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SUGAR FROSTED FLAKES

The story of Tony the Tiger.
In 1952, the Kellogg Company held a contest to see who would represent their new cereal called 'Kellogg's Sugar Frosted Flakes of Corn.'

     The contestants in the contest 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 Kellogg declared Tony the clear winner and in 1953 became the sole spokesperson for Kellogg’s Sugar Frosted Flakes 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.