It’s a Christmas classic that is basically a holiday rite of passage. As kids, we all watched Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
This iconic Christmas special has been an essential part of holiday traditions since its original broadcast back in 1964.
It’s got a cute little reindeer with a glowing red nose as the main character. His adventures introduce us to a cast of characters we’re all to familiar with. They’ve become as recognizable as Rudolph himself.
Alongside Rudolph, a variety of characters, from the residents of the North Pole to the inhabitants of the Island of Misfit Toys, each adds charm and personality to the festive story.
Want to brush up on the names of the characters before you watch it this year?
Main Characters Names
A journey through the holiday classic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” introduces us to a unique cast of characters that have charmed audiences for generations.
Rudolph
Rudolph stands out not only due to his shiny nose but also for his bravery and heart.
Here are the names for the characters:
- Rudolph: The red-nosed reindeer himself, a symbol of overcoming adversity.
- Clarice: Rudolph’s friend and supporter who believes in him.
Santa Claus
At the center of the North Pole’s festive operations is Santa, supported by a cast of holiday helpers:
- Santa Claus: The jolly patron of Christmas and the leader of the reindeer team.
- Mrs. Claus: Santa’s dedicated wife, who helps ensure everything runs smoothly.
Hermey the Elf
The elves are pivotal to the holiday cheer, especially one who dreams bigger:
- Hermey: An elf who aspires to be a dentist rather than make toys.
Yukon Cornelius
A rugged prospector of the North, Yukon Cornelius, has a heart of gold:
- Yukon Cornelius: The fearless prospector on a quest for silver and gold.
Misfit Toys Names (island of Misfit Toys)
The Misfit Toys, each with their unique quirks, await someone who’d appreciate them:
- Charlie-in-the-Box: The toy who ain’t yar typical Jack-in-the-Box.
- Dolly: A seemingly perfect doll with a mysterious misfit quality.
- King Moonracer: The ruler of the Island of Misfit Toys.
- The Spotted Elephant: An elephant that’s different from the herd.
- A Train with Square Wheels: A toy train that’s not quite on track.
- The Water Pistol that Shoots Jelly: A toy gun with quite a sticky situation.
Additional Character Names
Throughout the story, we meet more than just the main characters:
- Donner: Rudolph’s father and one of Santa’s reindeer.
- Mrs. Donner: Rudolph’s mother, who cares deeply for him.
- Fireball: A reindeer who initially befriends Rudolph.
- Coach Comet: The coach of the Reindeer Games.
- Bumble: Also known as the Abominable Snowman, a not-so-scary creature after all.
- Sam the Snowman: Narrator of the tale, adding a touch of warmth to the story.
- Elf Foreman: Overseer of Santa’s workshop and Hermey’s supervisor.
Names of Cast and Voice Actors
The classic holiday special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” features a talented cast who brought the memorable characters to life through their voices.
Voice Talents
- Sam the Snowman:
- Burl Ives
- Santa Claus:
- Stan Francis
- Mrs. Claus:
- Peg Dixon
- Hermey The Elf:
- Paul Soles
- Yukon Cornelius:
- Larry D. Mann
- Clarice:
- Janis Orenstein
- Boss Elf:
- Paul Kligman
- Rudolph:
- Billie Mae Richards
- Comet the Coach:
- Carl Banas
- Fireball / Elf:
- Alfie Scopp
- Director:
- Larry Roemer
- Producer:
- Arthur Rankin Jr.
- Animation Supervisor:
- Tadahito Mochinaga
- Narrator:
- Bernard Cowan
- Doll:
- Corinne Conley
Trivia and Interesting Facts
In the classic tale of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” there’s a rich history filled with interesting facts.
Did ya know that the character of Rudolph was created as a marketing gimmick for a department store?
Here’s some trivia for ya:
Montgomery Ward:
- The original name-giver, Montgomery Ward created Rudolph as a character for a coloring book.
Authors and Creators:
- Robert L. May coined the name Rudolph for the Montgomery Ward coloring book.
- Johnny Marks penned the famous song about Rudolph, solidifying the reindeer’s name in pop culture.
- Romeo Muller wrote the screenplay for the 1964 television special, introducing new characters.
- Denver Gillen provided the illustrations for the original coloring book.
Television Special Influencers:
- Jules Bass co-produced the 1964 television special, contributing to Rudolph’s lasting fame.
- Arthur Rankin, Jr. worked alongside Bass, bringing life to the story in an “Animagic” stop-motion format.
Character Cameos:
- Rudolph makes a cameo in numerous other Christmas specials, expanding his legacy.
Elf Hierarchy:
- The Head Elf and Elf Foreman are significant leaders among Santa’s helpers, known for their roles in the iconic television special.
Memorable Reindeer Coaches:
- Coach Comet takes charge of the reindeer games, where yang Rudolph is first introduced.
Sequels and Spin-offs:
- Rudolph stars in “Rudolph Shines Again” and “Rudolph to the Rescue,” where his name is a central element.
Each of these characters and creators played a pivotal role in the story of Rudolph, engraving their names in the wintertime lore.
While they introduced us to the shy, luminous-nosed reindeer, they also left an indelible mark on the holiday season.
Hope knowing all these names makes this holiday classic more special to ya the next time ya watch it this holiday season.
