Popular Cartoons From the 90s That Defined an Era
The 1990s was a golden era for cartoons, with a diverse range of characters capturing the hearts and minds of viewers, both young and old. From edgy, mature cartoons to classic children’s shows, the decade produced some of the most iconic and beloved characters in animation history.
This comprehensive list delves into the most popular cartoon characters from the 90s and highlights their unique traits, talented voice actors, and interesting backstories. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit these unforgettable animated stars.
1. Homer Simpson (The Simpsons)
Background
Homer Simpson is the bumbling, yet lovable, patriarch of the dysfunctional Simpson family. He works as a safety inspector at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant, despite his lack of qualification for the job.
Voice Actor
Dan Castellaneta has been the voice behind Homer since the show’s inception in 1989. His talent for portraying this iconic character has earned him multiple awards, including four Primetime Emmys.
Fun Fact
Homer’s well-known catchphrase, “D’oh!”, was originally written as an annoyed grunt in the show’s script. Castellaneta’s interpretation of the sound became a defining part of Homer’s character and was eventually added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2001.
2. Doug Funnie (Doug)
Background
Doug Funnie, the titular character of the show, is a thoughtful and imaginative 11-year-old who navigates the ups and downs of adolescence, tackling everything from crushes to friendship conflicts.
Voice Actor
Billy West provided the voice for Doug throughout the series, also voicing many other characters on the show, including Roger Klotz and Mr. Dink.
Fun Fact
In the original pitch for the show, Doug was intended to be 10 years old. However, creator Jim Jinkins later changed his age to 11 to reflect the character’s growing maturity.
3. Beavis and Butthead (Beavis and Butthead)
Background
Beavis and Butthead are a pair of socially awkward, dim-witted, and mischievous teenagers who spend their days watching music videos, making crude jokes, and engaging in various misadventures around their hometown of Highland.
Voice Actor
Series creator Mike Judge voiced both Beavis and Butthead, giving life to these two iconic characters known for their distinctive laughs and catchphrases.
Fun Fact
The duo’s unusual appearance, particularly their overbites and underbites, was inspired by a dental pamphlet that Judge saw in a dentist’s office.
4. Leela (Futurama)
Background
Turanga Leela, commonly known as Leela, is a strong, independent, and intelligent one-eyed mutant who works as the captain of the Planet Express spaceship in the futuristic world of Futurama.
Voice Actor
Katey Sagal, best known for her role as Peggy Bundy on the sitcom “Married… with Children”, lent her voice to the character of Leela.
Fun Fact
Leela’s full name, Turanga, is a nod to Olivier Messiaen, a French composer who wrote a piece called “Turangalîla-Symphonie.”
5. SpongeBob SquarePants (SpongeBob SquarePants)
Background
SpongeBob SquarePants is an optimistic and energetic sea sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea and works as a fry cook at the Krusty Krab. His adventures with friends like Patrick Star and Sandy Cheeks have entertained children and adults alike for over two decades.
Voice Actor
Tom Kenny has provided the iconic voice of SpongeBob since the show’s premiere in 1999. He also voices other characters on the show, such as Gary the Snail and the French narrator.
Fun Fact
SpongeBob’s famous laugh was inspired by the distinctive call of the dolphin, an idea conceived by Tom Kenny and series creator Stephen Hillenburg.
6. Marge Simpson (The Simpsons)
Background
Marge Simpson is the loving and patient wife of Homer and the mother of Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. Her tall blue hair, raspy voice, and motherly demeanor make her a memorable and endearing character.
Voice Actor
Julie Kavner, an American actress and voice actress, has been the voice behind Marge since the show’s debut in 1989.
Fun Fact
Marge’s iconic blue hair was a design choice made by creator Matt Groening, who wanted the characters to have unique and easily recognizable silhouettes.
7. D.W. Read (Arthur)
Background
Dora Winifred “D.W.” Read is the feisty younger sister of Arthur Read, the main character in the popular children’s series. D.W. is known for her strong-willed and bratty nature, which often leads to sibling rivalry and hilarious conflicts with Arthur.
Voice Actors
D.W. has been voiced by five male actors over the course of the series: Jason Szwimer, Michael Caloz, Robert Naylor, Oliver Grainger, and Ryan Ehrenworth.
Fun Fact
In a July 2021 “Finding D.W.” podcast episode, casting director Debra Toffan revealed why D.W. was always voiced by male characters: “I think because D.W. is a rough-and-tumble little girl. She’s a little brat.”
8. The Powerpuff Girls (The Powerpuff Girls)
Background
Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup are the Powerpuff Girls – three kindergarten-aged superheroes created by Professor Utonium who use their combined powers to protect the city of Townsville from various evildoers.
Voice Actors
Cathy Cavadini voiced Blossom, Tara Strong voiced Bubbles, and Elizabeth Daily, also known as E.G. Daily, voiced Buttercup.
Fun Fact
The Powerpuff Girls were originally named “The Whoopass Girls” in creator Craig McCracken’s student film, which served as the basis for the series.
9. Rocko (Rocko’s Modern Life)
Background
Rocko is a timid and good-hearted wallaby from Australia who moves to the United States and navigates the challenges of modern life in the fictional city of O-Town.
Voice Actor
Carlos Alazraqui, a talented voice actor known for his work on various animated series and video games, provided the voice for Rocko.
Fun Fact
The character of Rocko was inspired by a trip that series creator Joe Murray took to a zoo, where he observed the wallabies and admired their calm demeanor.
10. Blue (Blue’s Clues)
Background
Blue, a curious and friendly blue dog, is the central character in the interactive children’s series “Blue’s Clues.” Alongside her human companion, Steve, she uses clues to solve everyday mysteries.
Voice Actor
Blue’s distinctive barks and vocalizations were provided by Traci Paige Johnson, one of the show’s creators.
Fun Fact
Blue was initially designed to be a cat, but the creators changed her to a dog to differentiate the show from other children’s programs featuring feline characters.
Classic Cartoons from the 90s
This list of popular cartoon characters from the 90s showcases the diverse range of animation styles and themes that defined the decade.
From mature, edgy characters like Beavis and Butthead to the lovable antics of SpongeBob SquarePants and D.W. Read, these animated stars left an indelible mark on pop culture and continue to be cherished by fans today.
