Talk:Popeye

Split proposal
This article has gotten rather long and hard to read. I suggest splitting out the section on the theatrical cartoons into its own article, titled Popeye the Sailor (theatrical cartoons), Popeye the Sailor (Paramount cartoons) or something similar, leaving a shortened summary of the history of the Fleischer/Famous cartoons. That way, this article could focus more on Popeye as a franchise and on the original comic strip version. --FuriousFreddy (talk) 17:41, 15 May 2010 (UTC)
 * Comment There is already an article on the Popeye theatrical cartoons titled Popeye the Sailor (Warner DVD series) about the home video releases. Could this be the starting point? Steelbeard1 (talk) 20:20, 7 March 2011 (UTC)
 * There are relevant points in there, but I'd say to split theatrical cartoons off entirely into a single new article for now, and summarize the information in the current article. Keeping it all as one continuous article allows one to talk about transitioning between studios, that sort of thing. -- Zanimum (talk) 19:09, 28 May 2011 (UTC)


 * Split done. Material is now at Popeye the Sailor (animated cartoons), which is a rename of Popeye the Sailor (Warner DVD series). A summary has been left in this article. Some tidying up of both articles will need to be done.  SilkTork   ✔Tea time  23:31, 26 October 2011 (UTC)

Theme song sung by?
Was the original theme sung by William "Billy" Costello? --grin &#9998; 07:34, 21 September 2010 (UTC)
 * It was when he was playing the role of Popeye. Later, when the other guy took over, he sang the song. ←Baseball Bugs What's up, Doc? carrots→ 10:49, 21 September 2010 (UTC)

Why was my edit reverted?
Hi. I made a spelling correction on this page yesterday. I don't understand why it has been reverted to the incorrect spelling. 82.2.26.223 —Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.2.26.223 (talk) 18:12, 26 January 2011 (UTC)

Association with spinach
When does Popeye become associated with spinach? There is no spinach in his first appearance in Thimble Theater in 1929. In his first film apparance, Fleischer's "Popeye the Sailor" (1933), he downs a can of spinach with the customary result. Did this device originate in Thimble Theater, or was it a film gag? Mohanchous (talk) 13:45, 4 July 2011 (UTC)

Frank "Rocky" Fiegel
I've replaced the vague statement beginning "One historian believes Popeye was inspired by Frank 'Rocky' Fiegel" and its "source" (merely a bare GIF image with no information whatsoever) with a statement based on material from the already-cited Grandinetti book (page 4). If someone wants to try to pursue the previous info, I did manage to dig up a somewhat-garbled document in the Internet Archives (not their Wayback Machine, but an actual book-like work) titled I Remember: Early Memories of Chester, Illinois. Its author is Jessie Lee Huffstutler, who may be the "Lee Huffstutler" mentioned in Grandinetti. (I'm not sure an IA copy of a personal memoir would be acceptable under WP:RELY. Even if it were, I doubt such a publication qualifies Huffstutler as a "historian", anymore than uploading a personal webcam video to YouTube makes one a cinematographer.) As for the GIF, it comes from The Glyph, a website for the Great Lakes NCS Newsletter, and has a URL including "segar" and "rocky"—suggestive, but far from useful for sourcing. However, a search of the website might turn up something useful about the picture that might make it worth mentioning.

Meanwhile, I'd ask editors to review WP:RELY to understand what Wikipedia means by "reliable source" and "citation". In particular, it should be specific and should include information that backs up what is said in the article where the citation is placed. A picture is merely illustration, not evidence, and a pic with no information is worse than useless because it implies something that isn't stated anywhere (e.g., this person is the infamous Rocky). We need a source to say that, not just imply it by association. ~ Jeff Q (talk) 13:13, 13 July 2011 (UTC)

Italicizationing
Is there any way to remove the italics from the page title? The page is foremost on the "Popeye" character, while also combining in information about the Popeye franchise and comic strip. The use of the comic strip template seems to be italicizing the title, but there has to be some sort of override somehow.--108.196.25.194 (talk) 21:32, 14 December 2011 (UTC)
 * I have added the parameter  to the infobox, which removed the italics from the article title, as the infobox template's page (Template:Infobox comic strip) said it would. Regards, &mdash;{&#124;Retro00064&#124;&#9742;talk&#124;&#x270D;contribs&#124;} 23:04, 14 December 2011 (UTC).

Wimpy
I am removing the "hence the name" part that implies that Wimpy is called Wimpy because he is wimpy. The word wimpy is believed to have appeared in the English language with its current meaning long after J Wellington Wimpy first existed. The origin of wimp is uncertain, but sources such as the Online Etymology Dictionary say "perhaps influenced by J. Wellington Wimpy." In other words, it's more likely that wimps are called wimps because are like Wimpy (and they whimper) rather than the character being named after a word that was not yet in use. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Hagrinas (talk • contribs) 01:30, 1 January 2012 (UTC)

Top Importance?
There's a discussion on which comic-related articles should be listed as "Top Importance" on the importance scale, and I feel this article should not be included. If any user disagrees or wishes to contribute, please do so there. Argento Surfer (talk) 14:49, 1 February 2013 (UTC)

Splitting article
I think there is enough comic strip specific information to make it worth spinning off into an article titled either Thimble Theatre or Popeye (comic strip), leaving this article to be just about the character himself. 24.149.45.52 (talk) 23:11, 2 April 2014 (UTC)

Time Travel ?
In the section "Television specials and feature-length films", there is the line: "Popeye (2015, produced by Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation). As it is now only halfway though 2014, is this a mistake, a prediction, a plan, or a time-travelled entry from next year ?  Darkman101 (talk) 22:33, 12 June 2014 (UTC)

I wanna time travel Popeye series Ultbee (talk) 13:41, 15 June 2016 (UTC)

More images please
One of each cartoon studio, (Fletcher, King, Hanna-Barbera, etc.), with other stars together, and explaining the two Olivia faces and the because of the two stories styles of King Syndicate cartoons. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 190.103.68.194 (talk) 21:34, 1 April 2015 (UTC)

External links modified
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Little adjustments. Possible movement of some infos to a totally new "Thimble Theatre" entry
Hi, boys! I'm writing from Italy so please forgive my very bad English. Sorry, I think that the page "Popeye" is ambiguous: it talks about Popeye but in the box it presents the starting year 1919 as if the entry is about the strip and not the character. Now, I am an expert in Italy about comics (I made two books about Donald Duck and I'm a collector of Thimble Theatre strips from 1920s): I want to make an Italian page *only* about Thimble Theatre comic strip from 1919 on: The Segar Years (1919-1938), The Zaboly Years (1940-1959) and so on, with descriptions of various characters and infos about plots on Thimble Theatre strips and Sundays before Popeye above all. Now, my Italian page can be translated in English by one of you. Let me know! — Preceding unsigned comment added by Federico G. Provenzano (talk • contribs) 21:30, 25 March 2016 (UTC)

What story?
From what story is the pic on this article, please:


 * http://top100comics.de/single_book.php?rank=98

--212.95.7.205 (talk) 19:18, 5 February 2017 (UTC)

I'm Trying to Find Info On a Particular Popeye Short
I am trying to get the title of a particular Popeye short. Here's the story of it:

In this short, Popeye's nephews are trying to hide a big box and throughout the short, Popeye unsuccessfully tries to stop them, but near the end, Popeye gets really mad and attempts to give his nephews a whipping, when the box drops onto the ground from the roof, opens and it's a giant can of spinach saying "Happy Birthday, Uncle Popeye" on top.

Does anyone know the name of this particular short? Thanks in advance for any help.Frschoonover (talk) 16:08, 14 April 2017 (UTC)

I am not a Popeye expert, though this could be "Popeye's Mirthday" (1953). Based on the Internet Movie Database summary, Olive Oyl is preparing a birthday party for Popeye and the nephews try to keep Popeye preoccupied until she is ready. They end up tormenting him until its time for the surprise. Dimadick (talk) 16:13, 22 April 2017 (UTC)

No, it's not Popeye's Mirthday, but Gift of Gag from 1955. It is also a color short and was released two years later. I AM REALLY THE MAN IN NYS (talk) 22:16, 27 April 2017 (UTC)

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Saddened not to see any mention of Tom Hatten
Tom Hatten was a long time host for the Popeye show from the 60's through the 80's


 * Write something. Preferably under the section Original television cartoons. Make sure to link the subject: Tom Hatten. Also, please sign your posts with 4 {~}. Thanks. Maineartists (talk) 23:34, 22 May 2019 (UTC)

Image of Frank "Rocky" Fiegel is Inaccurate?
According to this Snopes article, the image often associated with Fiegel - the real-life inspiration for Popeye - is not actually of Fiegel, but of some anonymous sailor.

Here is the Snopes article: https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/frank-rocky-fiegel-popeye/

I propose that the image of the anonymous sailor in the article is replaced with the enlarged real photograph of Fiegel noted in the Snopes investigation. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.106.30.166 (talk) 16:04, 23 June 2019 (UTC)

Since I was the one who uploaded the dubious photo of the WWII sailor - with no ill-intent or knowledge of its incorrect claim - I agree that the image should be deleted from WP; and the correct image of Fiegel (obviously the only known one in existence) found here:, and at the snopes site. It bears absolutely no relevancy to show the fake in a section that largely is discussing the origins. Maineartists (talk) 03:32, 24 June 2019 (UTC)
 * The image in the article is not "fake". It is a real image of a British seaman who is pretending to be Popeye. As such it is reasonable to keep in the article. The claim that this is a photo of Fiegel is certainly fake, and I've removed mention of Fiegel from the caption, since that was misleading. If the photo of the real Fiegel can be uploaded without copyright infringement, I agree it should be added to the article. Railfan23 (talk) 03:57, 24 June 2019 (UTC)

As can be seen, I have nominated the incorrect image of Fiegel for deletion. My apologies for not doing my homework initially and allowing the image to be placed here at WP. However, simply changing the caption does not change the line of misconception to the image itself on file. I have replaced the image within the section with the correct photograph of Fiegel in later life (circa mid 1940s). If an editor wishes to re-upload the WWII sailor to WikiCommons, they can: WWII Sailor. It might be nice to include this sailor, along with other photographs / persons that were known for portraying "Popeye" in the mainstream / popular culture: Maurice Lindsey, Maurice Lindsey "Popeye". Maineartists (talk) 16:59, 24 June 2019 (UTC)
 * Yes, but the Fiegel image you uploaded is copyrighted and is about to be speedy deleted as a result. I did mention that "the photo of the real Fiegel [should] be uploaded without copyright infringement". Railfan23 (talk) 03:13, 25 June 2019 (UTC)

A Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion
The following Wikimedia Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion: Participate in the deletion discussion at the. —Community Tech bot (talk) 16:06, 24 June 2019 (UTC)
 * Frank “Rocky” Fiegel (January 27, 1868 - March 24, 1947) "Popeye" The Sailor.jpg

A Commons file used on this page has been nominated for speedy deletion
The following Wikimedia Commons file used on this page has been nominated for speedy deletion: You can see the reason for deletion at the file description page linked above. —Community Tech bot (talk) 03:21, 25 June 2019 (UTC)
 * Frank “Rocky” Fiegel (January 27, 1868 - March 24, 1947) aka "Popeye" The Sailor.jpg

A Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion
The following Wikimedia Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion: Participate in the deletion discussion at the. —Community Tech bot (talk) 03:36, 7 July 2019 (UTC)
 * Frank "Rocky" Fiegel.jpg

A Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion
The following Wikimedia Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion: Participate in the deletion discussion at the. —Community Tech bot (talk) 21:21, 9 July 2019 (UTC)
 * New York. East Hampton. Popeye (2710256517).jpg

Commons files used on this page have been nominated for deletion
The following Wikimedia Commons files used on this page have been nominated for deletion: Participate in the deletion discussion at the nomination page. —Community Tech bot (talk) 20:36, 12 December 2019 (UTC)
 * "Let's blast'em Japanazis Buy war stamps here now" - NARA - 514862.jpg
 * Toy Popeye with spinach (25871122682).jpg

Captain Strong parodies section needs work
The Popeye parody Captain Strong dates back much further than the Harley Quinn series. You can read about it on his wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_Strong — Preceding unsigned comment added by Benevolent Prawn (talk • contribs) 03:06, 11 May 2020 (UTC)

Birthplace of Rocky Fiegel?
The article says "Chester, Illinois, Segar's hometown, has an abundance of proof that Frank "Rocky" Fiegel (b. in Chester, IL, January 27, 1868) was the real-life inspiration for the character Popeye. Frank "Rocky" Fiegel was born in 1868 in Poland. His parents Bartłomiej and Anna H. Fiegiel migrated to the United States, Illinois."

"Chester, Illinois" or "Poland"? It can't be both. Pick one or the other, or state that his place of birth is uncertain. Also, a reference to Poland in 1868 should mention that it was part of Russia at that time.

15:00, 31 May 2021 (UTC)


 * Also, none of the cited sources (at the sentence about the birthplace) seems to have any mention of Poland or Russia, or the names of the parents BartoszKP (talk) 11:09, 9 March 2023 (UTC)

Was "spinach" slang or code for "cannabis"
I just read "When Popeye was created in 1929 by cartoonist Elzie Segar, spinach was slang for cannabis." I saw no mention of this in the article. Not sure where to research that. Popeye was sometimes smoking something in that pipe.... Misty MH (talk) 18:36, 10 June 2021 (UTC)

Is it possible to clarify the 3D Popeye Teaser Poster?
In connection with the upcoming animated movie some sources publish a seemingly mock-up movie poster showing a Popeye that is very reminiscent of the "Tom Of Finland" style of art. What about it? Where did this come from?2003:CA:3F18:467B:5B2:C06A:94D9:C85D (talk) 21:49, 11 April 2022 (UTC)

Page does not include Popeye Radio Show
"Wheatena sponsored the Popeye radio program from September 10, 1935 through March 28, 1936. During that time, 87 episodes aired on the NBC Red Network. Wheatena is said to have paid King Features $1,200 per week for the rights to the sailor.

During the show, Popeye abandoned his trademark spinach for bowls of Wheatena to muster his strength! Popeye's familiar theme song was altered to say:

"Wheatena's me diet, I ax ya to try it, I'm Popeye the Sailor man! Toot. Toot."

Wheatena made a second attempt at broadcasting Popeye on another network -- CBS from August 31, 1936 to February 26, 1937. Spinach was again replaced with Wheatena.

Unlike other popular kid programs of the day which pitched free mail-in offers regularly, Popeye radio premium offers were scarce. Wheatena did produce three enamel lapel pins of Popeye, Olive Oyl and Wimpy available for boxtops mailed to their plant in Rahway NJ."

https://homestatfarm.com/pages/popeye-loves-wheatena EonJaw (talk) 10:12, 4 September 2022 (UTC)

The words to the song
The words to the song listed here are not all together, it’s missing a line. 73.137.196.185 (talk) 07:14, 13 January 2024 (UTC)

One-off parodies
Oknazevad I saw that you made an edit here: with the History Summary as "We don't include one-off parodies". The entire infobox is a hot mess in my opinion. Trey Parker (South Park) should not remain given the "one-off" rule. Dave Coulier actually should remain since he voiced Popeye repeatedly (Full House, Robot Chicken, Red Nose Day, etc). Technically, Geertjan Hessing ("I'm Popeye The Sailor Man" cover), Marc Biagi (Slots from Bally Gaming) are also "one-off"s. Matt Hurwitz (Project Runway All Stars, World of Warships) is definitely a "one-off". South Park, Robot Chicken, et al should go down in the Parodies section. Richard Halpern (Boop-Oop-a-Dooin') didn't actually "voice" Popeye but simply released an album singing in the style of certain characters (Betty Boop, Popeye, etc).

But the bigger question is: why is there a Japanese section? Popeye is translated (like any other cartoon) into hundred of languages in hundreds of countries. We can't put German, French, Spanish, etc in the infobox. So why Japanese? There is nothing in the article anywhere about importance or notability in Japanese culture. If it's OK with you, I'd like to do a hard scrub and remove all "one-off" cites from the infobox (after checking RS) and the Japanese section.

Last, Rodrigo David (Vale Cap commercial) in the Portrayed by is a clear COI violation as it was uploaded by the subject and is simply an independently produced commercial (not notable or RS). I'm on the fence about the kid's show with Víctor Laplace. Thanks. Maineartists (talk) 02:07, 30 June 2024 (UTC)


 * Agree fully that it's a mess. I'd rather cut out everything that wasn't an official full production that isn't just an ad or other similar thing. In other words, major portrayals only. Feel free to remove stuff that is too insignificant to warrant infobox inclusion. This isn't a fandom wiki, so we don't need to try to include everyone ever.
 * Honestly, I'd also ditch the Japanese dub voice actors as well. Those are just dubs. Why privilege Japanese over other non-original language dubs? oknazevad (talk) 03:01, 30 June 2024 (UTC)


 * oknazevad Perfect. Agree as well re: "cut out everything that wasn't an official full production". Will do. Thanks again. Maineartists (talk) 12:04, 30 June 2024 (UTC)

“Segar regularly sent money to Fiegel”?
I'd love it to be proven true, but: Sasha1024 (talk) 08:31, 30 June 2024 (UTC)
 * 1) Reference to Bud Sagendorf is not verified.
 * 2) Local Popeye historian Michael Brooks – is he authoritative?