Last year, Santa's most popular reindeer turned 75. Although he's many times older than his fans, his charm has endured the test of time and the invasion of modern heroes via animated hit movies. That's despite the ninth reindeer's shy demeanor. Maybe that red nose is the secret to his longevity in pop culture - it's like a lighthouse beacon that harkens us back to nostalgia, where he is firmly entrenched.
Additionally, despite the decades-old existence in contemporary consciousness, there still are some facts about Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer that many probably are unaware of.
He's Supposed to be a Moose
Originally, Rudolph was supposed to be a moose, but a reindeer seemed more appealing to the creator, Robert L. May, as it appeared friendlier.
He Was Nearly Called Reginald
"Rollo" was another name option, so the story said, as noted by The Smithsonian. Also, "Rodney," "Roland," "Romeo," and even "Roderick" were other alternatives that the character's creator mulled over, as shown by a hand-written list made by the writer, MailOnline said. Thankfully, May probably realized that "Rudolph" rolled off the tongue better, especially when sung.
His Creator Was Jewish
May was "raised in a secular Jewish home and was a Jew when he wrote the first Rudolph book," AJC.com said. "He later married a Catholic coworker and converted to Catholicism."
Further, The Smithsonian said that May had based Rudolph on himself, who had been lonely as a kid.
An Appliance Maker Made Him a Hit
"The idea for a Rudolph TV special actually came from GE, who was looking for a way to promote its products around the holidays," Tech Times noted. "The company approached Arthur Rankin, Jr. and Saul Bass, who were partners in a production company called Videocraft International."
"With a corporate backing from GE, Rudolph was heavily promoted, which helped it become a hit with viewers then and remain a hit now," the site continued.
His Most Popular Version Was...
The 1964 film, of course. You don't replay the made for TV special 50 years after its debut if it weren't.
Interestingly, though, "both the song and movie depart significantly from May's original plot," MailOnline said. "In May's story, Rudolph doesn't live at the North Pole or grow up aspiring to pull Santa's sleigh - he lives in a reindeer village and Santa discovers him while filling Rudolph's stocking on a foggy Christmas Eve."
Which of these Rudolph facts was new to you? Have something to add to this story? Let us know!
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