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Rudolph is the titular character of the story Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the famous song spun off from it. He is Santa's ninth and lead reindeer, who possesses an unusually red-colored nose that gives off its own light (bioluminescence), powerful enough to illuminate through inclement winter weather. Although he is initially teased and called names by his peers because of his nose, he becomes a hero when, on a particularly murky Christmas Eve, he is recruited by Santa to lead his reindeer team and guide his sleigh in the sky through the bad weather to complete his annual journey.

The character's story, which is told as a poem in the meter of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, was written by Robert L. May in 1939 as part of his employment with Montgomery Ward. It is owned by The Rudolph Company, L.P. and has been sold in numerous forms, most notably the song, written by Johnny Marks. Although the story and the song are not public domain, Rudolph himself has become a figure of Christmas folklore.

Portrayals

Picture Performer Feature Year Notes
Image1944
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 1944 Rudolph is a normal reindeer who is teased and taunted by his peers because of his shiny red nose by saying; "His nose is a sight, it's red as a beet. Twice as big and twice as bright". Though he doesn't show it outside, when he goes to sleep, he is shown to be emotionally hurt by those words as he sadly cries as he is sleeping. When Santa arrives in his room, Rudolph attempts to hide his nose from him, only to learn that Santa wants him to use his nose to help guide him through the treacherous fog. Because of this, he is declared a hero and becomes a part of Santa's team.
Rudolph
Billie Mae Richards (1964-1979); Kathleen Barr (2001) Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 1964
Main article: Rudolph (Rankin/Bass character)This version later starred in Rudolph's Shiny New Year, Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July, and Rudolph and the Island of Misfit Toys, and had cameos in Santa Claus is Comin' to Town and Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey. It has since become the most famous depiction of the character.
Rudolph-Pacman
Christmas Comes to PacLand 1982
Rudolph-WeWishYouaMerryChristmas
We Wish You a Merry Christmas 1992
Rudolph in PATB
A Pinky and the Brain Christmas 1995
Rudolph-EWJ
Charlie Adler Earthworm Jim: "For Whom the Jingle Bell Tolls" 1996 Rudolph resents the lack of respect that Santa gave him and believes that Santa deserved to get kidnapped.
Rudolph-JohnnyBravo
Johnny Bravo: "Twas the Night" 1997 When Johnny Bravo wonders why Rudolph is not pulling Santa's sleigh, it is shown that he is busy battling the Grinch's henchmen.
Supermodel-Rudolph
Cassandra Halloran Wiggly, Wiggly Christmas 1997 This young supermodel is dressed as Rudolph and appears during the songs "Wiggly, Wiggly Christmas", "Go Santa Go", and "Jeff's Christmas Tune".
Rudolph-Movie
Eric Pospisil (child); Kathleen Barr (teenager); Michael Lloyd (singing) Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie 1998 Unlike the Rankin/Bass version, Rudolph is the son of Blitzen in this film.
Imagertrrp
Robbie the Reindeer: Hooves of Fire 1999 Despite not being mentioned by name, it is revealed that Rudolph is the father of the main character Robbie. He also appears in a painting in the reindeer's log cabin.
Futurama: "A Tale of Two Santas" 1999 A robotic Rudolph with a explosive nose.
Rudolph-BrandyAndMrWhiskers
Brandy and Mr. Whiskers: "On Whiskers, On Lola, On Cheryl and Meryl" 2004
Grey DeLisle T.U.F.F. Puppy: "A Doomed Christmas" 2011
Rudolph in Regular Show
Regular Show: "The Christmas Special" 2012
Imagerdw
Doctor Who: "Last Christmas" 2014 Rudolph, along with Donner and Blitzen, appears in this special. It has been shown that Santa can park him like a car.
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Reindeer
Santa's team DasherDancerPrancerVixenCometCupidDonnerBlitzenRudolph (Rankin/Bass version)
Others AnnabelleArrowBarnabyBlizzardBlizzBuckyClarice (her father) • DartDelphiFireballFredFrostGargoff • Gift Givers of the Grove (AliceAuroraBori) • Gobie (His friendsGrandfather) • GrandpaGrandsanta's Pet ReindeerHollyJonniLeaderLenniLightningMitziMrs. DonnerMrs. PrancerNicNikoOld JingleOliveOonaPrancyPinkyRennyRobbieRogerRustySagaSanta Claus's Reindeer's Great-Great-GrandchildrenScratcherSchnitzelSparkleStrikerSvenTapirThrasherTobiasZoey (Her father and mother)
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