J. Wellington Wimpy is considered to be one of greatest comic strip characters conceived. He first appeared in E.C. Segar’s Thimble Theatre comic strip in 1931. From his very beginnings he would con Popeye into buying him a meal. His famous catch-phrase, “I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today” is known all over the world. Another memorable line was, “Jones is my name…I’m one of the Jones boys” which he used to defuse a hostile situation.

Wimpy could also be found referring Popeye’s boxing matches. He would often be caught in the middle of the slug-fest which resulted in several bruises on his person. Wimpy is a scoundrel and would turn on his friends if it meant gaining wealth.

He is also a romantic and has made love to The Sea Hag especially when she has a cargo of hamburgers aboard ship.

Wimpy’s personality was based upon William Schuchert, the manager of the Chester Opera House, where Segar was originally employed. He was also known as “Windy Bill”, a friendly man who enjoyed telling tall tales and a fondness for hamburgers. When Popeye moved to animation naturally Wimpy joined him. The moocher has been a part of every animated Popeye incarnation.

His memorable film appearances include;

I Yam What I Yam (Fleischer, 1933). This was the first entry in the Popeye the Sailor series by the Fleischer Studios. Wimpy was actively pursuing several ducks. In this cartoon he recites another of his famous phrases, “Come on in for a duck dinner you bring the duck.”

We Aim to Please (Fleischer, 1935)-Wimpy demonstrates to Bluto how to con Popeye out of a free meal in the sailor’s new restaurant. Upon taking a pickle to consume with his hamburger he reminds Popeye, “Don’t forget Tuesday!”

Bridge Ahoy (Fleischer, 1936)-Upon seeing Bluto repeatedly punch Popeye Wimpy puffs up his chest and he’s off to the rescue. However he is just heading for the mustard jar.

The House Builder Upper (Fleischer, 1938)-Wimpy helps Popeye rebuild Olive Oyl’s house. Humorous results ensue including his bulbous nose lighting up.

Hello, How Am I (Fleischer, 1939)-Wimpy at his nastiest! He disguises himself as Popeye to get a hamburger dinner from Olive Oyl. In the process Wimpy pummels Popeye with chairs and a table.

Customer’s Wanted (Fleischer, 1939)-Popeye and Bluto both want Wimpy as a patron for their penny arcade machines. Wimpy expresses his displeasure of the films Bluto offers.

Assault and Flattery (Paramount, 1956)-Judge Wimpy rules in favor of Popeye when Bluto charges the sailor with assault and battery.

Egypt Us (Gerald Ray, 1960) – While he goes off to rescue Olive Oyl Popeye asks Wimpy to guard their hamburger lunch. Upon the sailor’s return Wimpy’s stomach is enormous and he sings, “It’s bad to be tardy to a hamburger party says Wimpy the Burger Man.”

Duel to the Finish (Paramount, 1960) – Olive Oyl uses Wimpy to make Popeye jealous by cooking for him. Popeye isn’t upset until Olive kisses the moocher on his nose. The pair have a eating duel for the hand of Ms. Oyl which naturally Popeye loses. When Olive becomes to tired to cook Wimpy announces Popeye the winner.

Wimpy the Moocher (Paramount, 1960)-Wimpy uses a fake pearl to trick Rough House into giving him a free plate of hamburgers. This episode was based upon a story from a 1939 Sunday comic strip.

Rags to Riches to Rags (Paramount, 1960)-Wimpy inherits a million dollars but blows it all betting against Popeye in his fight with Kid Nitro. Popeye nearly loses the fight thanks to trickery in the match. A tearful Wimpy gives the sailor his spinach because he can’t betray a good friend.

The Cure (Paramount, 1961)-Popeye tries to get Wimpy to give up hamburgers. The sailor’s attempts are threatened by The Sea Hag who runs a hamburger joint. In this cartoon it is Wimpy who eats the spinach to clobber one of the Hag’s goons.

The Wiffle Bird’s Revenge (Paramount, 1961)-The magical Wiffle Bird casts a spell on Wimpy because he tried to eat her. Whenever Wimpy says the word, “hamburger” he becomes a werewolf!

In the cartoon series, Popeye and Son, Wimpy owned a restaurant where residents of Sweet-haven gathered.

For animation his voice was provided by Charles Lawrence, Lou Fleischer, Jack Mercer, Daws Butler and Allan Melvin. He was portrayed by actor Paul Dooley in the Popeye feature film from 1980.

In addition to his film and television appearances Wimpy has appeared in commercials for Burger King, Burlington House, Nintendo, Carl’s Jr and Bank of America. Countless items have been produced bearing the moocher’s likeness and he remains one of the most popular figures in popular culture.

And with that – Happy Birthday Wimpy!