KELLOGG’S SUGAR FROSTED FLAKES
According to the Kellogg Company, in 1952 they held a contest to see who would represent their new cereal called 'Kellogg's Sugar Frosted Flakes of Corn.'
The contestants were Katy the Kangaroo, Elmo the Elephant, Newt the Gnu and Tony the Tiger. It was a close race with Katy and Tony sharing the front of the box at first.
Eventually Tony was the clear winner and in 1953 became the sole spokesperson for the cereal. Tony Jr. (originally referred to as 'boy', and later as 'son') made appearances along with Tony Sr.
The original voice of Tony the Tiger was Dallas McKennon. It became difficult to continue that low quality of voice that Tony is famous for, so he had to give up the job. Thurl Ravenscroft took over for McKennon.
McKennon also did the original Snap, Crackle and Pop voices for Rice Krispies. In addition he was also the voice for the cartoon character Gumby, and many Walter Lanz and Disney characters.
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