4.08.2013

G is for GROVER

Whom I happened to run across the other day while I was flipping through TV channels.  This blue, matted-fur Muppet with spindly limbs was a favorite when my youngin's were preschool age.    

I didn't realize he was nearing 50.  

Grover debuted on the Ed Sullivan show in 1967.   He's lived on Sesame Street since 1970.  Before that, he lived in Cleveland.   

He holds jobs as a waiter, a taxi driver, and a singing telegram artist.  He invariably runs across a balding, mustached customer named Mr. Johnson.  As a waiter, Grover brings him a bowl of tomato soup, when Mr. Johnson ordered split pea.  As a taxi driver, Grover takes him to the Empire State building, when Mr. Johnson wanted to go to Wall street.  As a singing telegram artist....well, Grover can't sing, so you can imagine.

He has a heart of gold, but the capabilities of a four-year old.  The fact that he got a taxi license is more than a bit disconcerting.  He probably charmed the guy at the DMV.  Grover is confused at times, but, boy is he lovable.

He has an alter ego named Super Grover who is "smarter than a speeding bullet."  Attired in a silver helmet from a suit of armor and a red cape, he flies around the city in search of someone in trouble.  His intentions are noble, but he often fumbles the rescue.  Luckily, he has a lot of Muppet friends who help him out.  Kermit is his best buddy.  Grover calls him "frogee baby," which Kermit hates.

Grover is loved around the globe.  In South America, he's known as Archibald.  In Portugal, he's known as Walter.  In Israel, he's known as Kruvi (cabbage.)  Go figure. 

He's been in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade and on Jimmy Kimmel.

Not bad for a blue, fuzzy, middle-aged dude.

  

12 comments:

S. said...

Awesome. He also has a workout video, interviews Madeline Kahn, and sings a classic rendition of "Call Me Maybe" with Elmo. He is unafraid to try anything and unafraid of failure. We can all learn from that!

Kenya G. Johnson said...

I'm going to have to look up the videos that your commenter mentioned above. I love Grover. He was always my favorite. I loved his here and there segment where he ran back and forth to demonstrate it and then he was out of breath. LOL!

Donna said...

Oh Mare,
What a lovely blog! I love your take on the "ball" theme. Life throws us many curve balls, but with God on our side, we can still manage to hit home runs!

Loved your post about Grover...Elmo is pretty big in our household right now. My 2 year old grandson is crazy about him. However, Grover was always a favorite when my kids were growing up.

Have a wonderful day and I'll be seeing you around!

Grace,
Donna

Unknown said...

I love Grover! HAha. takes me back to my Sesame Street days. Great post. Thanks for sharing.

Elliot
We Are Adventure

Dana Martin said...

I had forgotten how sweet Grover was. Thank you for reminding us of all his cute skits and qualities. Aww... he does have the capabilities of a 4-year old. Sooooo cute!!

Dana
Waiter, drink please!

Timothy S. Brannan said...

Gotta love Grover!

My kids loved "The Monster at the End of This Book" which he was in.

--
Tim Brannan
The Other Side and The Witch
Red Sonja: She-Devil with a Sword
The Freedom of Nonbelief

Unknown said...

I always loved Grover. He's aging well, and doesn't look a day over 39 - just like ME! ;)

Unknown said...

Wow didn't realize Grover was touching 50 getting on in age, feeling a bit blue about that. lol

Kate Sherwood said...

I think Grover is one of my favorite Sesame Street characters!

Kate @ BJJ, Law, and Living

Elizabeth said...

Me like Grover. Also Elmo (before he became popular and commercialized).

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

Grover is 50 bloody hell he is as old as me.......who would had thought he doesn't look that old

Michelle said...

I love Grover. My favorite book from childhood is "The Monster at the End of this Book" and I have two copies. The torn up one I used to read, and the newer, less torn up one, I read to my kids.