed 'Dennis the Menace: Dinosaur Hunter' to avoid confusion with the 1993 theatrical feature film. [...] It first aired on September 11, 1978 [...]"|date=2017|access-date=2019-07-09|isbn=978-1629331195}}</ref> Another live-action ''[[Dennis the Menace (1993 film)|Dennis the Menace]]'' film, starring [[Walter Matthau]] as Mr. Wilson and [[Mason Gamble]] as Dennis, was released to theaters in 1993. It was originally titled ''The Real Dennis the Menace'' before the final name was approved. This was followed with the direct-to-video ''[[Dennis the Menace Strikes Again]]'' in 1998, starring [[Don Rickles]] as Mr. Wilson. The most recent film adaptation, ''A Dennis the Menace Christmas'' was released to DVD on November 6, 2007. The [[Warner Bros.]] production starred [[Robert Wagner]] as Mr. Wilson, [[Louise Fletcher]] as Mrs. Wilson, and [[Maxwell Perry Cotton]], then a six-year-old actor, as Dennis.

=== Animation ===
''Dennis the Menace'' was adapted into an animated special, ''[[Dennis the Menace in Mayday for Mother]]'' which aired in 1981 and was produced by [[DePatie–Freleng Enterprises]] and [[Mirisch Films]].<ref>{{cite news | title = Dennis the Menace in Mayday for Mother (1981)| publisher = IMDb| url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0285518/ | access-date = 2015-11-21 }}</ref> A [[Dennis the Menace (1986 TV series)|daily animated syndicated series]] was produced by [[DiC Entertainment]] in 1986 with Brennan Thicke as the voice of Dennis, also featuring [[Phil Hartman]] who voiced George Wilson and Henry Mitchell.<ref>{{cite news | title = Dennis the Menace (1986)| publisher = IMDb| url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0166910/?ref_=fn_al_tt_3 | access-date = 2015-11-21 }}</ref> DiC also produced the ''[[All-New Dennis the Menace]]'' for CBS Saturday Mornings in 1993 with Adam Wylie voicing Dennis.<ref>{{cite news | title = All-New Dennis the Menace (1993)| publisher = IMDb| url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0287192/?ref_=fn_al_tt_9 | access-date = 2015-11-21 }}</ref> An animated movie, ''Dennis the Menace in Cruise Control'', premiered as part of [[Nickelodeon|Nickelodeon's]] ''[[Nickelodeon Sunday Movie Toons|Sunday Movie Toons]]'' block in 2002 and later released to DVD.<ref>{{cite news | title = Dennis the Menace in Cruise Control (TV Movie 2002) | publisher = IMDb| url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0337974/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 | access-date = 2015-11-21 }}</ref>

==== List of film and TV adaptations ====
'''Films'''
* ''[[Dennis the Menace: Dinosaur Hunter]]'' (1987, live-action TV movie)
* ''[[Dennis the Menace (1993 film)|Dennis the Menace]]'' (1993, live-action)
* ''[[Dennis the Menace Strikes Again]]'' (1998, live-action DTV)
* ''Dennis the Menace in Cruise Control'' (2002, animated TV movie)
* ''A Dennis the Menace Christmas'' (2007, live-action DTV)

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%;"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Crew/detail
! colspan="5" | Film
|-
! ''[[Dennis the Menace: Dinosaur Hunter|Dennis the Menace: Dinosaur Hunter]]'' (1987)
! ''[[Dennis the Menace (1993 film)|Dennis the Menace]]'' (1993)
! ''[[Dennis the Menace Strikes Again|Dennis the Menace Strikes Again]]'' (1998)
! ''Dennis the Menace: Cruise Control'' (2002)
! ''A Dennis the Menace Christmas'' (2007)
|-
! Director
| Doug Rogers
| [[Nick Castle]]
| Charles T. Kanganis
| Pat Ventura
| [[Ron Oliver]]
|-
! Producer
| Philip D. Fehrle
| John Hughes and Richard Vane
| Jeffrey Silver and Bobby Newmyer
| '''Executive producers:''' [[Andy Heyward]] and Michael Maliani
| [[Steven J. Wolfe]]
|-
! Writers
| [[Bruce Kalish]] & David Garber and K.C. Dee
| [[John Hughes (filmmaker)|John Hughes]]
| [[Tim McCanlies]] (screenplay); Tim McCanlies and [[Jeff Schechter]] (story)
| Steve Granat and Cydne Clark
| Kathleen Laccinole
|-
! Editor
| Edward Salier
| [[Alan Heim]]
| [[Jeffrey Reiner]]
| N/A
| Zack Arnold
|-
! Composer
| [[Randy Edelman]]
| [[Jerry Goldsmith]]
| [[Graeme Revell]]
| [[Matt McGuire]]
| [[Peter Allen (composer)|Peter Allen]]
|-
! Cinematography
| [[Arledge Armenaki]]
| [[Thomas E. Ackerman]]
| Christopher Faloona
| N/A
| C. Kim Miles
|-
! Production company
| [[DIC Enterprises]] [[Coca-Cola Telecommunications]]
| [[John Hughes (filmmaker)|Hughes Entertainment]] [[Warner Bros. Family Entertainment|Warner Bros. Family Entertainment]]
| [[Outlaw Productions]] Warner Bros. Family Entertainment
| [[DIC Entertainment Corporation]]
| DTM3 Productions Sneak Preview Entertainment Valkyrie Films [[Warner Premiere]]
|-
! Distribution
| [[Sony Pictures Television]]
| colspan="2" | [[Warner Bros.]]
| [[Nickelodeon]] [[MGM Home Entertainment]]
| [[Warner Home Video]]
|-
! Released
| 11 September 1987
| 25 June 1993
| 14 July 1998
| 27 October 2002
| 13 November 2007
|-
! Duration
| 118 minutes
| 94 minutes
| 75 minutes
| 72 minutes
| 83 minutes
|}

'''Television shows and specials'''
* ''[[Dennis the Menace (1959 TV series)|Dennis the Menace]]'' (1959, live-action)
* ''[[Dennis the Menace in Mayday for Mother]]'' (1981, animated, TV special)
* ''[[Dennis the Menace (1986 TV series)|Dennis the Menace]]'' (1986, animated)
* ''[[All-New Dennis the Menace]]'' (1993, animated)

=== Merchandising ===
* From 1971 to 2001, Dennis the Menace was licensed by [[Dairy Queen]] as their official mascot, appearing in many commercials and on the chain's cups, bags, and other promotional items, until he was dropped because the chain felt children could no longer relate to him as much.

=== Playground ===
In 1952, Hank Ketcham spearheaded the construction of the Dennis the Menace Playground, designed by [[Archibald Garner|Arch Garner]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Archibald garner: a brief biographical sketch| publisher = words-and-art.com| url = http://words-and-art.com/archbio.html | access-date = 2008-12-18 }}</ref> It opened in [[Monterey, California]] on November 17, 1956.<ref>{{cite web| title = Dennis the Menace Playground Flyer| publisher = Monterey.org – City of Monterey| url = http://www.monterey.org/rec/denmenace06.pdf| access-date = 2008-12-18| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090220020222/http://www.monterey.org/rec/denmenace06.pdf| archive-date = February 20, 2009| df = mdy-all}}</ref> The playground featured a bronze statue of Dennis sculpted by [[Wah Chang]]. On the night of October 25, 2006, the 125 lb statue, which was estimated to be worth $30,000, was stolen from the playground.<ref>{{cite news | title = Statue of Dennis the Menace Stolen| date = October 28, 2006| url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/28/AR2006102800324_pf.html| access-date = 2007-09-18| publisher=[[Associated Press]]|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|via=washingtonpost.com}}</ref> In April 2007, it was replaced by a reproduction of another Dennis statue Chang made for the Ketchams. It was donated by Willis W. and Ethel M. Clark Foundation. In 2015 the missing statue was found in a scrap yard in Florida, returned to Monterey,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coury |first=Nic |title=Missing Dennis the Menace statue returns to Monterey. |url=https://www.montereycountyweekly.com/blogs/news_blog/missing-dennis-the-menace-statue-returns-to-monterey/article_81b766cc-6196-11e5-becd-6f55241b1fee.html |access-date=2022-05-16 |website=Monterey County Weekly |language=en}}</ref> and installed in front of the city recreation office.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coury |first=Nic |title=Dennis the Menace statue finds permanent home in Monterey. |url=https://www.montereycountyweekly.com/blogs/news_blog/dennis-the-menace-statue-finds-permanent-home-in-monterey/article_1e815cdc-3a32-11e6-8b1b-df210ceea6d5.html |access-date=2022-05-16 |website=Monterey County Weekly |language=en}}</ref>

=== Video games ===
* ''[[Dennis the Menace (video game)|Dennis the Menace]]'' (known as '''''Dennis''''' in Europe), a video game [[tie-in]] to the 1993 feature film, was released that same year by [[Ocean Software]] for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]], [[Amiga]] and [[Game Boy]].

===''Dennis the Menace'' in other languages===
The comic strip has been translated into many foreign languages, which has helped make the strip's characters famous worldwide.
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed"
|-
! List of foreign language titles
|-
| Arabic: 'ّماهر الصغير' (Little Maher)
|-
| Brazilian Portuguese: ''Dennis, o Pimentinha''
|-
| Catalan: ''Daniel el trapella''
|-
| Chinese: ''淘氣阿丹''
|-
| Croatian: ''Vragolasti Denis''
|-
| Danish: ''Jern-Henrik'' (means Iron-Henrik)
|-
| Dutch: ''Dennis de Bengel''
|-
| Estonian: ''Nuhtlus Nimega Dennis''
|-
| Finnish: ''Ville Vallaton''
|-
| French: ''Denis la malice''
|-
| French Canadian: ''Denis la petite peste''
|-
| German: ''Dennis der Lausejunge'' (also known as ''Dennis die Nervensäge'')
|-
| Greek: ''Ντένις ο Τρομερός'' (Dénis o Tromeros)
|-
| Hebrew: ''דני שובבני'' (Danny Shovevani)
|-
| Hungarian: ''Dennisz, a komisz''
|-
| Icelandic: ''Denni Dæmalausi''
|-
| Italian: ''Dennis la Minaccia''
|-
| Japanese: ''わんぱくデニス'' (''Wanpaku Dennis'')
|-
| Korean: ''개구쟁이 데니스''
|-
| Norwegian: ''Dennis''
|-
| Persian: ''دنیس دردسر''
|-
| Polish: ''Dennis Rozrabiaka''
|-
| Portuguese: ''Dennis o Pimentinha''
|-
| Romanian: ''Denis pericol public''
|-
| Russian:''Дэннис непоседа''
|-
| Serbian: ''Denis Napast''
|-
| Sinhalese ([[Sri Lanka]]): ''Dangaya (දඟයා)''
|-
| Spanish: ''Daniel el Travieso''
|-
| Slovenian: ''Dennis pokora''
|-
| Swedish: ''Dennis'' (also called ''Lill-Knas'', ''Bosse Bus'' or ''[[Kristian Tyrann]]'' in some publications in the 50s).
|-
| Turkish: ''Afacan Denis''
|}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website|https://comicskingdom.com/dennis-the-menace/}}
* [https://kingfeatures.com/comics/comics-a-z/?id=Dennis_The_Menace ''Dennis the Menace'' at King Features]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110717125916/http://www.kingfeatures.com/features/comics/dennis/charactMaina.htm List and short bios of the strip's characters]
* [https://nationalcartoonists.com/ncs/archive/divisions/advertising.asp NCS Awards]

{{Dennis the Menace}}
{{King Features Syndicate Comics}}

[[Category:Dennis the Menace (U.S. comics)| ]]
[[Category:1951 comics debuts]]
[[Category:American comic strips]]
[[Category:Comics set in Kansas]]
[[Category:Comic strips set in the United States]]
[[Category:Gag cartoon comics]]
[[Category:Gag-a-day comics]]
[[Category:American comics adapted into films]]
[[Category:Comics adapted into animated series]]
[[Category:Comics adapted into television series]]
[[Category:Comics adapted into video games]]

Dennis the Menace (U.S. comics)

2023-01-12T20:49:02Z

90.206.235.192: Added no editing lines.

{{Short description|American newspaper comic strip}}
{{for|the British comic of the same name|Dennis the Menace and Gnasher}}
{{multiple issues|
{{cleanup|date=April 2021|reason=reliance on primary sources, inappropriate sources, and tone/fancruft issues}}
{{primary sources|date=April 2021}}
{{unreliable sources|date=April 2021}}
{{overly detailed|date=April 2021}}
{{tone|date=April 2021}}
}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2013}}
{{Infobox comic strip
|title= Dennis the Menace
|image= [[File:Dennisketcham.jpg]]
|author= [[Hank Ketcham]] Marcus Hamilton Ron Ferdinand Scott Ketcham
|url=
|rss=
|atom=
|status= Still running
|first= March 12, 1951–present
|last=
|syndicate= [[King Features Syndicate]]
|publisher= [[Fantagraphics Books]]
|genre= [[Gag cartoon]]
|rating=
|preceded by=
|followed by=
}}
'''''Dennis the Menace''''' is a daily [[print syndication|syndicated]] newspaper [[comic strip]] originally created, written, and illustrated by [[Hank Ketcham]]. The comic strip made its debut on March 12, 1951, in 16 newspapers<ref>{{cite web |title=History |url=http://dennisthemenace.com/history/ |publisher=Dennisthemenace.com |access-date=August 5, 2017}}</ref> and was originally distributed by [[Publishers-Hall Syndicate|Post-Hall Syndicate]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Markstein |first=Donald D. |date=2010 |title=Dennis the Menace |url=http://www.toonopedia.com/dennis.htm |publisher=Don Markstein's Toonopedia |access-date=August 5, 2017}}</ref> It is now written and drawn by Ketcham's former assistants, Marcus Hamilton (weekdays, since 1995), Ron Ferdinand (Sundays, since 1981), and son Scott Ketcham (since 2010), and distributed to at least 1,000 newspapers in 48 countries and in 19 languages by [[King Features Syndicate]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Lawrence |last=Van Gelder |date=June 2, 2001 |title=Hank Ketcham, Father of Dennis the Menace, Dies at 81 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/02/arts/hank-ketcham-father-of-dennis-the-menace-dies-at-81.html |work=The New York Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113053354/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/02/obituaries/02KETC.html |archive-date=November 13, 2013 |url-status=live |access-date=August 5, 2017}}</ref> The comic strip usually runs for a [[panel (comics)|single panel]] on weekdays and a full strip on [[Sunday comics|Sundays]].

The comic strip became so successful that it was adapted to other popular media, including a [[1986 series|Dennis the Menace (1986)''''']], several television shows, both live-action and animated, and several feature films, including theatrical and [[direct-to-video]] releases.

Coincidentally, a [[Dennis the Menace and Gnasher|UK comic strip]] of the same name debuted on the same day.<ref>{{cite news |title=The curious tale of two menacing children named Dennis |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/dundee/916761/the-curious-tale-of-two-menacing-children-named-dennis/ |access-date=29 January 2022 |work=[[The Courier (Dundee)|The Courier]]}}</ref> The two are not related and change their names subtly in each other's respective home bases to avoid confusion.

== Characters and setting ==
''Dennis the Menace'' takes place in a [[Middle class|middle-class]] [[Suburb|suburban]] neighborhood in [[Wichita, Kansas]].<ref>"'Dennis the Menace' creator dies at 81; strip to continue"</ref> In the comics, the Mitchell family lives in a two-story house at the fictional address of 2251 Pine Street.<ref>Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun #2. Christmas Double Feature "I want a..." p. 77.</ref> The Wilson family lives next door at 2253 Pine Street.<ref>''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #2. p. 171.</ref> The television series differs, putting the Wilsons at the also-fictional 627 Elm Street.<ref>{{citation |title=Dennis the Menace |date=June 27, 2014 |url=https://nostalgiacentral.com/television/tv-by-decade/tv-shows-1950s/dennis-menace/ |publisher=Nostalgia Central |access-date= November 8, 2021}}</ref>

=== The Mitchell family ===
* '''Dennis Roger Mitchell''' is a [[freckle]]-faced 5-year-old<ref>Dennis the Menace cartoon march-14-2014</ref> boy with a troublesome but good-hearted and helpful personality. His long-suffering parents, Henry and Alice Mitchell, can only shake their heads and try to explain their son's antics to others, yet they very much love and care for him. The comic efficacy of Dennis's personality lies within how his genuine attempts to help those in need, combined with his youthful energy and enthusiasm, frequently lead to trouble wherever he goes (usually at Mr. Wilson's expense). He wears a black T-shirt with blue stripes with red [[overalls]] and white [[sneakers]], yet he often prefers going [[barefoot]]. He hates [[Carrot|carrots]] and baths, loves [[root beer]] (especially with [[Cookie|cookies]] or [[Chocolate brownie|brownies]]), [[ketchup]], [[Sandwich|sandwiches]], [[Water gun|water pistols]], playing with other boys his age, mud puddles, [[camping]], and [[Western (genre)|Westerns]] (especially those starring Cowboy Bob, the comic's take on the [[Lone Ranger]]), and has occasionally been depicted wearing a [[cowboy]] costume.<ref>Dennis the Menace comic june-2-2014</ref> Dennis has a Cowboy Bob Deputy Badge,<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_050_Hallden-Fawcett/page/n37 Dennis the Menace 050]</ref> poster, and an autographed picture of Cowboy Bob, as well. Among the [[Running gag|running gags]]: Dennis has a soft spot for animals such as [[Kitten|kittens]] and [[Puppy|puppies]], which he is always taking home to feed; he loves loud instruments, such as [[Horn (instrument)|horns]] and [[Drum kit|drums]], and he ruins [[Christmas music|Christmas songs]] with shouts of cowboy songs or annoys adults by shouting out loud.<ref name="Dennis the Menace Fawcett comic 3">[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_003_Pines_Hallden_Dennis_The_Menace_Giant_Christmas_I/page/n7 Dennis the Menace Fawcett comic 3]</ref> When Dennis is in the local [[department store]] trying out toys, such as [[Tricycle|tricycles]], he often ends up breaking them and making his parents buy them. In fact, Dennis nearly causes [[Portrait photography|portrait photographers]], [[Hairdresser|hairdressers]],<ref name="Dennis the Menace Fawcett Comic #18">[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_018_Pines/page/n11 Dennis the Menace Fawcett Comic #18]</ref> bank presidents,<ref>Dennis the Menace 28</ref> grocery-store personnel,<ref name="Dennis the Menace 42">[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_042_Hallden-Fawcett/page/n23 Dennis the Menace 42]</ref> [[kindergarten]] teachers,<ref>Dennis the Menace comic march-27-2014</ref><ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_The_Menace_094_1968 Dennis the Menace 94]</ref> restaurant [[Waiting staff|waiters]], [[Librarian|librarians]],<ref>Dennis the Menace Comic strip Nov 13, 1987</ref> museum [[Security guard|guards]], [[Police officer|police officers]], [[Bus driver|bus drivers]],<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_025_Pines/page/n35 Dennis the Menace 25]</ref> house heating equipment repairmen,<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_034_Hallden-Fawcett_1958/page/n13 Dennis the Menace 34]</ref> town [[mayor]],<ref name="Dennis the Menace Fawcett comic 3"/> department-store Christmas Santas and saleswomen, [[Pharmacy (shop)|drug store]] salesmen, [[hardware store]] salesmen, shoe salesmen, [[Barber|barbers]],<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_039_Hallden-Fawcett_1959/page/n31 Dennis the Menace # 39]</ref> and the local [[post office]] workers<ref name="Dennis the Menace Fawcett COMIC 61">[[iarchive:fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_061_Hallden-Fawcett_1968/page/n1|Dennis the Menace Fawcett Comic 61]]</ref> to have nervous breakdowns when he comes around.<ref>For an example of Dennis the Menace chaos in a department store, see "Dennis Goes Christmas Shopping" in ''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #2.</ref> A running gag is that Dennis causes chaos wherever he visits, such as the [[Urban park|city park]],<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_018_Pines Dennis the Menace 18]</ref> a Marineland Aquarium, <ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Bonus_Magazine_Series_165_1977/page/n25 Dennis the Menace 165]</ref> [[United States Army|the US Army]], <ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_037_Hallden-Fawcett/page/n5 Dennis the Menace 37]</ref> and even on vacation trips to [[Mexico]]<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_008_Hallden-Fawcett Dennis the Menace in Mexico]</ref> and [[Hollywood, Los Angeles|Hollywood]].<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_007_Hallden-Fawcett_1959/page/n47 Dennis the Menace 007]</ref> Despite all this, he is a "popular kid" with his peers, having countless friends both at his school and around the neighborhood, who are taken with his very fun-loving demeanor. Dennis also believes in the [[Easter Bunny]] and [[Santa Claus]]. Another running gag is Dennis dreaming that he meets Santa Claus on [[Christmas Eve]] and causing chaos for everyone else.<ref name="Dennis the Menace Fawcett COMIC 61"/>
* '''Henry Mitchell''', age 32,<ref name="dennis.kingfeatures.org">[http://dennis.kingfeatures.org/cast-and-crew/] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504140343/http://dennis.kingfeatures.org/cast-and-crew/|date=May 4, 2014}}</ref> is Dennis' father, a workaday [[teacher]] at Dennis's school; he is an alumnus of [[Wilberforce University]] with a [[master's degree]] in [[architecture]].<ref>Dennis the Menace 20</ref> Henry seems to understand Dennis more than his wife does, especially in affairs of the heart. One example was when a furious Dennis stormed in, saying, "Wimmin can say some of the stupidest things!," Henry knowingly said to Alice, "Margaret." Another time, while Dennis was watching Gina, he confided to his dad, "There's somethin' about Gina that I can't figger out." Henry wisely advised his son, "Wait." Again, Henry and Alice overhear Dennis tell Gina that she "smelled better than a plateful of peanut butter samwiches." Henry remarks, "The ultimate compliment." Like his creator Hank Ketcham, Henry served in the [[United States Navy]]; starting as a position as a quartermaster (helmsman) second class on a US Navy ship,<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_105_Hallden-Fawcett_1969/page/n13 Dennis the Menace # 105 1969]</ref> he ended up on an aircraft carrier<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_The_Menace_155_1978/page/n9 Dennis the Menace 155]</ref> and rose to the rank of [[chief petty officer]].{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} Among his hobbies are playing [[card games]] such as [[poker]],<ref>Dennis the Menace 34</ref> [[Birdwatching|bird watching]],<ref>Dennis the Menace 43</ref> and playing the [[ukulele]] and singing old songs. A running gag is that Henry often plays the [[straight man]] dupe—either resulting from Dennis's "helpfulness," or because of his own foolishness; once, he tried to save money on a Christmas tree by cutting one down in the country—and ended up paying $20.00 ($10.00 for a fine and $10.00 for the owner charging him for the tree).<ref>''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #2, "Up a tree"</ref>
* '''Alice Mitchell, née Aberdeen''' is Dennis' [[Housewife|stay-at-home mother]], who is usually the reassuring figure to whom Dennis can run when things get too overwhelming, ready to greet him with a warm [[hug]]. Although she grew up among animals on a [[Poultry farming|chicken ranch]], a [[running gag]] is that Alice is [[Ophidiophobia|ophidiophobic]]. (She also dislikes mice and white rats, implying she is [[Fear of mice and rats|musophobic]] as well.)<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_050_Hallden-Fawcett/page/n13 Dennis_the_Menace_050]</ref> {{citation needed|date=April 2021}} She is the president of a local [[Bridge (card game)|bridge]] club.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_021_Pines/page/n25 Dennis the Menace Fawcett Comics 21]</ref> Another running gag involves Dennis's ever-changing parade of new [[Babysitting|babysitters]];<ref>Dennis the Menace comic June 28, 2019</ref> no one will take the job twice, much to Alice's annoyance.<ref>Dennis the Menace comic June 13, 1958</ref><ref>Dennis the Menace December 9, 1959</ref><ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Bonus_Magazine_Series_165_1977/page/n25 Dennis the Menace Bonus Magazine Series 165]</ref> Alice is the disciplinarian in the Mitchell household; for example, she punishes Dennis for his misbehavior by having him sit in the corner in a [[rocking chair]] for timeout.<ref>Dennis the Menace comic february-28-2014</ref><ref>Dennis the Menace march-16-2014</ref><ref>Dennis the Menace march-18-2014</ref>
* '''Ruff Mitchell''' is Dennis's pet [[dog]] (a [[Newfoundland dog|Newfoundland]] mix{{Citation needed|date=October 2019}}) and best friend. He is always eagerly following him around, accompanying him while Dennis is [[running]], or riding his [[Bicycle|bike]] or [[skateboard]]. Another [[running gag]] is that although Ruff chases cats, he is actually afraid of them.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_114_Hallden-Fawcett_1971/page/n13 Dennis the Menace 114]</ref>
* '''Hot Dog''' is Dennis's rarely seen [[cat]], which usually commiserates with him while he sits in the corner and reflects on his wrongdoings. Dennis gave the cat its name after the cat ate a package of [[Hot dog|hot dogs]].<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_143_Hallden-Fawcett_1976/page/n23 Dennis the Menace No 143]</ref>
* '''Barney''' is another cat of the Mitchells.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}
* '''Grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell'''<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_037_Hallden-Fawcett/page/n5 Dennis the Meanace 37]</ref>
* '''Grampa''' (Arnold "Swede" Aberdeen) is Alice's father, who spoils Dennis often. He evokes the unintentional jealousy of Mr. Wilson, for he gets to see Dennis occasionally, but Mr. Wilson sees him all the time. Because they are so much alike, Dennis and Grampa Johnson get along well. Mr. Wilson also thinks that Johnson should act his age, but this advice is often ignored. To Grampa, life is worth living and he encourages Dennis to live it to the fullest. His wife's status is unknown; she is never seen in the comics, although she is mentioned four times—twice when, thanks to Dennis, Alice finds out Henry destroyed his Christmas gift (a tie) from his mother in law;<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_003_Pines_Hallden_Dennis_The_Menace_Giant_Christmas_I/page/n97 Dennis the Menace giant Christmas]</ref> another time a furious Alice finds out that Henry had thrown his mother-in-law's gift (a tie) into the trash.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Another time, Alice wished her mother a Happy Mother's Day by telephone.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Grandpa mentions his wife to Dennis but not her status{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}
* '''Uncle Fred and Aunt Mollie'''<ref>''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #2 "Too Many Santas"</ref>
* '''Uncle Richard and Aunt Ginny'''<ref>''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #2</ref>
* '''Uncle John''' lives in [[Florida]]. The Mitchells visited him once for a vacation.<ref name="ReferenceA">''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #8</ref>
* '''Uncle Al''' lives in [[Texas]] and works in the "oil business." He runs a small oil and [[Filling station|gas station]].<ref>Dennis the menace #15</ref>
* '''Uncle Charlie'''<ref name="Dennis the Menace Fawcett Comic #18"/>
* '''Uncle Ernie and Aunt Blanche'''
*'''Aunt Betty'''<ref name="ReferenceA" />
* '''Aunt Hetty'''<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
* '''Aunt Sue'''<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

=== The Wilsons ===
* '''George Everett Wilson Sr.''' is Dennis's cranky, cantankerous, middle-aged next-door neighbor, a retired [[postal carrier]] and (at least as far as Dennis is concerned) his best adult friend. Not much is told about his early life except he grew up on a farm, went through [[The Great Depression]] of the 1930s, and served in [[World War II]]. Dennis loves Mr. Wilson, but unintentionally annoys him, as he regularly disrupts Mr. Wilson's attempts at a serene, quiet life; he often interrupts Mr. Wilson's hobbies such as gardening and bird watching, at times accidentally damaging his property. As a result, he displays a less than cordial attitude towards the young boy, though Dennis continues his well-meaning intrusions unabated. Actually, as many readers suspected, he is secretly fond of Dennis and misses him when he is away, although he would never openly admit it. On one occasion when the Mitchells went to Hollywood for two weeks, Mr. Wilson kept seeing Dennis' face everywhere!<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_007_Hallden-Fawcett_1959/page/n47 Dennis the Menace Giant 007]</ref> Mr. Wilson is named after a teacher Hank Ketcham knew. Dennis often (especially in the television series) refers to him as "Good Ol' Mr. Wilson." Although a running gag is that Dennis's pranks drive Mr. Wilson crazy, at times Dennis tries to do nice things for Mr. Wilson, such as the time Dennis left Ruff the dog and Hot Dog the cat with Mr Wilson so he would not be lonely on [[Father's Day]], while Dennis and his father went to a baseball game,<ref>"Dennis the Menace" June 20, 2010</ref> or the time Dennis tries to cheer Mr. Wilson up on [[April Fool]]'s day by placing a fake "Mitchell House for sale" sign up.<ref>"Dennis the Menace" comic April 2, 2012</ref>
* '''Martha Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's engaging wife, who adores Dennis. Mrs. Wilson freely dotes on him and plies him with freshly baked cookies and [[Dairy milk|milk]]. Martha sees Dennis as a surrogate grandson. By 1975, George and Martha had been married for 25 years.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Bonus_Magazine_Series_142 Dennis the Menace Bonus Magazine Series 142]</ref>
* '''John Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's brother.
* '''Eloise Wilson''' is John's wife, Mr. Wilson's sister-in-law.
* '''Earl Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's estranged son.
* '''Elena Wilson''' is Earl's wife.
* '''Winnie Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's granddaughter and Earl's daughter.
* '''Walter "Walt" Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's grandson and Earl's son.
* '''Keith Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's grandson and Earl's son.
* '''Sammy Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's grandson and Earl's son.
* '''George Wilson Jr.''' is Mr. Wilson's son.
* '''Edna Wilson''' is George Jr.'s wife.
* '''Tammy Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's daughter.
* '''George Wilson III''' is Mr. Wilson's grandson.
* '''Will Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's grandson.
* '''Helga Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's granddaughter.
* '''Uncle Ned''' is Mr Wilson's 70-year-old uncle who visited his nephew in 1964.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Television_Special_022 Dennis the Menace Television Special 022 Fawcett comic]</ref>

=== Dennis' friends ===
* '''Tommy Anderson''' is Dennis' best friend (after Mr. Wilson). This character eventually disappeared from the strip, although he does make appearances in the ''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' books.
* '''Joey McDonald''' is loyal, timid, and not too bright. He is a year younger than Dennis. He usually plays the [[sidekick]] to Dennis's schemes, and sees him as a big-brother figure. Dennis often gives him naïve advice, and gives him little "nuggets" of wisdom and insight.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_086_Fawcett_-_1966/page/n33 Dennis the Menace 86]</ref> Joey's baby sister was introduced on November 13, 2016. {{citation needed|date=April 2021}}
* '''Margaret Wade''' is a freckled, [[Red hair|red-haired]], [[Glasses|bespectacled]] [[know-it-all]] whose cloying and self-important demeanor is always getting on Dennis's nerves. She is attracted to Dennis and is stubbornly confident in the belief that she will [[Marriage|marry]] him when they are adults,<ref>Dennis the Menace June 2, 1958 comic</ref> but he clearly has no interest in her. She always tries to improve Dennis and his manners, but succeeds only in annoying him. She has a certain amount of dislike for Gina, whom she sees as her competition. Gina gains Dennis' respect and admiration by just being herself, and Margaret's pretensions fail to make a mark on him. Margaret, who is two years older than Dennis,<ref name="dennis.kingfeatures.org"/> is very ambitious: when she was five, she decided to join the [[Camp Fire (organization)|Camp Fire]] Girls when she reaches the age of seven;<ref name="ReferenceA"/> an organization in which she is very active,{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} and in one cartoon, she sells [[Girl Scout Cookies (cannabis strain)|Girl Scout cookies]] to the Mitchells.<ref>Dennis the Menace february-22-2014</ref> She likes taking [[gymnastics]] and [[ballet]],<ref name="Dennis the Menace 143">[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_143_Hallden-Fawcett_1976 Dennis the Menace 143]</ref> singing Christmas carols,<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_074_Hallden-Fawcett_1969/page/n15 Dennis the Menace 74]</ref> and taking piano lessons; she also plays the [[saxophone]],{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} the [[Fife (instrument)|fife]],{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} and the [[violin]].{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} She is a devout religious believer, and has had pets<ref name="ReferenceA"/> of her own—four white [[Persian cat|Persian cats]]: one named Charlie,<ref>Dennis The Menace Giant 004 Pines Hallden 1957</ref> one named Prudence,<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_The_Menace_095_1968/page/n25 Dennis The Menace 095 1968]</ref> one named Snowflake,<ref>Dennis the Menace comic April 7, 2013</ref> and another named Mr. Coodles (whom she wheels around in a [[baby carriage]]). Besides hoping to marry Dennis,<ref name="Dennis the Menace #39">[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_039_Hallden-Fawcett_1959/page/n31 Dennis the Menace #39]</ref> she also has decided to be the first female [[President of the United States]].{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} A running gag is that whenever Margaret tries to be genuinely nice to Dennis, such as inviting him over to her house to help decorate a [[Christmas tree]],<ref name="ReferenceB">''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #2 "How not to Decorate a Tree"</ref> be a guest at her birthday party,<ref name="ReferenceA"/> or when Dennis tries to have Margaret give him too much candy<ref name="ReferenceA"/>—Dennis' "helpfulness" results in him being sent home. One weakness of Dennis is that no matter how much he dislikes Margaret, he cannot resist eating food at the Wades'.<ref name="ReferenceB"/> Margaret and Dennis are not always adversaries. In one scene, Dennis sprayed both Margaret and Gina with his mother's [[perfume]] with a water pistol, which resulted in both girls playing with him and Dennis' mother becoming very angry with him.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> A running gag is that Margaret is a victim of Dennis's [[Practical joke|practical jokes]], such as being sprayed on by a [[garden hose]].<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_086_Fawcett_-_1966/page/n31 Dennis the Menace 86]</ref> On one Valentine's Day, Dennis gave "trick" Valentine's messages to Margaret, Gina, and Sally that had messages read "I DON'T Like." This earned Dennis having to sit in the corner as punishment.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_050_Hallden-Fawcett/page/n3 Dennis the Menace 050 Hallden-Fawcett]</ref> In one April Fool's Day comic, Dennis decided to trick Margaret with compliments instead of pranks; to Dennis' horror, Margaret accepted the joke as real and dragged Dennis to hear her piano playing.<ref>Dennis the Menace comic April 1, 2012</ref> Although she is fond of Dennis, she can on occasion lose her temper and "bop" him,<ref name="Dennis the Menace #39"/><ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_The_Menace_094_1968/page/n27 Dennis The Menace 094 ]</ref><ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_The_Menace_154_1977_/page/n17 Dennis the Menace 154]</ref> and once "flipped" him after she graduated to a [[Black belt (martial arts)|black belt]] in karate.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}
* '''Gina Gillotti''' is a fiercely independent young [[Italian Americans|Italian-American]] girl, on whom Dennis is mostly unaware that he has a crush. Gina is [[Tomboy|tomboyish]] yet still feminine in appearance. She also likes Dennis in a future-sweethearts kind of way, but in contrast to his dislike of Margaret, Dennis actually enjoys being with Gina. He likes her because she is as independent-minded as he is, and she enjoys the same things that he does. Gina is aware that she is a girl, and woe betide anyone who thinks otherwise. Just as Margaret had "flipped" Dennis in [[karate]], Gina once "flipped" Dennis in [[judo]]<ref name="Dennis the Menace 143"/>
* '''Jackson''' is an [[African Americans|African American]] character whom Ketcham decided to add to the cast in the late 1960s. Ketcham designed Jackson in the tradition of a stereotypical cartoon [[pickaninny]], with huge lips, big white eyes, and just a suggestion of an [[Afro]] hair style. A panel from May 13, 1970, depicted Jackson and Dennis playing in the backyard, with Dennis saying to his father, "I'm havin' some race trouble with Jackson. He runs FASTER than I do!"<ref>[http://i46.tinypic.com/2nhhunr.jpg] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225064628/http://i46.tinypic.com/2nhhunr.jpg|date=February 25, 2012}}</ref> The character depiction was not received well. Protests erupted in [[Detroit]], [[Little Rock, Arkansas|Little Rock]], [[Miami]], and [[St. Louis]], and debris was thrown at the offices of the ''[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch|Post Dispatch]]''. Taken aback, Ketcham issued a statement explaining that his intentions were innocent, and Jackson was not seen in the comics again.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fantagraphics.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=977 |title=Dennis the Menace – Introduction |author=Brian Walker |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |access-date=February 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613150309/http://www.fantagraphics.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=977 |archive-date=June 13, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> However, another African American character named Jay Weldon appeared in the 1986 animated series to far less controversy, as he was not a stereotype.
* '''Ben''' is a [[Jewish]] friend of Dennis.<ref>{{cite web |title=October 26, 2014 Dennis the Menace strip |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/comics-kingdom/index.ssf?feature_id=Dennis_The_Menace&feature_date=2014-10-26 |access-date=October 28, 2014}}</ref>
* '''Cowboy Bob''' is a film cowboy, whom Dennis idolizes. He appears in a series of Westerns known as Cowboy Bob films. The boy fails to realize that Westerns are rarely made in these times and that the films he is seeing are actually old repeats. In one story arc where Dennis' parents invite the retired actor to a party, they have Dennis meet him, to which Dennis comments that he must be "Cowboy Bob's grandpa!"

== History ==
=== Inspiration ===
The inspiration for the comic strip came from Dennis Ketcham, the real-life son of Hank Ketcham,<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinraub| first = Judith| title = Dennis's Dear Old Dad| newspaper = The Washington Post| date = May 5, 1990| url = https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/72586949.html?dids=72586949:72586949&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=MAY+05%2C+1990&author=Judith+Weinraub&pub=The+Washington+Post&desc=Dennis's+Dear+Old+Dad%3BCartoonist+Hank+Ketcham%2C+In+a+World+Without+Menace&pqatl=google}}</ref> who, at four years old, refused to take a nap and made a complete mess of his room. Hank tried many possible names for the character, and translated them into rough pencil sketches, but when his studio door flew open, and his then-wife Alice, in utter exasperation, exclaimed, "Your son is a menace!,"<ref name="nytimesobit">{{cite news | last = Van Gelder| first = Lawrence| title = Hank Ketcham, Father of Dennis the Menace, Dies at 81| newspaper = The New York Times| date = June 2, 2001| url = https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9B01E4D8163FF931A35755C0A9679C8B63&n=Top/News/Business/Companies/Google%20Inc.| access-date = 2007-09-17}}</ref> the "Dennis the Menace" name stuck. The character of Henry Mitchell bore a striking resemblance to Ketcham, while the Mitchell family of Dennis, Henry/Hank, and Alice were all named after the Ketchams.

=== Visuals ===
Ketcham's line work has been highly praised over the years. A review on comicbookbin.com states: "...a growing legion of cartoonists, scholars, aficionados, etc. have come to appreciate the artistry of Dennis's creator, Hank Ketcham. Ketcham's beautiful artwork defines cartooning elegance. The design, the composition, and the line: it's all too, too beautiful."<ref name="cbbin">{{cite news | last = Douresseaux| first = Leroy| title = Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace: 1953–1954 (review)| publisher = comicbookbin.com| date = August 20, 2007| url = http://www.comicbookbin.com/completedennisthemenace002.html| access-date = 2008-12-21}}</ref> AV Club reviewer Noel Murray wrote: "Ketcham also experimented with his line a little early on, tightening and thickening without losing the looseness and spontaneity that remains the strip's best aspect even now."<ref name="avclub">{{cite news | last = Murray| first = Noel| title = Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis The Menace 1951–1952 (review)| publisher = The Onion's avlub.com | date = September 28, 2005| url = https://www.avclub.com/content/node/41135| access-date = 2008-12-21}}</ref>

In 2005, Dennis appeared as a guest for Blondie and Dagwood's 75th anniversary party in the comic strip ''[[Blondie (comic strip)|Blondie]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.chron.com/apps/comics/showComick.mpl?week=1&date=20050904&name=Blondie |title=Comics and cartoons |publisher=Chron.com – Houston Chronicle|date=September 4, 2005 |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>

=== Awards ===
Ketcham received the [[Reuben Award]] for the strip in 1953.<ref>{{cite web | title = The Reuben Award 1946–1974| publisher = The National Cartoonists Society| url = http://www.reuben.org/ncs/archive/divisions/reuben.asp| access-date = 2007-09-18}}</ref>
He also was made [[title of honor|honorary]] mayor of Wichita. He was quoted as saying, "I set the whole thing in Wichita, Kansas, and as a result I got made an [[title of honor|honorary]] mayor of Wichita."<ref>{{cite web | title = Biography for Hank Ketcham| website=[[IMDb]]| url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0450477/bio| access-date = 2007-09-18}}</ref>

=== Ketcham retires ===
[[File:Ron Ferdinand NAS 2013.jpg|thumb|Ron Ferdinand in 2013]]
Hank Ketcham retired from the comic strip in 1994,<ref name="nytimesobit" /> turning over production of the strip to his assistants Ron Ferdinand and Marcus Hamilton. They [[zombie strip|continued their run]] after Ketcham's death in 2001, alongside Scott Ketcham since 2010.<ref name="nytimesobit" />

== Advertising ==
Dennis the Menace appeared in [[A&W Restaurants]] advertising in the 1960s, then [[Dairy Queen]] marketing from 1971 until 2001, when he was dropped because Dairy Queen felt children could no longer relate to him. Dennis also appeared in the Sears Roebuck Wish Book Christmas catalog in the 1970s.

== Comic books ==
Dennis the Menace has been published in comic books and comic [[digest size|digests]] from the 1950s through the 1980s by a variety of publishers, including [[Nedor Comics|Standard/Pines]] (1953–58), [[Fawcett Comics]] (1958–80, during their only return to comics after settling the Captain Marvel lawsuit and selling much of their comics division to [[Charlton Comics]]), and [[Marvel Comics]] (1981–82). These included both newspaper strip reprints and original ''Dennis the Menace'' comic book stories, produced by others besides Ketcham. [[Al Wiseman]], one of Ketcham's assistants in the 1950s and '60s, worked on many of them. Ron Ferdinand, Ketcham's Sunday page artist, drew several of the Dennis stories in the Marvel books, including the cover for issue No. 11.

=== Giant series ===
The main comic book series (simply named ''Dennis the Menace'') ran in tandem with the "Giant" series. The ''Dennis the Menace Giant Vacation Special''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11130 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref> and ''Dennis the Menace Christmas Issue''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11248 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref> were published by Standard in 1955. Those issues inaugurated the Giants series, which was published by Pines for issues 2–6,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11131 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref> and continued by Hallden/Fawcett for issues 6–75.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11132 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref> The Giant series was later renamed the ''Dennis the Menace Bonus Magazine Series'', which started with issue No. 76 in 1970.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11133 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref> CBS and Hallden later retitled the series as ''The Dennis the Menace Big Bonus Series'', which ran through issue #194 in October 1979.

=== Other series ===
By October 1979, Fawcett began publishing a separate series of 36 issues titled ''Dennis the Menace and Mr. Wilson''. By the second issue, the series was rechristened ''Dennis the Menace and His Friends'' which now involved Dennis, Mr. Wilson, friends Joey and Margaret, and dog Ruff. Because of this, the Mr. Wilson stories were alternated with the three characters as ''Ruff, Joey, and Margaret'' who each shared a No. 1 issue with Dennis.

Three other series of Dennis the Menace comic books also were published, beginning in 1961. First was ''Dennis the Menace and His Dog, Ruff.'' ''Dennis the Menace and His Pal, Joey'' was published in summer 1961, and ''Dennis the Menace and Margaret'' was published in the winter of 1969.

In 1972, as part of a bonus magazine series, Fawcett published a "Short Stuff Special" where Dennis visited [[Children's Fairyland]] in [[Oakland, California]].

=== Bible Kids series ===
In 1977, Word Books, Inc. (now [[HarperCollins]]) commissioned Hank Ketcham Enterprises, Inc. to produce a series of 10 comic books under the title ''Dennis and the Bible Kids'', with the usual cast of characters reading (and sometimes partly acting out) the stories of [[Joseph (Hebrew Bible)|Joseph]], [[Moses]], [[David]], [[Esther]], [[Jesus]], and other Biblical characters. These were sold through Christian [[bookstore]]s and related outlets. Each issue contained several inspirational renderings by Hank Ketcham himself.

=== Marvel series ===
The ''Dennis the Menace Fun Fest'' and the ''Dennis the Menace Big Bonus'' series were revived for a short-issue run in 1980:
* January: ''The Dennis the Menace Fun Fest'' #16
* February: ''The Dennis the Menace Big Bonus'' #10
* March: ''The Dennis the Menace Fun Fest'' #17
* April: ''The Dennis the Menace Big Bonus'' #11

After these revival series, the Hallden and CBS comics run came to an end in 1980. Ketcham had half of the comic book rights purchased by [[Stan Lee]] and Marvel Comics, so they were able to produce a new series of ''Dennis the Menace'' comic books. The new Marvel series ran from December 1981 to November 1982. The smaller ''Dennis the Menace'' comic digests were published continually by Fawcett and Hallden between 1969 and 1980, and they were briefly resurrected in reprints by Marvel in 1982 for a run of three issues.

=== List of comic books ===
==== Main series ====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Title
! Starting year
! Publisher
|-
| ''Dennis the Menace'' (#1–14)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11127 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1953
| Standard
|-
| ''Dennis the Menace'' (#15–31)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11128 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1956
| Pines
|-
| ''Dennis the Menace'' (#32–166)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11129 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1959
| Hallden/Fawcett/CBS
|-
| ''Dennis the Menace'' (#1–13)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=2597 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1981
| Marvel
|}

==== Other series ====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Title
! Starting year
! Publisher
|-
| ''The Best of Dennis the Menace'' (#1–5)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11250 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1959
| Hallden
|-
| ''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' digest (#1–50)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11135 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1969
| Fawcett
|-
| ''Dennis The Menace and the Bible Kids'' (#1–10)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=13834 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1977
| Word Books
|}

== Book compilations ==
''Dennis the Menace'' has also been published in [[Mass market paperbacks|mass market paperback]] collections, made up of newspaper strip reprints:
{{refbegin|2}}
* ''Dennis the Menace'' (1952) Avon (also published in hardcover by Henry Holt & Co.)
* ''More Dennis the Menace'' (1954) Avon (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Baby Sitter's Guide by Dennis the Menace'' (1955, 1961) Pocket Books, Fawcett (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Wanted: Dennis the Menace'' (1955) Fawcett (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Dennis the Menace Rides Again'' (1956, 1971) PB, Fawcett (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Dennis the Menace vs. Everybody'' (1957) PB (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Dennis the Menace: Household Hurricane'' (1958, 1963) PB, Fawcett (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''The Adventures of the Pickle'' (1958) Corgi Books
* ''In this Corner... Dennis the Menace'' (1959) Fawcett (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Dennis the Menace ...Teacher's Threat'' (1960) Fawcett (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Dennis the Menace: Voted Most Likely'' (1960) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace, A.M. *Ambassador of Mischief'' (1961) Fawcett (also in hardcover by HRW)
* ''Dennis the Menace: Happy Half-Pint'' (1962) Fawcett (also in hardcover by Random House)
* ''Dennis the Menace ...Who, Me?'' (1963) Fawcett (also in hardcover by Random House)
* ''Dennis the Menace: Make-Believe Angel'' (1964) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace ...Here Comes Trouble'' (1966) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace and Poor Ol' Mr. Wilson'' (1967) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: All-American Kid'' (1968) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace and His Pal Joey'' (1968) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Your Friendly Neighborhood Kid'' (1969) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Perpetual Motion'' (1969) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace ...Everybody's Little Helper'' (1970) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Non-Stop Nuisance'' (1970) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Surprise Package'' (1971) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Short 'n' Snappy'' (1971) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Where the Action Is'' (1971) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Dennis Power'' (1972) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Just for Fun'' (1973) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: The Kid Next Door'' (1973) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Busybody'' (1974) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Little Pip-Squeak'' (1974) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Play It Again, Dennis'' (1975) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace to the Core'' (1975) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Little Man in a Big Hurry'' (1976) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Short Swinger'' (1976) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace and His Girls'' (1977) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: "Your Mother's Calling!"'' (1977) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Ol' Droopy Drawers'' (1978) Fawcett
* ''Someone's in the Kitchen with Dennis the Menace'' (1978) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Driving Mother Up the Wall'' (1979) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: I Done It MY Way'' (1979) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Short in the Saddle'' (1979) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Ain't Misbehavin''' (1980) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Stayin' Alive'' (1980) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Good Intenshuns'' (1981) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: One More Time!'' (1981) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: The Way I Look at It...'' (1982) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Dog's Best Friend'' (1982) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Supercharged and Ever Ready'' (1983) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Sunrise Express'' (1983) Fawcett
{{refend}}

In 1990, [[Abbeville Press]] published Hank Ketcham's fully illustrated autobiography: ''The Merchant of Dennis'' ({{ISBN|9780896599437}}, hardcover). The book was reprinted by [[Fantagraphics]] in 2005 ({{ISBN|1560977140}}, [[Trade paperback (comics)|trade paperback]]). Abbeville also published a softcover retrospective of the strip in 1991, ''Dennis the Menace: His First 40 Years''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=31651 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>

=== ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace'' ===
In 2005, comics publisher Fantagraphics began to reprint Ketcham's entire run on ''Dennis the Menace'' (excluding Sunday strips) in a projected 25-volume series over 11 years. No new volumes have been issued since 2009 and it is unknown when and if the series will resume.<ref>{{cite news | last = Estrada| first = George| title = Antics of "Dennis the Menace" back in print| publisher = The Seattle Times Company| date = August 8, 2005| url = http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/artsentertainment/2002426706_dennis08.html| access-date = 2008-09-18 }}</ref> They are published in hardcover editions as well as paperback.

# ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace, 1951–1952'' (2005) {{ISBN|1-56097-680-2}}
# ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace, 1953–1954'' (2006) {{ISBN|1-56097-725-6}}
# ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace, 1955–1956'' (2006) {{ISBN|1-56097-770-1}}
# ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace, 1957–1958'' (2007) {{ISBN|978-1-56097-880-0}}
# ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace, 1959–1960'' (2008) {{ISBN|978-1-56097-966-1}}
# ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace, 1961–1962'' (2009) {{ISBN|978-1-60699-311-8}}

== Worldwide success ==
=== Film and television ===
''Dennis the Menace'' has been the subject of a number of adaptations. The [[Dennis the Menace (1959 TV series)|first one produced]] is a [[CBS]] sitcom that aired from 1959 to 1963 starring [[Jay North]] as Dennis,<ref>{{cite news| title = Dennis the Menace Goes on TV| last = Korman| first = Seymour| publisher = Chicago Daily Tribune| date = September 26, 1959| url = https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/593551392.html?dids=593551392:593551392&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&date=Sep+26%2C+1959&author=Seymour+Korman&pub=Chicago+Daily+Tribune&desc=DENNIS+THE+MENACE&pqatl=google| access-date = 2008-09-18 }}</ref> [[Herbert Anderson]] as Henry Mitchell; [[Joseph Kearns]]<ref>{{cite news | title = Joseph Kearns, 55, TV Actor, is Dead; Played Mr. Wilson of 'Dennis the Menace' on C.B.S.| publisher = The Seattle Times Company| date = February 18, 1962| url = http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30C12FB3C5910728DDDA10994DA405B828AF1D3| access-date = 2008-09-18 }}</ref> as George Wilson, and subsequently [[Gale Gordon]] as his brother, John Wilson. North also appeared as Dennis on an episode of ''[[The Donna Reed Show]]''<ref>{{cite news | title = Full cast and crew for The Donna Reed Show Donna Decorates (1960)| publisher = imdb| url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0564225/fullcredits#cast | access-date = 2008-12-08 }}</ref> and in the theatrical film ''[[Pepe (film)|Pepe]]'' (both 1960). On September 11, 1987, a ''Dennis the Menace'' live-action [[television film]] was broadcast; it was later released on video under the title ''Dennis the Menace: Dinosaur Hunter''.<ref>{{cite book |last= Kohn|first= Martin F. |date= 1996 |title= Videohound's Family Video Guide |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=n7fS6-zVgh4C&q=%22Dennis+the+Menace%22+dinosaur+videohound |publisher= Visible Ink Press|page= 1960|isbn= 0787609846 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HWRnDwAAQBAJ&q=all-new+dennis+the+menace+dic&pg=PT461|title=Pocket Full of Dennis the Menace|first=Mark|last=Arnold|author-link=Mark Arnold (historian)|quote="[...] there was a Dennis the Menace TV-movie called 'Dennis the Menace' that was later renamed 'Dennis the Menace: Dinosaur Hunter' to avoid confusion with the 1993 theatrical feature film. [...] It first aired on September 11, 1978 [...]"|date=2017|access-date=2019-07-09|isbn=978-1629331195}}</ref> Another live-action ''[[Dennis the Menace (1993 film)|Dennis the Menace]]'' film, starring [[Walter Matthau]] as Mr. Wilson and [[Mason Gamble]] as Dennis, was released to theaters in 1993. It was originally titled ''The Real Dennis the Menace'' before the final name was approved. This was followed with the direct-to-video ''[[Dennis the Menace Strikes Again]]'' in 1998, starring [[Don Rickles]] as Mr. Wilson. The most recent film adaptation, ''A Dennis the Menace Christmas'' was released to DVD on November 6, 2007. The [[Warner Bros.]] production starred [[Robert Wagner]] as Mr. Wilson, [[Louise Fletcher]] as Mrs. Wilson, and [[Maxwell Perry Cotton]], then a six-year-old actor, as Dennis.

=== Animation ===
''Dennis the Menace'' was adapted into an animated special, ''[[Dennis the Menace in Mayday for Mother]]'' which aired in 1981 and was produced by [[DePatie–Freleng Enterprises]] and [[Mirisch Films]].<ref>{{cite news | title = Dennis the Menace in Mayday for Mother (1981)| publisher = IMDb| url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0285518/ | access-date = 2015-11-21 }}</ref> A [[Dennis the Menace (1986 TV series)|daily animated syndicated series]] was produced by [[DiC Entertainment]] in 1986 with Brennan Thicke as the voice of Dennis, also featuring [[Phil Hartman]] who voiced George Wilson and Henry Mitchell.<ref>{{cite news | title = Dennis the Menace (1986)| publisher = IMDb| url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0166910/?ref_=fn_al_tt_3 | access-date = 2015-11-21 }}</ref> DiC also produced the ''[[All-New Dennis the Menace]]'' for CBS Saturday Mornings in 1993 with Adam Wylie voicing Dennis.<ref>{{cite news | title = All-New Dennis the Menace (1993)| publisher = IMDb| url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0287192/?ref_=fn_al_tt_9 | access-date = 2015-11-21 }}</ref> An animated movie, ''Dennis the Menace in Cruise Control'', premiered as part of [[Nickelodeon|Nickelodeon's]] ''[[Nickelodeon Sunday Movie Toons|Sunday Movie Toons]]'' block in 2002 and later released to DVD.<ref>{{cite news | title = Dennis the Menace in Cruise Control (TV Movie 2002) | publisher = IMDb| url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0337974/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 | access-date = 2015-11-21 }}</ref>

==== List of film and TV adaptations ====
'''Films'''
* ''[[Dennis the Menace: Dinosaur Hunter]]'' (1987, live-action TV movie)
* ''[[Dennis the Menace (1993 film)|Dennis the Menace]]'' (1993, live-action)
* ''[[Dennis the Menace Strikes Again]]'' (1998, live-action DTV)
* ''Dennis the Menace in Cruise Control'' (2002, animated TV movie)
* ''A Dennis the Menace Christmas'' (2007, live-action DTV)

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%;"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Crew/detail
! colspan="5" | Film
|-
! ''[[Dennis the Menace: Dinosaur Hunter|Dennis the Menace: Dinosaur Hunter]]'' (1987)
! ''[[Dennis the Menace (1993 film)|Dennis the Menace]]'' (1993)
! ''[[Dennis the Menace Strikes Again|Dennis the Menace Strikes Again]]'' (1998)
! ''Dennis the Menace: Cruise Control'' (2002)
! ''A Dennis the Menace Christmas'' (2007)
|-
! Director
| Doug Rogers
| [[Nick Castle]]
| Charles T. Kanganis
| Pat Ventura
| [[Ron Oliver]]
|-
! Producer
| Philip D. Fehrle
| John Hughes and Richard Vane
| Jeffrey Silver and Bobby Newmyer
| '''Executive producers:''' [[Andy Heyward]] and Michael Maliani
| [[Steven J. Wolfe]]
|-
! Writers
| [[Bruce Kalish]] & David Garber and K.C. Dee
| [[John Hughes (filmmaker)|John Hughes]]
| [[Tim McCanlies]] (screenplay); Tim McCanlies and [[Jeff Schechter]] (story)
| Steve Granat and Cydne Clark
| Kathleen Laccinole
|-
! Editor
| Edward Salier
| [[Alan Heim]]
| [[Jeffrey Reiner]]
| N/A
| Zack Arnold
|-
! Composer
| [[Randy Edelman]]
| [[Jerry Goldsmith]]
| [[Graeme Revell]]
| [[Matt McGuire]]
| [[Peter Allen (composer)|Peter Allen]]
|-
! Cinematography
| [[Arledge Armenaki]]
| [[Thomas E. Ackerman]]
| Christopher Faloona
| N/A
| C. Kim Miles
|-
! Production company
| [[DIC Enterprises]] [[Coca-Cola Telecommunications]]
| [[John Hughes (filmmaker)|Hughes Entertainment]] [[Warner Bros. Family Entertainment|Warner Bros. Family Entertainment]]
| [[Outlaw Productions]] Warner Bros. Family Entertainment
| [[DIC Entertainment Corporation]]
| DTM3 Productions Sneak Preview Entertainment Valkyrie Films [[Warner Premiere]]
|-
! Distribution
| [[Sony Pictures Television]]
| colspan="2" | [[Warner Bros.]]
| [[Nickelodeon]] [[MGM Home Entertainment]]
| [[Warner Home Video]]
|-
! Released
| 11 September 1987
| 25 June 1993
| 14 July 1998
| 27 October 2002
| 13 November 2007
|-
! Duration
| 118 minutes
| 94 minutes
| 75 minutes
| 72 minutes
| 83 minutes
|}

'''Television shows and specials'''
* ''[[Dennis the Menace (1959 TV series)|Dennis the Menace]]'' (1959, live-action)
* ''[[Dennis the Menace in Mayday for Mother]]'' (1981, animated, TV special)
* ''[[Dennis the Menace (1986 TV series)|Dennis the Menace]]'' (1986, animated)
* ''[[All-New Dennis the Menace]]'' (1993, animated)

=== Merchandising ===
* From 1971 to 2001, Dennis the Menace was licensed by [[Dairy Queen]] as their official mascot, appearing in many commercials and on the chain's cups, bags, and other promotional items, until he was dropped because the chain felt children could no longer relate to him as much.

=== Playground ===
In 1952, Hank Ketcham spearheaded the construction of the Dennis the Menace Playground, designed by [[Archibald Garner|Arch Garner]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Archibald garner: a brief biographical sketch| publisher = words-and-art.com| url = http://words-and-art.com/archbio.html | access-date = 2008-12-18 }}</ref> It opened in [[Monterey, California]] on November 17, 1956.<ref>{{cite web| title = Dennis the Menace Playground Flyer| publisher = Monterey.org – City of Monterey| url = http://www.monterey.org/rec/denmenace06.pdf| access-date = 2008-12-18| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090220020222/http://www.monterey.org/rec/denmenace06.pdf| archive-date = February 20, 2009| df = mdy-all}}</ref> The playground featured a bronze statue of Dennis sculpted by [[Wah Chang]]. On the night of October 25, 2006, the 125 lb statue, which was estimated to be worth $30,000, was stolen from the playground.<ref>{{cite news | title = Statue of Dennis the Menace Stolen| date = October 28, 2006| url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/28/AR2006102800324_pf.html| access-date = 2007-09-18| publisher=[[Associated Press]]|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|via=washingtonpost.com}}</ref> In April 2007, it was replaced by a reproduction of another Dennis statue Chang made for the Ketchams. It was donated by Willis W. and Ethel M. Clark Foundation. In 2015 the missing statue was found in a scrap yard in Florida, returned to Monterey,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coury |first=Nic |title=Missing Dennis the Menace statue returns to Monterey. |url=https://www.montereycountyweekly.com/blogs/news_blog/missing-dennis-the-menace-statue-returns-to-monterey/article_81b766cc-6196-11e5-becd-6f55241b1fee.html |access-date=2022-05-16 |website=Monterey County Weekly |language=en}}</ref> and installed in front of the city recreation office.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coury |first=Nic |title=Dennis the Menace statue finds permanent home in Monterey. |url=https://www.montereycountyweekly.com/blogs/news_blog/dennis-the-menace-statue-finds-permanent-home-in-monterey/article_1e815cdc-3a32-11e6-8b1b-df210ceea6d5.html |access-date=2022-05-16 |website=Monterey County Weekly |language=en}}</ref>

=== Video games ===
* ''[[Dennis the Menace (video game)|Dennis the Menace]]'' (known as '''''Dennis''''' in Europe), a video game [[tie-in]] to the 1993 feature film, was released that same year by [[Ocean Software]] for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]], [[Amiga]] and [[Game Boy]].

===''Dennis the Menace'' in other languages===
The comic strip has been translated into many foreign languages, which has helped make the strip's characters famous worldwide.
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed"
|-
! List of foreign language titles
|-
| Arabic: 'ّماهر الصغير' (Little Maher)
|-
| Brazilian Portuguese: ''Dennis, o Pimentinha''
|-
| Catalan: ''Daniel el trapella''
|-
| Chinese: ''淘氣阿丹''
|-
| Croatian: ''Vragolasti Denis''
|-
| Danish: ''Jern-Henrik'' (means Iron-Henrik)
|-
| Dutch: ''Dennis de Bengel''
|-
| Estonian: ''Nuhtlus Nimega Dennis''
|-
| Finnish: ''Ville Vallaton''
|-
| French: ''Denis la malice''
|-
| French Canadian: ''Denis la petite peste''
|-
| German: ''Dennis der Lausejunge'' (also known as ''Dennis die Nervensäge'')
|-
| Greek: ''Ντένις ο Τρομερός'' (Dénis o Tromeros)
|-
| Hebrew: ''דני שובבני'' (Danny Shovevani)
|-
| Hungarian: ''Dennisz, a komisz''
|-
| Icelandic: ''Denni Dæmalausi''
|-
| Italian: ''Dennis la Minaccia''
|-
| Japanese: ''わんぱくデニス'' (''Wanpaku Dennis'')
|-
| Korean: ''개구쟁이 데니스''
|-
| Norwegian: ''Dennis''
|-
| Persian: ''دنیس دردسر''
|-
| Polish: ''Dennis Rozrabiaka''
|-
| Portuguese: ''Dennis o Pimentinha''
|-
| Romanian: ''Denis pericol public''
|-
| Russian:''Дэннис непоседа''
|-
| Serbian: ''Denis Napast''
|-
| Sinhalese ([[Sri Lanka]]): ''Dangaya (දඟයා)''
|-
| Spanish: ''Daniel el Travieso''
|-
| Slovenian: ''Dennis pokora''
|-
| Swedish: ''Dennis'' (also called ''Lill-Knas'', ''Bosse Bus'' or ''[[Kristian Tyrann]]'' in some publications in the 50s).
|-
| Turkish: ''Afacan Denis''
|}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website|https://comicskingdom.com/dennis-the-menace/}}
* [https://kingfeatures.com/comics/comics-a-z/?id=Dennis_The_Menace ''Dennis the Menace'' at King Features]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110717125916/http://www.kingfeatures.com/features/comics/dennis/charactMaina.htm List and short bios of the strip's characters]
* [https://nationalcartoonists.com/ncs/archive/divisions/advertising.asp NCS Awards]

{{Dennis the Menace}}
{{King Features Syndicate Comics}}

[[Category:Dennis the Menace (U.S. comics)| ]]
[[Category:1951 comics debuts]]
[[Category:American comic strips]]
[[Category:Comics set in Kansas]]
[[Category:Comic strips set in the United States]]
[[Category:Gag cartoon comics]]
[[Category:Gag-a-day comics]]
[[Category:American comics adapted into films]]
[[Category:Comics adapted into animated series]]
[[Category:Comics adapted into television series]]
[[Category:Comics adapted into video games]]

Dennis the Menace (U.S. comics)

2023-01-12T20:48:33Z

90.206.235.192:

{{Short description|American newspaper comic strip}}
{{for|the British comic of the same name|Dennis the Menace and Gnasher}}
{{multiple issues|
{{cleanup|date=April 2021|reason=reliance on primary sources, inappropriate sources, and tone/fancruft issues}}
{{primary sources|date=April 2021}}
{{unreliable sources|date=April 2021}}
{{overly detailed|date=April 2021}}
{{tone|date=April 2021}}
}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2013}}
{{Infobox comic strip
|title= Dennis the Menace
|image= [[File:Dennisketcham.jpg]]
|author= [[Hank Ketcham]] Marcus Hamilton Ron Ferdinand Scott Ketcham
|url=
|rss=
|atom=
|status= Still running
|first= March 12, 1951–present
|last=
|syndicate= [[King Features Syndicate]]
|publisher= [[Fantagraphics Books]]
|genre= [[Gag cartoon]]
|rating=
|preceded by=
|followed by=
}}
'''''Dennis the Menace''''' is a daily [[print syndication|syndicated]] newspaper [[comic strip]] originally created, written, and illustrated by [[Hank Ketcham]]. The comic strip made its debut on March 12, 1951, in 16 newspapers<ref>{{cite web |title=History |url=http://dennisthemenace.com/history/ |publisher=Dennisthemenace.com |access-date=August 5, 2017}}</ref> and was originally distributed by [[Publishers-Hall Syndicate|Post-Hall Syndicate]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Markstein |first=Donald D. |date=2010 |title=Dennis the Menace |url=http://www.toonopedia.com/dennis.htm |publisher=Don Markstein's Toonopedia |access-date=August 5, 2017}}</ref> It is now written and drawn by Ketcham's former assistants, Marcus Hamilton (weekdays, since 1995), Ron Ferdinand (Sundays, since 1981), and son Scott Ketcham (since 2010), and distributed to at least 1,000 newspapers in 48 countries and in 19 languages by [[King Features Syndicate]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Lawrence |last=Van Gelder |date=June 2, 2001 |title=Hank Ketcham, Father of Dennis the Menace, Dies at 81 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/02/arts/hank-ketcham-father-of-dennis-the-menace-dies-at-81.html |work=The New York Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113053354/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/02/obituaries/02KETC.html |archive-date=November 13, 2013 |url-status=live |access-date=August 5, 2017}}</ref> The comic strip usually runs for a [[panel (comics)|single panel]] on weekdays and a full strip on [[Sunday comics|Sundays]].

The comic strip became so successful that it was adapted to other popular media, including a [[1986 series|Dennis the Menace (1986)''''', several television shows, both live-action and animated, and several feature films, including theatrical and [[direct-to-video]] releases.

Coincidentally, a [[Dennis the Menace and Gnasher|UK comic strip]] of the same name debuted on the same day.<ref>{{cite news |title=The curious tale of two menacing children named Dennis |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/dundee/916761/the-curious-tale-of-two-menacing-children-named-dennis/ |access-date=29 January 2022 |work=[[The Courier (Dundee)|The Courier]]}}</ref> The two are not related and change their names subtly in each other's respective home bases to avoid confusion.

== Characters and setting ==
''Dennis the Menace'' takes place in a [[Middle class|middle-class]] [[Suburb|suburban]] neighborhood in [[Wichita, Kansas]].<ref>"'Dennis the Menace' creator dies at 81; strip to continue"</ref> In the comics, the Mitchell family lives in a two-story house at the fictional address of 2251 Pine Street.<ref>Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun #2. Christmas Double Feature "I want a..." p. 77.</ref> The Wilson family lives next door at 2253 Pine Street.<ref>''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #2. p. 171.</ref> The television series differs, putting the Wilsons at the also-fictional 627 Elm Street.<ref>{{citation |title=Dennis the Menace |date=June 27, 2014 |url=https://nostalgiacentral.com/television/tv-by-decade/tv-shows-1950s/dennis-menace/ |publisher=Nostalgia Central |access-date= November 8, 2021}}</ref>

=== The Mitchell family ===
* '''Dennis Roger Mitchell''' is a [[freckle]]-faced 5-year-old<ref>Dennis the Menace cartoon march-14-2014</ref> boy with a troublesome but good-hearted and helpful personality. His long-suffering parents, Henry and Alice Mitchell, can only shake their heads and try to explain their son's antics to others, yet they very much love and care for him. The comic efficacy of Dennis's personality lies within how his genuine attempts to help those in need, combined with his youthful energy and enthusiasm, frequently lead to trouble wherever he goes (usually at Mr. Wilson's expense). He wears a black T-shirt with blue stripes with red [[overalls]] and white [[sneakers]], yet he often prefers going [[barefoot]]. He hates [[Carrot|carrots]] and baths, loves [[root beer]] (especially with [[Cookie|cookies]] or [[Chocolate brownie|brownies]]), [[ketchup]], [[Sandwich|sandwiches]], [[Water gun|water pistols]], playing with other boys his age, mud puddles, [[camping]], and [[Western (genre)|Westerns]] (especially those starring Cowboy Bob, the comic's take on the [[Lone Ranger]]), and has occasionally been depicted wearing a [[cowboy]] costume.<ref>Dennis the Menace comic june-2-2014</ref> Dennis has a Cowboy Bob Deputy Badge,<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_050_Hallden-Fawcett/page/n37 Dennis the Menace 050]</ref> poster, and an autographed picture of Cowboy Bob, as well. Among the [[Running gag|running gags]]: Dennis has a soft spot for animals such as [[Kitten|kittens]] and [[Puppy|puppies]], which he is always taking home to feed; he loves loud instruments, such as [[Horn (instrument)|horns]] and [[Drum kit|drums]], and he ruins [[Christmas music|Christmas songs]] with shouts of cowboy songs or annoys adults by shouting out loud.<ref name="Dennis the Menace Fawcett comic 3">[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_003_Pines_Hallden_Dennis_The_Menace_Giant_Christmas_I/page/n7 Dennis the Menace Fawcett comic 3]</ref> When Dennis is in the local [[department store]] trying out toys, such as [[Tricycle|tricycles]], he often ends up breaking them and making his parents buy them. In fact, Dennis nearly causes [[Portrait photography|portrait photographers]], [[Hairdresser|hairdressers]],<ref name="Dennis the Menace Fawcett Comic #18">[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_018_Pines/page/n11 Dennis the Menace Fawcett Comic #18]</ref> bank presidents,<ref>Dennis the Menace 28</ref> grocery-store personnel,<ref name="Dennis the Menace 42">[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_042_Hallden-Fawcett/page/n23 Dennis the Menace 42]</ref> [[kindergarten]] teachers,<ref>Dennis the Menace comic march-27-2014</ref><ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_The_Menace_094_1968 Dennis the Menace 94]</ref> restaurant [[Waiting staff|waiters]], [[Librarian|librarians]],<ref>Dennis the Menace Comic strip Nov 13, 1987</ref> museum [[Security guard|guards]], [[Police officer|police officers]], [[Bus driver|bus drivers]],<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_025_Pines/page/n35 Dennis the Menace 25]</ref> house heating equipment repairmen,<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_034_Hallden-Fawcett_1958/page/n13 Dennis the Menace 34]</ref> town [[mayor]],<ref name="Dennis the Menace Fawcett comic 3"/> department-store Christmas Santas and saleswomen, [[Pharmacy (shop)|drug store]] salesmen, [[hardware store]] salesmen, shoe salesmen, [[Barber|barbers]],<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_039_Hallden-Fawcett_1959/page/n31 Dennis the Menace # 39]</ref> and the local [[post office]] workers<ref name="Dennis the Menace Fawcett COMIC 61">[[iarchive:fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_061_Hallden-Fawcett_1968/page/n1|Dennis the Menace Fawcett Comic 61]]</ref> to have nervous breakdowns when he comes around.<ref>For an example of Dennis the Menace chaos in a department store, see "Dennis Goes Christmas Shopping" in ''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #2.</ref> A running gag is that Dennis causes chaos wherever he visits, such as the [[Urban park|city park]],<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_018_Pines Dennis the Menace 18]</ref> a Marineland Aquarium, <ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Bonus_Magazine_Series_165_1977/page/n25 Dennis the Menace 165]</ref> [[United States Army|the US Army]], <ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_037_Hallden-Fawcett/page/n5 Dennis the Menace 37]</ref> and even on vacation trips to [[Mexico]]<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_008_Hallden-Fawcett Dennis the Menace in Mexico]</ref> and [[Hollywood, Los Angeles|Hollywood]].<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_007_Hallden-Fawcett_1959/page/n47 Dennis the Menace 007]</ref> Despite all this, he is a "popular kid" with his peers, having countless friends both at his school and around the neighborhood, who are taken with his very fun-loving demeanor. Dennis also believes in the [[Easter Bunny]] and [[Santa Claus]]. Another running gag is Dennis dreaming that he meets Santa Claus on [[Christmas Eve]] and causing chaos for everyone else.<ref name="Dennis the Menace Fawcett COMIC 61"/>
* '''Henry Mitchell''', age 32,<ref name="dennis.kingfeatures.org">[http://dennis.kingfeatures.org/cast-and-crew/] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504140343/http://dennis.kingfeatures.org/cast-and-crew/|date=May 4, 2014}}</ref> is Dennis' father, a workaday [[teacher]] at Dennis's school; he is an alumnus of [[Wilberforce University]] with a [[master's degree]] in [[architecture]].<ref>Dennis the Menace 20</ref> Henry seems to understand Dennis more than his wife does, especially in affairs of the heart. One example was when a furious Dennis stormed in, saying, "Wimmin can say some of the stupidest things!," Henry knowingly said to Alice, "Margaret." Another time, while Dennis was watching Gina, he confided to his dad, "There's somethin' about Gina that I can't figger out." Henry wisely advised his son, "Wait." Again, Henry and Alice overhear Dennis tell Gina that she "smelled better than a plateful of peanut butter samwiches." Henry remarks, "The ultimate compliment." Like his creator Hank Ketcham, Henry served in the [[United States Navy]]; starting as a position as a quartermaster (helmsman) second class on a US Navy ship,<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_105_Hallden-Fawcett_1969/page/n13 Dennis the Menace # 105 1969]</ref> he ended up on an aircraft carrier<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_The_Menace_155_1978/page/n9 Dennis the Menace 155]</ref> and rose to the rank of [[chief petty officer]].{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} Among his hobbies are playing [[card games]] such as [[poker]],<ref>Dennis the Menace 34</ref> [[Birdwatching|bird watching]],<ref>Dennis the Menace 43</ref> and playing the [[ukulele]] and singing old songs. A running gag is that Henry often plays the [[straight man]] dupe—either resulting from Dennis's "helpfulness," or because of his own foolishness; once, he tried to save money on a Christmas tree by cutting one down in the country—and ended up paying $20.00 ($10.00 for a fine and $10.00 for the owner charging him for the tree).<ref>''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #2, "Up a tree"</ref>
* '''Alice Mitchell, née Aberdeen''' is Dennis' [[Housewife|stay-at-home mother]], who is usually the reassuring figure to whom Dennis can run when things get too overwhelming, ready to greet him with a warm [[hug]]. Although she grew up among animals on a [[Poultry farming|chicken ranch]], a [[running gag]] is that Alice is [[Ophidiophobia|ophidiophobic]]. (She also dislikes mice and white rats, implying she is [[Fear of mice and rats|musophobic]] as well.)<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_050_Hallden-Fawcett/page/n13 Dennis_the_Menace_050]</ref> {{citation needed|date=April 2021}} She is the president of a local [[Bridge (card game)|bridge]] club.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_021_Pines/page/n25 Dennis the Menace Fawcett Comics 21]</ref> Another running gag involves Dennis's ever-changing parade of new [[Babysitting|babysitters]];<ref>Dennis the Menace comic June 28, 2019</ref> no one will take the job twice, much to Alice's annoyance.<ref>Dennis the Menace comic June 13, 1958</ref><ref>Dennis the Menace December 9, 1959</ref><ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Bonus_Magazine_Series_165_1977/page/n25 Dennis the Menace Bonus Magazine Series 165]</ref> Alice is the disciplinarian in the Mitchell household; for example, she punishes Dennis for his misbehavior by having him sit in the corner in a [[rocking chair]] for timeout.<ref>Dennis the Menace comic february-28-2014</ref><ref>Dennis the Menace march-16-2014</ref><ref>Dennis the Menace march-18-2014</ref>
* '''Ruff Mitchell''' is Dennis's pet [[dog]] (a [[Newfoundland dog|Newfoundland]] mix{{Citation needed|date=October 2019}}) and best friend. He is always eagerly following him around, accompanying him while Dennis is [[running]], or riding his [[Bicycle|bike]] or [[skateboard]]. Another [[running gag]] is that although Ruff chases cats, he is actually afraid of them.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_114_Hallden-Fawcett_1971/page/n13 Dennis the Menace 114]</ref>
* '''Hot Dog''' is Dennis's rarely seen [[cat]], which usually commiserates with him while he sits in the corner and reflects on his wrongdoings. Dennis gave the cat its name after the cat ate a package of [[Hot dog|hot dogs]].<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_143_Hallden-Fawcett_1976/page/n23 Dennis the Menace No 143]</ref>
* '''Barney''' is another cat of the Mitchells.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}
* '''Grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell'''<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_037_Hallden-Fawcett/page/n5 Dennis the Meanace 37]</ref>
* '''Grampa''' (Arnold "Swede" Aberdeen) is Alice's father, who spoils Dennis often. He evokes the unintentional jealousy of Mr. Wilson, for he gets to see Dennis occasionally, but Mr. Wilson sees him all the time. Because they are so much alike, Dennis and Grampa Johnson get along well. Mr. Wilson also thinks that Johnson should act his age, but this advice is often ignored. To Grampa, life is worth living and he encourages Dennis to live it to the fullest. His wife's status is unknown; she is never seen in the comics, although she is mentioned four times—twice when, thanks to Dennis, Alice finds out Henry destroyed his Christmas gift (a tie) from his mother in law;<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_003_Pines_Hallden_Dennis_The_Menace_Giant_Christmas_I/page/n97 Dennis the Menace giant Christmas]</ref> another time a furious Alice finds out that Henry had thrown his mother-in-law's gift (a tie) into the trash.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Another time, Alice wished her mother a Happy Mother's Day by telephone.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Grandpa mentions his wife to Dennis but not her status{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}
* '''Uncle Fred and Aunt Mollie'''<ref>''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #2 "Too Many Santas"</ref>
* '''Uncle Richard and Aunt Ginny'''<ref>''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #2</ref>
* '''Uncle John''' lives in [[Florida]]. The Mitchells visited him once for a vacation.<ref name="ReferenceA">''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #8</ref>
* '''Uncle Al''' lives in [[Texas]] and works in the "oil business." He runs a small oil and [[Filling station|gas station]].<ref>Dennis the menace #15</ref>
* '''Uncle Charlie'''<ref name="Dennis the Menace Fawcett Comic #18"/>
* '''Uncle Ernie and Aunt Blanche'''
*'''Aunt Betty'''<ref name="ReferenceA" />
* '''Aunt Hetty'''<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
* '''Aunt Sue'''<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

=== The Wilsons ===
* '''George Everett Wilson Sr.''' is Dennis's cranky, cantankerous, middle-aged next-door neighbor, a retired [[postal carrier]] and (at least as far as Dennis is concerned) his best adult friend. Not much is told about his early life except he grew up on a farm, went through [[The Great Depression]] of the 1930s, and served in [[World War II]]. Dennis loves Mr. Wilson, but unintentionally annoys him, as he regularly disrupts Mr. Wilson's attempts at a serene, quiet life; he often interrupts Mr. Wilson's hobbies such as gardening and bird watching, at times accidentally damaging his property. As a result, he displays a less than cordial attitude towards the young boy, though Dennis continues his well-meaning intrusions unabated. Actually, as many readers suspected, he is secretly fond of Dennis and misses him when he is away, although he would never openly admit it. On one occasion when the Mitchells went to Hollywood for two weeks, Mr. Wilson kept seeing Dennis' face everywhere!<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_007_Hallden-Fawcett_1959/page/n47 Dennis the Menace Giant 007]</ref> Mr. Wilson is named after a teacher Hank Ketcham knew. Dennis often (especially in the television series) refers to him as "Good Ol' Mr. Wilson." Although a running gag is that Dennis's pranks drive Mr. Wilson crazy, at times Dennis tries to do nice things for Mr. Wilson, such as the time Dennis left Ruff the dog and Hot Dog the cat with Mr Wilson so he would not be lonely on [[Father's Day]], while Dennis and his father went to a baseball game,<ref>"Dennis the Menace" June 20, 2010</ref> or the time Dennis tries to cheer Mr. Wilson up on [[April Fool]]'s day by placing a fake "Mitchell House for sale" sign up.<ref>"Dennis the Menace" comic April 2, 2012</ref>
* '''Martha Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's engaging wife, who adores Dennis. Mrs. Wilson freely dotes on him and plies him with freshly baked cookies and [[Dairy milk|milk]]. Martha sees Dennis as a surrogate grandson. By 1975, George and Martha had been married for 25 years.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Bonus_Magazine_Series_142 Dennis the Menace Bonus Magazine Series 142]</ref>
* '''John Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's brother.
* '''Eloise Wilson''' is John's wife, Mr. Wilson's sister-in-law.
* '''Earl Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's estranged son.
* '''Elena Wilson''' is Earl's wife.
* '''Winnie Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's granddaughter and Earl's daughter.
* '''Walter "Walt" Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's grandson and Earl's son.
* '''Keith Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's grandson and Earl's son.
* '''Sammy Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's grandson and Earl's son.
* '''George Wilson Jr.''' is Mr. Wilson's son.
* '''Edna Wilson''' is George Jr.'s wife.
* '''Tammy Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's daughter.
* '''George Wilson III''' is Mr. Wilson's grandson.
* '''Will Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's grandson.
* '''Helga Wilson''' is Mr. Wilson's granddaughter.
* '''Uncle Ned''' is Mr Wilson's 70-year-old uncle who visited his nephew in 1964.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Television_Special_022 Dennis the Menace Television Special 022 Fawcett comic]</ref>

=== Dennis' friends ===
* '''Tommy Anderson''' is Dennis' best friend (after Mr. Wilson). This character eventually disappeared from the strip, although he does make appearances in the ''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' books.
* '''Joey McDonald''' is loyal, timid, and not too bright. He is a year younger than Dennis. He usually plays the [[sidekick]] to Dennis's schemes, and sees him as a big-brother figure. Dennis often gives him naïve advice, and gives him little "nuggets" of wisdom and insight.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_086_Fawcett_-_1966/page/n33 Dennis the Menace 86]</ref> Joey's baby sister was introduced on November 13, 2016. {{citation needed|date=April 2021}}
* '''Margaret Wade''' is a freckled, [[Red hair|red-haired]], [[Glasses|bespectacled]] [[know-it-all]] whose cloying and self-important demeanor is always getting on Dennis's nerves. She is attracted to Dennis and is stubbornly confident in the belief that she will [[Marriage|marry]] him when they are adults,<ref>Dennis the Menace June 2, 1958 comic</ref> but he clearly has no interest in her. She always tries to improve Dennis and his manners, but succeeds only in annoying him. She has a certain amount of dislike for Gina, whom she sees as her competition. Gina gains Dennis' respect and admiration by just being herself, and Margaret's pretensions fail to make a mark on him. Margaret, who is two years older than Dennis,<ref name="dennis.kingfeatures.org"/> is very ambitious: when she was five, she decided to join the [[Camp Fire (organization)|Camp Fire]] Girls when she reaches the age of seven;<ref name="ReferenceA"/> an organization in which she is very active,{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} and in one cartoon, she sells [[Girl Scout Cookies (cannabis strain)|Girl Scout cookies]] to the Mitchells.<ref>Dennis the Menace february-22-2014</ref> She likes taking [[gymnastics]] and [[ballet]],<ref name="Dennis the Menace 143">[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_143_Hallden-Fawcett_1976 Dennis the Menace 143]</ref> singing Christmas carols,<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_Giant_074_Hallden-Fawcett_1969/page/n15 Dennis the Menace 74]</ref> and taking piano lessons; she also plays the [[saxophone]],{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} the [[Fife (instrument)|fife]],{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} and the [[violin]].{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} She is a devout religious believer, and has had pets<ref name="ReferenceA"/> of her own—four white [[Persian cat|Persian cats]]: one named Charlie,<ref>Dennis The Menace Giant 004 Pines Hallden 1957</ref> one named Prudence,<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_The_Menace_095_1968/page/n25 Dennis The Menace 095 1968]</ref> one named Snowflake,<ref>Dennis the Menace comic April 7, 2013</ref> and another named Mr. Coodles (whom she wheels around in a [[baby carriage]]). Besides hoping to marry Dennis,<ref name="Dennis the Menace #39">[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_039_Hallden-Fawcett_1959/page/n31 Dennis the Menace #39]</ref> she also has decided to be the first female [[President of the United States]].{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} A running gag is that whenever Margaret tries to be genuinely nice to Dennis, such as inviting him over to her house to help decorate a [[Christmas tree]],<ref name="ReferenceB">''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' #2 "How not to Decorate a Tree"</ref> be a guest at her birthday party,<ref name="ReferenceA"/> or when Dennis tries to have Margaret give him too much candy<ref name="ReferenceA"/>—Dennis' "helpfulness" results in him being sent home. One weakness of Dennis is that no matter how much he dislikes Margaret, he cannot resist eating food at the Wades'.<ref name="ReferenceB"/> Margaret and Dennis are not always adversaries. In one scene, Dennis sprayed both Margaret and Gina with his mother's [[perfume]] with a water pistol, which resulted in both girls playing with him and Dennis' mother becoming very angry with him.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> A running gag is that Margaret is a victim of Dennis's [[Practical joke|practical jokes]], such as being sprayed on by a [[garden hose]].<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_086_Fawcett_-_1966/page/n31 Dennis the Menace 86]</ref> On one Valentine's Day, Dennis gave "trick" Valentine's messages to Margaret, Gina, and Sally that had messages read "I DON'T Like." This earned Dennis having to sit in the corner as punishment.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_the_Menace_050_Hallden-Fawcett/page/n3 Dennis the Menace 050 Hallden-Fawcett]</ref> In one April Fool's Day comic, Dennis decided to trick Margaret with compliments instead of pranks; to Dennis' horror, Margaret accepted the joke as real and dragged Dennis to hear her piano playing.<ref>Dennis the Menace comic April 1, 2012</ref> Although she is fond of Dennis, she can on occasion lose her temper and "bop" him,<ref name="Dennis the Menace #39"/><ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_The_Menace_094_1968/page/n27 Dennis The Menace 094 ]</ref><ref>[https://archive.org/details/fawcett_Dennis_The_Menace_154_1977_/page/n17 Dennis the Menace 154]</ref> and once "flipped" him after she graduated to a [[Black belt (martial arts)|black belt]] in karate.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}
* '''Gina Gillotti''' is a fiercely independent young [[Italian Americans|Italian-American]] girl, on whom Dennis is mostly unaware that he has a crush. Gina is [[Tomboy|tomboyish]] yet still feminine in appearance. She also likes Dennis in a future-sweethearts kind of way, but in contrast to his dislike of Margaret, Dennis actually enjoys being with Gina. He likes her because she is as independent-minded as he is, and she enjoys the same things that he does. Gina is aware that she is a girl, and woe betide anyone who thinks otherwise. Just as Margaret had "flipped" Dennis in [[karate]], Gina once "flipped" Dennis in [[judo]]<ref name="Dennis the Menace 143"/>
* '''Jackson''' is an [[African Americans|African American]] character whom Ketcham decided to add to the cast in the late 1960s. Ketcham designed Jackson in the tradition of a stereotypical cartoon [[pickaninny]], with huge lips, big white eyes, and just a suggestion of an [[Afro]] hair style. A panel from May 13, 1970, depicted Jackson and Dennis playing in the backyard, with Dennis saying to his father, "I'm havin' some race trouble with Jackson. He runs FASTER than I do!"<ref>[http://i46.tinypic.com/2nhhunr.jpg] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225064628/http://i46.tinypic.com/2nhhunr.jpg|date=February 25, 2012}}</ref> The character depiction was not received well. Protests erupted in [[Detroit]], [[Little Rock, Arkansas|Little Rock]], [[Miami]], and [[St. Louis]], and debris was thrown at the offices of the ''[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch|Post Dispatch]]''. Taken aback, Ketcham issued a statement explaining that his intentions were innocent, and Jackson was not seen in the comics again.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fantagraphics.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=977 |title=Dennis the Menace – Introduction |author=Brian Walker |publisher=Fantagraphics Books |access-date=February 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613150309/http://www.fantagraphics.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=977 |archive-date=June 13, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> However, another African American character named Jay Weldon appeared in the 1986 animated series to far less controversy, as he was not a stereotype.
* '''Ben''' is a [[Jewish]] friend of Dennis.<ref>{{cite web |title=October 26, 2014 Dennis the Menace strip |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/comics-kingdom/index.ssf?feature_id=Dennis_The_Menace&feature_date=2014-10-26 |access-date=October 28, 2014}}</ref>
* '''Cowboy Bob''' is a film cowboy, whom Dennis idolizes. He appears in a series of Westerns known as Cowboy Bob films. The boy fails to realize that Westerns are rarely made in these times and that the films he is seeing are actually old repeats. In one story arc where Dennis' parents invite the retired actor to a party, they have Dennis meet him, to which Dennis comments that he must be "Cowboy Bob's grandpa!"

== History ==
=== Inspiration ===
The inspiration for the comic strip came from Dennis Ketcham, the real-life son of Hank Ketcham,<ref>{{cite news | last = Weinraub| first = Judith| title = Dennis's Dear Old Dad| newspaper = The Washington Post| date = May 5, 1990| url = https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/72586949.html?dids=72586949:72586949&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=MAY+05%2C+1990&author=Judith+Weinraub&pub=The+Washington+Post&desc=Dennis's+Dear+Old+Dad%3BCartoonist+Hank+Ketcham%2C+In+a+World+Without+Menace&pqatl=google}}</ref> who, at four years old, refused to take a nap and made a complete mess of his room. Hank tried many possible names for the character, and translated them into rough pencil sketches, but when his studio door flew open, and his then-wife Alice, in utter exasperation, exclaimed, "Your son is a menace!,"<ref name="nytimesobit">{{cite news | last = Van Gelder| first = Lawrence| title = Hank Ketcham, Father of Dennis the Menace, Dies at 81| newspaper = The New York Times| date = June 2, 2001| url = https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9B01E4D8163FF931A35755C0A9679C8B63&n=Top/News/Business/Companies/Google%20Inc.| access-date = 2007-09-17}}</ref> the "Dennis the Menace" name stuck. The character of Henry Mitchell bore a striking resemblance to Ketcham, while the Mitchell family of Dennis, Henry/Hank, and Alice were all named after the Ketchams.

=== Visuals ===
Ketcham's line work has been highly praised over the years. A review on comicbookbin.com states: "...a growing legion of cartoonists, scholars, aficionados, etc. have come to appreciate the artistry of Dennis's creator, Hank Ketcham. Ketcham's beautiful artwork defines cartooning elegance. The design, the composition, and the line: it's all too, too beautiful."<ref name="cbbin">{{cite news | last = Douresseaux| first = Leroy| title = Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace: 1953–1954 (review)| publisher = comicbookbin.com| date = August 20, 2007| url = http://www.comicbookbin.com/completedennisthemenace002.html| access-date = 2008-12-21}}</ref> AV Club reviewer Noel Murray wrote: "Ketcham also experimented with his line a little early on, tightening and thickening without losing the looseness and spontaneity that remains the strip's best aspect even now."<ref name="avclub">{{cite news | last = Murray| first = Noel| title = Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis The Menace 1951–1952 (review)| publisher = The Onion's avlub.com | date = September 28, 2005| url = https://www.avclub.com/content/node/41135| access-date = 2008-12-21}}</ref>

In 2005, Dennis appeared as a guest for Blondie and Dagwood's 75th anniversary party in the comic strip ''[[Blondie (comic strip)|Blondie]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.chron.com/apps/comics/showComick.mpl?week=1&date=20050904&name=Blondie |title=Comics and cartoons |publisher=Chron.com – Houston Chronicle|date=September 4, 2005 |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>

=== Awards ===
Ketcham received the [[Reuben Award]] for the strip in 1953.<ref>{{cite web | title = The Reuben Award 1946–1974| publisher = The National Cartoonists Society| url = http://www.reuben.org/ncs/archive/divisions/reuben.asp| access-date = 2007-09-18}}</ref>
He also was made [[title of honor|honorary]] mayor of Wichita. He was quoted as saying, "I set the whole thing in Wichita, Kansas, and as a result I got made an [[title of honor|honorary]] mayor of Wichita."<ref>{{cite web | title = Biography for Hank Ketcham| website=[[IMDb]]| url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0450477/bio| access-date = 2007-09-18}}</ref>

=== Ketcham retires ===
[[File:Ron Ferdinand NAS 2013.jpg|thumb|Ron Ferdinand in 2013]]
Hank Ketcham retired from the comic strip in 1994,<ref name="nytimesobit" /> turning over production of the strip to his assistants Ron Ferdinand and Marcus Hamilton. They [[zombie strip|continued their run]] after Ketcham's death in 2001, alongside Scott Ketcham since 2010.<ref name="nytimesobit" />

== Advertising ==
Dennis the Menace appeared in [[A&W Restaurants]] advertising in the 1960s, then [[Dairy Queen]] marketing from 1971 until 2001, when he was dropped because Dairy Queen felt children could no longer relate to him. Dennis also appeared in the Sears Roebuck Wish Book Christmas catalog in the 1970s.

== Comic books ==
Dennis the Menace has been published in comic books and comic [[digest size|digests]] from the 1950s through the 1980s by a variety of publishers, including [[Nedor Comics|Standard/Pines]] (1953–58), [[Fawcett Comics]] (1958–80, during their only return to comics after settling the Captain Marvel lawsuit and selling much of their comics division to [[Charlton Comics]]), and [[Marvel Comics]] (1981–82). These included both newspaper strip reprints and original ''Dennis the Menace'' comic book stories, produced by others besides Ketcham. [[Al Wiseman]], one of Ketcham's assistants in the 1950s and '60s, worked on many of them. Ron Ferdinand, Ketcham's Sunday page artist, drew several of the Dennis stories in the Marvel books, including the cover for issue No. 11.

=== Giant series ===
The main comic book series (simply named ''Dennis the Menace'') ran in tandem with the "Giant" series. The ''Dennis the Menace Giant Vacation Special''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11130 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref> and ''Dennis the Menace Christmas Issue''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11248 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref> were published by Standard in 1955. Those issues inaugurated the Giants series, which was published by Pines for issues 2–6,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11131 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref> and continued by Hallden/Fawcett for issues 6–75.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11132 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref> The Giant series was later renamed the ''Dennis the Menace Bonus Magazine Series'', which started with issue No. 76 in 1970.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11133 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref> CBS and Hallden later retitled the series as ''The Dennis the Menace Big Bonus Series'', which ran through issue #194 in October 1979.

=== Other series ===
By October 1979, Fawcett began publishing a separate series of 36 issues titled ''Dennis the Menace and Mr. Wilson''. By the second issue, the series was rechristened ''Dennis the Menace and His Friends'' which now involved Dennis, Mr. Wilson, friends Joey and Margaret, and dog Ruff. Because of this, the Mr. Wilson stories were alternated with the three characters as ''Ruff, Joey, and Margaret'' who each shared a No. 1 issue with Dennis.

Three other series of Dennis the Menace comic books also were published, beginning in 1961. First was ''Dennis the Menace and His Dog, Ruff.'' ''Dennis the Menace and His Pal, Joey'' was published in summer 1961, and ''Dennis the Menace and Margaret'' was published in the winter of 1969.

In 1972, as part of a bonus magazine series, Fawcett published a "Short Stuff Special" where Dennis visited [[Children's Fairyland]] in [[Oakland, California]].

=== Bible Kids series ===
In 1977, Word Books, Inc. (now [[HarperCollins]]) commissioned Hank Ketcham Enterprises, Inc. to produce a series of 10 comic books under the title ''Dennis and the Bible Kids'', with the usual cast of characters reading (and sometimes partly acting out) the stories of [[Joseph (Hebrew Bible)|Joseph]], [[Moses]], [[David]], [[Esther]], [[Jesus]], and other Biblical characters. These were sold through Christian [[bookstore]]s and related outlets. Each issue contained several inspirational renderings by Hank Ketcham himself.

=== Marvel series ===
The ''Dennis the Menace Fun Fest'' and the ''Dennis the Menace Big Bonus'' series were revived for a short-issue run in 1980:
* January: ''The Dennis the Menace Fun Fest'' #16
* February: ''The Dennis the Menace Big Bonus'' #10
* March: ''The Dennis the Menace Fun Fest'' #17
* April: ''The Dennis the Menace Big Bonus'' #11

After these revival series, the Hallden and CBS comics run came to an end in 1980. Ketcham had half of the comic book rights purchased by [[Stan Lee]] and Marvel Comics, so they were able to produce a new series of ''Dennis the Menace'' comic books. The new Marvel series ran from December 1981 to November 1982. The smaller ''Dennis the Menace'' comic digests were published continually by Fawcett and Hallden between 1969 and 1980, and they were briefly resurrected in reprints by Marvel in 1982 for a run of three issues.

=== List of comic books ===
==== Main series ====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Title
! Starting year
! Publisher
|-
| ''Dennis the Menace'' (#1–14)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11127 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1953
| Standard
|-
| ''Dennis the Menace'' (#15–31)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11128 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1956
| Pines
|-
| ''Dennis the Menace'' (#32–166)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11129 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1959
| Hallden/Fawcett/CBS
|-
| ''Dennis the Menace'' (#1–13)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=2597 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1981
| Marvel
|}

==== Other series ====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Title
! Starting year
! Publisher
|-
| ''The Best of Dennis the Menace'' (#1–5)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11250 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1959
| Hallden
|-
| ''Dennis the Menace Pocket Full of Fun'' digest (#1–50)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=11135 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1969
| Fawcett
|-
| ''Dennis The Menace and the Bible Kids'' (#1–10)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=13834 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
| 1977
| Word Books
|}

== Book compilations ==
''Dennis the Menace'' has also been published in [[Mass market paperbacks|mass market paperback]] collections, made up of newspaper strip reprints:
{{refbegin|2}}
* ''Dennis the Menace'' (1952) Avon (also published in hardcover by Henry Holt & Co.)
* ''More Dennis the Menace'' (1954) Avon (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Baby Sitter's Guide by Dennis the Menace'' (1955, 1961) Pocket Books, Fawcett (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Wanted: Dennis the Menace'' (1955) Fawcett (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Dennis the Menace Rides Again'' (1956, 1971) PB, Fawcett (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Dennis the Menace vs. Everybody'' (1957) PB (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Dennis the Menace: Household Hurricane'' (1958, 1963) PB, Fawcett (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''The Adventures of the Pickle'' (1958) Corgi Books
* ''In this Corner... Dennis the Menace'' (1959) Fawcett (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Dennis the Menace ...Teacher's Threat'' (1960) Fawcett (also in hardcover by Holt)
* ''Dennis the Menace: Voted Most Likely'' (1960) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace, A.M. *Ambassador of Mischief'' (1961) Fawcett (also in hardcover by HRW)
* ''Dennis the Menace: Happy Half-Pint'' (1962) Fawcett (also in hardcover by Random House)
* ''Dennis the Menace ...Who, Me?'' (1963) Fawcett (also in hardcover by Random House)
* ''Dennis the Menace: Make-Believe Angel'' (1964) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace ...Here Comes Trouble'' (1966) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace and Poor Ol' Mr. Wilson'' (1967) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: All-American Kid'' (1968) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace and His Pal Joey'' (1968) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Your Friendly Neighborhood Kid'' (1969) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Perpetual Motion'' (1969) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace ...Everybody's Little Helper'' (1970) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Non-Stop Nuisance'' (1970) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Surprise Package'' (1971) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Short 'n' Snappy'' (1971) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Where the Action Is'' (1971) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Dennis Power'' (1972) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Just for Fun'' (1973) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: The Kid Next Door'' (1973) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Busybody'' (1974) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Little Pip-Squeak'' (1974) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Play It Again, Dennis'' (1975) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace to the Core'' (1975) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Little Man in a Big Hurry'' (1976) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Short Swinger'' (1976) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace and His Girls'' (1977) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: "Your Mother's Calling!"'' (1977) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Ol' Droopy Drawers'' (1978) Fawcett
* ''Someone's in the Kitchen with Dennis the Menace'' (1978) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Driving Mother Up the Wall'' (1979) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: I Done It MY Way'' (1979) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Short in the Saddle'' (1979) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Ain't Misbehavin''' (1980) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Stayin' Alive'' (1980) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Good Intenshuns'' (1981) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: One More Time!'' (1981) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: The Way I Look at It...'' (1982) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Dog's Best Friend'' (1982) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Supercharged and Ever Ready'' (1983) Fawcett
* ''Dennis the Menace: Sunrise Express'' (1983) Fawcett
{{refend}}

In 1990, [[Abbeville Press]] published Hank Ketcham's fully illustrated autobiography: ''The Merchant of Dennis'' ({{ISBN|9780896599437}}, hardcover). The book was reprinted by [[Fantagraphics]] in 2005 ({{ISBN|1560977140}}, [[Trade paperback (comics)|trade paperback]]). Abbeville also published a softcover retrospective of the strip in 1991, ''Dennis the Menace: His First 40 Years''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.comics.org/series.lasso?SeriesID=31651 |title=The Grand Comics Database (GCD) |publisher=Comics.org |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>

=== ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace'' ===
In 2005, comics publisher Fantagraphics began to reprint Ketcham's entire run on ''Dennis the Menace'' (excluding Sunday strips) in a projected 25-volume series over 11 years. No new volumes have been issued since 2009 and it is unknown when and if the series will resume.<ref>{{cite news | last = Estrada| first = George| title = Antics of "Dennis the Menace" back in print| publisher = The Seattle Times Company| date = August 8, 2005| url = http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/artsentertainment/2002426706_dennis08.html| access-date = 2008-09-18 }}</ref> They are published in hardcover editions as well as paperback.

# ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace, 1951–1952'' (2005) {{ISBN|1-56097-680-2}}
# ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace, 1953–1954'' (2006) {{ISBN|1-56097-725-6}}
# ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace, 1955–1956'' (2006) {{ISBN|1-56097-770-1}}
# ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace, 1957–1958'' (2007) {{ISBN|978-1-56097-880-0}}
# ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace, 1959–1960'' (2008) {{ISBN|978-1-56097-966-1}}
# ''Hank Ketcham's Complete Dennis the Menace, 1961–1962'' (2009) {{ISBN|978-1-60699-311-8}}

== Worldwide success ==
=== Film and television ===
''Dennis the Menace'' has been the subject of a number of adaptations. The [[Dennis the Menace (1959 TV series)|first one produced]] is a [[CBS]] sitcom that aired from 1959 to 1963 starring [[Jay North]] as Dennis,<ref>{{cite news| title = Dennis the Menace Goes on TV| last = Korman| first = Seymour| publisher = Chicago Daily Tribune| date = September 26, 1959| url = https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/593551392.html?dids=593551392:593551392&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&date=Sep+26%2C+1959&author=Seymour+Korman&pub=Chicago+Daily+Tribune&desc=DENNIS+THE+MENACE&pqatl=google| access-date = 2008-09-18 }}</ref> [[Herbert Anderson]] as Henry Mitchell; [[Joseph Kearns]]<ref>{{cite news | title = Joseph Kearns, 55, TV Actor, is Dead; Played Mr. Wilson of 'Dennis the Menace' on C.B.S.| publisher = The Seattle Times Company| date = February 18, 1962| url = http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30C12FB3C5910728DDDA10994DA405B828AF1D3| access-date = 2008-09-18 }}</ref> as George Wilson, and subsequently [[Gale Gordon]] as his brother, John Wilson. North also appeared as Dennis on an episode of ''[[The Donna Reed Show]]''<ref>{{cite news | title = Full cast and crew for The Donna Reed Show Donna Decorates (1960)| publisher = imdb| url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0564225/fullcredits#cast | access-date = 2008-12-08 }}</ref> and in the theatrical film ''[[Pepe (film)|Pepe]]'' (both 1960). On September 11, 1987, a ''Dennis the Menace'' live-action [[television film]] was broadcast; it was later released on video under the title ''Dennis the Menace: Dinosaur Hunter''.<ref>{{cite book |last= Kohn|first= Martin F. |date= 1996 |title= Videohound's Family Video Guide |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=n7fS6-zVgh4C&q=%22Dennis+the+Menace%22+dinosaur+videohound |publisher= Visible Ink Press|page= 1960|isbn= 0787609846 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HWRnDwAAQBAJ&q=all-new+dennis+the+menace+dic&pg=PT461|title=Pocket Full of Dennis the Menace|first=Mark|last=Arnold|author-link=Mark Arnold (historian)|quote="[...] there was a Dennis the Menace TV-movie called 'Dennis the Menace' that was later renamed 'Dennis the Menace: Dinosaur Hunter' to avoid confusion with the 1993 theatrical feature film. [...] It first aired on September 11, 1978 [...]"|date=2017|access-date=2019-07-09|isbn=978-1629331195}}</ref> Another live-action ''[[Dennis the Menace (1993 film)|Dennis the Menace]]'' film, starring [[Walter Matthau]] as Mr. Wilson and [[Mason Gamble]] as Dennis, was released to theaters in 1993. It was originally titled ''The Real Dennis the Menace'' before the final name was approved. This was followed with the direct-to-video ''[[Dennis the Menace Strikes Again]]'' in 1998, starring [[Don Rickles]] as Mr. Wilson. The most recent film adaptation, ''A Dennis the Menace Christmas'' was released to DVD on November 6, 2007. The [[Warner Bros.]] production starred [[Robert Wagner]] as Mr. Wilson, [[Louise Fletcher]] as Mrs. Wilson, and [[Maxwell Perry Cotton]], then a six-year-old actor, as Dennis.

=== Animation ===
''Dennis the Menace'' was adapted into an animated special, ''[[Dennis the Menace in Mayday for Mother]]'' which aired in 1981 and was produced by [[DePatie–Freleng Enterprises]] and [[Mirisch Films]].<ref>{{cite news | title = Dennis the Menace in Mayday for Mother (1981)| publisher = IMDb| url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0285518/ | access-date = 2015-11-21 }}</ref> A [[Dennis the Menace (1986 TV series)|daily animated syndicated series]] was produced by [[DiC Entertainment]] in 1986 with Brennan Thicke as the voice of Dennis, also featuring [[Phil Hartman]] who voiced George Wilson and Henry Mitchell.<ref>{{cite news | title = Dennis the Menace (1986)| publisher = IMDb| url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0166910/?ref_=fn_al_tt_3 | access-date = 2015-11-21 }}</ref> DiC also produced the ''[[All-New Dennis the Menace]]'' for CBS Saturday Mornings in 1993 with Adam Wylie voicing Dennis.<ref>{{cite news | title = All-New Dennis the Menace (1993)| publisher = IMDb| url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0287192/?ref_=fn_al_tt_9 | access-date = 2015-11-21 }}</ref> An animated movie, ''Dennis the Menace in Cruise Control'', premiered as part of [[Nickelodeon|Nickelodeon's]] ''[[Nickelodeon Sunday Movie Toons|Sunday Movie Toons]]'' block in 2002 and later released to DVD.<ref>{{cite news | title = Dennis the Menace in Cruise Control (TV Movie 2002) | publisher = IMDb| url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0337974/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 | access-date = 2015-11-21 }}</ref>

==== List of film and TV adaptations ====
'''Films'''
* ''[[Dennis the Menace: Dinosaur Hunter]]'' (1987, live-action TV movie)
* ''[[Dennis the Menace (1993 film)|Dennis the Menace]]'' (1993, live-action)
* ''[[Dennis the Menace Strikes Again]]'' (1998, live-action DTV)
* ''Dennis the Menace in Cruise Control'' (2002, animated TV movie)
* ''A Dennis the Menace Christmas'' (2007, live-action DTV)

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%;"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Crew/detail
! colspan="5" | Film
|-
! ''[[Dennis the Menace: Dinosaur Hunter|Dennis the Menace: Dinosaur Hunter]]'' (1987)
! ''[[Dennis the Menace (1993 film)|Dennis the Menace]]'' (1993)
! ''[[Dennis the Menace Strikes Again|Dennis the Menace Strikes Again]]'' (1998)
! ''Dennis the Menace: Cruise Control'' (2002)
! ''A Dennis the Menace Christmas'' (2007)
|-
! Director
| Doug Rogers
| [[Nick Castle]]
| Charles T. Kanganis
| Pat Ventura
| [[Ron Oliver]]
|-
! Producer
| Philip D. Fehrle
| John Hughes and Richard Vane
| Jeffrey Silver and Bobby Newmyer
| '''Executive producers:''' [[Andy Heyward]] and Michael Maliani
| [[Steven J. Wolfe]]
|-
! Writers
| [[Bruce Kalish]] & David Garber and K.C. Dee
| [[John Hughes (filmmaker)|John Hughes]]
| [[Tim McCanlies]] (screenplay); Tim McCanlies and [[Jeff Schechter]] (story)
| Steve Granat and Cydne Clark
| Kathleen Laccinole
|-
! Editor
| Edward Salier
| [[Alan Heim]]
| [[Jeffrey Reiner]]
| N/A
| Zack Arnold
|-
! Composer
| [[Randy Edelman]]
| [[Jerry Goldsmith]]
| [[Graeme Revell]]
| [[Matt McGuire]]
| [[Peter Allen (composer)|Peter Allen]]
|-
! Cinematography
| [[Arledge Armenaki]]
| [[Thomas E. Ackerman]]
| Christopher Faloona
| N/A
| C. Kim Miles
|-
! Production company
| [[DIC Enterprises]] [[Coca-Cola Telecommunications]]
| [[John Hughes (filmmaker)|Hughes Entertainment]] [[Warner Bros. Family Entertainment|Warner Bros. Family Entertainment]]
| [[Outlaw Productions]] Warner Bros. Family Entertainment
| [[DIC Entertainment Corporation]]
| DTM3 Productions Sneak Preview Entertainment Valkyrie Films [[Warner Premiere]]
|-
! Distribution
| [[Sony Pictures Television]]
| colspan="2" | [[Warner Bros.]]
| [[Nickelodeon]] [[MGM Home Entertainment]]
| [[Warner Home Video]]
|-
! Released
| 11 September 1987
| 25 June 1993
| 14 July 1998
| 27 October 2002
| 13 November 2007
|-
! Duration
| 118 minutes
| 94 minutes
| 75 minutes
| 72 minutes
| 83 minutes
|}

'''Television shows and specials'''
* ''[[Dennis the Menace (1959 TV series)|Dennis the Menace]]'' (1959, live-action)
* ''[[Dennis the Menace in Mayday for Mother]]'' (1981, animated, TV special)
* ''[[Dennis the Menace (1986 TV series)|Dennis the Menace]]'' (1986, animated)
* ''[[All-New Dennis the Menace]]'' (1993, animated)

=== Merchandising ===
* From 1971 to 2001, Dennis the Menace was licensed by [[Dairy Queen]] as their official mascot, appearing in many commercials and on the chain's cups, bags, and other promotional items, until he was dropped because the chain felt children could no longer relate to him as much.

=== Playground ===
In 1952, Hank Ketcham spearheaded the construction of the Dennis the Menace Playground, designed by [[Archibald Garner|Arch Garner]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Archibald garner: a brief biographical sketch| publisher = words-and-art.com| url = http://words-and-art.com/archbio.html | access-date = 2008-12-18 }}</ref> It opened in [[Monterey, California]] on November 17, 1956.<ref>{{cite web| title = Dennis the Menace Playground Flyer| publisher = Monterey.org – City of Monterey| url = http://www.monterey.org/rec/denmenace06.pdf| access-date = 2008-12-18| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090220020222/http://www.monterey.org/rec/denmenace06.pdf| archive-date = February 20, 2009| df = mdy-all}}</ref> The playground featured a bronze statue of Dennis sculpted by [[Wah Chang]]. On the night of October 25, 2006, the 125 lb statue, which was estimated to be worth $30,000, was stolen from the playground.<ref>{{cite news | title = Statue of Dennis the Menace Stolen| date = October 28, 2006| url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/28/AR2006102800324_pf.html| access-date = 2007-09-18| publisher=[[Associated Press]]|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|via=washingtonpost.com}}</ref> In April 2007, it was replaced by a reproduction of another Dennis statue Chang made for the Ketchams. It was donated by Willis W. and Ethel M. Clark Foundation. In 2015 the missing statue was found in a scrap yard in Florida, returned to Monterey,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coury |first=Nic |title=Missing Dennis the Menace statue returns to Monterey. |url=https://www.montereycountyweekly.com/blogs/news_blog/missing-dennis-the-menace-statue-returns-to-monterey/article_81b766cc-6196-11e5-becd-6f55241b1fee.html |access-date=2022-05-16 |website=Monterey County Weekly |language=en}}</ref> and installed in front of the city recreation office.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coury |first=Nic |title=Dennis the Menace statue finds permanent home in Monterey. |url=https://www.montereycountyweekly.com/blogs/news_blog/dennis-the-menace-statue-finds-permanent-home-in-monterey/article_1e815cdc-3a32-11e6-8b1b-df210ceea6d5.html |access-date=2022-05-16 |website=Monterey County Weekly |language=en}}</ref>

=== Video games ===
* ''[[Dennis the Menace (video game)|Dennis the Menace]]'' (known as '''''Dennis''''' in Europe), a video game [[tie-in]] to the 1993 feature film, was released that same year by [[Ocean Software]] for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]], [[Amiga]] and [[Game Boy]].

===''Dennis the Menace'' in other languages===
The comic strip has been translated into many foreign languages, which has helped make the strip's characters famous worldwide.
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed"
|-
! List of foreign language titles
|-
| Arabic: 'ّماهر الصغير' (Little Maher)
|-
| Brazilian Portuguese: ''Dennis, o Pimentinha''
|-
| Catalan: ''Daniel el trapella''
|-
| Chinese: ''淘氣阿丹''
|-
| Croatian: ''Vragolasti Denis''
|-
| Danish: ''Jern-Henrik'' (means Iron-Henrik)
|-
| Dutch: ''Dennis de Bengel''
|-
| Estonian: ''Nuhtlus Nimega Dennis''
|-
| Finnish: ''Ville Vallaton''
|-
| French: ''Denis la malice''
|-
| French Canadian: ''Denis la petite peste''
|-
| German: ''Dennis der Lausejunge'' (also known as ''Dennis die Nervensäge'')
|-
| Greek: ''Ντένις ο Τρομερός'' (Dénis o Tromeros)
|-
| Hebrew: ''דני שובבני'' (Danny Shovevani)
|-
| Hungarian: ''Dennisz, a komisz''
|-
| Icelandic: ''Denni Dæmalausi''
|-
| Italian: ''Dennis la Minaccia''
|-
| Japanese: ''わんぱくデニス'' (''Wanpaku Dennis'')
|-
| Korean: ''개구쟁이 데니스''
|-
| Norwegian: ''Dennis''
|-
| Persian: ''دنیس دردسر''
|-
| Polish: ''Dennis Rozrabiaka''
|-
| Portuguese: ''Dennis o Pimentinha''
|-
| Romanian: ''Denis pericol public''
|-
| Russian:''Дэннис непоседа''
|-
| Serbian: ''Denis Napast''
|-
| Sinhalese ([[Sri Lanka]]): ''Dangaya (දඟයා)''
|-
| Spanish: ''Daniel el Travieso''
|-
| Slovenian: ''Dennis pokora''
|-
| Swedish: ''Dennis'' (also called ''Lill-Knas'', ''Bosse Bus'' or ''[[Kristian Tyrann]]'' in some publications in the 50s).
|-
| Turkish: ''Afacan Denis''
|}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website|https://comicskingdom.com/dennis-the-menace/}}
* [https://kingfeatures.com/comics/comics-a-z/?id=Dennis_The_Menace ''Dennis the Menace'' at King Features]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110717125916/http://www.kingfeatures.com/features/comics/dennis/charactMaina.htm List and short bios of the strip's characters]
* [https://nationalcartoonists.com/ncs/archive/divisions/advertising.asp NCS Awards]

{{Dennis the Menace}}
{{King Features Syndicate Comics}}

[[Category:Dennis the Menace (U.S. comics)| ]]
[[Category:1951 comics debuts]]
[[Category:American comic strips]]
[[Category:Comics set in Kansas]]
[[Category:Comic strips set in the United States]]
[[Category:Gag cartoon comics]]
[[Category:Gag-a-day comics]]
[[Category:American comics adapted into films]]
[[Category:Comics adapted into animated series]]
[[Category:Comics adapted into television series]]
[[Category:Comics adapted into video games]]

Dennis the Menace and Gnasher

2023-01-12T20:38:27Z

90.206.235.192: Added name. Please don't delete.

{{for|the American comic strip of the same name|Dennis the Menace (U.S. comics)}}
{{short description|British comic strip}}
{{italic title}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Beano strip
| strip_name = ''Dennis and Gnasher''
| image = [[File:Dennis the Menace and Gnasher the dog.jpg|250px]]
| creator = George Moonie (editor) [[David Law (cartoonist)|David Law]] (artist) Ian Chisholm
| writer = [[David Sutherland (comics artist)|David Sutherland]] [[Nigel Auchterlounie]] Nigel Parkinson Jimmy Hansen Tom Paterson
| artist = [[Nigel Parkinson]]
| start_issue = 452
| start_date = 12 March 1951 (dated 17 March 1951) {{small|(as ''Dennis the Menace'')}}
| caption = Dennis (right) with his pet dog [[Gnasher]].
| finish =
| format = Ongoing
| schedule = Weekly
| main_character = Dennis Menace, Jr.
| alias = Dennis the Menace
| family = Sandra (mum) Dennis, Sr. (dad) [[Gnasher]] (pet) [[Minnie the Minx|Hermione Makepeace]] (cousin) [[Bea (Dennis the Menace)|Bea]] (sister) [[Gnipper]] (pet) Granny (grandmother)
| friends = Curly, Pieface, Rubi and JJ
| team_members =
| type =
| characters = [[Walter the Softy]], Spotty Perkins, Bertie Blenkinsop, Sargent Slipper, the Colonel, Foo Foo, Angel-Face
| other_characters = Mr. De Testa, Claudius
| crossover = [[Minnie the Minx]], [[Roger the Dodger]], [[The Bash Street Kids]]
| spin-off = ''[[Dennis the Menace Annual]]'', ''[[Go, Granny, Go!]]'', ''[[Rasher (comics)|Rasher]]'', ''[[Dennis & Gnasher (1996 TV series)|Dennis & Gnasher]]'' 1996, ''[[Dennis & Gnasher (2009 TV series)|Dennis & Gnasher]]'' 2009, ''[[Bea (Dennis the Menace)|Bea]]'', ''[[Gnasher#Gnasher's Tale|Gnasher's Tale]]'', ''[[Gnasher and Gnipper]]''
| stars = {{ubl|'''''Dennis the Menace'''''|''Bringing Up Dennis'' (issues 801 – 808)}}
| other_names = ''Dennis the Menace'' ''Dennis the Menace and Gnasher''
| other_cameos = ''[[Minnie the Minx]]'', ''[[Roger the Dodger]]'', ''[[The Bash Street Kids]]'', ''[[The Beano Annual]]'' ''[[Dennis the Menace Annual]]''
}}
'''''Dennis the Menace and Gnasher''''' (originally titled '''''Dennis the Menace''''' and currently titled '''''Dennis and Gnasher''')'' is a long-running [[comic strip]] in the British children's [[comic book|comic]] ''[[The Beano]]'', published by [[DC Thomson]], of [[Dundee]], Scotland. The comic stars a boy named Dennis the Menace and his Abyssinian wire-haired tripe hound [[Gnasher]].

The strip first appeared in issue 452, dated 17 March 1951, and on sale from 12 March 1951.<ref>{{cite news |title=The curious tale of two menacing children named Dennis |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/dundee/916761/the-curious-tale-of-two-menacing-children-named-dennis/ |access-date=29 January 2022 |work=[[The Courier (Dundee)|The Courier]]}}</ref> It is the longest-running strip in the comic. The idea and name of the character emerged when the comic's editor heard a British [[music hall]] song with the chorus "I'm Dennis the Menace from Venice".<ref name="Dennis at 60">{{cite news|title=Dennis the Menace at 60|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-12770341|publisher=BBC|date=20 October 2016}}</ref> The creation of Dennis in the 1950s had sales of ''The Beano'' soar.<ref name="Dennis at 60"/> From issue 1678 onwards (dated 14 September 1974), Dennis the Menace replaced [[Biffo the Bear]] on the front cover, and has been there ever since. Coincidentally, on 12 March 1951, another comic strip named ''[[Dennis the Menace (U.S.)|Dennis the Menace]]'' debuted in the US. As a result of this, the US series has initially been retitled ''Dennis'' for UK audiences, while the British character's appearances are often titled ''Dennis and Gnasher'' outside the UK. In 2021, Dennis (and Gnasher) featured on a [[Great Britain commemorative stamps 2020–2029#2021|series of UK postage stamps]] issued by the [[Royal Mail]] to mark 70 years of the character.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-57671019.amp|title=Dennis the Menace: Royal Mail stamps mark 70 years of Beano character|date=1 July 2021|website=BBC|accessdate=23 September 2022}}</ref>

Dennis is the archetypal badly behaved schoolboy. The main recurring storyline throughout the years features his campaign of terror against a gang of "softies" ([[effeminate]], well-behaved boys), particularly [[Walter the Softy]]. Walter finds himself in unfavourable circumstances on many occasions, although he sometimes gets the last laugh. Author [[Michael Rosen]] states, "In most children's books, a bad child gets made good – but the great thing about Dennis is he never gets better".<ref name="Dennis at 60"/>

''Dennis the Menace and Gnasher'' was first drawn by [[David Law (cartoonist)|David Law]] (1951–1970), who gave the mischievous boy his distinctive red-and-black-striped jersey, outsized shoes, and devilish grin, then [[David Sutherland (comics artist)|David Sutherland]] (1970–1998). [[David Parkins]] took over from 1998 until 2006, although [[Nigel Parkinson]] drew the lion's share of the strips after 2002, and Jimmy Hansen alternated with him in 2005–06. [[Tom Paterson]] drew some second Dennis strips for the comic's rear pages. [[Barrie Appleby]] did the artwork for the ''Beano Superstars'' series, which, towards the end of its run, resorted mostly to strips based on the [[Dennis the Menace and Gnasher (1996 TV series)|TV series]]. In 2011, he took over as Dennis's main artist. In 2012, Nigel Parkinson was named sole official Dennis artist. Dennis was returned to his previous appearance and personality. [[Nigel Auchterlounie]] began writing for Dennis a month later and gave Dennis (and the other characters) wider personalities. Auchterlounie has proven to be a very popular writer since taking over Dennis. Dennis and Gnasher have remained the mascots of ''The Beano''.

==Strip history==

===Creation and concept===
{{Quote box|width=27%|bgcolor=#FFFFF0|align=right|quote="The eureka moment arrived in a [[St Andrews]] pub while chief sub Ian Chisholm and artist Davey Law were brainstorming. Chisholm grabbed a cigarette packet, sketched a picture of "a knobbly-kneed boy with dark spiky hair" and a comic strip legend was born."|source=—''Dennis the Menace at 60'', [[BBC]], March 2011.<ref name="Dennis at 60"/>}}
The idea and name of the character emerged when ''The Beano'' editor George Moonie heard a British [[music hall]] song with the chorus "I'm Dennis the Menace from Venice".<ref name="Dennis at 60"/> The character of Dennis was initially a struggle for artist Davey Law and then ''Beano'' chief sub Ian Chisholm to develop. Chisholm described the character to Law but was dissatisfied with every sketch the artist showed him. Out of frustration, Chisholm grabbed a pencil and quickly sketched out his creation to Law in the back of his cigarette packet. The drawing consisted of Dennis's trademark messy haircut, knobbly knees, and menacing scowl. Adapting Chisholm's doodle, Law set to work on the character in the strip, which would appear in the 17 March 1951 issue of ''The Beano''. Two months later, Law gave the mischievous boy his distinctive red-and-black-striped jersey, outsized shoes, and devilish grin.<ref name="Dennis at 60"/>
[[File:Dennis and Gnasher portrayed by Nigel Parkinson.jpg|thumbnail|left|Dennis the Menace, as he appears in the Parkinson years.]]

===David Law strips (1951–1970)===

Dennis's first comic-strip appearance consisted of him walking into the park with his father and his dog, where a sign is planted informing visitors that they should 'Keep Off the Grass'. Keeping in with his "world's naughtiest boy" tagline,<ref name="Dennis at 60"/> Dennis makes many attempts to get onto the grass, much to his father's annoyance. Losing his temper, he takes the lead off the dog and puts it on Dennis, thus ending the menace's hijinks. This, like many succeeding it, only made up half a page. Dennis was deemed not popular enough to gain a full-page strip until around 1954. Many of Law's strips ended with Dennis being punished for his troublemaking with [[corporal punishment]], such as a [[slippering]] or [[caning|use of a cane]]. Throughout the years, Law's Dennis became taller than his debut appearance. Why Law chose to do this is unknown, but many believe it was due to Law's [[Perfectionism (psychology)|perfectionist]] nature. In 1954, Dennis replaced [[Big Eggo]] as the character next to ''The Beano'' title, citing one of many changes of the comic during this period. The following year, Dennis became one of a few characters from [[DC Thomson]] comics to be featured in his [[Dennis the Menace Annual|own annual]] (the 1956 edition), which continued to 2011.

Dennis was also present in the first ''[[The Dandy|Dandy]]''-''Beano'' Summer Special, where he appeared in full colour. This strip featured Dennis begrudgingly selling flags in aid of the dog's home. Bored, he chooses to make this a perfect aid to his menacing. Dennis continued to gain popularity solo as time moved on. His trademark pet, Gnasher, was not introduced until 1968.

On 31 August, a strip depicted Dennis being informed by his father that many pets look like their owners. Dennis dismisses this as being a load of "rot!" and goes out. However, seeing many different owners looking just like their dogs, he begins to consider that it may be true. Upon being informed of a dog show, Dennis decides to enter but needs a dog to do so. This was when he found the Abyssinian wire-haired tripehound roaming the streets of Beanotown. Menacing the dog show rather than attempting to win it, the duo are eventually caught and punished. Gnasher returned the following week and became a comic favourite, as well as the Menace's best friend.

===David Sutherland strips (1970–1998)===

In 1970, Davey Law took ill and retired from the strip, leaving Dennis in need of a new artist. Dave Sutherland, who was already the artist of ''[[Biffo the Bear]]'' and ''[[The Bash Street Kids]]'', was chosen. Dennis made a cameo in a Biffo story in 1972, citing his wish to be on the cover. This dialogue proved to be almost prophetic, as he became the cover star of the comic in 1974 (issue 1678, cover date 14 September 1974), a position he still holds today. His first cover story consisted of him using the issue's free gift, the Happy Howler, to torment people, including his Dad and in an opera house, who gives Dennis's dad a free gift of his own, a slipper.

Dennis's popularity was emphasised in 1976 when he was awarded his own fan club. Members would get a membership card, a club wallet, and two badges. This became the foundation of ''The Beano'' Club years later. The club was well known for being popular amongst [[celebrities]], as well as ''Beano'' readers. [[Phil Lynott]], [[Mark Hamill]], and [[Linford Christie]] were among many to join. A strip promoting an all-new Dennis T-shirt for club members emerged in 1978. It featured a guest appearance from [[Minnie the Minx]] and consisted of the two fighting over to whom the red-and-black jersey image truly belongs.

''The Beano'' turned 40 in 1978. To celebrate, Dennis's weekly comic strip this week featured him celebrating his birthday and his menacing antics with his brand new [[cowboy]] outfit.

In 1980, ''The Beano'' reached a landmark 2000th issue. The front cover depicted Dennis offering to show readers the first issue of the comic. Incidentally and fitting well with the character's menacing nature, the comic was at the bottom of the pile. The character was then featured in one of the first ''Beano'' spin-off comics, ''The Beano Comic Libraries''. He was one of the first ''Beano'' characters to get a feature-length story, which in turn was called ''King Dennis''. Dennis was also a character present in the most successful ''Beano'' annual to date in 1983.

In 1986, one of Dennis's first story arcs appeared. Gnasher, his faithful companion, had gone missing. Distraught, Dennis asked readers to join him on a "Gnational Gnasher Search". At first, Dennis's dad was far happier without the tripehound, but as the week wore on, he found himself missing the dog. The story lasted seven weeks before Gnasher returned by a father with his six daughters and son, Gnipper, who later became a key character.

On ''The Beano''<nowiki/>'s 50th anniversary, Dennis's strip consisted of him saving ''The Beano''<nowiki/>'s birthday cake, which had begun to float away after the rope in which the sailor was pulling it along with was cut by a nearby crab.

A landmark issue for Dennis appeared in 1991, as ''The Beano'' announced they were to change his image. The news received much media attention throughout the UK and it was later revealed to be a publicity stunt in the very strip the image was introduced. Dennis's new attire consisted of a blue tracksuit, sunglasses and headphones connected to a [[walkman]]. However, the tracksuit bottoms ripped due to Dennis's knobbly knees and he ditched the jacket as his father could catch him easier after he had menaced. The end of the strip showed Dennis returning in his trademark jersey and shorts and [[Pea shooter (toy)|pea-shooting]] his nemesis [[Walter the Softy|Walter]]. Dennis also played a vital role in the storyline in which ''The Beano'' was turned into colour. The front cover of the famous 2674th issue of the comic depicted Dennis spraying other famous ''Beano'' characters with a hose of paint.

In 1993, ''Beano'' editor [[Euan Kerr]] was becoming concerned at the direction David Sutherland's depiction of the character was taking, with Dennis becoming ever stockier and larger. Kerr, feeling that Dennis was beginning to resemble a thuggish teenager rather than the naughty boy he was intended to be, told Sutherland to make Dennis look younger in appearance. As a result, Dennis was made shorter, with a smaller chin. He retained his familiar outfit but started to wear trainers. These changes were also made with the intention of making the character easier to animate for the forthcoming ''[[Beano Video]]''.

In 1996, the first [[Dennis the Menace and Gnasher (1996 TV series)|Dennis animated series]] was released on the UK station CBBC, with a second series following in 1998.

After ''The Beano'''s 60th anniversary issue in 1998, David Sutherland stopped drawing the strip, and was replaced by former [[Billy Whizz]] and [[The Three Bears (comic strip)|The Three Bears]] artist, [[David Parkins]].

===David Parkins (1998–2003)===
[[File:Dennis and Gnasher as drawn by Dave Parkins.jpg|thumbnail|Dennis as depicted during the Parkins Years as drawn by Nigel Parkinson]]
Parkins' first Dennis strips featured a storyline that formally introduced Dennis's younger sister [[Bea (Dennis the Menace)|Bea]] into the comic. The story lasted three issues and consisted of Dennis's fear that a younger sister would ruin his reputation as the toughest menace in Beanotown. However, as it turned out Bea was as much of a menace as her older brother and even gained her own spin-off strip drawn by Nigel Parkinson (who would frequently ghost the main strip during 1999–2004), which Dennis would sometimes cameo in.

Dennis kicked off the new millennium with a strip of him charging 50 pence to access the Menace Dome, a more 'menacing' version of the [[Millennium Dome]]. He also starred as a villain in a feature-length Bash Street Kids strip in which he, alongside Minnie the Minx and Roger the Dodger, raced against the Bash Street Kids to find the treasure which was apparently buried underneath the Millennium Dome. It ended with Danny, the Bash Street leader, outwitting Dennis and his cronies and Dennis angrily blaming it on Roger. Whilst a rivalry with The Bash Street Kids was touched on before in other strips, it was this story that made the rivalry far more well known. Several succeeding feature-length strips after, usually drawn by Mike Pearse or Kev F. Sutherland, further depicted the rivalry even to the point it would get violent. He also made other appearances in the spin-off [[Bash Street Kids - Singled Out]], where he would take on a similar role.

[[File:Beanoland at Chessington - geograph.org.uk - 681527.jpg|thumb|left|The Beanoland area at [[Chessington World of Adventures]] (Dennis is located at the top right)]]
In 2000, Dennis became a major mascot for Beanoland at the [[Chessington World of Adventures]] theme park. He was featured prominently throughout the land including a large figure atop the shop, a member of the squirting water fountain, a character on the [[dodgems]], a silhouette on the entrance and a cast member in the live show located in his treehouse. Later in the park's history, ''Dennis's Madhouse'' was introduced which was a foam ball play area. In 2008, the land was changed into Wild Asia.

In 2001, Dennis turned 50 and celebrated with a house party in which several ''Beano'' characters were invited. The same issue also showed readers how Dennis received his trademark jersey which, it reveals, was initially owned by a boy called Tufty. After Tufty asks when someone would [[Moon Landing|land on the moon]], to which Dennis accurately predicts 20 July 1969, Dennis offers to give him the chance right then. He attaches his granny's homemade soda pop to Tufty, shakes him then removes each of the lids which causes Tufty to blast off and fall into a nearby lake. Dennis then grabs the jersey and puts it on remarking it 'feels right somehow!'.

In 2003, Dennis appeared as a playable character in the PC game ''[[Beanotown Racing]]''. He was featured in several strips leading up to the game's release depicting how he received his vehicle and the races he got into before the game's events. This includes a rivalry with [[Minnie the Minx]] who had got her vehicle before him. Dennis tuned up his Menace-Mobile to make a dune buggy.

===Nigel Parkinson, Jimmy Hansen and Tom Paterson (2004–2009)===

David Parkins' workload meant he was able to draw the strip on an increasingly less frequent basis throughout his time on the strip, and after 2003 he became too busy to continue as a full-time artist. Nigel Parkinson, who had previously been drawing the strip as Parkins' understudy, continued as artist, along with Jimmy Hansen coming in to replace Parkins. The pair drew the vast majority of stories between 2004 and 2007 when Tom Paterson also started drawing the strip. In 2008, Dennis was given an extra strip towards the back of the comic, usually a continuing story across a few weeks. These strips were usually drawn by [[Tom Paterson]]. One such story featured the illness of Gnasher's young pup, Gnipper who had been bitten by a poisonous snake. Throughout this story, Dennis and Gnasher called upon the help of various past characters of the strip's history before finally contacting Gnipper's many sisters who successfully managed to get him out of his coma. Walter also changed in the strip as Dennis was given more reason to belittle and menace him. Instead of being camp and frilly, he was quite rude and obnoxious especially towards Dennis and his friends. However, Dennis seemed to be more of a bully than an anti-hero at this age.

In 2007, Dennis was featured on the front page of a new magazine ''[[BeanoMAX]]'' and was the cover star until 2008 where he was replaced by Max, an exclusive character. Another landmark issue was met in 2008 where ''The Beano'' turned 70. As a celebration, Dennis was seen on the cover sharing a cake with [[Wallace and Gromit]], whose creator was featured heavily in the issue.

===2009 re-launch (2009–2010)===
[[File:Dennis and Gnasher logo.png|thumb|The 2009 logo.]]
When the [[Dennis the Menace and Gnasher (Comic Strip)|strip]] was relaunched in 2009, Dennis faced several changes to his character and appearance. It was the first major revamp of the character since his debut over 50 years prior. Parkinson, Hansen and Paterson continued to draw the strips, although Dennis became slightly shorter with a boyish look to him as opposed to the brute, tough guy look the previous artists had established. His behind the nose grin was used far less frequently and most of his menacing was toned down. He also no longer used weapons such as a catapult or peashooter save for a few times, so he became more creative in his mischief. The strip's title was shortened to Dennis and Gnasher during these years, and Dennis rarely used the term 'menacing' to describe his actions. Dennis's idol was revealed to be 'Rat-Bucket', a fictional heavy metal singer introduced in the strip. He was also given more rivals as Athena and Sugar were both introduced to the strip. He was also given a new spin-off called ''Sixty Second Dennis''. This was a single page strip that featured Dennis in a short story and was usually illustrated by [[Nigel Parkinson]].

The reason behind the re-launch was to promote the new [[Dennis and Gnasher (2009 TV series)|TV series]] which was just about to hit screens in Britain. It followed Dennis, Curly, Pie-Face and Gnasher as they attempt to brighten up the average day in Beanotown through new ideas, adventures and pranks.

On 27 November 2010, ''The Beano'' Club was relaunched into ''The Beano'' V.I.P. It was officially announced via a Dennis strip where several British celebrities including [[Ant and Dec]], [[Simon Cowell]] and [[Daniel Radcliffe]] visited Beanotown in an effort to join the club but all failed as they were not deemed tough enough. In the end, Dennis decides it is only the reader who can become a ''Beano'' V.I.P. This was the first strip in which Dennis seemed to actually do his 'menacing' intentionally since his re-launch in 2009.

===Barrie Appleby (2011–2012)===

In early 2011, Dennis's re-launched character slowly and subtly began returning to his 'menacing' ways. He began using his weapons again and referring to his antics as menacing. He also began to do his menacing more intentionally as he did in all previous eras. Barrie Appleby, who had previously drawn Roger the Dodger, became the artist as the strip was extended to three pages rather than the usual two. Sixty Second Dennis was also dropped, being replaced by a Gnasher spin-off strip called Gnashional Treasure, which was later renamed as [[Gnasher's Bit(e)]].
Although the strip continued to be known as ''Dennis and Gnasher'', Dennis was once again overtly referred to as 'the menace', and by his 60th birthday, Dennis had returned to his original character although he still has the likeness of his 2009 TV series counterpart. Meanwhile, Nigel Parkinson continued with lengthier ''BeanoMAX'' stories which would often feature other ''Beano'' characters.

===Nigel Parkinson & Nigel Auchterlounie (2012–present)===

By August 2012, Dennis's 2009 re-launch was reverted following yet another re-launch of the comic. His illustrations were more in tone with David Parkins' era and he partook in genuine naughtiness and disruption again. Nigel Parkinson was named sole official Dennis artist and began the weekly strips while Barrie Appleby returned to Roger the Dodger. Like his 2009 re-launch, Dennis faced several new changes mainly due to a new editor. His old behind the nose grin returned and he began to once again refer to himself as a 'menace'. His parents had a make-over, so his traditionally balding father now shared his messy spiked hair and his mother was no longer neatly shaped. Gnasher also returned to normal. A new character called Angel Face was also introduced into the strip, in order to give Dennis more of a rival.

In honour of the [[2012 London Olympic Games]], gold medalist [[Jessica Ennis]] appeared in a strip, much to public attention. Paralympic runner [[Oscar Pistorius]] also appeared, with the current editor, Stirling citing that 'When people told Oscar he couldn't be an athlete due to his disability, he ignored them and, in that respect, he's just like Dennis, who never does as he is told.'<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/paralympic-sport/9506917/Oscar-Pistorius-to-follow-in-Jessica-Enniss-footsteps-by-appearing-on-front-cover-of-the-Beano-comic.html Oscar Pistorius to follow in Jessica Ennis's footsteps by appearing on the front cover of the ''Beano'' comic]. ''The Daily Telegraph''.</ref> Both strips were extremely well received amongst both the athletes and the public.

[[File:Dennis_and_Dennis's_new_father.jpg|thumb|right|In the second panel, Dennis snaps at his father (the Dennis from the 1980s) that he "used to be awesome".]]

During Series 12 of the BBC's ''[[Mock the Week]]'', host [[Dara Ó Briain]], and comedians [[Hugh Dennis]], [[Andy Parsons]] and [[Chris Addison]] were drawn by Nigel Parkinson in a one-off pic with Dennis, which was shown in the second episode, whilst they and guest comedians were discussing the appearance of [[Charles, Prince of Wales]] and [[Camilla Parker Bowles]] in ''The Beano''. Each celebrity was drawn holding a weapon – Hugh had a peashooter, Chris had a water gun, Dara had a plunger and bow, and Andy had a catapult, and all four were drawn with Dennis's trademark red and black striped top, shorts, black socks, and brown shoes (except Andy, who had red trainers).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://downthetubes.tumblr.com/post/53923806236/did-you-see-the-beano-on-last-weeks-mock-the|title=downthetubes-tumblr – Did you see The Beano on last week's Mock the...|website=downthetubes.[[tumblr]].com|date=26 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304102721/http://downthetubes.tumblr.com/post/53923806236/did-you-see-the-beano-on-last-weeks-mock-the|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref>

Starting in November 2012, Dennis was written by former ''Dandy'' writer, Nigel Auchterlounie, who gave Dennis and the other characters wider personalities. Auchterlounie's strips have been very well received since taking over the strip. Dennis's younger years in Beanotown Preschool were chronicled in a strip called ''The BamBeanos''.

For the 75th anniversary, Dennis' parents noticeably changed appearance. His father had become a pot-bellied man with black, spiky hair and similar colour-schemed clothes to him, and his mother had red, shaggy hair. It was later revealed in 2015 that Dennis' father was the original Dennis the Menace from the 1980s in issue 3932<ref>{{cite magazine|issue=3932|title=The Beano|date=2 May 2018|editor1-first=John|editor1-last=Anderson|publisher=[[DC Thomson]]|title-link=The Beano}}</ref> in a featured strip about him campaigning to be mayor, in which his opponent, [[Walter the Softy]]'s father, starts a hate campaign by showing potential voters videos of Dennis, Sr.'s antics as a child. Although there is no distinct timeline in the comic strip, editor-in-chief Mike Stirling explained that "There's no definable lineage [in ''Dennis and Gnasher''], but there can only ever be one Dennis at any time. It serves as a salutary warning that even the coolest kids can become boring grown-ups."<ref name="Wired"/>

In 2021, The Beano celebrated Dennis' 70th anniversary with a special anniversary issue guest-edited by [[Joe Sugg]].<ref name="theguardian.com">{{cite news |title=Beano hero: Dennis the Menace turns 70 |url= https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/mar/17/beano-hero-dennis-the-menace-turns-70-joe-sugg |first=Alison |last=Flood |work=The Guardian |location= London |access-date=24 June 2021 |date=17 March 2021}}</ref>

==Character traits==

Dennis is an uncontrollable schoolboy who takes pride in causing chaos and mayhem to those around him due to his [[Dissent|intolerance]] for rules and order. Such traits have caused some artists and writers to consider him a villain, as, in such strips, Dennis would often prove himself to be selfish and greedy, tending to disregard his friends in favour of treasures.<ref>Bash Street Annual 2010</ref><ref>Dennis' 50th Birthday</ref> His misbehaviour stems from what ''The Beano'' explains as an attempt to add excitement to an otherwise dull day. Additionally, Dennis is often considered to be a [[loner]], seeking no solace in anyone's company aside from his faithful pet dog Gnasher. Feature-length strips in ''The Beano'' reveal that Dennis actually has a rivalling nature with The Bash Street Kids, often brawling and attempting to [[wit|outwit]] them. Most notably, he seems to have a particular dislike for Danny, the leader. He has, however, been shown to have a fairly stable friendship with [[Minnie the Minx]] and [[Roger the Dodger]], enough so that the three have been seen to work together often. Dennis has also been shown to be very [[hero]]ic, having saved his town on occasion from potential disaster. ''The Beano'' Annual 2001–2002, both exemplified this in their stories in which Dennis defeated a race of 'Beanobots'. Even though many strips depict Dennis as being fairly academically challenged, he is in fact extremely inventive and clever when it comes to mechanics. On occasion, it has been shown that Dennis can make from scratch his very own vehicles including a Menace Dune-Buggy, a working rocket, and other such things.

Talking of the character's longevity and changes over the years, Beano editor Michael Stirling stated: 'I'm sure he'll change again over the years, If kids are going around on hoverboards in 10 years’ time, Dennis will definitely have one. It's really up to kids, and I think it's always been that way, and that's why we’re able to appeal to kids today as well as to their parents. He's a great role model. That might sound counterintuitive because he's naughty, but his mischief nowadays is a lot more driven by positive things, and just making sure kids are really listened to.'<ref name="theguardian.com"/>

==Timeline==
{{multiple issues|
{{prose|date=March 2021}}
{{overly detailed|date=March 2021}}
}}
'''March 1951''': Drawn by David Law, Dennis the Menace appeared for the first time, as well as his dad.

'''May 1951''': Dennis got his trademark [[red]]-and-[[black]] striped jersey, knitted for him by his granny (aka Whentball). He also teamed up with fellow menaces Curly and Pie-Face. The strip appeared in two colours (red and black).

'''Mid-1953''': Dennis got expanded to a full page, while earlier strips were only half a page long.

'''8 August 1953''': Walter appeared for the first time. He moved in as Dennis's next-door neighbour.

'''1954''': David Law's style of drawing Dennis changed dramatically, making the characters tall and thin. Dennis appeared on the back page in full colour for the first time.

'''1955''': The first [[Dennis the Menace Annual|Dennis Annual]] was published, using reprinted stories from previous years.

'''1958''': After four years of being drawn this way, characters become more or less back the way they were. Dennis returned inside the comic.

'''1962''': Dennis returned to the back of the comic.

'''31 August 1968''': Dennis found a dog on the street, Gnasher, on his way to the dog show at the local town hall. Gnasher became a regular from this point onwards.

'''1969''': Walter's dog, Foo-Foo, debuted.

'''25 July 1970''': David Law retired, and one comic was drawn by [[Pup Parade]] artist Gordon Bell.

'''1 August 1970''': [[The Bash Street Kids|Bash Street Kids]] artist [[David Sutherland (comics artist)|Dave Sutherland]] started drawing Dennis, although drawing the strip almost identically to David Law. The strip was renamed "Dennis the Menace & Gnasher" when originally it was just called "Dennis the Menace" as Gnasher had been appearing every week on the strips.

'''14 September 1974''': Dennis took the front cover of ''[[The Beano]]'' replacing [[Biffo the Bear]].

'''1975''': Walter joined "the softies", Bertie Blenkinsop and Algernon "Spotty" Perkins.

'''21 May 1977''': Gnasher got his own strip in the comic, called "Gnasher's Tale", also drawn by David Sutherland.

'''5 May 1979''': Dennis's pet pig "Rasher" debuted.

''' Early 1980s''': Use of the slipper became increasingly rare in this time, having been very common in earlier strips.

'''22 September 1984''': Rasher got his own strip in the comic, called simply "Rasher". Again, David Sutherland is the strip's artist.

'''March 1986''': Gnasher "went missing". Foo Foo's Fairy Story temporarily replaced Gnasher's Tale.

'''May 1986''' Gnasher returned, introducing his pups; Gnatasha, Gnanette, Gnancy, Gnaomi, Gnorah and Gnipper. "Gnasher and Gnipper" replaced "Gnasher's Tale".

'''1987''': Dennis's spider, Dasher, appeared.

'''1988''': Rasher's strip ended, replaced by Ill Will and the Germs.

'''1990''': Granny's personality was changed drastically. Now, rather than a mean old woman, she became an elderly menace. The slipper was no longer used, partly due to changing attitudes towards child discipline at the time.

'''1990''': ''The Beano's Dennis the Menace and Gnasher Show'' appeared for the first time on [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] and [[The Children's Channel|TCC]],

'''1992''': The Menace Car was seen for the first time.

'''February 1993''': David Sutherland, Realising how stocky and bulky he became in recent years, started changing Dennis, making him look young and cute for a few years. The "Gnasher and Gnipper" strip was taken over by Barry Glennard in order to ease Sutherland's workload, though the style remains similar.

'''Early 1996''': Dennis The Menace was looking like he did again, and for the first time ever, the story was drawn in the same style as the [[Bash Street Kids]].

'''April 1996''': The [[Dennis the Menace (1996 TV series)|Dennis the Menace Animated TV series]] appeared for the first time on [[BBC]] and [[The Children's Channel|TCC]]. This year marked the first appearances of The Colonel, Dennis's neighbour, and Sergeant Slipper, the local constable, who had both previously appeared in the television series. From this point onwards the front cover page usually consists of just one frame of the strip rather than several.

'''1998''': Dasher re-appeared with a red mask as the mascot of the ''Beano'' site.

'''August–September 1998''': For the 60th anniversary of ''The Beano'', David Parkins started drawing Dennis the Menace, creating [[Bea (Dennis the Menace character)|Bea]] some issues later.

'''October 1998''': Bea got her own strip called '''Beaginnings''' drawn by Nigel Parkinson. She said her first word (Mud) in this strip.

'''1999''': Nigel Parkinson became Dennis artist for the first time.

'''February 2001''' The Gnasher and Gnipper strip was revamped, now being drawn in Barry Glennard's own style.

'''March 2001''' Dennis celebrated his 50th Birthday. A special episode drawn by David Parkins (In the style of David Law) was released in the issue, telling the readers how he got his striped jersey.

'''December 2001''' '''Beaginnings''' got renamed '''Dennis's Little Sister Bea – the Mini-Menace'''.

'''2002''': [[Buster Capp|Buster]] By this time, Nigel Parkinson was drawing Dennis as often as David Parkins, and effectively became the main artist the following year. Also in 2002, Jimmy Hansen drew his first Dennis strip.

'''2004''': David Parkins stopped drawing Dennis altogether, and Jimmy Hansen joined Nigel Parkinson as main artist. Over the next 5 years, they each drew about half of the strips. Walter got revamped when drawn by Jimmy Hansen, and he now bears the appearance of an [[Elvis impersonator]] with much bigger glasses.

'''2004''': Dennis the Menace became the longest-running strip in ''The Beano'' ever, beating [[Lord Snooty]].

'''2007''': [[Tom Paterson]] started drawing Dennis occasionally.

'''2008''': Dennis got a comic strip at the back of ''The Beano'' as well as the front. The second strip was usually drawn by [[Tom Paterson]]. It is now clear that Walter has a new personality. Instead of being a gentle, well-behaved boy, he's become camp, considerably meaner, and almost certainly evil.

'''2009''': [[Dennis & Gnasher (2009 TV series)|A brand new series]] was released, again on the [[BBC]]. For the new series, Dennis and Gnasher were revamped, not just for TV but also in the comic. The second Dennis strip was replaced by Sixty Second Dennis, which takes up just one page as opposed to two. The main Dennis strip is now mainly drawn by Hansen, with Sixty Second Dennis usually by Nigel Parkinson.

'''2011''': [[Barrie Appleby]] took over as regular Dennis artist. The strip isn't as influenced by the 2009 series now, with Dennis behaving more menacingly, the series-style backgrounds being dropped, Dennis being referred to more often as 'the menace' and the return of several characters who disappeared around the time of the new series, such as Foo-Foo. Also around the same time, Sixty Second Dennis gets replaced by a new Gnasher strip, titled [[Gnasher's Bit(e)]], drawn by Jimmy Hansen.

'''March 2011''': Dennis celebrated his 60th birthday.

'''August 2012''': Changes made by the previous relaunch were reverted. Nigel Parkinson, at this point named sole official Dennis artist, begins all regular weekly strips again.

'''July 2013''': A second season to the 2009 series renamed ''Dennis the Menace and Gnasher'' and the ''Dennis the Menace and Gnasher Megazine'' have both been released to coincide with the 75th anniversary of ''[[The Beano]]''.

'''March 2014''': The ''Dennis the Menace and Gnasher Megazine'' was renamed ''Dennis the Menace and Gnasher's EPIC Magazine''.

'''December 2014''': The ''Dennis the Menace'' [[Minecraft]] mod is launched.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Phillips |first1=Tom |title=Minecraft gets official Dennis the Menace mod |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-12-01-dennis-the-menace-publisher-launches-official-minecraft-mod |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202031140/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-12-01-dennis-the-menace-publisher-launches-official-minecraft-mod |archive-date=2 December 2014 |date=1 December 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Dredge |first1=Stuart |title=Minecraft meets The Beano with official Dennis and Gnasher mod |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/dec/01/minecraft-dennis-gnasher-the-beano |website=[[The Guardian]] |publisher=Guardian News & Media Limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202044407/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/dec/01/minecraft-dennis-gnasher-the-beano |archive-date=2 December 2014 |date=1 December 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

'''February 2015''': The ''Blast in Beanotown'' app for the [[iPad]] is launched.

'''September 2017''': Since Curly moved, JJ and Rubi are introduced since they both moved in. Pie-Face has been redesigned.

'''November 2017''': ''[[Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed!]]'' was released on the BBC.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/dennis/characters|title=Introducing Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed. A world full of adventure where rules just get in the way|publisher=BBC}}</ref>

'''December 2021''': Curly returns after being absent for 4 years. When he moved back in, he joined Class 3C.

==Characters==

Over the years, there has been a variety of subsidiary characters.

===Dennis's family===
'''Dennis''' is the main character of the strip. Badly behaved and visually rebellious, Dennis uses a wide range of pranks and weaponry in order to cause chaos and mayhem to those around him. He is recognised by his scruffy, black hair and red & black jumper.

'''Dad''' appeared in the first strip. His real name has never been given (although once it was cited as actually being "Dennis's Dad" in a letter by Dennis). He also appears in both ''Bea'' and ''Gnasher and Gnipper''. The real name of his wife, '''Mum''', has also never been given (again in the same letter, it was stated that her actual name is "Dennis's Mum", though in the 2020 annual the mayor called her Sandra). In the 2012 revamp, he was redrawn to look more like Dennis. This was explained in 2015 as '''Dad''' now being the grown-up version of the 1980s Dennis the Menace,<ref name="Wired">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.co.uk/article/dennis-the-menace-father-the-beano|title=Beano reveals Dennis the Menace's father is actually 1980s' Dennis|magazine=[[Wired UK]]|date=1 May 2015|access-date=11 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109052739/http://www.wired.co.uk/article/dennis-the-menace-father-the-beano|archive-date=9 January 2018}}</ref> making the original Dad the new Dennis' grandfather.

'''[[Bea (Dennis the Menace character)|Bea]]''' is Dennis's little sister, born in issue 2931, dated 19 September 1998. She has her own strip (''Bea'', originally ''Beaginnings'') and sometimes appears in ''Dennis the Menace and Gnasher''. Bea wears a stripy yellow and black vest, this is a pun on her name as the colours are the same as the colours on a [[Bumble bee]].

'''Granny''' is Dennis's and Bea's 80-year-old grandmother. In the late 1980s/early 1990s, she got her own strip ''[[Go, Granny, Go!]]'' drawn by [[Brian Walker (artist)|Brian Walker]]. This transformed her from the indulgent Granny who used the Demon Whacker when necessary to a very active elderly lady who enjoyed motorbikes, similar to [[Cuddles and Dimples]]'s granny, partly because, by this time, characters in ''The Beano'' were no longer punished with the slipper. She also appeared regularly in the 2009 TV series, where she is married to a man who is presumed to be Dennis's granddad.

'''Denise''' is Dennis's cousin, who bears a striking resemblance to [[Beryl the Peril]], although she also wears a red and black striped jumper. She appeared in just a few stories, visiting along with her cat '''Santa Claws'''. She generally managed to out-menace Dennis, showing considerable fortitude against the Softies, and at the local boxing club. Santa Claws also appeared in a [[Roger the Dodger]] strip in the 2008 [[Beano Annual]].

===Animals===
[[Gnasher]] is a black dog (an "''Abyssinian wire-haired tripehound''") who first appeared in issue 1363, dated 31 August 1968. He has extremely strong teeth that can leave teeth marks in seemingly anything and enjoys chasing postmen. His name comes from the British slang for teeth (gnashers), which in turn comes from the French ''ganache'' meaning "jowl", a word also used in chocolate manufacture. In the first-ever Dennis the Menace strip, the family also had a pet [[Chihuahua (dog)|chihuahua]], who has not since appeared.

Since 1986, Gnasher has had a son, [[Gnipper]], who appears with him in the separate strip (''[[Gnasher and Gnipper]]''). Gnipper is owned by Dennis the Menace. He first appeared in issue 2286, dated 10 May 1986 after a story arc in which Gnasher went missing, this story arc was reprinted in the [[Dennis the Menace Annual]] 1990 as a 16-page story entitled ''Who's Gnicked Gnasher''. Gnipper's name is a pun since 'to nip' something means to give something a small bite, while 'nipper' is a slang term for a young child.
Gnasher also has several daughters: '''Gnatasha''', '''Gnaomi''', '''Gnanette''', '''Gnorah''' and '''Gnancy''', although these are rarely seen. Gnatasha had her own strip in ''[[The Beezer]]'' and ''[[Topper (comic book)|Topper]]'', and appeared in the Beezer Book 1994. Gnasher also used to have another strip, ''[[Gnasher's Tale]]'', which began in 1977 and continued for nine years until the title was changed to [[Gnasher and Gnipper]] following Gnipper's introduction.

[[Rasher (comics)|Rasher]] is a pig, first seen in issue 1920, dated 5 May 1979. He loves to eat swill and was rescued by Dennis. Rasher also has children: '''Oink''', '''Snort''', '''Grunt''', '''Squeal''', and '''Squeak'''. He used to have his own strip called ''Rasher'', which started in 1984 and appeared regularly for four years before making sporadic appearances until 1995, Rasher's strip also appeared for a few weeks in 2010. He was believed to have been dropped after the strip was revamped in 2009, but he made a surprise return to the strip in 2011. In the 2009 TV series, Rasher and Gnipper are owned by Dennis's Granny.

Dennis has been seen with his pet [[spider]] called '''Dasher'''. He first appeared in about 1987, as a tool to scare Walter, and was the mascot of the ''Beano'' [[website]] when it launched in 1997. Originally, the spider was all black, but when it reappeared in 1997, it was red and black, matching Dennis's jersey. He appeared a few times from 1997 to 2008 and then reappeared in the 2011 and 2016 Halloween issues.

===Other children===
Dennis has historically had two main friends: '''Curly''' (real name '''Crispin Lee Shepherd'''), who has a lot of strawberry-blonde, curly hair, was the first to appear, debuting months after the strip started in 1951. Although Curly and Dennis get into many fights, they still remain the best of friends. Then there is '''Pieface''' (real name '''Kevin Peter Shepherd'''), whose favourite food is pies. Dennis, Gnasher, Curly and Pieface were collectively called "The Menaces"; they were all in a band called Dennis and the Dinmakers. Pieface currently has his own strip in ''The Beano'' as well as his 'pet' Paul the Potato. They are both by Nigel Auchterlounie and Diego Jourdan.

Since the 2017 revamp of the Dennis feature, Curly moved away and seems to have largely disappeared. In his place as fellow Menaces are two girls, '''Rubidium von Screwtop''' (from ''The Beano''<nowiki/>'s 'Rubi's Screwtop Science' strip) and '''Jemima Jones''' (from the comic's 'JJ's Jokes' strip). Despite Dennis' perception of girls as soppy in earlier years, he accepts the tech-minded Rubi and tough, often prankish JJ as his friends. Curly could more recently be seen on the front page of the 2019 Beano annual, which contained every Beano character.

During the 1980s, a third boy known as "Toadface McGurty" was also one of Dennis' friends.

The rival gang to the Menaces is the '''Softies''', a group of kids who rather than being bratty, traditionally enjoy refined things such as [[teddy bear]]s, [[doll]]s and [[flower]]s. The most famous Softy—Dennis's greatest sworn enemy—is [[Walter The Softy|Walter]], sometimes called the "Prince of Softies" in earlier years. He has a pet [[poodle]] called '''Foo-Foo'''. The two most other frequently seen Softies are '''Bertie Blenkinsop''' and '''Algernon 'Spotty' Perkins'''. Other Softies, seen less often, have included ''' Bennie Benry''', '''Sweet William''', '''Dudley Nightshirt''', '''Jeremy Snodgrass''', '''Softy Matthew''', '''Softy Pal Erasmus''', '''Lisping Lester''', and '''Nervous Rex''', who is scared of everything and everyone.

'''Matilda''', Walter's girlfriend introduced in the 1996 TV series, was presumably a Softy, though her forceful attitude towards Walter actually suggested otherwise. For a brief time in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Dennis' friend '''Curly''' was also presented as a Softy.

===Other characters===
The '''Colonel''' is an old army colonel, who is often seen with toy soldiers and often makes references to being in battles which happened hundreds of years ago. In an episode of the animated TV series, entitled 'The Trial', his first name was revealed to be Godfrey.

'''Sergeant Slipper''' is the police sergeant who is always trying to catch Dennis for menacing. In the 1960s, a well-known police officer was known as [[Jack Slipper|Slipper of the Yard]], though "slipper" is also a nod to the instrument with which Dennis's father usually chastised him, before attitudes towards corporal punishment against children changed.

'''Dennis's Teacher''' often appeared in ''Dennis the Menace'' strips from the early 1970s and has been replaced, although the character was absent for most of the intervening period, in the 2009 TV Series by another Teacher named '''Mrs Creecher'''.

'''Nasty Norman''' was a bully often seen as Dennis's rival.

'''Stanley Livingstone''', an explorer with a pet crocodile, '''Carruthers''', who lived next door to Dennis. Seemingly replaced by the Colonel, though the character had disappeared a while before the Colonel first appeared. His name alludes to the explorers [[David Livingstone]] and [[H.M. Stanley]].

==In other media==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|-
! Title !! Directed by !! Written by !! ''Dennis'' portrayed by
|-
| ''The Beano's Dennis the Menace and Gnasher Show'' (1990, ITV and TCC) || Bob Harvey || Mike Barfield || Logan Murray
|-
| ''The [[Beano Video]]'' (1993, ITV)<hr/>''The [[Beano Videostars]]'' (1994, ITV) || Derek Mogford<hr/>Terry Ward || Richard Everett Terry Ward || [[Susan Sheridan]]<hr/>Mark Pickard
|-
| ''[[Dennis & Gnasher (1996 TV series)|Dennis & Gnasher]]'' (1996, BBC) || Tony Collingwood || Tony Collingwood Chris Trengove [[Jimmy Hibbert]] [[David Max Freedman|David Freedman]] Alan Gilbey || [[Richard Pearce (British actor)|Richard Pearce]]
|-
| ''[[Dennis & Gnasher (2009 TV series)|Dennis & Gnasher]]'' (2009, BBC) || Glenn Kirkpatrick || - || [[Sophie Aldred]] (S1)<hr/>[[Chris Johnson (presenter)|Chris Johnson]] (S2)
|-
| ''[[Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed!]]'' (2017, BBC) || Boris Heistand || Jen Upton Tony Cooke Denise Cassar Matt Baker Ciaran Murtagh Andrew Jones || [[Freddie Fox (actor)|Freddie Fox]] [UK only]<hr/>[[Bryce Papenbrook]] [US dub]
|}

===Television and video===

* Dennis's first regular TV appearance was in the puppet series ''The Beano's Dennis the Menace and Gnasher Show'' that originally aired on [[CITV|Children's Arm]] of [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] and then shown on [[The Children's Channel|TCC]], starting in 1990. The show was directed by Bob Harvey, written by Mike Barfield, and all the characters were voiced by Logan Murray, with artwork by John Bonner. The first series featured only the puppets Dennis, Gnasher and Walter. The second series in 1991 added Mum and Dad. John du Prez composed the punk-style theme music.
* Dennis appears alongside other ''Beano'' characters in the made-for-television/direct-to-video release, ''The [[Beano Video]]''. Dennis was voiced by [[Susan Sheridan]]. All the stories were adapted from previous ''Beano'' strips. It was aired on [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]].
* Dennis appears once again in ''The Beano Videostars'' DVD, this time attending a premiere to an all-new ''Beano'' feature. In this film, several ''Beano'' characters attend a premiere in which a brand new ''Beano'' film is being shown. Dennis arrives in his 'Menace-Mobile' and pelts the narrator with tomatoes in his usual menacing fashion. Dennis was voiced by Mark Pickard. It was aired on [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]].
* Dennis was the main character of a 1996 TV Series originally titled ''Dennis the Menace'' but changed in the second season to ''[[Dennis & Gnasher (1996 TV series)|Dennis & Gnasher]]''. This version of Dennis still gets up to the same old tricks. Throughout the whole series, however, he does not once use a catapult or a peashooter and is often far more heroic than that of ''The Beano'' version. The show ran for two seasons and was shown on [[The Children's Channel|TCC]], [[CBBC (TV channel)|CBBC]] and [[Fox Kids]]. [[Richard Pearce (British actor)|Richard Pearce]] voiced Dennis in this series.
* Later in 2009, Dennis re-appeared on television again in a series (along with the Australian studio) once again called ''[[Dennis & Gnasher (2009 TV series)|Dennis & Gnasher]]''. His behaviour was toned down far more showing quite a different personality to that of the comic Dennis, which was changed to match the TV series but has since gradually changed back. This Dennis preferred fun over mischief and often did menacing inadvertently. The first season ran for 52 episodes on [[CBBC (TV channel)|CBBC]] and in the U.S, it was also shown on The Hub (now known as "[[Discovery Family]]"). However, in mid-2013, the show has currently returned but with a new name called ''Dennis the Menace and Gnasher''. Dennis's behaviour has improved by making him behave and sound more menacingly and as of recent, the second season is also running for 50 episodes on the [[CBBC (TV channel)|CBBC]] channel. Dennis was voiced by [[Sophie Aldred]] in the first series, and [[Chris Johnson (presenter)|Chris Johnson]] in the second series.
* In 2017, a new series aired, titled ''[[Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed!]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.licensing.biz/news/read/beano-studios-unveils-first-look-at-cgi-dennis-gnasher-unleashed-series/044702|title=Beano Studios unveils first look at CGI Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed series}}</ref> It is the first series to be animated in CGI.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.licensing.biz/news/read/dc-thomson-launches-new-beano-studios-arm/044022|title=DC Thomson launches new Beano Studios arm}}</ref> [[Freddie Fox (actor)|Freddie Fox]] provides Dennis' voice in the new series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTmPgG2R_7A|title=Freddie Fox: The Voice of New Dennis and Gnasher Unleashed!|last=Beano|date=16 March 2017|via=YouTube}}</ref>
* In 2020, a series revolving around Dennis as a teenager was pitched. It was reported to be a darker take on the comic - not too dissimilar to American television series [[Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (TV series)|Chilling Adventures of Sabrina]] and [[Riverdale (2017 TV series)|Riverdale]]. The story would focus on Dennis and his troubles with police and was reported to be influenced by British Drama series [[Skins (British TV series)|Skins]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=White |first1=Peter |title='Dennis The Menace': Beano Studios Developing YA Adaptation Of Classic British Character As Comic Company Looks To Reimagine Archive |url=https://deadline.com/2020/11/dennis-the-menace-beano-studios-ya-adaptation-matthew-barry-1234613033/ |website=Deadline |access-date=24 June 2021 |date=12 November 2020}}</ref>

===Video games===

* Dennis is playable in the PC game ''Beanotown Racing''. His vehicle is his ''Menace-Mobile'', designed as a dune buggy.
* Dennis and Gnasher appear as non-playable characters in the [[iPhone games|iPhone]] game, ''Dennis & Gnasher: Blast in Beanotown''.

===Theme park===

* Dennis was the main mascot for the Beanoland section in [[Chessington World of Adventures]], from 1999 to 2010. He was a Meet & Greet character as well as the subject of a short-lived amusement show located in his treehouse. A funhouse in which children could fire foam balls at each other was built later on in the park's history and named 'Dennis' Madhouse'.<ref>[http://yochessington.co.uk/past/attractions/beanoland ] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328043130/http://yochessington.co.uk/past/attractions/beanoland |date=28 March 2012 }}</ref>

=== Musical ===
* In 2015 it was announced that a musical based on the comics will be presented for the [[The Old Vic|Old Vic Theatre]] in [[London]] as part of artistic director [[Matthew Warchus]]' musical commissioning programme with producers [[Scott Rudin]] and [[Sonia Friedman]]. Playwright and poet [[Caroline Bird]] is writing the book. More details to be announced.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Fiennes and Spall lead Old Vic season|url = http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/news/latest-news/article/item279091/fiennes-and-spall-lead-old-vic-season/|website = officiallondontheatre.co.uk|access-date = 7 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Playwriting {{!}} Caroline Bird|url = http://www.carolinebird.co.uk/?page_id=104|website = carolinebird.co.uk|access-date = 7 February 2016}}</ref>

==Broadcast owners==
*[[ITV (TV network)|Independent Television]] (1990–1995)
*[[BBC|British Broadcasting Corporation]] (1996–Present)

==Reception and legacy==

BBC News once called Dennis the 'definitive naughty boy'. Matthew Jarron of Dundee University, curator of a ''Beano'' exhibition, claimed that the strips 'blatant anti-establishment tone' is what keeps children entertained throughout the decades. Children's author and political columnist [[Michael Rosen]] said he enjoyed the prospect that 'In most children's books a bad child gets made good. But the great thing about Dennis is he never gets better'.<ref name="Dennis at 60"/> Nick Newman cited his inspiration for a [[Private Eye]] strip based on the Menace due to the fact Dennis is 'relentless' and has 'no learning curve'. Jarron also argued that Dennis offers a sense of escapism in a modern cotton wool wrapped world stating 'Parents are so fearful of letting their children roam around. So Dennis can provide that vicarious pleasure of going out and doing anything. And it's menacing of a pretty benign kind'.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-12770341 BBC News – Dennis the Menace at 60]. BBC. (17 March 2011). Retrieved 13 August 2013.</ref> Express called Dennis 'the child template for every post-war rebel without a cause'.<ref>Edwards, Adam. (21 March 2011) [http://www.express.co.uk/comment/expresscomment/235737/Dennis-the-Menace-is-still-a-rebel-even-at-60 Dennis the Menace is still a rebel even at 60 | Express Comment | Comment | Daily Express]. ''Daily Express''. Retrieved 13 August 2013.</ref> John McShane, a comic historian further praised the strip calling Dennis 'an original looking character. In the early days it was not in full colour but had a red overlay, but Davy Law, the artist, made a virtue out of this necessity by having the red-and-black striped T-shirt. The mantra in design classes is: 'Black and Red will always be read.' And that spiky hair! Unforgettable. Then that cheeky expression. Cartoonists talk about drawings just 'coming right'; that expression is perfect. Dennis is not actually evil ... Dennis just wants fun and is prepared to accept the consequences'.<ref name="scotsman1">[http://www.scotsman.com/what-s-on/dennis-the-menace-turns-60-1-1531429 Dennis the Menace turns 60 – News]. The Scotsman (13 March 2011). Retrieved 13 August 2013.</ref>

Alongside praise from the press, Dennis encountered controversy amongst the media in the late 1990s and early 2000s for being '[[Homophobia|homophobic]]' and a '[[Bullying|bully]]'. On the criticism, Maurice Heggie, a Dandy editor, stated 'I never saw him as a bully because the characters of the softies were so dreadful, they had no redeeming features either.' He went on to explain that 'if Dennis was bullying them, then there was a punishment. There was never a script out of DC Thomson where a bully succeeded – there was always a punishment – however horrible Dennis was with his water pistol, be sure that round the corner there was an elephant with a trunkful of water for him. He's changed over the years, but he's not changed ... He is essentially out for mischief all the time'. John McShane also defended the strip stating firmly that 'Dennis never got away with his pranks'. On whether the stories of Walter's homosexuality were true McShane affirmed that he didn't know but argued' He certainly needed to stand up for himself. Our sympathies were never with him because he didn't stand up to Dennis. Bullies have to be stood up to; another good lesson for any society.'<ref name="scotsman1"/> In an article for the Guardian, Dennis is cited as 'Britain's longest surviving comic villain'.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/news/2001/mar/14/netnotes.markoliver Dennis the Menace | World news]. ''The Guardian''. Retrieved 13 August 2013.</ref>

===2009 redesign controversy===

In 2009, the strip gained negative media publicity after it was announced that new issues would draw inspiration from the [[Dennis and Gnasher (2009 TV series)|TV series]] that aired the same year. In the series, Dennis did not use any weapons such as catapult, peashooter and water guns and his personality was re-established as naively troublesome rather than intentionally so. Gnasher was also forbidden to bite people. Their image was drastically revamped, in an attempt to make them more accessible to younger viewers. This was all to discourage violence and weaponry among children. Fans spoke out against ''The Beano'''s decision citing that 'Dennis is supposed to be a little bit edgy and a bit of a lovable rogue'.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/6013115/Dennis-the-Menace-receives-politically-correct-makeover.html Dennis the Menace receives politically correct makeover]. ''The Daily Telegraph''. Retrieved 13 August 2013.</ref> [[Kev F Sutherland]], who wrote for ''The Beano'' in the early noughties, also spoke out against the makeover saying it was a 'bad idea' and argued 'if you pander too much to over-sensitive parents you will end with not very funny comedy'.<ref>[http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Dennis-menace-bad-idea-says-Beano-illustrator/story-11298289-detail/story.html Dennis without the menace is a bad idea, says Beano illustrator from Clevedon | News] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729202959/http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Dennis-menace-bad-idea-says-Beano-illustrator/story-11298289-detail/story.html |date=29 July 2012 }}. This is Bristol (15 August 2009). Retrieved 13 August 2013.</ref> The daughters of ''Dennis the Menace'' creator [[David Law (cartoonist)|David Law]] further criticized the makeover, saying their father would be 'horrified' with how he was depicted now and said the new design was 'bland' and 'ordinary'.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/mediatechnologyandtelecoms/media/6076793/Dennis-the-Menace-makeover-angers-family.html Dennis the Menace makeover angers family]. ''The Daily Telegraph''. Retrieved 13 August 2013.</ref> The change lasted for roughly a year before artist [[Nigel Parkinson]] was sought out to return the character to its roots and original design. What's more, the series aired but was considerably altered during its second season to suit the tone of the comics, making Dennis closer to his comic book age and personality.

==In popular culture==
[[File:DennisPriestley (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|Darts player [[Dennis Priestley|Dennis "The Menace" Priestley]] wearing the character's red and black striped colours]]
[[Darts]] player [[Dennis Priestley]] is known as "The Menace" and wears a shirt with the familiar red and black horizontal bands.
On stage, grunge star [[Kurt Cobain]] occasionally wore a Dennis pullover (jumper/sweater) that Courtney Love bought from a Nirvana fan in Northern Ireland in 1992.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/imported/chris-wants-nirvana-jumper-back-28212252.html |title= Chris wants Nirvana jumper back |author= Maureen Coleman |date= 11 May 2004 |work=Belfast Telegraph|access-date=17 March 2011}}</ref> In recent years, the satirical magazine [[Private Eye (magazine)|Private Eye]] has carried comic strips featuring a character sometimes called '''Beano Boris''' or '''Boris the Menace''', a blond-haired version of Dennis the Menace, parodying the politician [[Boris Johnson]].<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-12770341 |title= Dennis the Menace at 60 |author=Tom de Castella |date= 17 March 2011 |work=BBC News Magazine |access-date=4 September 2016}}</ref>

Guitarist [[Mike Campbell (musician)|Mike Campbell]] wears a shirt depicting Dennis and Gnasher in the music video for [[Tom Petty]]'s song "[[I Won't Back Down]]".

In 2018, the [[Isle of Man]] produced a set of Christmas stamps featuring Dennis and Gnasher.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dennis the Menace and Gnasher become Christmas stamps on the Isle of Man |url= https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/local/dundee/752660/dennis-and-gnasher-to-become-stamps-on-the-isle-of-man/ |access-date=13 March 2019 |work=The Courier |location= Dundee |author=Kieran Andrews |date=26 October 2018}}</ref>

In 2021, on the [[RuPaul's Drag Race UK (series 2)|second series]] of ''[[RuPaul's Drag Race UK]]'', contestant [[Ellie Diamond]], who is from [[Dundee]], modelled as Dennis the Menace on the runway during the first episode challenge "Queen of Your Hometown". The outfit is now on display at the city's [[The McManus|McManus Galleries]].

The [[Alan Moore]]/Mick Jenkins film ''[[The Show (2020 film)|The Show]]'' features a protagonist named Fletcher Dennis, who wears the iconic red and black striped jumper and wields a slingshot as a weapon, implying that he's a grown up Dennis who became a morally scrupulous hitman.

==See also==
* [[Dennis the Menace (U.S.)]]
* [[Dennis the Menace Annual]]
* [[Beryl the Peril]]
* [[Minnie the Minx]]
* [[Roger the Dodger]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.beano.com/characters/dennis-gnasher Dennis & Gnasher] at Beano.com
*[http://www.dennisandgnasher.com dennisandgnasher.com]

{{D. C. Thomson Comics}}
{{DCThomson}}
{{Beano}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dennis And Gnasher}}
[[Category:Dennis the Menace and Gnasher| ]]
[[Category:British comic strips]]
[[Category:1951 comics debuts]]
[[Category:British comics characters]]
[[Category:Beano strips|Dennis the Menace]]
[[Category:Male characters in comics]]
[[Category:Male characters in advertising]]
[[Category:Child characters in comics]]
[[Category:Child characters in advertising]]
[[Category:Comics set in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1951]]
[[Category:Mascots introduced in 1951]]
[[Category:DC Thomson Comics strips]]
[[Category:Gag-a-day comics]]
[[Category:Fictional tricksters]]
[[Category:Magazine mascots]]
[[Category:Comic strip duos]]
[[Category:Comics adapted into animated series]]
[[Category:Comics adapted into television series]]

Caramelldansen

2023-01-12T20:25:57Z

90.206.235.192: /* 2007 remix */Fixed mistake.

{{short description|2001 song by Caramell}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2022}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Caramelldansen
| cover =
| alt =
| caption =
| type = single
| artist = [[Caramell]]
| album = [[Supergott]]
| language = [[Swedish language|Swedish]]
| released = November 16, 2001
| format =
| recorded = June 2001
| studio = Playhouse Studios ([[Stockholm]], [[Sweden]])
| venue =
| genre = {{flatlist|
* [[Dance-pop]]
* [[Eurodance]]
}}
| length = {{ubl|{{duration|3:30}} (album version)|{{duration|5:20}} (full version)}}
| label = Remixed
| writer = Jorge "Vasco" Vasconcelo and Juha "Millboy" Myllylä
| producer =
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title =
| next_year =
| misc = {{Audio sample
| type = single
| file = Caramelldansen.ogg
| description = Chorus of the song
}}
}}
"'''Caramelldansen'''" ([[Swedish language|Swedish]] for "''The Caramell dance''") is the first track from Swedish music group [[Caramell]]'s second and final album ''[[Supergott]]'' released on November 16, 2001. It became a viral [[internet meme]] in the mid-2000s where a [[nightcore|sped-up]] version of the song was attached to a video clip of two anime character girls dancing and making animal ear gestures with their hands. This version of the song was officially released in 2006 to Sweden, and to Japan (as {{Nihongo|"U-u-uma uma"|ウッーウッーウマウマ(゜∀゜) }}), the latter of which charted on [[Oricon]]. A [[virtual band|virtual group]] called '''Caramella Girls''' was launched to promote the song, renditions in other languages, and other cover songs and original songs. The group's most recent song is "I'm Your Girl". Their latest album is "Mums Mums".

==Composition==
The original 2001 version of the song by Caramell is in the 4/4 [[time signature]], has a tempo of 138 [[beats per minute]] and is in the key of [[E♭ major]].<ref>{{Cite AV media |date=March 2001 |title=Caramelldansen |url=https://open.spotify.com/track/6vA1o5MIqlkybAAGypeLaE?si=D57WBuf0Qr-qu0J5Zfb2ww |via=[[Spotify]]}}</ref> The 2008 remix version has been sped up (in the sense of [[nightcore]]) to a tempo of 164.7 beats per minute and is in the key [[G♭ major]].<ref>{{Cite AV media |date=January 5, 2008 |title=Caramelldansen |url=https://open.spotify.com/track/7MwwPyZJ7UKFROj2oVnH6R?si=fYotKMPbQ7autNBrEU4iJA |via=Spotify}}</ref>

==Internet phenomenon==
The [[Internet meme|meme]] started as a fifteen frame [[Adobe Flash|Flash]] animation loop showing [[List of Popotan characters#Mai|Mai]] and [[List of Popotan characters#Mii|Mii]], characters of the [[Japanese language|Japanese]] [[visual novel]] ''[[Popotan]]'', doing a hip swing dance with their hands over their heads to imitate rabbit ears, and the chorus of a [[nightcore|sped up version]] of the song.

[[File:Caramelldansen.gif|thumb|left|180px|Animation loop from the visual novel ''Popotan'', used in the internet meme known as "Caramelldansen".]]

===Background===
''Popotan'' first appeared as a Japanese [[Personal computer|PC]] game on December 12, 2002. After the [[anime]] was aired from July 17 to October 2, 2003, short [[GIF]] animations clips were created from the opening of the game and posted on the internet. The clips were matched with various songs, with titles ranging from "Popotan dance" to "Sexy bunny dance".<ref name="Ruakuu"/>

In late 2005, a sped-up version of the song was posted by a DJ named Speedycake to [[4chan]]. According to an interview with Ruakuu, Speedycake said the speed-up came from a mixing mistake while transitioning the "Caramelldansen" song to a faster BPM, and it ended up being "squeaky and high pitched", but that people were requesting for it anyway. In the same year, its chorus part was combined with the animation loop and posted to 4chan by a "Sven from Sweden", who does not recall using Speedycake's file, but got it from the internet in [[filesharing]]. Sven posted the loop with the repeated phrase "ANIME LOL!"<ref name="Ruakuu">{{Cite news |author=Ruakuu |date=June 23, 2008 |title=Ruakuu's Blog: Caramelldansen History (Complete) |url=http://ruakuu.blogspot.com/2008/06/caramelldansen-history-complete.html | via=[[Blogspot]] | access-date=September 20, 2022}}</ref><ref name="misali"/>

As the video and song clip gained popularity, it became a [[meme]]. Artists and fans started to copy the animation and include other characters performing the dance. Its boom began at the end of 2007 in Japan (known as the "Uma uma Boom") where an explosion of different Caramelldansen iterations appeared in the Japanese video-sharing site [[Nico Nico Douga]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Japanese page Niconico showing a large number of Caramelldansen versions |url=http://ichiba.nicovideo.jp/item/dw703432/related/1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080310143342/http://ichiba.nicovideo.jp/item/dw703432/related/1 |archive-date=March 10, 2008 |access-date=January 1, 2012 |publisher=Ichiba.nicovideo.jp}}</ref>

The meme soon after spread to YouTube and became a global phenomenon. Lore Sjöberg wrote in a ''[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]'' magazine article about how [[Flickr]] users "look down from Flickr Hills into YouTube Chasm and see wailing, gnashing of teeth, and endless versions of "Caramelldansen" and they are sore afraid."<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/commentary/alttext/2008/04/alttext_0416 |url-status=live |access-date=October 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926040247/http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/commentary/alttext/2008/04/alttext_0416 |archive-date=September 26, 2013 | work=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] | title=Flickr Fans Flustered Over Video Posting | first=Lore |last=Sjöberg | date=April 16, 2008 }}</ref>

===Popularity===
While the group Caramell disbanded in 2002, the group's music started to spread widely across the Internet thanks to the popularity of this Internet meme. [[Malin Sundström]] commented on the popularity of the meme: "We felt that it was time to move on; that one of our songs now may be a breakthrough is just a bonus." Caramell's Juha "Millboy" Myllylä, responding to questions from Japanese show Netstar [[NHK]], said that he first learned of the dance on YouTube. When asked if he does the dance himself, he responded, "Yeah, well, the dance is very funny to do, so I used to do it every time, I mean in the shower, and I used to show my family and my friends to make them dance. I like it. It's very funny."<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=The Net Star |publisher=[[NHK]] |time=23:05 |people=Juha "Millboy" Myllylä}}</ref>

The meme is not limited to the small Flash animation loops. 3D animation shorts have been released performing the dance, and live action videos made by fans. The idea of the new Swedish concept came from YouTube, showing more than 16,000 different versions of the original flash animation, including small loops, complete song shorts and live action videos.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 13, 2008 |title=Svensk danslåt störst – i Japan |trans-title=Caramelldansen hit and interview to Malin and Katia |url=http://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesliv/musik/article2892570.ab |access-date=January 1, 2012 |publisher=[[Aftonbladet]] |language=sv |author1=Johannes Heuman |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717060749/http://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/musik/article2892570.ab |archive-date=17 July 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=YouTube search for caramelldansen |url=https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Caramelldansen&search_type=&aq=f |access-date=January 1, 2012 |publisher=YouTube.com}}</ref>

Caramelldansen is known in Japan as "Uma uma dance" (ウマウマダンス), because the chorus's lyrics "''u-u-ua-ua''" were misheard as ウッーウッーウマウマ ("u- u- umauma") The Japanese title is written with the [[emoticon]] (°∀°) added to the end. The lyric: "{{Lang|sv|Dansa med oss, klappa era händer}}" (''"Dance with us, clap your hands"'') was sometimes misinterpreted as "バルサミコ酢やっぱいらへんで" ("''barusamiko-su yappa irahen de''"), which translates to "I don't want any [[balsamic vinegar]] after all", and ended up being a popular ''[[soramimi]]'' or [[mondegreen]] for the song, even affecting the Japanese language version.<ref name="misali" /><ref name="barks"/>

==2007 remix==
{{Infobox song
| name = Caramelldansen (Speedycake Remix)
| cover = Caramelldansen.jpg
| alt =
| caption = ''Caramelldansen Speedy Mixes'' release cover
| type = single
| artist = Caramell / Caramella Girls
| album = [[Supergott|Supergott speedy mixes]]
| language = [[Swedish language|Swedish]]
| released = 2007
| format =
| recorded = June 2001
| studio = Playhouse Studios ([[Stockholm]], [[Sweden]])
| venue =
| genre = {{Plainlist|
* [[Dance-pop]]
* [[Eurodance]]
}}
| length = {{duration|2:56}}
| label = {{Plainlist|
* Remixed
* [[Quake Inc.|Exit Tunes]] (Japan)
}}
| writer = Jorge "Vasco" Vasconcelo and Juha "Millboy" Myllylä
| producer =
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title =
| next_year =
| misc =
}}
In April 2007, Japanese music distributor [[Quake Inc.|Exit Tunes]] gained the rights from the original Caramell producers, Remixed Records, to distribute the sped-up version of the original song in Asia, releasing first an album called ''Uma Uma Dekiru Trance wo Tsukutte Mita'' which included "Caramelldansen" (named "U-u-uma uma" (Speedycake Remix)) and other popular meme songs at the time. Toromi, the voice actor who voiced Mii in ''Popotan'', also covered the song on a single ''Toro☆Uma''.<ref name="toro uma">{{Cite web |title=Toro☆Uma |url=http://mise.pupu.jp/torouma/index.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219044056/http://mise.pupu.jp/torouma/index.htm |archive-date=February 19, 2012 |access-date=January 1, 2012 |publisher=Mise.pupu.jp}}</ref> There was also an official single "U-u-uma uma" release<ref name="umauma">{{Cite web |title=Japanese Caramelldansen discography |url=http://www.umauma.cd/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090624204428/http://umauma.cd/ |archive-date=June 24, 2009 |access-date=January 1, 2012 |publisher=Umauma.cd | language=ja }}</ref> ''Uma Uma Dekiru Trance'' reached number 20 on the [[Oricon]] charts and stayed on for 16 weeks;<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exit Trance Presents ウマウマできるトランスを作ってみた |trans-title=Exit Trance Presents Uma Uma Dekiru Trance wo Tsukutte Mita |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/52027/products/758596/1/ |access-date=September 20, 2022 |website=[[Oricon]] |language=ja}}</ref> and the "U-u-uma uma" single reached number 16 and stayed 14 weeks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ウッーウッーウマウマ(°∀°) |trans-title=U-u-uma-uma |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/454184/products/762192/1/ |access-date=September 20, 2022 |website=[[Oricon]] | language=ja }}</ref>

In March 2009, it was awarded Single of the Year (International) at [[Recording Industry Association of Japan]]'s 23rd [[Japan Gold Disc Award]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=第23回日本ゴールドディスク大賞 | trans-title=23rd Japan Gold Disc Award | url=http://www.golddisc.jp/award/23/Prize_1.html |work=[[Japan Gold Disc Award]] official website | publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of Japan ]] | access-date=September 20, 2022 | at=Single of the Year – 洋楽部門 (international) | language=ja }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |year=2009 |title=RIAJ Yearbook 2009 |url=https://www.riaj.or.jp/riaj/pdf/issue/industry/RIAJ2009E.pdf |website=Recording Industry Association of Japan |page=18 |format=PDF}}</ref>


Remixed Records released the sped-up version of the original ''Supergott'' album on Apple's [[iTunes Store]]; the album was called ''Supergott Speedy Mixes''.
In Japan, this was titled ''U-u-uma-uma SPEED'' with the song titles completely rewritten with [[emoticon]]s.<ref name="misali" /> ''Speed'' reached number 48 on Oricon and stayed 5 weeks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ウッーウッーウマウマ(°∀°)SPEED アルバム |trans-title=U-u-uma-uma SPEED album |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/454184/products/767236/1/ |access-date=September 20, 2022 |website=[[Oricon]] | language=ja }}</ref>

Remixed Records also released a set of ''Caramelldansen Speedy Mixes''. On September 16, they released an English version of the song called "Caramelldancing".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Arnflo |first=Oscar |title=Swedish Caramelldansen discography |url=http://www.caramell.nu/?page=media&subpage=music |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228024910/http://caramell.nu/?page=media |archive-date=February 28, 2009 |access-date=January 1, 2012 |publisher=Caramell.nu}}</ref> A German version of the song, "Caramelltanzen", was released on April 15, 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 15, 2009 |title=Caramelltanzen (German Version) - Single by Caramella Girls |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/caramelltanzen-german-version-single/1495010310 |via=[[iTunes]] }}</ref>

===Releases===
The speedy versions were released and remixed in multiple versions and languages, and the singles / remix EPs credited to other Caramell or Caramella Girls and produced and distributed by Remixed Records unless specified.

Singles and remix EPs:
* "Caramelldansen" (2007)

* {{Nihongo|"U-u-uma uma"|ウッーウッーウマウマ(°∀°) }} ([[Exit Music Publishing Inc.|Exit Tunes]] QWCE-00048, May 21, 2008)<ref>{{Cite web |title=ウッーウッーウマウマ(゜∀゜) / キャラメル |url=http://9819.jp/cd/exit_tunes/qwce00048.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111207150442/http://9819.jp/cd/exit_tunes/qwce00048.html |archive-date=December 7, 2011 |access-date=January 1, 2012 |website=[[Exit Music Publishing Inc.|Exit Tunes]] |via=9819.jp}}</ref>
* ''Caramelldansen speedy mixes'' (2008) 
* "Caramelldancing" (English, 2008) 
* "Caramelldancing - Christmas Version" (English, 2009) 
* "Caramelltanzen" (German, Remixed Records, EMI Music & RemRec songs, 2009)<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MB2R8o4JSo |title=Caramella Girls - Caramelltanzen German version (Official) |date=April 29, 2009 |last=Caramella Girls |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
* "Caramelldansen Español 4K" (Spanish, Remixed Records, RemRec Songs & Sony/ATV Music Publishing, 2021)<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2vgqfaPO5 |title=Caramella Girls – Caramelldansen Español 4K |date=April 2, 2021 |last=Caramella Girls |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

Compilations of:
* {{Nihongo3||ウマウマできるトランスを作ってみた|Uma Uma Dekiru Trance wo Tsukutte Mita|"Tried making a trance you can Uma Uma to"}} ([[Exit Music Publishing Inc.|Exit Tunes]] QWCE-00047, April 16, 2008)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exit Trance Presents ウマウマできるトランスを作ってみた | trans-title=Exit Trance Presents Uma Uma Dekiru Trance wo Tsukutte Mita |url=http://9819.jp/cd/exit_tunes/qwce00047.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111207150448/http://9819.jp/cd/exit_tunes/qwce00047.html |archive-date=December 7, 2011 |access-date=January 1, 2012 |work=[[Exit Music Publishing Inc.|Exit Tunes]] |language=ja |via=9819.jp}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=中国語空耳ワールド |date=March 8, 2008 |title=腰クネクネ謎のダンス「ウマウマ」大流行の兆し |trans-title=Mysterious waist twisting dance "Uma Uma" is a sign of a big epidemic |url=http://www.j-cast.com/2008/03/08017442.html |access-date=January 1, 2012 |publisher=Jcast}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=「ウッーウッーウマウマ(ﾟ∀ﾟ)」がCD化　販売中止のトランスアルバムが新装復活 | trans-title="U-u-uma uma(ﾟ∀ﾟ)" CD; the discontinued trance album is revived |url=http://www.itmedia.co.jp/news/articles/0802/25/news030.html |access-date=January 1, 2012 | date=February 25, 2008 | work=ITmedia | language=ja }}</ref><ref name="barks">{{Cite news |title=新しい空耳ソングがブレイクか？今度は“ウッーウッーウマウマ(°∀°)” |trans-title=Will the new soramimi song be a breakthrough? This time, “U-u-uma uma (°∀°)” |url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000038247 |access-date=January 1, 2012 |publisher=Barks |location=Japan|language=ja | date=February 29, 2008 }}</ref>

* ''Supergott Speedy Mixes'' (2008) <ref name="website july2009">{{Cite web |title=Media |url=http://www.caramellagirls.com/media_music_caramelltanzen.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090711152550/http://www.caramellagirls.com/media_music.php |archive-date=July 12, 2009 |access-date=October 22, 2015 |website=Caramella Girls official website}}</ref>
** released in Japan as {{Nihongo|''U-u-uma uma SPEED''|ウッーウッーウマウマ(゜∀゜) SPEED}} ([[Exit Music Publishing Inc.|Exit Tunes]] QWCE-20001, June 18, 2008)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Uma uma Speed up track list |url=http://9819.jp/cd/exit_tunes/qwce20001.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303075103/http://9819.jp/cd/exit_tunes/qwce20001.html |archive-date=March 3, 2012 |access-date=January 1, 2012 |website=[[Exit Music Publishing Inc.|Exit Tunes]] |via=9819.jp}}</ref>

==Caramella Girls==
{{Infobox musical artist
| background = group_or_band
| name = Caramella Girls
| image =
| image_size =
| image_upright =
| landscape = 
| alt =
| caption =
| alias =
| origin =
| genre = [[bubblegum pop]]
| years_active = {{Start date|2008}}–present
| label = {{Plainlist|
* Remixed Records
* RemRec Songs
}}
| spinoffs =
| spinoff_of = [[Caramell]]
| current_members = {{Plainlist|
* Mindy
* Nadine
* Vera
}}
| past_members =
| website = 
| module =
| module2 =
| module3 =
}}
'''Caramella Girls''' is a [[virtual band|virtual group]] created by Remixed Records in 2008 to promote the "Caramelldansen" song. They first showed up in the Japanese release "U-u-uma uma" single on May 21, 2008 as two anime character counterparts for the two female vocalists Malin Sundström and Katia Löfgren, removing the rest of the band members.<ref name="umauma" /> They were then redesigned to be a girl group of three virtual girl characters – Mindy, Nadine, and Vera. At some live events, they would appear in masks and costumes.<ref name="cmhs">{{Cite news |last=Kaehler |first=Lilli |date=September 19, 2008 |title=Why You Don’t Remember Caramelldansen |work=The Hitching Post |url=https://cmhs.news/why-you-dont-remember-caramelldansen/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5a9rBGsZkL8 |title=Caramella Girls - Caramelldansen - Stage Performance |date=June 14, 2011 |last=Caramella Girls |via=YouTube}}</ref> Remixed Records has further rebranded all related releases on music platforms from Caramell to "Caramella Girls".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Supergott (Speedy Mixes) by Caramell |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/supergott-speedy-mixes/id281046723 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403150756/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/supergott-speedy-mixes/id281046723 |archive-date=3 April 2018 |access-date=April 3, 2018 |website=Apple Music}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2008 |title=Supergott (Speedy Mixes) by Caramella Girls |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/1495013032 |access-date=January 23, 2022 |website=Apple Music}}</ref>


On March 18, 2011, Caramella Girls released the song "Boogie Bam Dance".<ref name="cmhs" />
In October 2012, the band released the ''Caramelldancing Remixes EP'', which features remixes of the English version of the Caramelldansen song by Crazy 1, No Trixx, and DJ Triplestar.<ref>{{Cite AV media |date=October 30, 2012 |title=Caramelldancing Remixes - Single av Caramell |url=https://itunes.apple.com/se/album/caramelldancing-remixes-single/574633211 |via=[[iTunes]] }}</ref>

Caramella Girls has since released other songs and videos. Some of these were written by Kim Andre Arnesen and Kristian Lagerström; and some are covers of other [[bubblegum pop]] tunes.<ref name="bubblegum dancer"/> A few of the songs are played at normal speed.<ref name="misali"/> In 2020, they released a digital compilation album (without "Caramelldansen") called ''Sweet Decade''.<ref name="bubblegum dancer">{{Cite web |title=Caramella Girls News thread | url=https://www.bubblegumdancer.com/190-Caramella_Girls/news/ |work=Bubblegum Dancer | access-date=September 21, 2022}}</ref>

===Credits controversy===
In 2019, Remixed Records owner Giovanni Sconfienza retroactively changed the credits for Caramelldansen and its various remixes from Caramell to the Caramella Girls on digital streaming platforms including [[Spotify]] and [[iTunes]], as well as the official Caramelldansen YouTube channel. [[YouTuber]] jan Misali released a [[video essay]] investigating this change in October 2021, with the aim of explaining the true authorship of the song. Sconfienza issued a [[copyright strike]] on the video in an attempt to suppress the information and delete Misali's channel.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Winslow |first=Jeremy |date=2021-12-21 |title='Caramelldansen' Owners Really Don't Want You To Know Where The Song Originated |work=[[Kotaku]] |url=https://kotaku.com/caramelldansen-owners-really-dont-want-you-to-know-wher-1848255354 |url-status=live |access-date=2022-03-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122235237/https://kotaku.com/caramelldansen-owners-really-dont-want-you-to-know-wher-1848255354 |archive-date=2022-01-22}}</ref> As of February 2022, the video has been restored.<ref name="misali">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI3yD3WAcz4 |title=who wrote Caramelldansen? |date=October 25, 2021 |author1=jan Misali |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> In March 2022, the Caramella Girls YouTube channel released their own video statement "Who Wrote Caramelldansen?" where originating vocalist Malin Sundström tries to explain the authorship and performance of the two most notable tracks (2001 and 2008).<ref name="malin speaks">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9x8lOUY0wJ4 |title=Caramella Girls - Who Wrote Caramelldansen? |date=March 4, 2022 |author=Caramella Girls |language=en |access-date=2022-04-18 | via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

==Use in other media==
In July 2009, the Taiwanese gaming company [[Gamania]] launched an advertising campaign with the "Caramelldansen" song for the Japanese version of its online game ''Lucent Heart''.<ref name="lucent heart">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUeAd6Tbagg |title=ルーハーCMちゃんねる3 |date=June 28, 2009 |language=ja |publisher=[[Gamania]] |trans-title=Luu-Haa (Lucent Heart) CM Channel 3 |access-date=April 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/gUeAd6Tbagg |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> "Caramelldansen" has also been used in Japanese arcade games.  A [[rhythm game]] of the dance was released by Remixed Records for the Apple [[iPhone]] and [[iPod Touch]].<ref>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091220035317/http://www.caramellagirls.com/game | archive-date=2009-12-20 | url=https://www.caramellagirls.com/game/ | title=Caramella Girls - Now on iPhone and iPod Touch | work=Caramella Girls official website | access-date=September 22, 2022 }}</ref><ref name="misali"/> The team behind popular comedy site [[LoadingReadyRun]] has performed the dance for their [[Desert Bus for Hope]] charity fundraisers.<ref name="desert bus"/> In August 2010, the characters in the American [[Disney Channel]] program ''[[Phineas and Ferb]]'' perform the dance in the episode "[[Phineas and Ferb: Summer Belongs To You!|Summer Belongs to You]]" when they stop by Tokyo.<ref>{{cite episode | title= [[Phineas and Ferb: Summer Belongs To You!]] | series=[[Phineas and Ferb]] | season=2 | number=54 | at=Welcome to Tokyo | date=August 2, 2010 | network=[[Disney Channel]] }}</ref><ref name="misali"/><ref name="cbr">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/caramelldansen-meme-song-history-revival/|title=Caramelldansen: The Otaku Meme Song's History and Revival|first=Timothy|last=Donohoo|date=April 20, 2020|work=[[Comic Book Resources]]}}</ref>
"Caramelldansen" is one of the [[Music of Dance Dance Revolution (2013-present)#Dance Dance Revolution (2013) (102 total)|licensed songs]] in the [[Dance Dance Revolution (2013 video game)|2013 edition of ''Dance Dance Revolution'']].<ref>{{cite video game | title=[[Dance Dance Revolution (2013 video game)|Dance Dance Revolution]] | date=2013 | developer=[[Konami]], [[Bemani]] | publisher=Konami }}</ref> The dance has also appeared as a purchasable "Cat Ear Dance" emote in the 2017 video game ''[[Destiny 2]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/destiny-2-most-annoying-emote-is-available-for-bright-dust-this-week/1100-6498456/|title=Destiny 2's Most Annoying Emote Is Available For Bright Dust This Week | work=[[GameSpot]] | first=Phil | last=Hornshaw  | date=November 30, 2021}}</ref>


==See also==
* [[List of Internet phenomena]]
* [[2 Phút Hơn]]
* [[Loituma Girl]]
* [[Nyan Cat]]

==References==
{{reflist|refs=
<ref name="desert bus">[[Desert Bus for Hope]] videos featuring "Caramelldansen":
* {{cite AV media | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk8Slq1iN5Y|title=DB8 - The entire room does the Caramelldansen in celebration of $90K raised | author=[[Desert Bus for Hope]] | date=November 15, 2014 | via=YouTube }}
* {{cite AV media | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7gPphoR0DI | title=DB2019 - Kathleen teaches Jacob the Caramelldansen as the room dances to $100k|author=[[Desert Bus for Hope]] | via=YouTube | date=November 8, 2019 }}
* {{cite AV media | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZbKBN-tY-8 | title=DB2021 - Caramelldansen (the first of many?) | author=[[Desert Bus for Hope]] | date=November 13, 2021 | via=YouTube}}
</ref>
}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.caramellagirls.com|Caramella Girls official website}}
** [https://web.archive.org/web/20090624204428/http://umauma.cd/ Caramelldansen official website] (archive) {{in lang|ja}}
* {{Know Your Meme|caramelldansen}}
* [http://ruakuu.blogspot.com/2008/06/caramelldansen-history-complete.html History of the Caramelldansen meme] (2008), by "Ruakuu" via blogspot
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI3yD3WAcz4 who wrote Caramelldansen?] (October 25, 2021), by jan Misali, via [[YouTube]] 

{{authority control}}

[[Category:2001 songs]]
[[Category:Caramell songs]]
[[Category:Internet memes]]
[[Category:Internet memes introduced in 2006]]
[[Category:Viral videos]]
[[Category:Macaronic songs]]
[[Category:2000s fads and trends]]
[[Category:Novelty and fad dances]]
[[Category:Songs containing the I–V-vi-IV progression]]
[[Category:Swedish-language songs]]

Caramelldansen

2023-01-12T20:24:45Z

90.206.235.192: /* 2007 remix */Just for you, whoever edited it before.

{{short description|2001 song by Caramell}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2022}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Caramelldansen
| cover =
| alt =
| caption =
| type = single
| artist = [[Caramell]]
| album = [[Supergott]]
| language = [[Swedish language|Swedish]]
| released = November 16, 2001
| format =
| recorded = June 2001
| studio = Playhouse Studios ([[Stockholm]], [[Sweden]])
| venue =
| genre = {{flatlist|
* [[Dance-pop]]
* [[Eurodance]]
}}
| length = {{ubl|{{duration|3:30}} (album version)|{{duration|5:20}} (full version)}}
| label = Remixed
| writer = Jorge "Vasco" Vasconcelo and Juha "Millboy" Myllylä
| producer =
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title =
| next_year =
| misc = {{Audio sample
| type = single
| file = Caramelldansen.ogg
| description = Chorus of the song
}}
}}
"'''Caramelldansen'''" ([[Swedish language|Swedish]] for "''The Caramell dance''") is the first track from Swedish music group [[Caramell]]'s second and final album ''[[Supergott]]'' released on November 16, 2001. It became a viral [[internet meme]] in the mid-2000s where a [[nightcore|sped-up]] version of the song was attached to a video clip of two anime character girls dancing and making animal ear gestures with their hands. This version of the song was officially released in 2006 to Sweden, and to Japan (as {{Nihongo|"U-u-uma uma"|ウッーウッーウマウマ(゜∀゜) }}), the latter of which charted on [[Oricon]]. A [[virtual band|virtual group]] called '''Caramella Girls''' was launched to promote the song, renditions in other languages, and other cover songs and original songs. The group's most recent song is "I'm Your Girl". Their latest album is "Mums Mums".

==Composition==
The original 2001 version of the song by Caramell is in the 4/4 [[time signature]], has a tempo of 138 [[beats per minute]] and is in the key of [[E♭ major]].<ref>{{Cite AV media |date=March 2001 |title=Caramelldansen |url=https://open.spotify.com/track/6vA1o5MIqlkybAAGypeLaE?si=D57WBuf0Qr-qu0J5Zfb2ww |via=[[Spotify]]}}</ref> The 2008 remix version has been sped up (in the sense of [[nightcore]]) to a tempo of 164.7 beats per minute and is in the key [[G♭ major]].<ref>{{Cite AV media |date=January 5, 2008 |title=Caramelldansen |url=https://open.spotify.com/track/7MwwPyZJ7UKFROj2oVnH6R?si=fYotKMPbQ7autNBrEU4iJA |via=Spotify}}</ref>

==Internet phenomenon==
The [[Internet meme|meme]] started as a fifteen frame [[Adobe Flash|Flash]] animation loop showing [[List of Popotan characters#Mai|Mai]] and [[List of Popotan characters#Mii|Mii]], characters of the [[Japanese language|Japanese]] [[visual novel]] ''[[Popotan]]'', doing a hip swing dance with their hands over their heads to imitate rabbit ears, and the chorus of a [[nightcore|sped up version]] of the song.

[[File:Caramelldansen.gif|thumb|left|180px|Animation loop from the visual novel ''Popotan'', used in the internet meme known as "Caramelldansen".]]

===Background===
''Popotan'' first appeared as a Japanese [[Personal computer|PC]] game on December 12, 2002. After the [[anime]] was aired from July 17 to October 2, 2003, short [[GIF]] animations clips were created from the opening of the game and posted on the internet. The clips were matched with various songs, with titles ranging from "Popotan dance" to "Sexy bunny dance".<ref name="Ruakuu"/>

In late 2005, a sped-up version of the song was posted by a DJ named Speedycake to [[4chan]]. According to an interview with Ruakuu, Speedycake said the speed-up came from a mixing mistake while transitioning the "Caramelldansen" song to a faster BPM, and it ended up being "squeaky and high pitched", but that people were requesting for it anyway. In the same year, its chorus part was combined with the animation loop and posted to 4chan by a "Sven from Sweden", who does not recall using Speedycake's file, but got it from the internet in [[filesharing]]. Sven posted the loop with the repeated phrase "ANIME LOL!"<ref name="Ruakuu">{{Cite news |author=Ruakuu |date=June 23, 2008 |title=Ruakuu's Blog: Caramelldansen History (Complete) |url=http://ruakuu.blogspot.com/2008/06/caramelldansen-history-complete.html | via=[[Blogspot]] | access-date=September 20, 2022}}</ref><ref name="misali"/>

As the video and song clip gained popularity, it became a [[meme]]. Artists and fans started to copy the animation and include other characters performing the dance. Its boom began at the end of 2007 in Japan (known as the "Uma uma Boom") where an explosion of different Caramelldansen iterations appeared in the Japanese video-sharing site [[Nico Nico Douga]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Japanese page Niconico showing a large number of Caramelldansen versions |url=http://ichiba.nicovideo.jp/item/dw703432/related/1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080310143342/http://ichiba.nicovideo.jp/item/dw703432/related/1 |archive-date=March 10, 2008 |access-date=January 1, 2012 |publisher=Ichiba.nicovideo.jp}}</ref>

The meme soon after spread to YouTube and became a global phenomenon. Lore Sjöberg wrote in a ''[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]'' magazine article about how [[Flickr]] users "look down from Flickr Hills into YouTube Chasm and see wailing, gnashing of teeth, and endless versions of "Caramelldansen" and they are sore afraid."<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/commentary/alttext/2008/04/alttext_0416 |url-status=live |access-date=October 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926040247/http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/commentary/alttext/2008/04/alttext_0416 |archive-date=September 26, 2013 | work=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] | title=Flickr Fans Flustered Over Video Posting | first=Lore |last=Sjöberg | date=April 16, 2008 }}</ref>

===Popularity===
While the group Caramell disbanded in 2002, the group's music started to spread widely across the Internet thanks to the popularity of this Internet meme. [[Malin Sundström]] commented on the popularity of the meme: "We felt that it was time to move on; that one of our songs now may be a breakthrough is just a bonus." Caramell's Juha "Millboy" Myllylä, responding to questions from Japanese show Netstar [[NHK]], said that he first learned of the dance on YouTube. When asked if he does the dance himself, he responded, "Yeah, well, the dance is very funny to do, so I used to do it every time, I mean in the shower, and I used to show my family and my friends to make them dance. I like it. It's very funny."<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=The Net Star |publisher=[[NHK]] |time=23:05 |people=Juha "Millboy" Myllylä}}</ref>

The meme is not limited to the small Flash animation loops. 3D animation shorts have been released performing the dance, and live action videos made by fans. The idea of the new Swedish concept came from YouTube, showing more than 16,000 different versions of the original flash animation, including small loops, complete song shorts and live action videos.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 13, 2008 |title=Svensk danslåt störst – i Japan |trans-title=Caramelldansen hit and interview to Malin and Katia |url=http://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesliv/musik/article2892570.ab |access-date=January 1, 2012 |publisher=[[Aftonbladet]] |language=sv |author1=Johannes Heuman |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717060749/http://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/musik/article2892570.ab |archive-date=17 July 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=YouTube search for caramelldansen |url=https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Caramelldansen&search_type=&aq=f |access-date=January 1, 2012 |publisher=YouTube.com}}</ref>

Caramelldansen is known in Japan as "Uma uma dance" (ウマウマダンス), because the chorus's lyrics "''u-u-ua-ua''" were misheard as ウッーウッーウマウマ ("u- u- umauma") The Japanese title is written with the [[emoticon]] (°∀°) added to the end. The lyric: "{{Lang|sv|Dansa med oss, klappa era händer}}" (''"Dance with us, clap your hands"'') was sometimes misinterpreted as "バルサミコ酢やっぱいらへんで" ("''barusamiko-su yappa irahen de''"), which translates to "I don't want any [[balsamic vinegar]] after all", and ended up being a popular ''[[soramimi]]'' or [[mondegreen]] for the song, even affecting the Japanese language version.<ref name="misali" /><ref name="barks"/>

==2007 remix==
{{Infobox song
| name = Caramelldansen (Speedycake Remix)
| cover = Caramelldansen.jpg
| alt =
| caption = ''Caramelldansen speedy mixes'' release cover
| type = single
| artist = Caramell / Caramella Girls
| album = [[Supergott|Supergott speedy mixes]]
| language = [[Swedish language|Swedish]]
| released = 2007
| format =
| recorded = June 2001
| studio = Playhouse Studios ([[Stockholm]], [[Sweden]])
| venue =
| genre = {{Plainlist|
* [[Dance-pop]]
* [[Eurodance]]
}}
| length = {{duration|2:56}}
| label = {{Plainlist|
* Remixed
* [[Quake Inc.|Exit Tunes]] (Japan)
}}
| writer = Jorge "Vasco" Vasconcelo and Juha "Millboy" Myllylä
| producer =
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title =
| next_year =
| misc =
}}
In April 2007, Japanese music distributor [[Quake Inc.|Exit Tunes]] gained the rights from the original Caramell producers, Remixed Records, to distribute the sped-up version of the original song in Asia, releasing first an album called ''Uma Uma Dekiru Trance wo Tsukutte Mita'' which included "Caramelldansen" (named "U-u-uma uma" (Speedycake Remix)) and other popular meme songs at the time. Toromi, the voice actor who voiced Mii in ''Popotan'', also covered the song on a single ''Toro☆Uma''.<ref name="toro uma">{{Cite web |title=Toro☆Uma |url=http://mise.pupu.jp/torouma/index.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219044056/http://mise.pupu.jp/torouma/index.htm |archive-date=February 19, 2012 |access-date=January 1, 2012 |publisher=Mise.pupu.jp}}</ref> There was also an official single "U-u-uma uma" release<ref name="umauma">{{Cite web |title=Japanese Caramelldansen discography |url=http://www.umauma.cd/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090624204428/http://umauma.cd/ |archive-date=June 24, 2009 |access-date=January 1, 2012 |publisher=Umauma.cd | language=ja }}</ref> ''Uma Uma Dekiru Trance'' reached number 20 on the [[Oricon]] charts and stayed on for 16 weeks;<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exit Trance Presents ウマウマできるトランスを作ってみた |trans-title=Exit Trance Presents Uma Uma Dekiru Trance wo Tsukutte Mita |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/52027/products/758596/1/ |access-date=September 20, 2022 |website=[[Oricon]] |language=ja}}</ref> and the "U-u-uma uma" single reached number 16 and stayed 14 weeks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ウッーウッーウマウマ(°∀°) |trans-title=U-u-uma-uma |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/454184/products/762192/1/ |access-date=September 20, 2022 |website=[[Oricon]] | language=ja }}</ref>

In March 2009, it was awarded Single of the Year (International) at [[Recording Industry Association of Japan]]'s 23rd [[Japan Gold Disc Award]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=第23回日本ゴールドディスク大賞 | trans-title=23rd Japan Gold Disc Award | url=http://www.golddisc.jp/award/23/Prize_1.html |work=[[Japan Gold Disc Award]] official website | publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of Japan ]] | access-date=September 20, 2022 | at=Single of the Year – 洋楽部門 (international) | language=ja }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |year=2009 |title=RIAJ Yearbook 2009 |url=https://www.riaj.or.jp/riaj/pdf/issue/industry/RIAJ2009E.pdf |website=Recording Industry Association of Japan |page=18 |format=PDF}}</ref>


Remixed Records released the sped-up version of the original ''Supergott'' album on Apple's [[iTunes Store]]; the album was called ''Supergott Speedy Mixes''.
In Japan, this was titled ''U-u-uma-uma SPEED'' with the song titles completely rewritten with [[emoticon]]s.<ref name="misali" /> ''Speed'' reached number 48 on Oricon and stayed 5 weeks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ウッーウッーウマウマ(°∀°)SPEED アルバム |trans-title=U-u-uma-uma SPEED album |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/454184/products/767236/1/ |access-date=September 20, 2022 |website=[[Oricon]] | language=ja }}</ref>

Remixed Records also released a set of ''Caramelldansen Speedy Mixes''. On September 16, they released an English version of the song called "Caramelldancing".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Arnflo |first=Oscar |title=Swedish Caramelldansen discography |url=http://www.caramell.nu/?page=media&subpage=music |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228024910/http://caramell.nu/?page=media |archive-date=February 28, 2009 |access-date=January 1, 2012 |publisher=Caramell.nu}}</ref> A German version of the song, "Caramelltanzen", was released on April 15, 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 15, 2009 |title=Caramelltanzen (German Version) - Single by Caramella Girls |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/caramelltanzen-german-version-single/1495010310 |via=[[iTunes]] }}</ref>

===Releases===
The speedy versions were released and remixed in multiple versions and languages, and the singles / remix EPs credited to other Caramell or Caramella Girls and produced and distributed by Remixed Records unless specified.

Singles and remix EPs:
* "Caramelldansen" (2007)

* {{Nihongo|"U-u-uma uma"|ウッーウッーウマウマ(°∀°) }} ([[Exit Music Publishing Inc.|Exit Tunes]] QWCE-00048, May 21, 2008)<ref>{{Cite web |title=ウッーウッーウマウマ(゜∀゜) / キャラメル |url=http://9819.jp/cd/exit_tunes/qwce00048.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111207150442/http://9819.jp/cd/exit_tunes/qwce00048.html |archive-date=December 7, 2011 |access-date=January 1, 2012 |website=[[Exit Music Publishing Inc.|Exit Tunes]] |via=9819.jp}}</ref>
* ''Caramelldansen speedy mixes'' (2008) 
* "Caramelldancing" (English, 2008) 
* "Caramelldancing - Christmas Version" (English, 2009) 
* "Caramelltanzen" (German, Remixed Records, EMI Music & RemRec songs, 2009)<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MB2R8o4JSo |title=Caramella Girls - Caramelltanzen German version (Official) |date=April 29, 2009 |last=Caramella Girls |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
* "Caramelldansen Español 4K" (Spanish, Remixed Records, RemRec Songs & Sony/ATV Music Publishing, 2021)<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2vgqfaPO5 |title=Caramella Girls – Caramelldansen Español 4K |date=April 2, 2021 |last=Caramella Girls |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

Compilations of:
* {{Nihongo3||ウマウマできるトランスを作ってみた|Uma Uma Dekiru Trance wo Tsukutte Mita|"Tried making a trance you can Uma Uma to"}} ([[Exit Music Publishing Inc.|Exit Tunes]] QWCE-00047, April 16, 2008)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exit Trance Presents ウマウマできるトランスを作ってみた | trans-title=Exit Trance Presents Uma Uma Dekiru Trance wo Tsukutte Mita |url=http://9819.jp/cd/exit_tunes/qwce00047.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111207150448/http://9819.jp/cd/exit_tunes/qwce00047.html |archive-date=December 7, 2011 |access-date=January 1, 2012 |work=[[Exit Music Publishing Inc.|Exit Tunes]] |language=ja |via=9819.jp}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=中国語空耳ワールド |date=March 8, 2008 |title=腰クネクネ謎のダンス「ウマウマ」大流行の兆し |trans-title=Mysterious waist twisting dance "Uma Uma" is a sign of a big epidemic |url=http://www.j-cast.com/2008/03/08017442.html |access-date=January 1, 2012 |publisher=Jcast}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=「ウッーウッーウマウマ(ﾟ∀ﾟ)」がCD化　販売中止のトランスアルバムが新装復活 | trans-title="U-u-uma uma(ﾟ∀ﾟ)" CD; the discontinued trance album is revived |url=http://www.itmedia.co.jp/news/articles/0802/25/news030.html |access-date=January 1, 2012 | date=February 25, 2008 | work=ITmedia | language=ja }}</ref><ref name="barks">{{Cite news |title=新しい空耳ソングがブレイクか？今度は“ウッーウッーウマウマ(°∀°)” |trans-title=Will the new soramimi song be a breakthrough? This time, “U-u-uma uma (°∀°)” |url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000038247 |access-date=January 1, 2012 |publisher=Barks |location=Japan|language=ja | date=February 29, 2008 }}</ref>

* ''Supergott Speedy Mixes'' (2008) <ref name="website july2009">{{Cite web |title=Media |url=http://www.caramellagirls.com/media_music_caramelltanzen.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090711152550/http://www.caramellagirls.com/media_music.php |archive-date=July 12, 2009 |access-date=October 22, 2015 |website=Caramella Girls official website}}</ref>
** released in Japan as {{Nihongo|''U-u-uma uma SPEED''|ウッーウッーウマウマ(゜∀゜) SPEED}} ([[Exit Music Publishing Inc.|Exit Tunes]] QWCE-20001, June 18, 2008)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Uma uma Speed up track list |url=http://9819.jp/cd/exit_tunes/qwce20001.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303075103/http://9819.jp/cd/exit_tunes/qwce20001.html |archive-date=March 3, 2012 |access-date=January 1, 2012 |website=[[Exit Music Publishing Inc.|Exit Tunes]] |via=9819.jp}}</ref>

==Caramella Girls==
{{Infobox musical artist
| background = group_or_band
| name = Caramella Girls
| image =
| image_size =
| image_upright =
| landscape = 
| alt =
| caption =
| alias =
| origin =
| genre = [[bubblegum pop]]
| years_active = {{Start date|2008}}–present
| label = {{Plainlist|
* Remixed Records
* RemRec Songs
}}
| spinoffs =
| spinoff_of = [[Caramell]]
| current_members = {{Plainlist|
* Mindy
* Nadine
* Vera
}}
| past_members =
| website = 
| module =
| module2 =
| module3 =
}}
'''Caramella Girls''' is a [[virtual band|virtual group]] created by Remixed Records in 2008 to promote the "Caramelldansen" song. They first showed up in the Japanese release "U-u-uma uma" single on May 21, 2008 as two anime character counterparts for the two female vocalists Malin Sundström and Katia Löfgren, removing the rest of the band members.<ref name="umauma" /> They were then redesigned to be a girl group of three virtual girl characters – Mindy, Nadine, and Vera. At some live events, they would appear in masks and costumes.<ref name="cmhs">{{Cite news |last=Kaehler |first=Lilli |date=September 19, 2008 |title=Why You Don’t Remember Caramelldansen |work=The Hitching Post |url=https://cmhs.news/why-you-dont-remember-caramelldansen/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5a9rBGsZkL8 |title=Caramella Girls - Caramelldansen - Stage Performance |date=June 14, 2011 |last=Caramella Girls |via=YouTube}}</ref> Remixed Records has further rebranded all related releases on music platforms from Caramell to "Caramella Girls".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Supergott (Speedy Mixes) by Caramell |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/supergott-speedy-mixes/id281046723 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403150756/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/supergott-speedy-mixes/id281046723 |archive-date=3 April 2018 |access-date=April 3, 2018 |website=Apple Music}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2008 |title=Supergott (Speedy Mixes) by Caramella Girls |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/1495013032 |access-date=January 23, 2022 |website=Apple Music}}</ref>


On March 18, 2011, Caramella Girls released the song "Boogie Bam Dance".<ref name="cmhs" />
In October 2012, the band released the ''Caramelldancing Remixes EP'', which features remixes of the English version of the Caramelldansen song by Crazy 1, No Trixx, and DJ Triplestar.<ref>{{Cite AV media |date=October 30, 2012 |title=Caramelldancing Remixes - Single av Caramell |url=https://itunes.apple.com/se/album/caramelldancing-remixes-single/574633211 |via=[[iTunes]] }}</ref>

Caramella Girls has since released other songs and videos. Some of these were written by Kim Andre Arnesen and Kristian Lagerström; and some are covers of other [[bubblegum pop]] tunes.<ref name="bubblegum dancer"/> A few of the songs are played at normal speed.<ref name="misali"/> In 2020, they released a digital compilation album (without "Caramelldansen") called ''Sweet Decade''.<ref name="bubblegum dancer">{{Cite web |title=Caramella Girls News thread | url=https://www.bubblegumdancer.com/190-Caramella_Girls/news/ |work=Bubblegum Dancer | access-date=September 21, 2022}}</ref>

===Credits controversy===
In 2019, Remixed Records owner Giovanni Sconfienza retroactively changed the credits for Caramelldansen and its various remixes from Caramell to the Caramella Girls on digital streaming platforms including [[Spotify]] and [[iTunes]], as well as the official Caramelldansen YouTube channel. [[YouTuber]] jan Misali released a [[video essay]] investigating this change in October 2021, with the aim of explaining the true authorship of the song. Sconfienza issued a [[copyright strike]] on the video in an attempt to suppress the information and delete Misali's channel.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Winslow |first=Jeremy |date=2021-12-21 |title='Caramelldansen' Owners Really Don't Want You To Know Where The Song Originated |work=[[Kotaku]] |url=https://kotaku.com/caramelldansen-owners-really-dont-want-you-to-know-wher-1848255354 |url-status=live |access-date=2022-03-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122235237/https://kotaku.com/caramelldansen-owners-really-dont-want-you-to-know-wher-1848255354 |archive-date=2022-01-22}}</ref> As of February 2022, the video has been restored.<ref name="misali">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI3yD3WAcz4 |title=who wrote Caramelldansen? |date=October 25, 2021 |author1=jan Misali |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> In March 2022, the Caramella Girls YouTube channel released their own video statement "Who Wrote Caramelldansen?" where originating vocalist Malin Sundström tries to explain the authorship and performance of the two most notable tracks (2001 and 2008).<ref name="malin speaks">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9x8lOUY0wJ4 |title=Caramella Girls - Who Wrote Caramelldansen? |date=March 4, 2022 |author=Caramella Girls |language=en |access-date=2022-04-18 | via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

==Use in other media==
In July 2009, the Taiwanese gaming company [[Gamania]] launched an advertising campaign with the "Caramelldansen" song for the Japanese version of its online game ''Lucent Heart''.<ref name="lucent heart">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUeAd6Tbagg |title=ルーハーCMちゃんねる3 |date=June 28, 2009 |language=ja |publisher=[[Gamania]] |trans-title=Luu-Haa (Lucent Heart) CM Channel 3 |access-date=April 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/gUeAd6Tbagg |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> "Caramelldansen" has also been used in Japanese arcade games.  A [[rhythm game]] of the dance was released by Remixed Records for the Apple [[iPhone]] and [[iPod Touch]].<ref>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091220035317/http://www.caramellagirls.com/game | archive-date=2009-12-20 | url=https://www.caramellagirls.com/game/ | title=Caramella Girls - Now on iPhone and iPod Touch | work=Caramella Girls official website | access-date=September 22, 2022 }}</ref><ref name="misali"/> The team behind popular comedy site [[LoadingReadyRun]] has performed the dance for their [[Desert Bus for Hope]] charity fundraisers.<ref name="desert bus"/> In August 2010, the characters in the American [[Disney Channel]] program ''[[Phineas and Ferb]]'' perform the dance in the episode "[[Phineas and Ferb: Summer Belongs To You!|Summer Belongs to You]]" when they stop by Tokyo.<ref>{{cite episode | title= [[Phineas and Ferb: Summer Belongs To You!]] | series=[[Phineas and Ferb]] | season=2 | number=54 | at=Welcome to Tokyo | date=August 2, 2010 | network=[[Disney Channel]] }}</ref><ref name="misali"/><ref name="cbr">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/caramelldansen-meme-song-history-revival/|title=Caramelldansen: The Otaku Meme Song's History and Revival|first=Timothy|last=Donohoo|date=April 20, 2020|work=[[Comic Book Resources]]}}</ref>
"Caramelldansen" is one of the [[Music of Dance Dance Revolution (2013-present)#Dance Dance Revolution (2013) (102 total)|licensed songs]] in the [[Dance Dance Revolution (2013 video game)|2013 edition of ''Dance Dance Revolution'']].<ref>{{cite video game | title=[[Dance Dance Revolution (2013 video game)|Dance Dance Revolution]] | date=2013 | developer=[[Konami]], [[Bemani]] | publisher=Konami }}</ref> The dance has also appeared as a purchasable "Cat Ear Dance" emote in the 2017 video game ''[[Destiny 2]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/destiny-2-most-annoying-emote-is-available-for-bright-dust-this-week/1100-6498456/|title=Destiny 2's Most Annoying Emote Is Available For Bright Dust This Week | work=[[GameSpot]] | first=Phil | last=Hornshaw  | date=November 30, 2021}}</ref>


==See also==
* [[List of Internet phenomena]]
* [[2 Phút Hơn]]
* [[Loituma Girl]]
* [[Nyan Cat]]

==References==
{{reflist|refs=
<ref name="desert bus">[[Desert Bus for Hope]] videos featuring "Caramelldansen":
* {{cite AV media | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk8Slq1iN5Y|title=DB8 - The entire room does the Caramelldansen in celebration of $90K raised | author=[[Desert Bus for Hope]] | date=November 15, 2014 | via=YouTube }}
* {{cite AV media | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7gPphoR0DI | title=DB2019 - Kathleen teaches Jacob the Caramelldansen as the room dances to $100k|author=[[Desert Bus for Hope]] | via=YouTube | date=November 8, 2019 }}
* {{cite AV media | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZbKBN-tY-8 | title=DB2021 - Caramelldansen (the first of many?) | author=[[Desert Bus for Hope]] | date=November 13, 2021 | via=YouTube}}
</ref>
}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.caramellagirls.com|Caramella Girls official website}}
** [https://web.archive.org/web/20090624204428/http://umauma.cd/ Caramelldansen official website] (archive) {{in lang|ja}}
* {{Know Your Meme|caramelldansen}}
* [http://ruakuu.blogspot.com/2008/06/caramelldansen-history-complete.html History of the Caramelldansen meme] (2008), by "Ruakuu" via blogspot
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI3yD3WAcz4 who wrote Caramelldansen?] (October 25, 2021), by jan Misali, via [[YouTube]] 

{{authority control}}

[[Category:2001 songs]]
[[Category:Caramell songs]]
[[Category:Internet memes]]
[[Category:Internet memes introduced in 2006]]
[[Category:Viral videos]]
[[Category:Macaronic songs]]
[[Category:2000s fads and trends]]
[[Category:Novelty and fad dances]]
[[Category:Songs containing the I–V-vi-IV progression]]
[[Category:Swedish-language songs]]

Caramelldansen

2023-01-12T20:21:34Z

90.206.235.192:

{{short description|2001 song by Caramell}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2022}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Caramelldansen
| cover =
| alt =
| caption =
| type = single
| artist = [[Caramell]]
| album = [[Supergott]]
| language = [[Swedish language|Swedish]]
| released = November 16, 2001
| format =
| recorded = June 2001
| studio = Playhouse Studios ([[Stockholm]], [[Sweden]])
| venue =
| genre = {{flatlist|
* [[Dance-pop]]
* [[Eurodance]]
}}
| length = {{ubl|{{duration|3:30}} (album version)|{{duration|5:20}} (full version)}}
| label = Remixed
| writer = Jorge "Vasco" Vasconcelo and Juha "Millboy" Myllylä
| producer =
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title =
| next_year =
| misc = {{Audio sample
| type = single
| file = Caramelldansen.ogg
| description = Chorus of the song
}}
}}
"'''Caramelldansen'''" ([[Swedish language|Swedish]] for "''The Caramell dance''") is the first track from Swedish music group [[Caramell]]'s second and final album ''[[Supergott]]'' released on November 16, 2001. It became a viral [[internet meme]] in the mid-2000s where a [[nightcore|sped-up]] version of the song was attached to a video clip of two anime character girls dancing and making animal ear gestures with their hands. This version of the song was officially released in 2006 to Sweden, and to Japan (as {{Nihongo|"U-u-uma uma"|ウッーウッーウマウマ(゜∀゜) }}), the latter of which charted on [[Oricon]]. A [[virtual band|virtual group]] called '''Caramella Girls''' was launched to promote the song, renditions in other languages, and other cover songs and original songs. The group's most recent song is "I'm Your Girl". Their latest album is "Mums Mums".

==Composition==
The original 2001 version of the song by Caramell is in the 4/4 [[time signature]], has a tempo of 138 [[beats per minute]] and is in the key of [[E♭ major]].<ref>{{Cite AV media |date=March 2001 |title=Caramelldansen |url=https://open.spotify.com/track/6vA1o5MIqlkybAAGypeLaE?si=D57WBuf0Qr-qu0J5Zfb2ww |via=[[Spotify]]}}</ref> The 2008 remix version has been sped up (in the sense of [[nightcore]]) to a tempo of 164.7 beats per minute and is in the key [[G♭ major]].<ref>{{Cite AV media |date=January 5, 2008 |title=Caramelldansen |url=https://open.spotify.com/track/7MwwPyZJ7UKFROj2oVnH6R?si=fYotKMPbQ7autNBrEU4iJA |via=Spotify}}</ref>

==Internet phenomenon==
The [[Internet meme|meme]] started as a fifteen frame [[Adobe Flash|Flash]] animation loop showing [[List of Popotan characters#Mai|Mai]] and [[List of Popotan characters#Mii|Mii]], characters of the [[Japanese language|Japanese]] [[visual novel]] ''[[Popotan]]'', doing a hip swing dance with their hands over their heads to imitate rabbit ears, and the chorus of a [[nightcore|sped up version]] of the song.

[[File:Caramelldansen.gif|thumb|left|180px|Animation loop from the visual novel ''Popotan'', used in the internet meme known as "Caramelldansen".]]

===Background===
''Popotan'' first appeared as a Japanese [[Personal computer|PC]] game on December 12, 2002. After the [[anime]] was aired from July 17 to October 2, 2003, short [[GIF]] animations clips were created from the opening of the game and posted on the internet. The clips were matched with various songs, with titles ranging from "Popotan dance" to "Sexy bunny dance".<ref name="Ruakuu"/>

In late 2005, a sped-up version of the song was posted by a DJ named Speedycake to [[4chan]]. According to an interview with Ruakuu, Speedycake said the speed-up came from a mixing mistake while transitioning the "Caramelldansen" song to a faster BPM, and it ended up being "squeaky and high pitched", but that people were requesting for it anyway. In the same year, its chorus part was combined with the animation loop and posted to 4chan by a "Sven from Sweden", who does not recall using Speedycake's file, but got it from the internet in [[filesharing]]. Sven posted the loop with the repeated phrase "ANIME LOL!"<ref name="Ruakuu">{{Cite news |author=Ruakuu |date=June 23, 2008 |title=Ruakuu's Blog: Caramelldansen History (Complete) |url=http://ruakuu.blogspot.com/2008/06/caramelldansen-history-complete.html | via=[[Blogspot]] | access-date=September 20, 2022}}</ref><ref name="misali"/>

As the video and song clip gained popularity, it became a [[meme]]. Artists and fans started to copy the animation and include other characters performing the dance. Its boom began at the end of 2007 in Japan (known as the "Uma uma Boom") where an explosion of different Caramelldansen iterations appeared in the Japanese video-sharing site [[Nico Nico Douga]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Japanese page Niconico showing a large number of Caramelldansen versions |url=http://ichiba.nicovideo.jp/item/dw703432/related/1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080310143342/http://ichiba.nicovideo.jp/item/dw703432/related/1 |archive-date=March 10, 2008 |access-date=January 1, 2012 |publisher=Ichiba.nicovideo.jp}}</ref>

The meme soon after spread to YouTube and became a global phenomenon. Lore Sjöberg wrote in a ''[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]'' magazine article about how [[Flickr]] users "look down from Flickr Hills into YouTube Chasm and see wailing, gnashing of teeth, and endless versions of "Caramelldansen" and they are sore afraid."<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/commentary/alttext/2008/04/alttext_0416 |url-status=live |access-date=October 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926040247/http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/commentary/alttext/2008/04/alttext_0416 |archive-date=September 26, 2013 | work=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] | title=Flickr Fans Flustered Over Video Posting | first=Lore |last=Sjöberg | date=April 16, 2008 }}</ref>

===Popularity===
While the group Caramell disbanded in 2002, the group's music started to spread widely across the Internet thanks to the popularity of this Internet meme. [[Malin Sundström]] commented on the popularity of the meme: "We felt that it was time to move on; that one of our songs now may be a breakthrough is just a bonus." Caramell's Juha "Millboy" Myllylä, responding to questions from Japanese show Netstar [[NHK]], said that he first learned of the dance on YouTube. When asked if he does the dance himself, he responded, "Yeah, well, the dance is very funny to do, so I used to do it every time, I mean in the shower, and I used to show my family and my friends to make them dance. I like it. It's very funny."<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=The Net Star |publisher=[[NHK]] |time=23:05 |people=Juha "Millboy" Myllylä}}</ref>

The meme is not limited to the small Flash animation loops. 3D animation shorts have been released performing the dance, and live action videos made by fans. The idea of the new Swedish concept came from YouTube, showing more than 16,000 different versions of the original flash animation, including small loops, complete song shorts and live action videos.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 13, 2008 |title=Svensk danslåt störst – i Japan |trans-title=Caramelldansen hit and interview to Malin and Katia |url=http://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesliv/musik/article2892570.ab |access-date=January 1, 2012 |publisher=[[Aftonbladet]] |language=sv |author1=Johannes Heuman |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717060749/http://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/musik/article2892570.ab |archive-date=17 July 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=YouTube search for caramelldansen |url=https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Caramelldansen&search_type=&aq=f |access-date=January 1, 2012 |publisher=YouTube.com}}</ref>

Caramelldansen is known in Japan as "Uma uma dance" (ウマウマダンス), because the chorus's lyrics "''u-u-ua-ua''" were misheard as ウッーウッーウマウマ ("u- u- umauma") The Japanese title is written with the [[emoticon]] (°∀°) added to the end. The lyric: "{{Lang|sv|Dansa med oss, klappa era händer}}" (''"Dance with us, clap your hands"'') was sometimes misinterpreted as "バルサミコ酢やっぱいらへんで" ("''barusamiko-su yappa irahen de''"), which translates to "I don't want any [[balsamic vinegar]] after all", and ended up being a popular ''[[soramimi]]'' or [[mondegreen]] for the song, even affecting the Japanese language version.<ref name="misali" /><ref name="barks"/>

==2008 remix==
{{Infobox song
| name = Caramelldansen (Speedycake Remix)
| cover = Caramelldansen.jpg
| alt =
| caption = ''Caramelldansen speedy mixes'' release cover
| type = single
| artist = Caramell / Caramella Girls
| album = [[Supergott|Supergott speedy mixes]]
| language = [[Swedish language|Swedish]]
| released = 2007
| format =
| recorded = June 2001
| studio = Playhouse Studios ([[Stockholm]], [[Sweden]])
| venue =
| genre = {{Plainlist|
* [[Dance-pop]]
* [[Eurodance]]
}}
| length = {{duration|2:56}}
| label = {{Plainlist|
* Remixed
* [[Quake Inc.|Exit Tunes]] (Japan)
}}
| writer = Jorge "Vasco" Vasconcelo and Juha "Millboy" Myllylä
| producer =
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title =
| next_year =
| misc =
}}
In April 2007, Japanese music distributor [[Quake Inc.|Exit Tunes]] gained the rights from the original Caramell producers, Remixed Records, to distribute the sped-up version of the original song in Asia, releasing first an album called ''Uma Uma Dekiru Trance wo Tsukutte Mita'' which included "Caramelldansen" (named "U-u-uma uma" (Speedycake Remix)) and other popular meme songs at the time. Toromi, the voice actor who voiced Mii in ''Popotan'', also covered the song on a single ''Toro☆Uma''.<ref name="toro uma">{{Cite web |title=Toro☆Uma |url=http://mise.pupu.jp/torouma/index.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219044056/http://mise.pupu.jp/torouma/index.htm |archive-date=February 19, 2012 |access-date=January 1, 2012 |publisher=Mise.pupu.jp}}</ref> There was also an official single "U-u-uma uma" release<ref name="umauma">{{Cite web |title=Japanese Caramelldansen discography |url=http://www.umauma.cd/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090624204428/http://umauma.cd/ |archive-date=June 24, 2009 |access-date=January 1, 2012 |publisher=Umauma.cd | language=ja }}</ref> ''Uma Uma Dekiru Trance'' reached number 20 on the [[Oricon]] charts and stayed on for 16 weeks;<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exit Trance Presents ウマウマできるトランスを作ってみた |trans-title=Exit Trance Presents Uma Uma Dekiru Trance wo Tsukutte Mita |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/52027/products/758596/1/ |access-date=September 20, 2022 |website=[[Oricon]] |language=ja}}</ref> and the "U-u-uma uma" single reached number 16 and stayed 14 weeks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ウッーウッーウマウマ(°∀°) |trans-title=U-u-uma-uma |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/454184/products/762192/1/ |access-date=September 20, 2022 |website=[[Oricon]] | language=ja }}</ref>

In March 2009, it was awarded Single of the Year (International) at [[Recording Industry Association of Japan]]'s 23rd [[Japan Gold Disc Award]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=第23回日本ゴールドディスク大賞 | trans-title=23rd Japan Gold Disc Award | url=http://www.golddisc.jp/award/23/Prize_1.html |work=[[Japan Gold Disc Award]] official website | publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of Japan ]] | access-date=September 20, 2022 | at=Single of the Year – 洋楽部門 (international) | language=ja }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |year=2009 |title=RIAJ Yearbook 2009 |url=https://www.riaj.or.jp/riaj/pdf/issue/industry/RIAJ2009E.pdf |website=Recording Industry Association of Japan |page=18 |format=PDF}}</ref>


Remixed Records released the sped-up version of the original ''Supergott'' album on Apple's [[iTunes Store]]; the album was called ''Supergott Speedy Mixes''.
In Japan, this was titled ''U-u-uma-uma SPEED'' with the song titles completely rewritten with [[emoticon]]s.<ref name="misali" /> ''Speed'' reached number 48 on Oricon and stayed 5 weeks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ウッーウッーウマウマ(°∀°)SPEED アルバム |trans-title=U-u-uma-uma SPEED album |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/454184/products/767236/1/ |access-date=September 20, 2022 |website=[[Oricon]] | language=ja }}</ref>

Remixed Records also released a set of ''Caramelldansen Speedy Mixes''. On September 16, they released an English version of the song called "Caramelldancing".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Arnflo |first=Oscar |title=Swedish Caramelldansen discography |url=http://www.caramell.nu/?page=media&subpage=music |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228024910/http://caramell.nu/?page=media |archive-date=February 28, 2009 |access-date=January 1, 2012 |publisher=Caramell.nu}}</ref> A German version of the song, "Caramelltanzen", was released on April 15, 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 15, 2009 |title=Caramelltanzen (German Version) - Single by Caramella Girls |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/caramelltanzen-german-version-single/1495010310 |via=[[iTunes]] }}</ref>

===Releases===
The speedy versions were released and remixed in multiple versions and languages, and the singles / remix EPs credited to other Caramell or Caramella Girls and produced and distributed by Remixed Records unless specified.

Singles and remix EPs:
* "Caramelldansen" (2008)

* {{Nihongo|"U-u-uma uma"|ウッーウッーウマウマ(°∀°) }} ([[Exit Music Publishing Inc.|Exit Tunes]] QWCE-00048, May 21, 2008)<ref>{{Cite web |title=ウッーウッーウマウマ(゜∀゜) / キャラメル |url=http://9819.jp/cd/exit_tunes/qwce00048.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111207150442/http://9819.jp/cd/exit_tunes/qwce00048.html |archive-date=December 7, 2011 |access-date=January 1, 2012 |website=[[Exit Music Publishing Inc.|Exit Tunes]] |via=9819.jp}}</ref>
* ''Caramelldansen speedy mixes'' (2008) 
* "Caramelldancing" (English, 2008) 
* "Caramelldancing - Christmas Version" (English, 2009) 
* "Caramelltanzen" (German, Remixed Records, EMI Music & RemRec songs, 2009)<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MB2R8o4JSo |title=Caramella Girls - Caramelltanzen German version (Official) |date=April 29, 2009 |last=Caramella Girls |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
* "Caramelldansen Español 4K" (Spanish, Remixed Records, RemRec Songs & Sony/ATV Music Publishing, 2021)<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2vgqfaPO5 |title=Caramella Girls – Caramelldansen Español 4K |date=April 2, 2021 |last=Caramella Girls |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

Compilations of:
* {{Nihongo3||ウマウマできるトランスを作ってみた|Uma Uma Dekiru Trance wo Tsukutte Mita|"Tried making a trance you can Uma Uma to"}} ([[Exit Music Publishing Inc.|Exit Tunes]] QWCE-00047, April 16, 2008)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exit Trance Presents ウマウマできるトランスを作ってみた | trans-title=Exit Trance Presents Uma Uma Dekiru Trance wo Tsukutte Mita |url=http://9819.jp/cd/exit_tunes/qwce00047.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111207150448/http://9819.jp/cd/exit_tunes/qwce00047.html |archive-date=December 7, 2011 |access-date=January 1, 2012 |work=[[Exit Music Publishing Inc.|Exit Tunes]] |language=ja |via=9819.jp}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=中国語空耳ワールド |date=March 8, 2008 |title=腰クネクネ謎のダンス「ウマウマ」大流行の兆し |trans-title=Mysterious waist twisting dance "Uma Uma" is a sign of a big epidemic |url=http://www.j-cast.com/2008/03/08017442.html |access-date=January 1, 2012 |publisher=Jcast}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=「ウッーウッーウマウマ(ﾟ∀ﾟ)」がCD化　販売中止のトランスアルバムが新装復活 | trans-title="U-u-uma uma(ﾟ∀ﾟ)" CD; the discontinued trance album is revived |url=http://www.itmedia.co.jp/news/articles/0802/25/news030.html |access-date=January 1, 2012 | date=February 25, 2008 | work=ITmedia | language=ja }}</ref><ref name="barks">{{Cite news |title=新しい空耳ソングがブレイクか？今度は“ウッーウッーウマウマ(°∀°)” |trans-title=Will the new soramimi song be a breakthrough? This time, “U-u-uma uma (°∀°)” |url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000038247 |access-date=January 1, 2012 |publisher=Barks |location=Japan|language=ja | date=February 29, 2008 }}</ref>

* ''Supergott Speedy Mixes'' (2008) <ref name="website july2009">{{Cite web |title=Media |url=http://www.caramellagirls.com/media_music_caramelltanzen.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090711152550/http://www.caramellagirls.com/media_music.php |archive-date=July 12, 2009 |access-date=October 22, 2015 |website=Caramella Girls official website}}</ref>
** released in Japan as {{Nihongo|''U-u-uma uma SPEED''|ウッーウッーウマウマ(゜∀゜) SPEED}} ([[Exit Music Publishing Inc.|Exit Tunes]] QWCE-20001, June 18, 2008)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Uma uma Speed up track list |url=http://9819.jp/cd/exit_tunes/qwce20001.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303075103/http://9819.jp/cd/exit_tunes/qwce20001.html |archive-date=March 3, 2012 |access-date=January 1, 2012 |website=[[Exit Music Publishing Inc.|Exit Tunes]] |via=9819.jp}}</ref>

==Caramella Girls==
{{Infobox musical artist
| background = group_or_band
| name = Caramella Girls
| image =
| image_size =
| image_upright =
| landscape = 
| alt =
| caption =
| alias =
| origin =
| genre = [[bubblegum pop]]
| years_active = {{Start date|2008}}–present
| label = {{Plainlist|
* Remixed Records
* RemRec Songs
}}
| spinoffs =
| spinoff_of = [[Caramell]]
| current_members = {{Plainlist|
* Mindy
* Nadine
* Vera
}}
| past_members =
| website = 
| module =
| module2 =
| module3 =
}}
'''Caramella Girls''' is a [[virtual band|virtual group]] created by Remixed Records in 2008 to promote the "Caramelldansen" song. They first showed up in the Japanese release "U-u-uma uma" single on May 21, 2008 as two anime character counterparts for the two female vocalists Malin Sundström and Katia Löfgren, removing the rest of the band members.<ref name="umauma" /> They were then redesigned to be a girl group of three virtual girl characters – Mindy, Nadine, and Vera. At some live events, they would appear in masks and costumes.<ref name="cmhs">{{Cite news |last=Kaehler |first=Lilli |date=September 19, 2008 |title=Why You Don’t Remember Caramelldansen |work=The Hitching Post |url=https://cmhs.news/why-you-dont-remember-caramelldansen/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5a9rBGsZkL8 |title=Caramella Girls - Caramelldansen - Stage Performance |date=June 14, 2011 |last=Caramella Girls |via=YouTube}}</ref> Remixed Records has further rebranded all related releases on music platforms from Caramell to "Caramella Girls".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Supergott (Speedy Mixes) by Caramell |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/supergott-speedy-mixes/id281046723 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403150756/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/supergott-speedy-mixes/id281046723 |archive-date=3 April 2018 |access-date=April 3, 2018 |website=Apple Music}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2008 |title=Supergott (Speedy Mixes) by Caramella Girls |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/1495013032 |access-date=January 23, 2022 |website=Apple Music}}</ref>


On March 18, 2011, Caramella Girls released the song "Boogie Bam Dance".<ref name="cmhs" />
In October 2012, the band released the ''Caramelldancing Remixes EP'', which features remixes of the English version of the Caramelldansen song by Crazy 1, No Trixx, and DJ Triplestar.<ref>{{Cite AV media |date=October 30, 2012 |title=Caramelldancing Remixes - Single av Caramell |url=https://itunes.apple.com/se/album/caramelldancing-remixes-single/574633211 |via=[[iTunes]] }}</ref>

Caramella Girls has since released other songs and videos. Some of these were written by Kim Andre Arnesen and Kristian Lagerström; and some are covers of other [[bubblegum pop]] tunes.<ref name="bubblegum dancer"/> A few of the songs are played at normal speed.<ref name="misali"/> In 2020, they released a digital compilation album (without "Caramelldansen") called ''Sweet Decade''.<ref name="bubblegum dancer">{{Cite web |title=Caramella Girls News thread | url=https://www.bubblegumdancer.com/190-Caramella_Girls/news/ |work=Bubblegum Dancer | access-date=September 21, 2022}}</ref>

===Credits controversy===
In 2019, Remixed Records owner Giovanni Sconfienza retroactively changed the credits for Caramelldansen and its various remixes from Caramell to the Caramella Girls on digital streaming platforms including [[Spotify]] and [[iTunes]], as well as the official Caramelldansen YouTube channel. [[YouTuber]] jan Misali released a [[video essay]] investigating this change in October 2021, with the aim of explaining the true authorship of the song. Sconfienza issued a [[copyright strike]] on the video in an attempt to suppress the information and delete Misali's channel.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Winslow |first=Jeremy |date=2021-12-21 |title='Caramelldansen' Owners Really Don't Want You To Know Where The Song Originated |work=[[Kotaku]] |url=https://kotaku.com/caramelldansen-owners-really-dont-want-you-to-know-wher-1848255354 |url-status=live |access-date=2022-03-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122235237/https://kotaku.com/caramelldansen-owners-really-dont-want-you-to-know-wher-1848255354 |archive-date=2022-01-22}}</ref> As of February 2022, the video has been restored.<ref name="misali">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI3yD3WAcz4 |title=who wrote Caramelldansen? |date=October 25, 2021 |author1=jan Misali |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> In March 2022, the Caramella Girls YouTube channel released their own video statement "Who Wrote Caramelldansen?" where originating vocalist Malin Sundström tries to explain the authorship and performance of the two most notable tracks (2001 and 2008).<ref name="malin speaks">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9x8lOUY0wJ4 |title=Caramella Girls - Who Wrote Caramelldansen? |date=March 4, 2022 |author=Caramella Girls |language=en |access-date=2022-04-18 | via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

==Use in other media==
In July 2009, the Taiwanese gaming company [[Gamania]] launched an advertising campaign with the "Caramelldansen" song for the Japanese version of its online game ''Lucent Heart''.<ref name="lucent heart">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUeAd6Tbagg |title=ルーハーCMちゃんねる3 |date=June 28, 2009 |language=ja |publisher=[[Gamania]] |trans-title=Luu-Haa (Lucent Heart) CM Channel 3 |access-date=April 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/gUeAd6Tbagg |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> "Caramelldansen" has also been used in Japanese arcade games.  A [[rhythm game]] of the dance was released by Remixed Records for the Apple [[iPhone]] and [[iPod Touch]].<ref>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091220035317/http://www.caramellagirls.com/game | archive-date=2009-12-20 | url=https://www.caramellagirls.com/game/ | title=Caramella Girls - Now on iPhone and iPod Touch | work=Caramella Girls official website | access-date=September 22, 2022 }}</ref><ref name="misali"/> The team behind popular comedy site [[LoadingReadyRun]] has performed the dance for their [[Desert Bus for Hope]] charity fundraisers.<ref name="desert bus"/> In August 2010, the characters in the American [[Disney Channel]] program ''[[Phineas and Ferb]]'' perform the dance in the episode "[[Phineas and Ferb: Summer Belongs To You!|Summer Belongs to You]]" when they stop by Tokyo.<ref>{{cite episode | title= [[Phineas and Ferb: Summer Belongs To You!]] | series=[[Phineas and Ferb]] | season=2 | number=54 | at=Welcome to Tokyo | date=August 2, 2010 | network=[[Disney Channel]] }}</ref><ref name="misali"/><ref name="cbr">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/caramelldansen-meme-song-history-revival/|title=Caramelldansen: The Otaku Meme Song's History and Revival|first=Timothy|last=Donohoo|date=April 20, 2020|work=[[Comic Book Resources]]}}</ref>
"Caramelldansen" is one of the [[Music of Dance Dance Revolution (2013-present)#Dance Dance Revolution (2013) (102 total)|licensed songs]] in the [[Dance Dance Revolution (2013 video game)|2013 edition of ''Dance Dance Revolution'']].<ref>{{cite video game | title=[[Dance Dance Revolution (2013 video game)|Dance Dance Revolution]] | date=2013 | developer=[[Konami]], [[Bemani]] | publisher=Konami }}</ref> The dance has also appeared as a purchasable "Cat Ear Dance" emote in the 2017 video game ''[[Destiny 2]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/destiny-2-most-annoying-emote-is-available-for-bright-dust-this-week/1100-6498456/|title=Destiny 2's Most Annoying Emote Is Available For Bright Dust This Week | work=[[GameSpot]] | first=Phil | last=Hornshaw  | date=November 30, 2021}}</ref>


==See also==
* [[List of Internet phenomena]]
* [[2 Phút Hơn]]
* [[Loituma Girl]]
* [[Nyan Cat]]

==References==
{{reflist|refs=
<ref name="desert bus">[[Desert Bus for Hope]] videos featuring "Caramelldansen":
* {{cite AV media | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk8Slq1iN5Y|title=DB8 - The entire room does the Caramelldansen in celebration of $90K raised | author=[[Desert Bus for Hope]] | date=November 15, 2014 | via=YouTube }}
* {{cite AV media | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7gPphoR0DI | title=DB2019 - Kathleen teaches Jacob the Caramelldansen as the room dances to $100k|author=[[Desert Bus for Hope]] | via=YouTube | date=November 8, 2019 }}
* {{cite AV media | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZbKBN-tY-8 | title=DB2021 - Caramelldansen (the first of many?) | author=[[Desert Bus for Hope]] | date=November 13, 2021 | via=YouTube}}
</ref>
}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.caramellagirls.com|Caramella Girls official website}}
** [https://web.archive.org/web/20090624204428/http://umauma.cd/ Caramelldansen official website] (archive) {{in lang|ja}}
* {{Know Your Meme|caramelldansen}}
* [http://ruakuu.blogspot.com/2008/06/caramelldansen-history-complete.html History of the Caramelldansen meme] (2008), by "Ruakuu" via blogspot
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI3yD3WAcz4 who wrote Caramelldansen?] (October 25, 2021), by jan Misali, via [[YouTube]] 

{{authority control}}

[[Category:2001 songs]]
[[Category:Caramell songs]]
[[Category:Internet memes]]
[[Category:Internet memes introduced in 2006]]
[[Category:Viral videos]]
[[Category:Macaronic songs]]
[[Category:2000s fads and trends]]
[[Category:Novelty and fad dances]]
[[Category:Songs containing the I–V-vi-IV progression]]
[[Category:Swedish-language songs]]

Supergott

2023-01-12T20:17:13Z

90.206.235.192:

{{Infobox album
| name = Supergott
| type = studio
| artist = [[Caramell]]
| cover = Caramell-supergott.jpg
| released = November 16, 2001
| recorded = October 2000 – June 2001
| studio = Playhouse Studios [[Stockholm]], [[Sweden]]
| genre = {{hlist|[[Bubblegum pop]]|[[Eurodance]]}}
| length = 46:40
| label = Remixed
| prev_title = [[Gott Och Blandat]]
| prev_year = 1999
| misc = {{Singles
| name = Supergott
| type = studio
| single1 = Vad Heter Du
| single1date = 29 June 2001
| single2 = Ooa Hela Natten
| single2date = 22 February 2002
}}
}}

'''''Supergott''''' is the second & final studio album by Swedish music group [[Caramell]] released on 16 November 2001, by [https://www.remixed.se/ Remixed Records]. It is famous for the opening song "[[Caramelldansen]]," released on 2 November 2001. After the album was dropped, a standalone charity single "Allra Bästa Vänner" was released on 19 April 2002. The group disbanded shortly after.

==2008 speedy mix==
On May 1, 2008, Remixed Records released the sped-up version of the original ''Supergott'' album on Apple's [[iTunes Store]]. The album was called ''Supergott Speedy Mixes''.
In Japan, this was titled ''U-u-uma-uma SPEED'' with the song titles completely rewritten with [[emoticon]]s.<ref name="misali">{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI3yD3WAcz4|title=who wrote Caramelldansen?|via=[[YouTube]] | date=October 25, 2021 | first=jan | last=Misali }}</ref> ''Speed'' reached number 48 on Oricon and stayed 5 weeks.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/454184/products/767236/1/ | title=ウッーウッーウマウマ(°∀°)SPEED アルバム | trans-title=U-u-uma-uma SPEED album | work=[[Oricon]] | access-date=September 20, 2022}}</ref>

==2016 reissue==
On 3 December 2016, the album was reissued for [[Music download|digital download]] via [[Tunecore]] and [[YouTube Music]].

On 10 March 2020, the album was removed from all digital retailers and streaming services but was put back on all digital retailers and streaming services on April 1, 2020.

==Singles==
"Vad Heter Du" was released on 29 June 2001 as the [[lead single]] from the album.

The song "[[Caramelldansen]]", which became an internet meme in subsequent years, was released on 2 November 2001 two weeks before the album's release.

"Ooa Hela Natten" was released as the third and final single from the album on 22 February 2002.

==Track listing==
# "[[Caramelldansen]] (Caramelldancing)" – 3:30
# "Vad Heter Du? (What's Your Name?)" – 3:15
# "Ooa Hela Natten (Singing All Night) [a cover of the Attack song of the same name]" – 3:40
# "Doktorn (Doctor)" – 3:11
# "I Min Mobil (In My Phone)" – 4:01
# "Spelar Ingen Roll (It Doesn't Matter)" – 3:36
# "Diskotek (Discotheque)" – 3:39
# "I Drömmarnas Land (In Dreamworld)" – 3:12
# "Kom Håll Om Mig (Come On Hold Me)" – 3:45
# "Här E Jag (Here I Am)"– 3:24
# "Ett & Två (One And Two)" – 3:25
# "Vild Och Galen (Wild And Crazy)" – 3:21
# "Caramell Megamix" – 4:43

{{listen |
| filename = Caramelldansen.ogg
| title = "Caramelldansen"
| description = The chorus to "Caramelldansen".
|}}

==See also==
*[[Caramelldansen]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:2001 albums]]
[[Category:2002 albums]]
[[Category:Caramell albums]]

Caramell

2023-01-12T20:13:53Z

90.206.235.192:

{{short description|Swedish musical group}}
{{about-distinguish|the Swedish musical group|caramel}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{One source|date=January 2021}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Caramell
| image = Malin Sundström "Hallow'een Happening" Café Opera 1998.jpg
| caption = [[Dinah Nah|Malin Sundström]] (by herself) in a [[Halloween]] procession at [[Café Opera]] in 1998.
| image_size = 170
| alias =
| origin = Sweden
| genre =
| years_active = {{hlist|1998–2002}}
| label = Remixed
| associated_acts =
| website =
| past_members = Jorge Vasconcelo Juha Myllylä Katia Löfgren [[Dinah Nah|Malin Sundström]]
| spinoffs = Vasco & Millboy, [[Caramella Girls]]
}}
'''Caramell''' was a Swedish music group, formed by singers Katia Löfgren and [[Dinah Nah|Malin Sundström]], and producers Jorge "Vasco" Vasconcelo and Juha "Millboy" Myllylä. They are best known for their 2001 single "[[Caramelldansen]]." The group released two albums, ''[[Gott Och Blandat]]'' (1999) and ''[[Supergott]]'' (2001). Caramell broke up in 2002. Some time after Caramell had their hiatus, Jorge and Juha formed a duo as Vasco & Millboy, but the two split soon after. Sundström also went on to start a solo career as [[Dinah Nah]]. The group (as "Caramella Girls") released [[Supergott]] Speedy Mixes in 2008.

The group reunited for the ''Vi som älskar 90-talet'' concert in Stockholm in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMJzl8gllEw|title=Caramell - Caramelldansen (Live@Zinkensdamm) 4K|website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

==Discography==
===Studio albums===
*''[[Gott Och Blandat]]'' (10 September 1999) – No. 23 [[Sverigetopplistan|Sweden]]<ref name="swe"/>
*''[[Supergott]]'' (16 November 2001) – No. 51 Sweden<ref name="swe"/>

===Remix albums===
*''Supergott Speedy Mixes'' (known as ''U-u-uma-uma SPEED'' in Japan) (2008) – No. 48 on [[Oricon]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/454184/products/767236/1/ | title=ウッーウッーウマウマ(°∀°)SPEED アルバム | trans-title=U-u-uma-uma SPEED album | work=[[Oricon]] | access-date=September 20, 2022}}</ref>

===Singles===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Title
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Year
! scope="col" colspan="2" | Peak chart positions
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Album
|-
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;"| [[Sverigetopplistan|SWE]] <ref name="swe">{{cite web|url=http://www.swedishcharts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Caramell|title=Caramell in Swedish charts|publisher=swedishcharts.com|accessdate=7 August 2022}}</ref>

! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;"| [[Oricon|JPN]] <ref name="oricon">{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/454184/rank/|title=Caramel chart ranking|publisher=[[Oricon]]|accessdate=7 August 2022}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| "Om Du Var Min"
| rowspan="4"|1999
| 7
| –
| rowspan="4"| ''[[Gott Och Blandat]]''
|-
! scope="row"| "[[Efter plugget|Efter Plugget]]"
| 18
| –
|-
! scope="row"| "Jag Ser På Dig"
| 43
| –
|-
! scope="row"| "Explodera (Upp Som Dynamit)"
| 37
| –
|-
! scope="row"| "Vad Heter Du?"
| rowspan="2"| 2001
| 21
| –
| rowspan="2"| ''[[Supergott]]''
|-
! scope="row"| "Ooa Hela Natten"
| –
| –
|-
! scope="row"| "Allra Bästa Vänner"
| 2002
| –
| –
| {{n/a|Non-album single}}
|-
! scope="row"| "Caramelldansen" (Speedycake Remix) (known as "U-u-uma uma" (Speedycake Remix) in Japan)
| 2008
| –
| 16
| ''Supergott Speedy Mixes''
|-
! scope="row"| "Vad Heter Du" (with QUB3)
| 2020
| –
| –
| {{n/a|Non-album single}}
|-
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Swedish musical groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1998]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2002]]

Jack Albertson

2023-01-07T18:13:03Z

90.206.235.192: STOP IT FLIGHTTIME AND BINKSTERNET

{{short description|American actor (1907-1981)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2015}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Jack Albertson
| image = Jack Albertson 1971.JPG
| image_size =
| caption = Albertson in 1971
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1907|6|16|mf=y}}
| birth_name = Harold Albertson
| birth_place = [[Malden, Massachusetts]], U.S.
| death_date = {{Death date and age|1981|11|25|1907|6|16|mf=y}}
| death_place = Los Angeles, California
| other_names = John Alberts
| occupation = {{hlist|Actor|comedian|dancer|singer}}
| years_active = 1926–1981
| spouse = {{marriage|June Wallace Thomson|1952}}
| children = 1
| relatives = {{unbulleted list |[[Mabel Albertson]] (sister)| [[George Englund]] (nephew)|[[Wes Studi]] (son-in-law)}}
}}
'''Harold Albertson''' (June 16, 1907 – November 25, 1981), known professionally as '''Jack Albertson''', was an American [[actor]], [[comedian]], [[dancer]] and [[singer]] who also [[performed]] in [[vaudeville]].<ref>Obituary ''[[Variety Obituaries|Variety]]'', December 2, 1981.</ref> Albertson was a [[List of people who have won Academy, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Awards#Three competitive awards|Tony, Oscar, and Emmy winning actor]]. For his performance as John Cleary in the 1964 play ''[[The Subject Was Roses]]'' and its [[The Subject Was Roses (film)|1968 film adaptation]], he won the [[Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play]], and the [[Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor]]. His other notable roles include Grandpa Joe in ''[[Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory]]'' (1971), Manny Rosen in ''[[The Poseidon Adventure (1972 film)|The Poseidon Adventure]]'' (1972), and Ed Brown in the television sitcom ''[[Chico and the Man]]'' (1974–78), for which he won an Emmy. For his contributions to the television industry, Albertson was honored with a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]] in 1977 at 6253 [[Hollywood Boulevard]].<ref name="HWOF">{{cite web|url=http://www.walkoffame.com/jack-albertson|title=Hollywood Walk of Fame - Jack Albertson|website=walkoffame.com|publisher=Hollywood Chamber of Commerce|access-date=February 14, 2017}}</ref>

==Early life==
Albertson was born on June 16, 1907, in [[Malden, Massachusetts]],<ref name=Obit>{{cite web|title=Wallace Thomson Albertson Obituary|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=April 26, 2015|url=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/latimes/obituary.aspx?pid=174707891}}</ref> the son of [[History of the Jews in Russia|Russian-Jewish]] immigrants Flora (née Craft) and Leopold Albertson.<ref name=ref1>[http://www.genealogymagazine.com/albertson.html Jack Albertson's Kinship to Cloris Leachman] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008235355/http://www.genealogymagazine.com/albertson.html |date=October 8, 2016 }}, genealogymagazine.com; accessed October 19, 2015.</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/01/07/archives/jack-spreads-a-little-sunshine-jack-spreads-sunshine.html|work=The New York Times|title=Jack Spreads A Little Sunshine; Jack Spreads Sunshine|date=January 7, 1973|access-date=2010-05-05|first=Robert|last=Berkvist}}</ref> His older sister was actress [[Mabel Albertson]]. Albertson's mother, a stock actress, supported the family by working in a shoe factory.<ref name=ref1/> Until the age of 22, Albertson was known as "Harold Albertson".<ref name= ref1 /> His father abandoned his mother before Jack was born, and the boy was raised by his stepfather, Alex Erlich, a barber.

During a 1972 ''[[New York Daily News]]'' interview with [[Sidney Fields]], Albertson reminisced:{{quote| "I was bright but disruptive. I didn't do homework. To cover, I made wisecracks and funny faces at the teachers. They told me to take my business elsewhere."}} Albertson dropped out of high school, ending his formal education after a single year. He worked at several different jobs including: the local [[General Electric]] plant; in one of many shoe factories in the Lynn, Massachusetts area; and as a rack boy in neighborhood pool parlors, where he was a fairly good pool hustler, although he was always on guard to avoid playing anyone who could "out-hustle" him. The pool hall provided Albertson with an opportunity to learn a few tap dance routines from his fellow hustlers.

When he was eighteen, he began to be paid for his prize winning shows. His sister Mabel taught him the first "time steps" in tap dancing, and he picked up additional routines by watching vaudeville acts that played his hometown. Around this time, he started singing with a group called "The Golden Rule Four," who held their practice sessions beneath a railroad bridge.<ref>"Current Biography 1976". The H.W. Wilson Company. 1976. P#3-4</ref>

==Career==

===Broadway===
Albertson joined the vaudeville road troupe known as the Dancing Verselle Sisters. He then worked in [[American burlesque|burlesque]] as a hoofer ([[Tap dance|soft shoe]] dancer) and [[Double act|straight man]] to [[Phil Silvers]] on the ''[[Minsky's Burlesque]] Circuit''.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Sage|first=Dusty|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8VBKDwAAQBAJ&q=jack+albertson&pg=PT302|title=Burlesque In a Nutshell - Girls, Gimmicks & Gags|date=2016-06-07|publisher=BearManor Media|language=en}}</ref> Besides vaudeville and burlesque, he appeared on the stage in many [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] plays and musicals, including ''[[High Button Shoes]]'', ''[[Top Banana (musical)|Top Banana]]'', ''[[The Cradle Will Rock]]'', ''Make Mine Manhattan'', ''[[Show Boat]]'', ''Boy Meets Girl'', ''[[Girl Crazy]]'', ''Meet the People'', ''[[The Sunshine Boys]]'' – for which he received a [[Tony Award]] nomination for Best Actor, and ''[[The Subject Was Roses]]'' – for which he won a [[Tony Award|Tony]] for Best Supporting Actor.<ref name=ibdbname />

===Film===
Albertson appeared in more than 30 films. He had an early minor role in ''[[Miracle on 34th Street]]'' as a postal worker who redirects [[dead letter]]s addressed to "Santa Claus" to the courthouse where Kris Kringle is on trial. He won an [[Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor]] for his role in the 1968 film ''[[The Subject Was Roses (film)|The Subject Was Roses]]''.<ref name=tcm /> He later apologized to child actor and fellow nominee [[Jack Wild]] for winning the award; Albertson expected Wild to win for his role in ''[[Oliver! (film)|Oliver!]]'' Also nominated was Albertson's later ''[[Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory]]'' co-star [[Gene Wilder]], for his role in ''[[The Producers (1967 film)|The Producers]]''.

Albertson appeared as Charlie Bucket's [[List of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory characters#Grandpa Joe Bucket|Grandpa Joe]] in ''[[Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory]]'' (1971), and in ''[[The Poseidon Adventure (1972 film)|The Poseidon Adventure]]'' (1972), where he played Manny Rosen,<ref name=tcm>[http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/1677|75082/Jack-Albertson/ Jack Alberston] on [[TCM.com]]</ref> husband to Belle, played by [[Shelley Winters]].

Albertson said that his one regret was that he did not reprise his [[role (performing arts)|role]] in the movie version of ''[[The Sunshine Boys]]''. When producer [[Ray Stark]] acquired the film rights from [[Neil Simon]] in 1973, Albertson was expected to play the part, but by the time MGM had bought the rights in 1974 and was preparing to begin filming in February 1975, Albertson was not available because he was appearing on ''[[Chico and the Man]]'' on TV.<ref>{{AFI film|55478|Neil Simon's The Sunshine Boys}}</ref>

===Radio===
Albertson was a radio performer early in his career. Among the shows he appeared on were ''[[Just Plain Bill]]'', ''Lefty'', ''That's My Pop'' and ''The Jack Albertson Comedy Show''. In the late 1940s he was for a time a regular on the ''[[Milton Berle|Milton Berle Show]]''.<ref>Terrace, Vincent. (1998) [https://books.google.com/books?id=nIiACgAAQBAJ&pg=PA229&lpg=PA229#v=onepage&q=Milton%20Berle%20radio%20Jack%20Albertson ''Radio Programs, 1924-1984: A Catalog of More Than 1800 Shows'']. McFarland. p.229 {{ISBN|9780786445134}}</ref>

===Television===
Albertson appeared in many television series, such as ''[[Hey, Jeannie!]]'' with [[Jeannie Carson]], the [[Broadcast syndication|syndicated]] [[Western (genre)|Western]] series ''[[Frontier Doctor]]'' with [[Rex Allen]], [[Rod Cameron (actor)|Rod Cameron]]'s syndicated crime drama ''[[State Trooper (TV series)|State Trooper]]'', and the 1961–62 drama series ''[[Bus Stop (TV series)|Bus Stop]]''. He guest-starred on the [[David Janssen]] crime-drama series ''[[Richard Diamond, Private Detective]]''.

From 1960 to 1961, Albertson was cast in three episodes of ''[[Pete and Gladys]]'', with [[Harry Morgan]] and [[Cara Williams]]. On January 2, 1961, Albertson was cast as Sampson J. Binton, with [[DeForest Kelley]] as Alex Jeffords, in "Listen to the Nightingale", the series finale of ''[[Riverboat (TV series)|Riverboat]]'', starring [[Darren McGavin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0687095|title="Listen to the Nightingale", ''Riverboat''|date=January 2, 1961|publisher=IMDb.com|access-date=February 21, 2013}}</ref> Albertson had a recurring role as the neighbor Walter Burton in eight episodes of the 1962 ABC sitcom ''[[Room for One More (TV series)|Room for One More]]'', with [[Andrew Duggan]] and [[Peggy McCay]]. He had recurring roles in ''[[Ensign O'Toole]]'' (1962–63)<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last=Leszczak|first=Bob|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LaUqwWnpHLwC&q=jack+albertson&pg=PA45|title=Single Season Sitcoms, 1948-1979: A Complete Guide|date=2012-11-08|publisher=McFarland|isbn=978-0-7864-9305-0|language=en}}</ref> and ''[[Run, Buddy, Run]]'' (1966). Between 1961 and 1964, Albertson appeared seven times on ''[[Mister Ed]]'' as Paul Fenton, brother-in-law (later just brother) to Wilbur Post's next-door-neighbor Kay, notably appearing as a stopgap regular for several episodes after the death of [[Larry Keating]] in 1963.

Other 1960s series on which Albertson appeared were: NBC's sitcom ''[[Happy (1960 TV series)|Happy]]'', starring [[Ronnie Burns (actor)|Ronnie Burns]]; ''[[Glynis (TV series)|Glynis]]'', starring [[Glynis Johns]]; and [[Keith Andes]], which aired for 13 weeks in the fall of 1963. Albertson appeared in two episodes of ''[[The Twilight Zone (1959 TV series)|The Twilight Zone]]''.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|last1=Presnell|first1=Don|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MqtTBQAAQBAJ&q=jack+albertson&pg=PA151|title=A Critical History of Television's The Twilight Zone, 1959-1964|last2=McGee|first2=Marty|date=2015-07-11|publisher=McFarland|isbn=978-1-4766-1038-2|language=en}}</ref> In a 1967 episode of ''[[The Andy Griffith Show]]'', he played the ne'er-do-well cousin, Bradford J. Taylor, of series character [[Aunt Bee]] ([[Frances Bavier]]). He also appeared in a 1969 episode of the TV series ''[[The Virginian (TV series)|The Virginian]]'' entitled "Girl in the Shadows." He appeared in The Big Valley episode "The Battle of Mineral Springs" (1969). In 1970, Albertson appeared as Billy "Moose" Valentine in The Men From Shiloh, the rebranded name for ''[[The Virginian (TV series)|The Virginian]]'' in the episode titled "With Love, Bullets and Valentines".

From 1971 to 1972, he co-starred, with actor [[Sam Groom]], in the Canadian television series ''[[Dr. Simon Locke]]''. He then co-starred as "The Man" Ed Brown on the popular series ''[[Chico and the Man]]'' with [[Freddie Prinze]]. He stayed for its entire run from 1974 to 1978. He earned an [[Emmy Award]] for that role in 1976, which was his second; his first one was for an appearance on the variety show ''[[Cher (TV series)|Cher]]'' in 1975.<ref name=":2" />

==Personal life and death==
He resided for many years in [[West Hollywood, California]]. In 1978, he was diagnosed with [[colorectal cancer]], but kept this information private and continued to act. Two of his last roles were in the television movies, ''My Body, My Child'' (1982) and ''Grandpa, Will You Run with Me?'' (1983), both filmed in 1981 and released [[Posthumous work|posthumously]]. His final theatrical role was as the hunter, Amos Slade, in Disney's 24th animated feature, ''[[The Fox and the Hound]]'', originally released in the summer of 1981, four months before his death.

He and his wife, June, had a daughter, Maura Dhu.<ref>{{cite web|author=Blau, Eleanor|date=November 28, 1981|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/11/26/obituaries/jack-albertson-versatile-star-of-stage-film-and-tv-series.html|title=Jack Albertson, Versatile Star of Stage, Film and TV Series|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> On the morning of November 25, 1981, Albertson died at his Los Angeles home in the Hollywood Hills<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/archives/la-me-jack-albertson-19811126-story.html|title=From the Archives: Jack Albertson Dies of Cancer|date=1981-11-26|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-25}}</ref> at the age of 74 from colon cancer.<ref name=ibdbname>{{ibdb name|29510|Jack Albertson}}</ref> He and his elder sister, ''[[Bewitched]]'' actress [[Mabel Albertson]] (who died ten months later from [[Alzheimer's disease]]), were cremated and their ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean.<ref name=Obit/>

==Filmography==
{{more citations needed section|date=February 2017}}

=== Film ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! | Year
! | Title
! | Role
! | Notes
|-
| 1938
| ''[[Next Time I Marry]]''
| Reporter
|
|-
| 1940
| ''[[Strike Up the Band (film)|Strike Up the Band]]''
| Barker
| Uncredited
|-
| 1947
| ''[[Miracle on 34th Street]]''
| Al
| Uncredited
|-
| 1952
| ''[[Anything Can Happen]]''
| Flower Vendor
| Uncredited
|-
| 1954
| ''[[Top Banana (film)|Top Banana]]''
| Vic Davis
|
|-
| 1955
| ''[[Bring Your Smile Along]]''
| Mr. Jenson
|
|-
| rowspan="5" |1956
| ''[[Over-Exposed]]''
| Les Bauer
|
|-
| ''[[The Harder They Fall (1956 film)|The Harder They Fall]]''
| Pop
|
|-
| ''[[The Eddy Duchin Story]]''
| Piano tuner
| Uncredited
|-
| ''[[The Unguarded Moment (film)|The Unguarded Moment]]''
| Prof
|
|-
| ''[[You Can't Run Away from It]]''
| Third proprietor
|
|-
| rowspan="3" |1957
| ''[[Monkey on My Back (film)|Monkey on My Back]]''
| Sam Pian
|
|-
| ''[[Man of a Thousand Faces (film)|Man of a Thousand Faces]]''
| Dr. J. Wilson Shields
|
|-
| ''[[Don't Go Near the Water (film)|Don't Go Near the Water]]''
| Rep. George Jansen
|
|-
| 1958
| ''[[Teacher's Pet (1958 film)|Teacher's Pet]]''
| Guide
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |1959
| ''[[Never Steal Anything Small]]''
| Sleep-Out Charlie Barnes
|
|-
| ''[[The Shaggy Dog (1959 film)|The Shaggy Dog]]''
| Reporter
| Uncredited
|-
| rowspan="2" |1961
| ''[[The George Raft Story]]''
| Milton
|
|-
| ''[[Lover Come Back (1961 film)|Lover Come Back]]''
| Fred
|
|-
| rowspan="4" |1962
| ''[[Convicts 4]]''
| Art Teacher
|
|-
| ''[[Period of Adjustment (film)|Period of Adjustment]]''
| Desk Sergeant
|
|-
| ''[[Who's Got the Action?]]''
| Officer Hodges
|
|-
| ''[[Days of Wine and Roses (film)|Days of Wine and Roses]]''
| Trayner
|
|-
| 1963
| ''[[Son of Flubber]]''
| Mr. Barley
|
|-
| rowspan="4" |1964
| ''[[Kissin' Cousins]]''
| Capt. Robert Jason Salbo
|
|-
| ''[[A Tiger Walks]]''
| Sam Grant
|
|-
| ''[[The Patsy (1964 film)|The Patsy]]''
| Theatergoer with Helen
|
|-
| ''[[Roustabout (film)|Roustabout]]''
| Lou (tea house manager)
|
|-
| 1965
| ''[[How to Murder Your Wife]]''
| Dr. Bentley
|
|-
| 1967
| ''[[The Flim-Flam Man]]''
| Mr. Packard
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |1968
| ''[[How to Save a Marriage and Ruin Your Life]]''
| Mr. Slotkin
|
|-
| ''[[The Subject Was Roses (film)|The Subject Was Roses]]''
| John Cleary
| [[Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor]]<ref name=":3" />
|-
| rowspan="2" |1969
| ''[[Changes (1969 film)|Changes]]''
| The Father
|
|-
| ''[[Justine (1969 film)|Justine]]''
| Cohen
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |1970
| ''[[Squeeze a Flower]]''
| Alfredo Brazzi
|
|-
| ''[[Rabbit, Run (film)|Rabbit, Run]]''
| Marty Tothero
|
|-
| rowspan="3" |1971
| ''Once Upon a Dead Man''
|
|
|-
| ''[[Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory]]''
| Grandpa Joe Bucket
|
|-
| ''[[The Late Liz]]''
| Reverend Gordon Rogers
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |1972
| ''[[Pickup on 101]]''
| Jedediah Bradley
|
|-
| ''[[The Poseidon Adventure (1972 film)|The Poseidon Adventure]]''
| Manny Rosen
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |1981
| ''[[Dead & Buried]]''
| William G. Dobbs
|
|-
| ''[[The Fox and the Hound]]''
| Amos Slade
| Voice, final theatrical role
|}

===Television===
{|class="wikitable"
|-
! | Year
! | Title
! | Role
! | Notes
|-
| rowspan="4"|1956
| ''[[Burns and Allen]]''
| Eddie 'Bozo Schultz' Wilson
| Episode: "Burlesque"
|-
| ''[[I Love Lucy]]''
| Helicopter Dispatcher
| Episode: "Bon Voyage"
|-
| ''Crusader''
| Ernie Duchek
| Episode: "The Syndicate"
|-
| ''[[Sheriff of Cochise]]''
| Greenbriar Merritt
| Episode: "Closed for Repairs"
|-
| 1957–1959
| ''[[The Thin Man (TV series)|The Thin Man]]''
| Lt. Harry Evans
| 14 episodes
|-
| 1957–1960
| ''[[Have Gun – Will Travel]]''
| Mayor Whiteside Jason Coldwell Bookie
|3 episodes
|-
| rowspan=2|1958
| ''[[Bachelor Father (U.S. TV series)|Bachelor Father]]''
| Charlie Sharpe Salesman
| 2 episodes
|-
| ''[[The People's Choice (TV series)|The People's Choice]]''
| Luther Jenkins
| Episode: "Daisies Won't Tell", with [[Jackie Cooper]]
|-
| 1959
| ''[[Richard Diamond, Private Detective]]''
| Fallace
| Episode: "Boomerang Bait"
|-
| 1959–1961
| ''[[The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis]]''
| Bison Lodge Member Police Sergeant Newspaper Reporter Mr. Quimby Police chief
| 5 episodes
|-
| 1959–1962
| ''[[The Jack Benny Program]]''
| Reporter
| 6 episodes
|-
| rowspan=5|1960
| ''[[The Gale Storm Show]]''
| Freddy Morell
| Episode: "Show Biz"
|-
| ''[[The Tab Hunter Show]]''
| Coach
| Episode: "My Darling Teacher"
|-
| ''[[The Ann Sothern Show]]''
| Mr. Dooley
| Episode: "Billy"
|-
| ''[[Happy (1960 TV series)|Happy]]''
| Ed Langley
| Episode: "Chris' Night Out"
|-
| ''[[Klondike (TV series)|Klondike]]''
| Eskimo Eddie
| Episode: "Sure Thing, Men"
|-
| rowspan=3|1961
| ''[[Riverboat (TV series)|Riverboat]]''
| Sampson J. Binton
| Episode: "Listen to the Nightingale"'
|-
| ''[[The Tab Hunter Show]]''
| Harry Dr. Hocker P. T. Bailey
| Episode: "Weekend on Ice" Episode: "Me and My Shadow" Episode: "Crazy Over Horses"
|-
| ''[[The Twilight Zone (1959 TV series)|The Twilight Zone]]''
| Jerry Harlowe
| Episode: "[[The Shelter (The Twilight Zone)|The Shelter]]"<ref name=":1" />
|-
| 1961–1964
| ''[[Mister Ed]]''
| Paul Fenton
| 7 episodes
|-
| rowspan="5" |1962
| ''[[The Dick Van Dyke Show]]''
| Mr. Eisenbauer
| Episode: "The Twizzle"
|-
| ''[[Bus Stop (TV series)|Bus Stop]]''
| Lawson
| Episode: "Turn Home Again"
|-
| ''[[Lawman (TV series)|Lawman]]''
| Doc Peters
| Episode: "The Unmasked"
|-
| ''[[Saints and Sinners (1962 TV series)|Saints and Sinners]]''
| Dr. Felixson
| Episode: "All the Hard Young Men"
|-
| ''[[Room for One More (TV series)|Room for One More]]''
| Walter Burton
| 8 episodes
|-
| 1962–1963
| ''[[Ensign O'Toole]]''
| Lt. Cdr. Virgil Stoner
| 32 episodes<ref name=":0" />
|-
| rowspan=3|1963
| ''[[Glynis (TV series)|Glynis]]''
| Al
| Episode: "The Pros and Cons"<ref name=":0" />
|-
| ''[[The Twilight Zone (1959 TV series)|The Twilight Zone]]''
| The Genie
| Episode: "[[I Dream of Genie]]"<ref name=":1" />
|-
| ''[[The Lieutenant]]''
| District Attorney George O'Leery
| Episode: "Cool of the Evening"
|-
| 1964
| ''[[Death Valley Days]]''
| Pearlman
| Episode: "Sixty-Seven Miles of Gold"
|-
| 1966–1967
| ''[[Run for Your Life (TV series)|Run for Your Life]]''
| Harry Krissel
| 2 episodes
|-
| 1967
| ''[[The Andy Griffith Show]]''
| Bradford J. Taylor
| Episode: "Aunt Bee's Cousin"
|-
| 1968
| ''[[Ironside (1967 TV series)|Ironside]]''
| Money Howard
| Episode: "Side Pocket"'
|-
| 1968
| ''[[Here Come the Brides]]''
| role as Merlin
| S1, E10 "A Man and His Magic"
|-
| 1968–1972
| ''[[Bonanza]]''
| Jonathan May Enos Blessing
| 2 episodes
|-
| rowspan=2|1969
| ''[[The Big Valley]]''
| Judge Ben Moore
| Episode: "The Battle of Mineral Springs"
|-
| ''[[The Monk (1969 film)|The Monk]]''
| Tinker
| [[ABC Movie of the Week]]
|-
| rowspan=2|1969–1970
| ''[[Land of the Giants]]''
| Professor Kirmus Inidu
| 2 episodes
|-
| ''[[The Virginian (TV series)|The Virginian]]''
| Billy "Moose" Valentine Nathaniel E. "Doc" Watson
| 2 episodes
|-
| 1969–1974
| ''[[Gunsmoke]]''
| Moses Darby Joshua Finch Lucius Prince Danny Wilson
| 3 episodes
|-
| rowspan=4|1970
| ''[[Marcus Welby, M.D.]]''
| Mr. Chambers
| Episode: "Go Get 'Em, Tiger"
|-
| ''[[The Immortal (1970 TV series)|The Immortal]]''
| Dr. Koster
| Episode: "Reflections on a Lost Tomorrow"
|-
| ''[[Daniel Boone (1964 TV series)|Daniel Boone]]''
| Sweet
| Episode: "Run for the Money"
|-
| ''[[Nanny and the Professor]]''
| Edwin Higgenbotham Botkin
| Episode: "The Haunted House"
|-
| 1971
| ''[[Love, American Style]]''
| Archie
| Segment: "Love and the Second Time"
|-
| 1971–1972
| ''[[Dr. Simon Locke]]''
| Dr. Andrew Sellers
|
|-
| 1972
| ''[[Night Gallery]]''
| Bullivant
| Episode: "Dead Weight"
|-
| 1973
| ''[[The Streets of San Francisco]]''
| Tim Murphy
| Episode: "The Set-Up"
|-
| 1974
| ''[[Gunsmoke]]''
| Moses Darby
| Episode: [http://www.tv.com/shows/gunsmoke/cowtown-hustler-41516/ "Cowtown Hustler" S19E22 Aired on May 11, 1974]
|-
| 1974–1978
| ''[[Chico and the Man]]''
| Ed Brown
| 88 episodes [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series]] (1976)<ref name=":3">{{Cite book|last=Franks|first=Don|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TCUTBQAAQBAJ&q=jack+albertson&pg=PA475|title=Entertainment Awards: A Music, Cinema, Theatre and Broadcasting Guide, 1928 through 2003, 3d ed.|date=2004-09-22|publisher=McFarland|isbn=978-0-7864-1798-8|language=en}}</ref> Nominated-[[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series]] (1975, 1977)<ref name=":3" />
|-
| rowspan=4|1975
| ''[[Tony Orlando and Dawn (TV series)|Tony Orlando and Dawn]]''
| Himself
| Episode: #1.20
|-
| ''Mitzi and 100 Guys''
| Himself
| TV movie
|-
| ''[[Cher (TV series)|Cher]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Episode #1.4" [[27th Primetime Emmy Awards|Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Continuing or Single Performance in Variety or Music]]<ref name=":3" />
|-
| ''[[Match Game|Match Game '75]]''
| Himself
| 5 episodes
|-
| rowspan=2|1976
| ''[[Donny & Marie (1976 TV series)|Donny & Marie]]''
| Himself
| 1 Episode dated April 6, 1976
|-
| ''[["Andy" starring Andy Williams]]''
| Himself
| 1 Episode dated October 6, 1976
|-
| 1978
| ''[[Grandpa Goes to Washington]]''
| Senator Joe Kelley
| 7 episodes<ref name=":0" />
|-
| 1980
| ''[[Charlie's Angels]]''
| Edward Jordan
| Episode: "Angel in Hiding"
|-
| 1981
|''[[Charlie and the Great Balloon Chase]]''
| Charlie Bartlett
| TV movie
|-
| rowspan=2|1982
| ''[[My Body, My Child]]''
| Poppa MacMahon
| TV movie; filmed in 1981; released posthumously; final television role
|-
| ''Terror at Alcatraz''
| George 'Deacon' Wheeler
| TV movie, (final film role)
|}

== See also ==
{{Portal|Biography|United States|New York (state)|California|Theatre|Radio|Film|Television}}

* [[List of people who have won Academy, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Awards]]

== References ==

{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Jack Albertson}}
* {{IMDb name|16776}}
* [http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/1677|75082/Jack-Albertson/ Jack Alberston] on [[TCM.com]]
* {{Amg name|695}}
* {{IBDB name}}
* {{iobdb name|43009}}

{{Navboxes
|title = Awards for Jack Albertson
|list =
{{AcademyAwardBestSupportingActor 1961-1980}}
{{EmmyAward ComedyLeadActor 1976-2000}}
{{EmmyAward VarietyPerformance 1976-2000}}
{{TonyAward PlayFeaturedActor 1947-1975}}
}}
{{Triple Crown of Acting winners}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Albertson, Jack}}
[[Category:1907 births]]
[[Category:1981 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century American male actors]]
[[Category:American male dancers]]
[[Category:American male film actors]]
[[Category:American male musical theatre actors]]
[[Category:American male stage actors]]
[[Category:American male television actors]]
[[Category:American people of Russian-Jewish descent]]
[[Category:Jewish American male comedians]]
[[Category:Best Supporting Actor Academy Award winners]]
[[Category:Deaths from cancer in California]]
[[Category:Deaths from colorectal cancer]]
[[Category:Jewish American male actors]]
[[Category:Jewish male comedians]]
[[Category:Jewish singers]]
[[Category:Male actors from Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Primetime Emmy Award winners]]
[[Category:People from Malden, Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Tony Award winners]]
[[Category:Vaudeville performers]]
[[Category:20th-century American comedians]]
[[Category:20th-century American dancers]]
[[Category:20th-century American male singers]]
[[Category:20th-century American singers]]
[[Category:20th-century American Jews]]

Jack Albertson

2023-01-07T18:10:57Z

90.206.235.192: SHUT UP BINKSTERNET

User talk:90.206.235.192

2023-01-07T18:07:19Z

90.206.235.192: Don't block me FlightTime

Don't you dare block me. I can go on Wikipedia any moment.

== January 2023 ==

[[File:Stop hand nuvola.svg|30px|alt=Stop icon]] You may be '''[[Wikipedia:Blocking policy|blocked from editing]] without further warning''' the next time you [[Wikipedia:Disruptive editing|disrupt]] Wikipedia, as you did at [[:Jack Albertson]].  - [[User:FlightTime|'''FlightTime''']] ([[User talk:FlightTime|'''open channel''']]) 17:53, 7 January 2023 (UTC)

[[File:Stop hand nuvola.svg|30px|alt=Stop icon]] You may be '''[[Wikipedia:Blocking policy|blocked from editing]] without further warning''' the next time you [[Wikipedia:Disruptive editing|disrupt]] Wikipedia, as you did at [[:Jack Albertson]].  - [[User:FlightTime|'''FlightTime''']] ([[User talk:FlightTime|'''open channel''']]) 18:04, 7 January 2023 (UTC)

== REVERTING my Edits. ==

FlightTime kept on REVERTING my edits. [[Special:Contributions/90.206.235.192|90.206.235.192]] ([[User talk:90.206.235.192#top|talk]]) 18:01, 7 January 2023 (UTC)

User talk:90.206.235.192

2023-01-07T18:01:59Z

90.206.235.192: /* REVERTING my Edits. */ new section

== January 2023 ==

[[File:Stop hand nuvola.svg|30px|alt=Stop icon]] You may be '''[[Wikipedia:Blocking policy|blocked from editing]] without further warning''' the next time you [[Wikipedia:Disruptive editing|disrupt]] Wikipedia, as you did at [[:Jack Albertson]].  - [[User:FlightTime|'''FlightTime''']] ([[User talk:FlightTime|'''open channel''']]) 17:53, 7 January 2023 (UTC)

== REVERTING my Edits. ==

FlightTime kept on REVERTING my edits. [[Special:Contributions/90.206.235.192|90.206.235.192]] ([[User talk:90.206.235.192#top|talk]]) 18:01, 7 January 2023 (UTC)

Jack Albertson

2023-01-07T17:58:23Z

90.206.235.192: Flight time stop😡

Jack Albertson

2023-01-07T17:52:03Z

90.206.235.192: 😡

{{short description|American actor (1907-1981)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2015}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Jack Albertson
| image = Jack Albertson 1971.JPG
| image_size =
| caption = Albertson in 1971
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1907|6|16|mf=y}}
| birth_name = Harold Albertson
| birth_place = [[Malden, Massachusetts]], U.S.
| death_date = {{Death date and age|1981|11|25|1907|6|16|mf=y}}
| death_place = [[Los Angeles, California]], U.S.
| other_names = John Alberts
| occupation = {{hlist|Actor|comedian|dancer|singer}}
| years_active = 1926–1981
| spouse = {{marriage|June Wallace Thomson|1952}}
| children = 1
| relatives = {{unbulleted list |[[Mabel Albertson]] (sister)| [[George Englund]] (nephew)|[[Wes Studi]] (son-in-law)}}
}}
'''Harold Albertson''' (June 16, 1907 – November 25, 1981), known professionally as '''Jack Albertson''', was an American [[actor]], [[comedian]], [[dancer]] and [[singer]] who also [[performed]] in [[vaudeville]].<ref>Obituary ''[[Variety Obituaries|Variety]]'', December 2, 1981.</ref> Albertson was a [[List of people who have won Academy, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Awards#Three competitive awards|Tony, Oscar, and Emmy winning actor]]. For his performance as John Cleary in the 1964 play ''[[The Subject Was Roses]]'' and its [[The Subject Was Roses (film)|1968 film adaptation]], he won the [[Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play]], and the [[Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor]]. His other notable roles include Grandpa Joe in ''[[Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory]]'' (1971), Manny Rosen in ''[[The Poseidon Adventure (1972 film)|The Poseidon Adventure]]'' (1972), and Ed Brown in the television [[sitcom]] ''[[Chico and the Man]]'' (1974–78), for which he won an Emmy. For his contributions to the television industry, Albertson was honored with a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]] in 1977 at 6253 [[Hollywood Boulevard]].<ref name="HWOF">{{cite web|url=http://www.walkoffame.com/jack-albertson|title=Hollywood Walk of Fame - Jack Albertson|website=walkoffame.com|publisher=Hollywood Chamber of Commerce|access-date=February 14, 2017}}</ref>

==Early life==
Albertson was born on June 16, 1907, in [[Malden, Massachusetts]],<ref name=Obit>{{cite web|title=Wallace Thomson Albertson Obituary|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=April 26, 2015|url=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/latimes/obituary.aspx?pid=174707891}}</ref> the son of [[History of the Jews in Russia|Russian-Jewish]] immigrants Flora (née Craft) and Leopold Albertson.<ref name=ref1>[http://www.genealogymagazine.com/albertson.html Jack Albertson's Kinship to Cloris Leachman] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008235355/http://www.genealogymagazine.com/albertson.html |date=October 8, 2016 }}, genealogymagazine.com; accessed October 19, 2015.</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/01/07/archives/jack-spreads-a-little-sunshine-jack-spreads-sunshine.html|work=The New York Times|title=Jack Spreads A Little Sunshine; Jack Spreads Sunshine|date=January 7, 1973|access-date=2010-05-05|first=Robert|last=Berkvist}}</ref> His older sister was actress [[Mabel Albertson]]. Albertson's mother, a stock actress, supported the family by working in a shoe factory.<ref name=ref1/> Until the age of 22, Albertson was known as "Harold Albertson".<ref name= ref1 /> His father abandoned his mother before Jack was born, and the boy was raised by his stepfather, Alex Erlich, a barber.

During a 1972 ''[[New York Daily News]]'' interview with [[Sidney Fields]], Albertson reminisced:{{quote| "I was bright but disruptive. I didn't do homework. To cover, I made wisecracks and funny faces at the teachers. They told me to take my business elsewhere."}} Albertson dropped out of high school, ending his formal education after a single year. He worked at several different jobs including: the local [[General Electric]] plant; in one of many shoe factories in the Lynn, Massachusetts area; and as a rack boy in neighborhood pool parlors, where he was a fairly good pool hustler, although he was always on guard to avoid playing anyone who could "out-hustle" him. The pool hall provided Albertson with an opportunity to learn a few tap dance routines from his fellow hustlers.

When he was eighteen, he began to be paid for his prize winning shows. His sister Mabel taught him the first "time steps" in tap dancing, and he picked up additional routines by watching vaudeville acts that played his hometown. Around this time, he started singing with a group called "The Golden Rule Four," who held their practice sessions beneath a railroad bridge.<ref>"Current Biography 1976". The H.W. Wilson Company. 1976. P#3-4</ref>

==Career==

===Broadway===
Albertson joined the vaudeville road troupe known as the Dancing Verselle Sisters. He then worked in [[American burlesque|burlesque]] as a hoofer ([[Tap dance|soft shoe]] dancer) and [[Double act|straight man]] to [[Phil Silvers]] on the ''[[Minsky's Burlesque]] Circuit''.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Sage|first=Dusty|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8VBKDwAAQBAJ&q=jack+albertson&pg=PT302|title=Burlesque In a Nutshell - Girls, Gimmicks & Gags|date=2016-06-07|publisher=BearManor Media|language=en}}</ref> Besides vaudeville and burlesque, he appeared on the stage in many [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] plays and musicals, including ''[[High Button Shoes]]'', ''[[Top Banana (musical)|Top Banana]]'', ''[[The Cradle Will Rock]]'', ''Make Mine Manhattan'', ''[[Show Boat]]'', ''Boy Meets Girl'', ''[[Girl Crazy]]'', ''Meet the People'', ''[[The Sunshine Boys]]'' – for which he received a [[Tony Award]] nomination for Best Actor, and ''[[The Subject Was Roses]]'' – for which he won a [[Tony Award|Tony]] for Best Supporting Actor.<ref name=ibdbname />

===Film===
Albertson appeared in more than 30 films. He had an early minor role in ''[[Miracle on 34th Street]]'' as a postal worker who redirects [[dead letter]]s addressed to "Santa Claus" to the courthouse where Kris Kringle is on trial. He won an [[Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor]] for his role in the 1968 film ''[[The Subject Was Roses (film)|The Subject Was Roses]]''.<ref name=tcm /> He later apologized to child actor and fellow nominee [[Jack Wild]] for winning the award; Albertson expected Wild to win for his role in ''[[Oliver! (film)|Oliver!]]'' Also nominated was Albertson's later ''[[Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory]]'' co-star [[Gene Wilder]], for his role in ''[[The Producers (1967 film)|The Producers]]''.

Albertson appeared as Charlie Bucket's [[List of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory characters#Grandpa Joe Bucket|Grandpa Joe]] in ''[[Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory]]'' (1971), and in ''[[The Poseidon Adventure (1972 film)|The Poseidon Adventure]]'' (1972), where he played Manny Rosen,<ref name=tcm>[http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/1677|75082/Jack-Albertson/ Jack Alberston] on [[TCM.com]]</ref> husband to Belle, played by [[Shelley Winters]].

Albertson said that his one regret was that he did not reprise his [[role (performing arts)|role]] in the movie version of ''[[The Sunshine Boys]]''. When producer [[Ray Stark]] acquired the film rights from [[Neil Simon]] in 1973, Albertson was expected to play the part, but by the time MGM had bought the rights in 1974 and was preparing to begin filming in February 1975, Albertson was not available because he was appearing on ''[[Chico and the Man]]'' on TV.<ref>{{AFI film|55478|Neil Simon's The Sunshine Boys}}</ref>

===Radio===
Albertson was a radio performer early in his career. Among the shows he appeared on were ''[[Just Plain Bill]]'', ''Lefty'', ''That's My Pop'' and ''The Jack Albertson Comedy Show''. In the late 1940s he was for a time a regular on the ''[[Milton Berle|Milton Berle Show]]''.<ref>Terrace, Vincent. (1998) [https://books.google.com/books?id=nIiACgAAQBAJ&pg=PA229&lpg=PA229#v=onepage&q=Milton%20Berle%20radio%20Jack%20Albertson ''Radio Programs, 1924-1984: A Catalog of More Than 1800 Shows'']. McFarland. p.229 {{ISBN|9780786445134}}</ref>

===Television===
Albertson appeared in many television series, such as ''[[Hey, Jeannie!]]'' with [[Jeannie Carson]], the [[Broadcast syndication|syndicated]] [[Western (genre)|Western]] series ''[[Frontier Doctor]]'' with [[Rex Allen]], [[Rod Cameron (actor)|Rod Cameron]]'s syndicated crime drama ''[[State Trooper (TV series)|State Trooper]]'', and the 1961–62 drama series ''[[Bus Stop (TV series)|Bus Stop]]''. He guest-starred on the [[David Janssen]] crime-drama series ''[[Richard Diamond, Private Detective]]''.

From 1960 to 1961, Albertson was cast in three episodes of ''[[Pete and Gladys]]'', with [[Harry Morgan]] and [[Cara Williams]]. On January 2, 1961, Albertson was cast as Sampson J. Binton, with [[DeForest Kelley]] as Alex Jeffords, in "Listen to the Nightingale", the series finale of ''[[Riverboat (TV series)|Riverboat]]'', starring [[Darren McGavin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0687095|title="Listen to the Nightingale", ''Riverboat''|date=January 2, 1961|publisher=IMDb.com|access-date=February 21, 2013}}</ref> Albertson had a recurring role as the neighbor Walter Burton in eight episodes of the 1962 ABC sitcom ''[[Room for One More (TV series)|Room for One More]]'', with [[Andrew Duggan]] and [[Peggy McCay]]. He had recurring roles in ''[[Ensign O'Toole]]'' (1962–63)<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last=Leszczak|first=Bob|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LaUqwWnpHLwC&q=jack+albertson&pg=PA45|title=Single Season Sitcoms, 1948-1979: A Complete Guide|date=2012-11-08|publisher=McFarland|isbn=978-0-7864-9305-0|language=en}}</ref> and ''[[Run, Buddy, Run]]'' (1966). Between 1961 and 1964, Albertson appeared seven times on ''[[Mister Ed]]'' as Paul Fenton, brother-in-law (later just brother) to Wilbur Post's next-door-neighbor Kay, notably appearing as a stopgap regular for several episodes after the death of [[Larry Keating]] in 1963.

Other 1960s series on which Albertson appeared were: NBC's sitcom ''[[Happy (1960 TV series)|Happy]]'', starring [[Ronnie Burns (actor)|Ronnie Burns]]; ''[[Glynis (TV series)|Glynis]]'', starring [[Glynis Johns]]; and [[Keith Andes]], which aired for 13 weeks in the fall of 1963. Albertson appeared in two episodes of ''[[The Twilight Zone (1959 TV series)|The Twilight Zone]]''.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|last1=Presnell|first1=Don|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MqtTBQAAQBAJ&q=jack+albertson&pg=PA151|title=A Critical History of Television's The Twilight Zone, 1959-1964|last2=McGee|first2=Marty|date=2015-07-11|publisher=McFarland|isbn=978-1-4766-1038-2|language=en}}</ref> In a 1967 episode of ''[[The Andy Griffith Show]]'', he played the ne'er-do-well cousin, Bradford J. Taylor, of series character [[Aunt Bee]] ([[Frances Bavier]]). He also appeared in a 1969 episode of the TV series ''[[The Virginian (TV series)|The Virginian]]'' entitled "Girl in the Shadows." He appeared in The Big Valley episode "The Battle of Mineral Springs" (1969). In 1970, Albertson appeared as Billy "Moose" Valentine in The Men From Shiloh, the rebranded name for ''[[The Virginian (TV series)|The Virginian]]'' in the episode titled "With Love, Bullets and Valentines".

From 1971 to 1972, he co-starred, with actor [[Sam Groom]], in the Canadian television series ''[[Dr. Simon Locke]]''. He then co-starred as "The Man" Ed Brown on the popular series ''[[Chico and the Man]]'' with [[Freddie Prinze]]. He stayed for its entire run from 1974 to 1978. He earned an [[Emmy Award]] for that role in 1976, which was his second; his first one was for an appearance on the variety show ''[[Cher (TV series)|Cher]]'' in 1975.<ref name=":2" />

==Personal life and death==
He resided for many years in [[West Hollywood, California]]. In 1978, he was diagnosed with [[colorectal cancer]], but kept this information private and continued to act. Two of his last roles were in the television movies, ''My Body, My Child'' (1982) and ''Grandpa, Will You Run with Me?'' (1983), both filmed in 1981 and released [[Posthumous work|posthumously]]. His final theatrical role was as the hunter, Amos Slade, in Disney's 24th animated feature, ''[[The Fox and the Hound]]'', originally released in the summer of 1981, four months before his death.

He and his wife, June, had a daughter, Maura Dhu.<ref>{{cite web|author=Blau, Eleanor|date=November 28, 1981|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/11/26/obituaries/jack-albertson-versatile-star-of-stage-film-and-tv-series.html|title=Jack Albertson, Versatile Star of Stage, Film and TV Series|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> On the morning of November 25, 1981, Albertson died at his Los Angeles home in the Hollywood Hills<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/archives/la-me-jack-albertson-19811126-story.html|title=From the Archives: Jack Albertson Dies of Cancer|date=1981-11-26|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-25}}</ref> at the age of 74 from colon cancer.<ref name=ibdbname>{{ibdb name|29510|Jack Albertson}}</ref> He and his elder sister, ''[[Bewitched]]'' actress [[Mabel Albertson]] (who died ten months later from [[Alzheimer's disease]]), were cremated and their ashes were scattered in the [[Pacific Ocean]].<ref name=Obit/>

==Filmography==
{{more citations needed section|date=February 2017}}

=== Film ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! | Year
! | Title
! | Role
! | Notes
|-
| 1938
| ''[[Next Time I Marry]]''
| Reporter
|
|-
| 1940
| ''[[Strike Up the Band (film)|Strike Up the Band]]''
| Barker
| Uncredited
|-
| 1947
| ''[[Miracle on 34th Street]]''
| Al
| Uncredited
|-
| 1952
| ''[[Anything Can Happen]]''
| Flower Vendor
| Uncredited
|-
| 1954
| ''[[Top Banana (film)|Top Banana]]''
| Vic Davis
|
|-
| 1955
| ''[[Bring Your Smile Along]]''
| Mr. Jenson
|
|-
| rowspan="5" |1956
| ''[[Over-Exposed]]''
| Les Bauer
|
|-
| ''[[The Harder They Fall (1956 film)|The Harder They Fall]]''
| Pop
|
|-
| ''[[The Eddy Duchin Story]]''
| Piano tuner
| Uncredited
|-
| ''[[The Unguarded Moment (film)|The Unguarded Moment]]''
| Prof
|
|-
| ''[[You Can't Run Away from It]]''
| Third proprietor
|
|-
| rowspan="3" |1957
| ''[[Monkey on My Back (film)|Monkey on My Back]]''
| Sam Pian
|
|-
| ''[[Man of a Thousand Faces (film)|Man of a Thousand Faces]]''
| Dr. J. Wilson Shields
|
|-
| ''[[Don't Go Near the Water (film)|Don't Go Near the Water]]''
| Rep. George Jansen
|
|-
| 1958
| ''[[Teacher's Pet (1958 film)|Teacher's Pet]]''
| Guide
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |1959
| ''[[Never Steal Anything Small]]''
| Sleep-Out Charlie Barnes
|
|-
| ''[[The Shaggy Dog (1959 film)|The Shaggy Dog]]''
| Reporter
| Uncredited
|-
| rowspan="2" |1961
| ''[[The George Raft Story]]''
| Milton
|
|-
| ''[[Lover Come Back (1961 film)|Lover Come Back]]''
| Fred
|
|-
| rowspan="4" |1962
| ''[[Convicts 4]]''
| Art Teacher
|
|-
| ''[[Period of Adjustment (film)|Period of Adjustment]]''
| Desk Sergeant
|
|-
| ''[[Who's Got the Action?]]''
| Officer Hodges
|
|-
| ''[[Days of Wine and Roses (film)|Days of Wine and Roses]]''
| Trayner
|
|-
| 1963
| ''[[Son of Flubber]]''
| Mr. Barley
|
|-
| rowspan="4" |1964
| ''[[Kissin' Cousins]]''
| Capt. Robert Jason Salbo
|
|-
| ''[[A Tiger Walks]]''
| Sam Grant
|
|-
| ''[[The Patsy (1964 film)|The Patsy]]''
| Theatergoer with Helen
|
|-
| ''[[Roustabout (film)|Roustabout]]''
| Lou (tea house manager)
|
|-
| 1965
| ''[[How to Murder Your Wife]]''
| Dr. Bentley
|
|-
| 1967
| ''[[The Flim-Flam Man]]''
| Mr. Packard
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |1968
| ''[[How to Save a Marriage and Ruin Your Life]]''
| Mr. Slotkin
|
|-
| ''[[The Subject Was Roses (film)|The Subject Was Roses]]''
| John Cleary
| [[Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor]]<ref name=":3" />
|-
| rowspan="2" |1969
| ''[[Changes (1969 film)|Changes]]''
| The Father
|
|-
| ''[[Justine (1969 film)|Justine]]''
| Cohen
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |1970
| ''[[Squeeze a Flower]]''
| Alfredo Brazzi
|
|-
| ''[[Rabbit, Run (film)|Rabbit, Run]]''
| Marty Tothero
|
|-
| rowspan="3" |1971
| ''Once Upon a Dead Man''
|
|
|-
| ''[[Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory]]''
| Grandpa Joe Bucket
|
|-
| ''[[The Late Liz]]''
| Reverend Gordon Rogers
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |1972
| ''[[Pickup on 101]]''
| Jedediah Bradley
|
|-
| ''[[The Poseidon Adventure (1972 film)|The Poseidon Adventure]]''
| Manny Rosen
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |1981
| ''[[Dead & Buried]]''
| William G. Dobbs
|
|-
| ''[[The Fox and the Hound]]''
| Amos Slade
| Voice, final theatrical role
|}

===Television===
{|class="wikitable"
|-
! | Year
! | Title
! | Role
! | Notes
|-
| rowspan="4"|1956
| ''[[Burns and Allen]]''
| Eddie 'Bozo Schultz' Wilson
| Episode: "Burlesque"
|-
| ''[[I Love Lucy]]''
| Helicopter Dispatcher
| Episode: "Bon Voyage"
|-
| ''Crusader''
| Ernie Duchek
| Episode: "The Syndicate"
|-
| ''[[Sheriff of Cochise]]''
| Greenbriar Merritt
| Episode: "Closed for Repairs"
|-
| 1957–1959
| ''[[The Thin Man (TV series)|The Thin Man]]''
| Lt. Harry Evans
| 14 episodes
|-
| 1957–1960
| ''[[Have Gun – Will Travel]]''
| Mayor Whiteside Jason Coldwell Bookie
|3 episodes
|-
| rowspan=2|1958
| ''[[Bachelor Father (U.S. TV series)|Bachelor Father]]''
| Charlie Sharpe Salesman
| 2 episodes
|-
| ''[[The People's Choice (TV series)|The People's Choice]]''
| Luther Jenkins
| Episode: "Daisies Won't Tell", with [[Jackie Cooper]]
|-
| 1959
| ''[[Richard Diamond, Private Detective]]''
| Fallace
| Episode: "Boomerang Bait"
|-
| 1959–1961
| ''[[The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis]]''
| Bison Lodge Member Police Sergeant Newspaper Reporter Mr. Quimby Police chief
| 5 episodes
|-
| 1959–1962
| ''[[The Jack Benny Program]]''
| Reporter
| 6 episodes
|-
| rowspan=5|1960
| ''[[The Gale Storm Show]]''
| Freddy Morell
| Episode: "Show Biz"
|-
| ''[[The Tab Hunter Show]]''
| Coach
| Episode: "My Darling Teacher"
|-
| ''[[The Ann Sothern Show]]''
| Mr. Dooley
| Episode: "Billy"
|-
| ''[[Happy (1960 TV series)|Happy]]''
| Ed Langley
| Episode: "Chris' Night Out"
|-
| ''[[Klondike (TV series)|Klondike]]''
| Eskimo Eddie
| Episode: "Sure Thing, Men"
|-
| rowspan=3|1961
| ''[[Riverboat (TV series)|Riverboat]]''
| Sampson J. Binton
| Episode: "Listen to the Nightingale"'
|-
| ''[[The Tab Hunter Show]]''
| Harry Dr. Hocker P. T. Bailey
| Episode: "Weekend on Ice" Episode: "Me and My Shadow" Episode: "Crazy Over Horses"
|-
| ''[[The Twilight Zone (1959 TV series)|The Twilight Zone]]''
| Jerry Harlowe
| Episode: "[[The Shelter (The Twilight Zone)|The Shelter]]"<ref name=":1" />
|-
| 1961–1964
| ''[[Mister Ed]]''
| Paul Fenton
| 7 episodes
|-
| rowspan="5" |1962
| ''[[The Dick Van Dyke Show]]''
| Mr. Eisenbauer
| Episode: "The Twizzle"
|-
| ''[[Bus Stop (TV series)|Bus Stop]]''
| Lawson
| Episode: "Turn Home Again"
|-
| ''[[Lawman (TV series)|Lawman]]''
| Doc Peters
| Episode: "The Unmasked"
|-
| ''[[Saints and Sinners (1962 TV series)|Saints and Sinners]]''
| Dr. Felixson
| Episode: "All the Hard Young Men"
|-
| ''[[Room for One More (TV series)|Room for One More]]''
| Walter Burton
| 8 episodes
|-
| 1962–1963
| ''[[Ensign O'Toole]]''
| Lt. Cdr. Virgil Stoner
| 32 episodes<ref name=":0" />
|-
| rowspan=3|1963
| ''[[Glynis (TV series)|Glynis]]''
| Al
| Episode: "The Pros and Cons"<ref name=":0" />
|-
| ''[[The Twilight Zone (1959 TV series)|The Twilight Zone]]''
| The Genie
| Episode: "[[I Dream of Genie]]"<ref name=":1" />
|-
| ''[[The Lieutenant]]''
| District Attorney George O'Leery
| Episode: "Cool of the Evening"
|-
| 1964
| ''[[Death Valley Days]]''
| Pearlman
| Episode: "Sixty-Seven Miles of Gold"
|-
| 1966–1967
| ''[[Run for Your Life (TV series)|Run for Your Life]]''
| Harry Krissel
| 2 episodes
|-
| 1967
| ''[[The Andy Griffith Show]]''
| Bradford J. Taylor
| Episode: "Aunt Bee's Cousin"
|-
| 1968
| ''[[Ironside (1967 TV series)|Ironside]]''
| Money Howard
| Episode: "Side Pocket"'
|-
| 1968
| ''[[Here Come the Brides]]''
| role as Merlin
| S1, E10 "A Man and His Magic"
|-
| 1968–1972
| ''[[Bonanza]]''
| Jonathan May Enos Blessing
| 2 episodes
|-
| rowspan=2|1969
| ''[[The Big Valley]]''
| Judge Ben Moore
| Episode: "The Battle of Mineral Springs"
|-
| ''[[The Monk (1969 film)|The Monk]]''
| Tinker
| [[ABC Movie of the Week]]
|-
| rowspan=2|1969–1970
| ''[[Land of the Giants]]''
| Professor Kirmus Inidu
| 2 episodes
|-
| ''[[The Virginian (TV series)|The Virginian]]''
| Billy "Moose" Valentine Nathaniel E. "Doc" Watson
| 2 episodes
|-
| 1969–1974
| ''[[Gunsmoke]]''
| Moses Darby Joshua Finch Lucius Prince Danny Wilson
| 3 episodes
|-
| rowspan=4|1970
| ''[[Marcus Welby, M.D.]]''
| Mr. Chambers
| Episode: "Go Get 'Em, Tiger"
|-
| ''[[The Immortal (1970 TV series)|The Immortal]]''
| Dr. Koster
| Episode: "Reflections on a Lost Tomorrow"
|-
| ''[[Daniel Boone (1964 TV series)|Daniel Boone]]''
| Sweet
| Episode: "Run for the Money"
|-
| ''[[Nanny and the Professor]]''
| Edwin Higgenbotham Botkin
| Episode: "The Haunted House"
|-
| 1971
| ''[[Love, American Style]]''
| Archie
| Segment: "Love and the Second Time"
|-
| 1971–1972
| ''[[Dr. Simon Locke]]''
| Dr. Andrew Sellers
|
|-
| 1972
| ''[[Night Gallery]]''
| Bullivant
| Episode: "Dead Weight"
|-
| 1973
| ''[[The Streets of San Francisco]]''
| Tim Murphy
| Episode: "The Set-Up"
|-
| 1974
| ''[[Gunsmoke]]''
| Moses Darby
| Episode: [http://www.tv.com/shows/gunsmoke/cowtown-hustler-41516/ "Cowtown Hustler" S19E22 Aired on May 11, 1974]
|-
| 1974–1978
| ''[[Chico and the Man]]''
| Ed Brown
| 88 episodes [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series]] (1976)<ref name=":3">{{Cite book|last=Franks|first=Don|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TCUTBQAAQBAJ&q=jack+albertson&pg=PA475|title=Entertainment Awards: A Music, Cinema, Theatre and Broadcasting Guide, 1928 through 2003, 3d ed.|date=2004-09-22|publisher=McFarland|isbn=978-0-7864-1798-8|language=en}}</ref> Nominated-[[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series]] (1975, 1977)<ref name=":3" />
|-
| rowspan=4|1975
| ''[[Tony Orlando and Dawn (TV series)|Tony Orlando and Dawn]]''
| Himself
| Episode: #1.20
|-
| ''Mitzi and 100 Guys''
| Himself
| TV movie
|-
| ''[[Cher (TV series)|Cher]]''
| Himself
| Episode: "Episode #1.4" [[27th Primetime Emmy Awards|Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Continuing or Single Performance in Variety or Music]]<ref name=":3" />
|-
| ''[[Match Game|Match Game '75]]''
| Himself
| 5 episodes
|-
| rowspan=2|1976
| ''[[Donny & Marie (1976 TV series)|Donny & Marie]]''
| Himself
| 1 Episode dated April 6, 1976
|-
| ''[["Andy" starring Andy Williams]]''
| Himself
| 1 Episode dated October 6, 1976
|-
| 1978
| ''[[Grandpa Goes to Washington]]''
| Senator Joe Kelley
| 7 episodes<ref name=":0" />
|-
| 1980
| ''[[Charlie's Angels]]''
| Edward Jordan
| Episode: "Angel in Hiding"
|-
| 1981
|''[[Charlie and the Great Balloon Chase]]''
| Charlie Bartlett
| TV movie
|-
| rowspan=2|1982
| ''[[My Body, My Child]]''
| Poppa MacMahon
| TV movie; filmed in 1981; released posthumously; final television role
|-
| ''Terror at Alcatraz''
| George 'Deacon' Wheeler
| TV movie, (final film role)
|}

== See also ==
{{Portal|Biography|United States|New York (state)|California|Theatre|Radio|Film|Television}}

* [[List of people who have won Academy, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Awards]]

== References ==

{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Jack Albertson}}
* {{IMDb name|16776}}
* [http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/1677|75082/Jack-Albertson/ Jack Alberston] on [[TCM.com]]
* {{Amg name|695}}
* {{IBDB name}}
* {{iobdb name|43009}}

{{Navboxes
|title = Awards for Jack Albertson
|list =
{{AcademyAwardBestSupportingActor 1961-1980}}
{{EmmyAward ComedyLeadActor 1976-2000}}
{{EmmyAward VarietyPerformance 1976-2000}}
{{TonyAward PlayFeaturedActor 1947-1975}}
}}
{{Triple Crown of Acting winners}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Albertson, Jack}}
[[Category:1907 births]]
[[Category:1981 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century American male actors]]
[[Category:American male dancers]]
[[Category:American male film actors]]
[[Category:American male musical theatre actors]]
[[Category:American male stage actors]]
[[Category:American male television actors]]
[[Category:American people of Russian-Jewish descent]]
[[Category:Jewish American male comedians]]
[[Category:Best Supporting Actor Academy Award winners]]
[[Category:Deaths from cancer in California]]
[[Category:Deaths from colorectal cancer]]
[[Category:Jewish American male actors]]
[[Category:Jewish male comedians]]
[[Category:Jewish singers]]
[[Category:Male actors from Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Primetime Emmy Award winners]]
[[Category:People from Malden, Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Tony Award winners]]
[[Category:Vaudeville performers]]
[[Category:20th-century American comedians]]
[[Category:20th-century American dancers]]
[[Category:20th-century American male singers]]
[[Category:20th-century American singers]]
[[Category:20th-century American Jews]]