Oscar the Grouch

Oscar the Grouch, without a doubt, is the most famous Grouch in the world. He lives in a trash can which is in between Big Bird's nest and 123 Sesame Street. In fact, he loves trash so much that he's rarely seen outside of his trash can. His trademark song, explaining his passion for refuse, is "I Love Trash".

Like all Grouches, Oscar's mission in life is to be as miserable and grouchy as possible, and pass that feeling on to everyone else. When a visitor knocks on his trash can -- invariably interrupting him from a nap or an important task -- Oscar greets them with a snarl. He complains that he wants to be left alone, although when he's left entirely to himself, he's dissatisfied -- there isn't anybody around to irritate or complain to.

Oscar has had many pets but his closest companion is his worm, Slimey. He also has a girlfriend, a Grouch named Grundgetta, although a romantic relationship between two Grouches is understandably rocky. Grundgetta usually calls him Oskie while he occasionally calls her Grungie.

Oscar's family includes Granny Grouch, who appeared in season 2 of Sesame Street, and was the first indication on the series that Grouches are a separate species. Since then, Oscar has been visited by his grandfather and his mother, and sometimes baby-sits his niece, Irvine.

According to performer Caroll Spinney, Oscar is 43 years old.

Origins

 * Caroll Spinney says that Oscar's voice on another New York resident -- a Bronx taxi driver who drove him to his first day performing the character. On entering the cab, the driver snapped, "Where to, Mac?"
 * Oscar's first line on Sesame Street, in episode 0001, was "Don't bang on my can! Go away." This would sum up his personality as it would remain for over 40 years.

Performing Oscar

 * During the first season of Sesame Street, the street set was arranged in such a way that Spinney, who is right-handed, was forced to operate Oscar's head with his left hand. A subsequent redesign of the set allowed Spinney to switch hands.
 * When Big Bird and Oscar (both performed by Caroll Spinney) are required in a scene together, Jim Martin often operates Oscar.
 * Several instances, including at Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic, when the regular puppeteers are not available, Paul McGinnis performs Oscar.

Transportation

 * Oscar has many forms of transportation. He can move with his legs sticking out of his trash can, as seen in early 70s episodes of Sesame Street (portrayed by Hervé Villechaize), in the specials Christmas Eve on Sesame Street, Don't Eat the Pictures and various stage shows. He also often has Bruno the Trashman carry his trash can around while he's inside. While the puppet Oscar frequently moves outside of the trash can on his own his limbs are rarely shown. A rare moment where his full body was shown was in episode 3958. In a few episodes he has also made a few out-of-his-trash-can appearances during which the top half of his body is shown. Also, when he sings, "I'm Sad Because I'm Happy" we see his feet splash in the mud but his voice is off-screen.
 * Oscar has a car, The Sloppy Jalopy, which was used in Follow That Bird and episodes of Sesame Street. The Sloppy Jalopy's New York license plate says "SCRAM." Oscar has also been seen driving a broken-down taxi cab.

Trivia

 * Oscar temporarily turned white (and nice) in the Sesame Street Live show Elmo's Coloring Book in 1997.
 * Although he doesn't have a nose, one episode explained that he has a "cute" nub hidden among his fur.
 * When appearing on the game show 1 vs 100 Oscar revealed his age to Saget claiming he's 43 years old and has always been 43.
 * In A Muppet Family Christmas, Oscar shares his trash can as a bed with Rizzo the Rat stating that he never had a rat in his trash can before and that it would be nice. He also complained that he hated "Deck the Halls", as when it came time for him to sing the line "Follow me in merry measure" he shouted "I will not sing this song!".