Raggedy Andy

* Gruelle Books
* 1977 Film
* Chuck Jones Specials
* Broadway Musical
* 1980's Cartoon
* Snowden Cartoon

**Raggedy Andy** is the feisty little brother and closest companion of Raggedy Ann. He was created by Johnny Gruelle as "the Little Rag Brother of Raggedy Ann" and first appeared in the self-titled 'Raggedy Andy Stories' in 1920. He would go on to become the co-star in all Raggedy Ann books afterwards, alongside his sister Raggedy Ann. He also makes regular appearances in film and TV adaptations, starting with 'Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy' in 1941, as well as appearing in merchandise and the Broadway musical.

## Background

The origins of Raggedy Andy are uncertain, but a common myth is that creator Johnny Gruelle was inspired to create the rag doll after seeing his young sons, Worth and Dickie Gruelle, play with his daughter Marcella Gruelle's beloved doll Raggedy Ann, with some accounts stating that the boys wanted their own boy doll is play with. The patent for Raggedy Andy was officially registered on August 24th, 1920. Unlike Raggedy Ann's rather detailed patent design, Andy's design was extremely simplified, perhaps to offer broader patent protection. The brother-and-sister bond between Ann and Andy was partially inspired by the characters Dickie and Dolly from Gruelle's "Mr. Twee Deedle" comics, a pair of siblings who would often accompany Mr. Twee Deedle on his adventures. Raggedy Andy's debut book, "Raggedy Andy Stories", as well as the accompanying dolls produced by manufacturing company Beers-Keeler-Bowman, became an instant hit, refueling Raggedy Ann's popularity and proving that a brother-and-sister team was much more marketable than a stand-alone character.

Character wise, in the first few pages of "Raggedy Andy Stories", a letter written from the perspective of Johnny Gruelle's mother tells how Raggedy Andy once belonged to Gruelle's mother's childhood friend, Bessie. Bessie's doll was made by her mother a day or so after Raggedy Ann, and was named Raggedy Andy so that their names would sound alike. Gruelle's mother and Bessie would play with the two rag dolls very frequently, sometimes even putting dresses over Andy's boy clothes when the girls decided he and Ann should be sisters for the day. Unfortunately, Bessie's family moved away a few years after. It is unknown what happened in the time between Bessie's move and Andy's eventual reunion with Raggedy Ann, but in the chapter "The Nursery Dance", Andy states that he had been shut up in a trunk in the attic for decades. He was never lonesome, however, as there was a family of mice in the corner of the trunk, and Andy would take care of the baby mice when the mama and daddy mice were away.

## Personality

### Film & TV

In the 1977 film, Raggedy Ann & Andy: A Musical Adventure, Raggedy Andy is portrayed as feisty, independent, and easily irritable. Unlike his sister, Movie Andy is fed up with how feminine and 'girly' the playroom is and is determined to prove himself as a 'strong, tough, and terrific boy'. He's also rather aloof when meeting new people and is not afraid to challenge them to a fight if pushed over the edge. Despite having a tough exterior and not getting along with many of the playroom toys, Movie Andy is highly protective of his sister, Raggedy Ann, and would do anything to keep her out of harm's way.

This is very similar to how he acts in the Chuck Jones shorts, The Pumpkin Who Couldn't Smile and The Great Santa Claus Caper. However, this version of Andy is a lot more snarky and sarcastic, often clashing with Ann's sweet personality in some cases. He is also not afraid to speak his mind, such as when he called out Aunt Agatha for keeping Ralph home on Halloween. Despite this, he and Ann still have a close sibling relationship and are always willing to go the extra mile to help those in need.

In both the The Adventures of Raggedy Ann and Andy and Snowden: Raggedy Ann & Andy's Adventure, Andy is characterized as a stereotypical annoying little brother. This change in demeanor is especially apparent in the former cartoon, as Andy is shown to be a bit of a brat and regularly whines and complains in any given situation. In fact, the plot of each episode is almost always kicked off by either Andy or Raggedy Dog's antics. In the latter cartoon, however, Andy's insolence is severely toned down, yet he still remains rowdy and gullible. Probably the strangest aspect of this special is Andy's newfound obsession with being an animal, which becomes the driving force for most, if not all of Andy's mischief throughout.

### Raggedy Ann (Musical)

Similarly to his film counterparts, the Raggedy Ann musical Andy is stubborn and hot-tempered. He constantly gets himself into trouble and always finds a way to break the rules. He is also a bit of a showoff, craving the attention of others, and doesn't quite pick up on social cues. Despite his obvious naivety, Musical Andy still cares for Marcella and wants to help her out, even if he's not the most qualified person to do so. His sibling bond with Ann in particular involves a lot more teasing and playful ridicule than previous incarnations, but they still love each other all the same.

## Appearances

### Books

* Raggedy Andy Stories (1920)
* Raggedy Andy's Number Book (1924)
* Raggedy Ann and Andy and the Camel with the Wrinkled Knees (1924)
* Raggedy Ann's Wishing Pebble (1925)
* The Paper Dragon: A Raggedy Ann Adventure (1926)
* Raggedy Ann's Magical Wishes (1928)
* Marcella: A Raggedy Ann Story (1929)
* Raggedy Ann in the Deep Deep Woods (1930)
* Raggedy Ann's Sunny Songs (1930)
* Raggedy Ann in Cookie Land (1931)
* Raggedy Ann's Lucky Pennies (1932)
* Raggedy Ann in the Golden Meadow (1935)
* Raggedy Ann and the Left-Handed Safety Pin (1935)
* Raggedy Ann in the Golden Meadow (1935)
* Raggedy Ann's Joyful Songs (1937)
* Raggedy Ann and Maizie Moocow (1937)
* Raggedy Ann in the Magic Book (1939)
* Raggedy Ann and the Laughing Brook (1940)
* Raggedy Ann and the Golden Butterfly (1940)
* Raggedy Ann and the Hoppy Toad (1940)
* Dell Comics "New Funnies" #65-111 (July, 1942 - May, 1946)
* Raggedy Ann's Adventure (1947)
* Raggedy Ann and the Slippery Slide (1947)
* Raggedy Ann's Mystery (1947)
* Raggedy Ann at the End of the Rainbow (1947)
* Raggedy Ann's Merriest Christmas (1952)
* Raggedy Andy's Surprise (1953)
* A Puzzle for Raggedy Ann and Andy (1957)
* Junior Treasury: Raggedy Ann and the Camel with the Wrinkled Knees (1957)
* Raggedy Ann and the Golden Ring (1961)
* Raggedy Ann and the Happy Meadow (1961)
* Raggedy Ann and the Hobby Horse (1961)
* Raggedy Ann and the Wonderful Witch (1961)
* The Raggedy Ann Book (1969)
* Raggedy Ann: A Thank You, Please, and I Love You Book (1969)
* Raggedy Ann and Andy Gold Key Comics (1971) (Issues #1-6)
* Raggedy Ann and the Tagalong Present (1971)
* Raggedy Ann and Andy Gold Key Comics (1971) (Issues #1-6)
* The Raggedy Ann and Andy Book (1972)
* Raggedy Ann and Friends Cardbook set (1974)
* Raggedy Ann and Andy and the Kindly Ragman (1975)
* Raggedy Ann and Andy and the Witchie Kissabye (1975)
* Raggedy Ann and Andy On the Farm (1975)
* Raggedy Ann and Andy: The Little Gray Kitten (1975)
* Raggedy Ann and Andy Help Santa Claus (1977)
* The Animated Raggedy Ann & Andy (1977)
* Raggedy Ann and Andy (1977)
* Raggedy Ann and Andy: Five Birthday Parties in a Row (1979)
* Raggedy Ann and Andy and the Tunnel of Lost Toys (1980)
* Raggedy Ann and Andy's Grow and Learn Library (1988)
* Snowden, Raggedy Ann and Andy's Christmas Eve Adventure (1998)

### Film & TV

* Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy (1941)
* Raggedy Ann & Andy: A Musical Adventure (1977)
* Raggedy Ann and Andy in The Great Santa Claus Caper (1978)
* Raggedy Ann and Andy in The Pumpkin Who Couldn't Smile (1979)
* Raggedy Ann and Andy and the Camel with the Wrinkled Knees (1988)
* The Adventures of Raggedy Ann and Andy (1988-1990)
* Snowden: Raggedy Ann & Andy's Adventure (1998)
* The Snowden, Raggedy Ann and Andy Holiday Show (1998)

### Stage

* Stepping Stones (1923)
* Raggedy Ann and Andy Ballet (1972)
* Raggedy Ann and Andy (1972) [Gar Hildenbrand]
* The Adventures of Raggedy Ann and Andy (1976) [Lyla Hay Owen]
* Raggedy Ann and Andy in Cookieland (1977) [Lyla Hay Owen]
* Raggedy Ann and Andy in Musicland (1978) [Lyla Hay Owen]
* Raggedy Ann & Andy (1981) [Patricia Thackray]
* Raggedy Ann and Andy (1983) [Tim Mason/Joe Raposo]
* Raggedy Ann/Rag Dolly (1984-1986) [William Gibson/Joe Raposo]
* Raggedy Ann & Andy (1987) [Constance Congdon]
* The Adventures of Raggedy Ann and Andy (1998) [Sandy Kalan]

### Albums

* Raggedy Ann's Sunny Songs (1931)
* Raggedy Ann in the Magic Book (1945)
* Raggedy Ann and the Golden Butterfly (1945)
* Raggedy Ann and Andy and the Nice Fat Policeman (1945) (cover only)
* Raggedy Ann: Songs and Stories (1946)
* Songs of Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy (1948)
* A Raggedy Ann Song Book (1971)
* Raggedy Ann & Andy: A Musical Adventure (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (1976)
* Raggedy Ann & Andy: Bend & Stretch (1981)
* Raggedy Ann & Andy's Dance Party (1980)
* Raggedy Ann & Andy: Pop Concert (1980)
* Raggedy Ann & Andy: Birthday Party (1980)
* Raggedy Ann & Andy's Alphabet & Numbers (1980)
* Raggedy Ann & Andy: Happiness Album (1981)
* Raggedy Ann & Andy: Christmas Party (1981)
* Raggedy Ann & Andy: Telling Time Is Fun (1982)
* Raggedy Ann: The Musical (Demos) (1985)
* Raggedy Ann & Andy -Treasures from the Heart (2003)

### Read-Along Stories

* Raggedy Ann & Andy On a Trip to the Stars (1974)
* Raggedy Ann and Andy On a Journey Beneath the Enchanted Pond (1974)
* Raggedy Ann and Andy go to Cookietown (1974)
* Raggedy Ann and Andy Meet Dizzy Izzy And The Witch (1974)
* Raggedy Ann and Andy Visit the Kingdom of Every Wish (1974)
* Raggedy Ann and Andy in Dreamland (1974)
* Doctor Raggedy Andy (1979)
* Raggedy Andy's Smile (1979)
* Raggedy Ann and Fido (1979)
* Raggedy Ann Learns a Lesson (1979)
* Scotty and the Kittens (1979)
* Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy (1979)
* The Camel with the Wrinkled Knees (1979)
* Raggedy Ann & Andy's Merry Adventures (1980)
* Raggedy Ann & Andy's Songbook (1980)
* Raggedy Ann & Andy's Riddles and Rhymes (1980)
* Raggedy Ann & Andy's Alphabet (1980)
* Raggedy Ann & Andy: Book of Manners (1980)
* Raggedy Ann and Andy - Christmas Fun Book (1980)
* Raggedy Ann & Andy's Rainy Day Songs & Games (1980)
* Raggedy Ann's Birthday Party (1980)
* Raggedy Ann & Andy: At the Circus (1980)

### Merchandise

* Milton Bradley Board Game - Raggedy Ann
* Hallmark Card Games
* Happy Meal Toys