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Oscar is Popeye's balding, buck-toothed, none-too-bright friend that holds a number of odd jobs throughout his appearances, and sometimes accompanies the sailor protagonist on his adventures. He was created in 1931 and appeared in the original strip Thimble Theatre by E. C. Segar, and by Tom Sims and Bela Zaboly.
Oscar is something of a gag character in Popeye media, often appearing as a "Where's Waldo?" of sorts in backgrounds or in prominent scenes with a different job and (usually) outfit each time he appears.
Character history
Creation and development in Thimble Theatre
Oscar was created by newspaper cartoonist Elzie Crisler Segar as a minor recurring character in the strip, first introduced as King Blozo's assistant in Spinachovia.
In addition to his Thimble Theatre appearances, Oscar would serve as a minor supporting character in the comic book series by Segar's assistant Bud Sagendorf. His comic book appearances would continue until the title's end in 1984.
Fleischer Studios
As Popeye's popularity greatly grew, he would be given his own animated adaptation by Fleischer Studios. Oscar himself would also go on to become a minor recurring character in these shorts where he made semi-regular appearances with a variety of minor supporting roles where he had a different occupation each time, such as The Spinach Overture and Let's Celebrake, among others.
The All-New Popeye Hour
In 1978, Hanna-Barbera Productions with King Features Syndicate would produce a new Popeye television series: The All-New Popeye Hour. Oscar remained unchanged and would make sporadic appearances and cameos in several episodes with a different occupation each time, much like in the Fleischer-era shorts.
Oscar would go on to have a minor but notable role in the show's Valentine's Day special, The Popeye Valentine Special: Sweethearts at Sea.
Popeye's first movie
In Robert Altman's Popeye, Oscar is played by Stan Wilson. Oscar makes several appearances throughout the movie, usually as a bumbling and cowardly background character.
Revivals
Oscar would return in IDW Publishing's 2012 Popeye comics revival as a semi-recurring character, once again having a number of different odd jobs in every issue he appears in, ranging from such things as a simple shop clerk to a royal chauffeur.
Gallery
Oscar's gallery can be viewed here
External links
