Who Was Grimace From McDonalds? + Other Common FAQs

We all know that purple round blob-looking McDonald’s character known as Grimace McDonalds, but you do know what Grimace is?

A lot of people have also wondered what exactly Grimace is and what this purple thing is supposed to represent. Keep reading because we’ll tell you all about Grimace below!

Who Was Grimace From McDonalds?

Grimace from Mcdonald’s is a purple taste bud meant to represent the good food that McDonald’s serves customers every day. Originally, Grimace did have 4 arms and was considered an evil character who would steal milkshakes and soda. However, he was then changed to a more loveable character with only 2 arms and the catchphrase “duh.” The character Grimace was retired in 2003.

Have more questions about Grimace, such as what is the gender? Keep reading more interesting facts below!

Is Grimace a Taste Bud or Milkshake?

Brain Bates said that Grimace was a taste bud, which is why he represents the good food at McDonald’s.

During that same interview with Bates, McDonald’s commented saying that what’s great about Grimace is that he means something different to everyone, and there’s no real answer.

However, McDonald’s tweeted from the official McDonald’s Twitter in 2012, saying Grimace was a milkshake, so the truth depends upon who you ask and when you ask.

Some people think he’s a milkshake, while others think a taste bud or an animal, but according to Bates, Grimace is supposed to be a taste bud.

What Is the Gender of Grimace?

Grimace has always been a male, which has been confirmed by McDonald’s spokesperson referring to Grimace as a “he” and not a “she.”

When Did McDonald’s Stop Using Grimace?

McDonald’s stopped using Grimace back in 2003, which was several years after the advertising campaign McDonaldland was shut down.

Furthermore, the history of Grimace is that he was one of many characters that McDonald’s put together for McDonaldland, which started back in 1970.

This was around the time of The Flintstones, so it made sense for McDonald’s to use a fantasy fictional land as an advertising campaign featuring Ronald McDonald and friends. 

What is the Catchphrase of Grimace from McDonald’s?

Grimace is known for being a little slower, and he had a catchphrase during every commercial he was a part of, which was starting every sentence with “Duh.”

Who Portrayed Grimace McDonalds?

Even though Grimace is supposed to be a male, it was female actresses that were portraying this character the entire time inside the costume!

Grimace was portrayed by Patti Saunders at first, and then Terry Castillo took over the role.

Further, the voice of Grimace was first performed by Lennie Weinrib, then Frank Welker took over, and Larry Moran also filled in for the voice acting during the time Welker had the job.

Did Grimace Have Four Arms?

Did Grimace Have Four Arms?

Grimace did have four arms initially because he started as an evil character that would steal milkshakes and soda.

However, after the first McDonaldland campaign, Grimace switched to a good character, and he was revised to only have two arms.

McDonald’s Grimace Toy

Remco produced the McDonald’s Grimace toy back in 1976, which was an action figure that stood 6 inches tall.

Additionally, the toy was part of a whole collection of McDonaldland toys that Remco created, and the Grimace doll, along with the other dolls, was poseable and had dye and stencil fabric.

Remco went above and beyond for the McDonaldland toys, and they were much better quality than the other toys Remco was making at that time.

There are also plush versions of Grimace available that were made several years after the action figure dolls.

Does Grimace McDonalds Have Family?

Grimace McDonalds does have family, although we don’t know the names of all of his family members.

Furthermore, we don’t know the name of his mom or dad, but we know his grandma was named Winky.

We also know that he has a great, great-grandma that was named Jenny Grimace, and King Gonga was his brother.

Additionally, there are two aunts named Tillie and Millie, but Uncle O’Grimacey is the most well-known family member and most talked about.

Uncle O’Grimacey was seen every year during St. Patrick’s Day, which is in March and would help bring the Shamrock Shakes out to everyone.

Why Did McDonald’s Stop McDonaldland?

McDonaldland was very popular, but it was pulled back in 1973 after a lawsuit was brought by Sid and Marty Krofft. 

Furthermore, the lawsuit claimed McDonaldland was a plagiarization of “H.R. Pufnstuf,” which was produced by Sid and Marty.

A judge agreed and ordered McDonald’s to pay $50,000, but then both parties went to the United States Court of Appeals Ninth Circuit, and in 1977, a new decision was handed down.

Additionally, Sid and Marty won the appeal, and then McDonald’s was ordered to pay $1,000,000 for damages.

It was also ordered that McDonald’s stop airing the commercials with the characters and stop producing the characters, which is really when Grimace and the gang disappeared.

To know more about McDonald’s, you can also read our posts on McDonald’s slogan, whether you can buy McDonald’s toys, why McDonald’s got rid of Ronal McDonald, and how to get free stuff at McDonald’s

Photo of author

Marques Thomas

Marques Thomas graduated with a MBA in 2011. Since then, Marques has worked in the retail and consumer service industry as a manager, advisor, and marketer. Marques is also the head writer and founder of QuerySprout.com.

1 thought on “Who Was Grimace From McDonalds? + Other Common FAQs”

Leave a Comment