Health Fitness

Gabby Gator is Woody Woodpecker’s best enemy

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Woody Woodpecker faced some tough but hilarious adversaries in his animated adventures. Among them were Wally Walrus, Buzz Buzzard, and Ms. Meany. However, my pick for your best adversary is Gabby Gator.

For those readers who don’t remember, Gabby was a bright green alligator usually shown in a yellowish shirt and some kind of hat. He wasn’t as creepy or tough as Buzz, but he did give Woody a run for his money. Plus, it provided some great comic scenes.

Gabby Gator’s first official appearance is the cartoon “Southern Fried Hospitality” (1960). Similar alligators like Gabby had appeared in Woody’s cartoons “Romp in the Swamp” (1958) and “Everglade Raid” (1959), but it was “Southern Fried” where he was officially named, according to information from The Walter Lantz Cartune Encyclopedia.

Gabby was played by Daws Butler, a legend in the animation world. It was the voice of many famous cartoon characters. In addition to Gabby’s voice, she was voiced by Yogi Bear, Quick Draw McGraw, Scooby-Dum, and Huckleberry Hound, to name a few. Additionally, Butler trained many active actors, including Nancy Cartwright (the voice of Bart Simpson), based on my research. Other Lantz characters Daws voiced were Chilly Willy and his partner, the dog Smedley. But, back to Gabby …

The cartoon “Greedy Gabby Gator” (1963) is the last time the crocodile appeared in a Woody Woodpecker short film. The plot is similar to Gabby’s other appearances. Gabby sees Woody Woodpecker heading towards the Okedokee Swamp, so she catches Woody and makes him think that he has arrived at Gabby’s Health Resort. He manages to escape from Gabby with the help of a crocodile. Interestingly, Gabby Gator is being chased by the crocodile.

As much as I love Gabby as one of Woody’s main enemies, Gabby has a downside: many of her cartoons are the same. In many of his appearances, the alligator is hungry and decides to eat Woody. Some cartoon lovers would say that if you’ve seen “Southern Fried Hospitality,” there is no reason to see any other Gabby cartoon. I disagree, of course.

Gabby appearances:

Southern Fried Hospitality (1960)

Gabby’s Dinner (1961)

Woody’s Surprise (1961)

Rock-A-Bye Gator (1962)

Rocket Racket (1962)

Voo-Doo Boo-Boo (1962)

Little Red Riding Hood Woody (1962)

The Greedy Gabby Gator (1963)

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