Rocko Rama, often referred to as Rocko Wallaby Rama, is the central character of “Rocko’s Modern Life” and hails from Australia as a wallaby.
If you grew up in the ’90s, or have an appreciation for classic cartoons, chances are you’re familiar with Rocko, the timid wallaby from “Rocko’s Modern Life.”
Created by Joe Murray and aired on Nickelodeon, Rocko was more than just a cartoon character; he embodied many’s everyday struggles, albeit with a comedic spin. With his wide-eyed, ever-anxious demeanor, Rocko navigated life in a chaotic modern world surrounded by eccentric characters.
Rocko Rama The Australian Wallaby
Rocko sports a blue shirt adorned with purple triangles and pairs it with orange shoes. He features white eyes with black pupils and boasts a black nose. His skin and fur flaunt a beige hue.
He stands noticeably shorter than the other characters. In the original “Trash-O-Madness” version, his fur and skin had a yellow tint.
Relative
- Gib Hootsen (uncle)
- Magdalane (sister)
- Granny Rocko (grandmother)
- Aunt Wallaby (aunt)
- Unnamed young sibling
- Spunky (pet dog)
- Rocko’s Ancestor
The Modern Struggles of Rocko
Despite being an animated show, “Rocko’s Modern Life” was known for addressing real-life issues in a humorous manner. The very title suggests the essence of the series: the challenges of modern living.
Whether it was dealing with a difficult job, consumerism, environmental concerns, or the general insanity of modern life, Rocko experienced it all.
His character was a gentle nod to those feeling overwhelmed in an ever-evolving world, trying to stay afloat amidst the chaos.
Rocko’s Personality
Rocko maintains personal hygiene, exudes politeness, and consistently shows care and practicality. However, he often neglects his living space and struggles with anger management.
He has a passion for collecting comic books and holds an affection for rainbows. Jean Prescott from The Sun Herald portrays Rocko as a “pudgy little wallaby” who earnestly tries to “do what’s right.”
He passionately loves his friends, Heffer and Filburt, and cherishes his dog, Spunky.
Rocko’s Colorful Cast of Friends
A mainstay in Rocko’s world was his motley crew of friends: Heffer, a jovial cow; Filburt, a neurotic turtle; and Spunky, Rocko’s loyal if a bit dim-witted, dog. These characters weren’t just sidekicks, but essential elements in conveying the show’s underlying messages.
Heffer, often unintentionally dragging Rocko into some of his harebrained schemes, taught us the value of friendship and loyalty.
Filburt’s quirky personality highlighted the idea that it’s okay to be different. Spunky’s love for Rocko, despite his own comical mishaps, portrays the unconditional love that pets can bring into our lives.
Conception
Rocko initially made his debut in an unreleased comic, bearing the name “Travis.” While observing a wallaby in a zoo, which was quietly “minding his own business” amidst attention-seeking elephants and monkeys, Joe Murray, the brain behind “Rocko’s Modern Life,” felt the wallaby’s personality resonated with Rocko.
Following this realization, Murray commented, “it kind of clicked. Rocko would stand at the eye of the storm, with everything chaotic swirling around him. He’d represent the everyman, influenced by the dramatic personalities surrounding him.”
Murray aimed to syndicate his comic. Subsequently, he revamped Rocko significantly. He further noted that the wallaby’s personality reflected Rocko’s humility and propensity to internalize his frustrations rather than airing them publicly.
Careers
Rocko serves as a cashier at the local comic book shop, Kind of a Lot O’ Comics, which Mr. Smitty owns. For a brief period, he even took charge as its boss.
The shop primarily sold Really Really Big Man comics. However, Rocko is currently unemployed because an instant-print kiosk replaced the store.
Before that, Rocko had a job at Super Lot-O Comics, a store under the ownership of the Conglom-O chairman, Mr. Dupette, who is also Ed Bighead’s superior.
Beyond these roles, Rocko’s diverse resume includes positions like a tattoo artist, plumber’s assistant, specialty phone operator, product tester at Conglom-O, tow truck driver, underwear model, and cartoonist for the show Wacky Delly.
Love life
In early sketches, Murray revealed that Rocko harbored a significant crush on a character named “Melba Toast.” In Season One, Rocko’s affection for this unseen character is evident until he learns in “Love Spanked” that Melba is in a serious relationship with Dave.
Since then, Melba has received only one mention.
In later episodes, Rocko develops feelings for various characters. In “S.W.A.K.“, Rocko tries to catch the eye of the attractive kangaroo mail-lady who visits him daily.
He pens a love note but hesitates to send it, prompting Heffer to mail it on his behalf. Rocko can’t get the letter back and thinks the mail-lady prefers Heffer.
However, she reveals it was all in jest and reciprocates Rocko’s feelings.
In “Wallaby on Wheels,” Rocko takes up roller skating to catch the attention of Sheila, a roller rink regular. He becomes envious when it appears she might be attracted to Heffer.
But after Rocko saves Heffer’s life, he wins her affection. In “I See London, I See France,” Rocko seeks the attention of Claudette, discovering she’s his female wallaby pen pal from Paris. However, Claudette seems more taken with Heffer.
Friends
- Heffer Wolfe
- Filburt Turtle
- Spunky
- Bev Bighead
- Gladys Hippo
- Paula Hutchison
- Really Really Big Man
- Chuck
- Leon
- Peter Wolfe
- Cindy Wolfe
- Virginia Wolfe
- George Wolfe
- Sheila
- Rachel Bighead
- Ed Bighead
Enemy
- Earl
- Mr. Smitty
- Ed Bighead (formerly)
- Dingo (childhood bully; formerly)
- Mr. Dupette
- Hiram Wolfe
- Colonel Lewis
- Private Kirkpatrick
- Red Dragon
- Turdy
Voice Actor
- Carlos Alazraqui
- Matt Cowlrick (SMITE)
Quotes
- “Hehe, oh my”
- “SPUNKY!!!!! SPUNKY!!!!!!”
- “Garbage day is a very dangerous day” (can be variated on, such as “Laundry day is a very dangerous day”, “shopping
- day is a very dangerous day”, or “The 21st century is a very dangerous century.”)
- “Heh heh. Good as new.”
- “I will do something NOT NICE!”
- “I’m a wallaby on wheels.”
- “Oh baby, oh baby, oh baby”
- “I don’t want to sleep! I don’t need sleep! I am the walking living!”
- “Excuse me, Earl… but garbage and dogs are not part of a balanced diet.”
- “I don’t think we’re in the 90s anymore…”
- “My closet’s a bathroom? My basement’s a bathroom? My ballroom’s a bathroom? Even my bathroom’s a bathroom!”
Rocko’s Modern Life – How Dare You
What are the dogs from Rocko’s Modern Life?
In “Rocko’s Modern Life,” Spunky plays the role of the deuteragonist. Rocko Rama owns Spunky, a Bull Terrier dog. Spunky emits foul smells, devours trash, slurps his saliva, and frolics in and eats Ed Bighead’s salmon bushes, which annoys Ed.