Dear Abby - Famous TV Dogs: Astro from The Jetsons

Dear Friends,

I have a fun cartoon dog to introduce you to today.  The Jetsons was an animated TV show that ran from 1962 - 1963.  It was produced by Hanna-Barbera.  Astro was a Great Dane who lived with The Jetsons family.  The Jetson family consisted of parents George and Jane Jetson, their children Judy and Elroy, and their dog Astro.  In the show, Astro was originally owned by a wealthy man named Mr. J.P. Gottrockets.  At the end of each episode, George is shown walking Astro on an automatic dog walker (treadmill) outside their apartment.   The dog walker goes too fast and George always says, "Jane, stop this crazy thing!"

The character of Astro was voiced by actor Don Messick.  Astro actually talked, and inserted many extra "R's" in his sentences.  For instance, when he wanted to tell George Jetson that he loved him, he would say "I ruv roo, Reorge."  (Later, Scooby Doo, another famous Hanna-Barbera dog, would have a similar style of speech.)  Astro's famous phrase was "Ruh-roh!"

Like other famous TV dogs, Astro appeared on some fun products, including a board game:

A Little Golden Book:

... and a lunch box:

Here is a clip of The Jetsons.  George Jetson dresses up as a burglar to see if Astro is a good watch dog.  And, of course, he is!


Do you remember Astro from The Jetsons?   This was one of my Momma's favorite cartoon shows when she was a little girl.  (She saw it in later reruns.)   I would love to hear from you in the comments, below.

Love,

Abby xoxoxo