Skippy Squirrel is a character from the animated television series “Animaniacs,” produced by Warner Bros. and first aired in the 1990s.
Skippy is a young, somewhat naive squirrel who often finds himself in various adventures and misadventures. His elderly aunt, Slappy Squirrel, often accompanies him.
Slappy is a former cartoon star with much experience in the cartoon world, which she often uses to her advantage. She’s sarcastic, cynical, and has a sharp wit. In contrast, Skippy is more innocent and optimistic.
The dynamic between the jaded Slappy and the innocent Skippy provides for a lot of humor in their segments of the show. Their segments often parodied or commented on various aspects of popular culture, including other cartoons and films.
Animaniacs Skippy Squirrel
• Animaniacs (1993)
• Pinky and the Brain (1995) (1 episode)
• Animaniacs (2020) (1 episode)
Skippy Squirrel, a beloved character from “Animaniacs,” carries a rich tapestry of influence with him. Like many other characters in the show, Skippy’s design and personality borrow from classic animated characters.
- Relationship with Aunt Slappy.
- Parallel dynamics to classic duos: Tom and Jerry, Sylvester and Tweety.
- Role reversal:
- Classic cartoons: Younger = mischievous, Elder = exasperated.
- Skippy and Slappy: Skippy = innocent, Slappy = sassy and wisecracking.
Voice Talent Behind Skippy
Nathan Ruegger is the voice behind Skippy Squirrel. Interestingly, Nathan is the son of Tom Ruegger, who was one of the main creators and producers of “Animaniacs.”
Nathan was only a kid when he started lending his voice to Skippy, adding an authentic youthful exuberance to the character. Later on, as Nathan grew older and his voice changed, Skippy’s voice also matured, giving fans a real-time character evolution.
Character Depth and Development
- Appears in fewer segments than Warner siblings: Yakko, Wakko, Dot.
- Deep character explored via bond with Aunt Slappy.
- Subverts common trope:
- Not just a naïve child; moments of profound wisdom.
- Contrast: Skippy’s innocence vs. Slappy’s sarcastic wit.
- Dynamic relationship:
- Balances humor with emotional depth.
- Challenges traditional child-elder dynamics in animation.
Tom Ruegger Wanted Skippy, An Adult
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Tom Ruegger expressed his disinterest in the Tiny Toon Adventures spin-off. He envisioned different trajectories for the characters. For instance, he suggested, “Skippy Squirrel would be an adult, yet still residing at home, leading Aunt Slappy to wish for his departure eagerly.”
Skippy Squirrel Parents
People hold conflicting beliefs about why the show never depicted or mentioned Skippy’s parents. In the Nostalgia Critic Tribute, Sherri Stoner, portraying Slappy, mentioned that Skippy’s parents were traveling and occasionally sent paychecks.
Yet, in the episode “One Flew Over The Cuckoo Clock,” when Slappy temporarily couldn’t care for him, Skippy lived in a foster home, indicating he had no parents to turn to.
Trivia Tidbits
- Skippy’s first appearance was in the “Animaniacs” episode titled “Slappy Goes Walnuts,” wherein Slappy teaches him about the world of comedy.
- Skippy faces the tragic reality of a favorite actor passing away in one particular episode. This episode stands out for its poignant exploration of grief and the loss of childhood innocence.
Skippy The Squirrel Appearances
- Theme Song (nonspeaking)
- Ep1-The Monkey Song (nonspeaking)
- Ep3-Slappy Goes Walnuts
- Ep8-Bumbie’s Mom
- Ep16-Hurray for Slappy
- Ep27-I Got Yer Can
- Ep35-Animaniacs Stew (nonspeaking)/Dottie the Squirrel (nonspeaking)
- Ep36-Critical Condition
- Ep45-…And Justice for Slappy
- Ep46-Turkey Jerky (nonspeaking)
- Ep50-‘Twas the Day Before Christmas
- Ep51-Branimaniacs/Frontier Slappy
- Ep58-Smell Ya Later
- Ep59-Woodstock Slappy
- Ep62-Scare Happy Slappy
- Ep64-No Face Like Home
- Ep65-The Warners’ 65th Anniversary Special
- Ep70-Nutcracker Slappy
- Ep71-Three Tenors and You’re Out
- Ep72-Rest in Pieces
- Ep73-Gimme a Break
- Ep74-Method to Her Madness
- Ep75-The Flame Returns (nonspeaking)
- Ep79-My Mother the Squirrel/The Twelve Days of Christmas (nonspeaking)
- Ep80-Gunga Dot
- Ep81-Soccer Coach Slappy
- Ep82-The Return of the Great Wakkorotti (nonspeaking)/The Big Wrap Party Tonight (nonspeaking)
- Ep83-One Flew Over the Cuckoo Clock
- Ep85-Jokahontas/Mighty Wakko at the Bat (nonspeaking)
- Ep90-Ralph’s Wedding (nonspeaking)
- Ep92-Dot the Macadamia Nut/Bully for Skippy
- Ep95-Hooray for North Hollywood (Part 1) (nonspeaking)
- Ep96-Hooray for North Hollywood (Part 2)
- Ep97-The Sunshine Squirrels
- Ep98-The Christmas Tree
- Ep99-The Scoring Session (nonspeaking)/The Animaniacs Suite (nonspeaking)
- Ep65 (Pinky and the Brain)-Star Warners
- Wakko’s Wish
- Ep5 (Reboot)-Good Warner Hunting (nonspeaking)
