The History Of Geoffrey The Giraffe, The Toys R Us Mascot
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- čas přidán 30. 11. 2021
- Here is the 9th installment of my “History Of” series
In this video I go over the history of who’s probably the most beloved and most missed advertising mascot of all time, Geoffrey the Giraffe from Toys R Us.
This video idea goes back to Early 2021 shortly after the release of the first history of episode, when I was thinking of characters to do for this new series, and I immediately thought of Geoffrey the Giraffe since I was pretty familiar with his history and costume evolution.
However, I almost considered cancelling this episode early one due to Disney Dan releasing his Geoffrey video, but then decided not to. I mean he used my Chuck E Cheese video for his own video so it only makes sense to use his Geoffrey video for help on this episode, and it helped out a lot!
I just want to thank all the websites and people who helped me complete this movie!
I do apologize for releasing this very late, my devices weren’t willing to Cooperate with me, but that being said I do enjoy the final product!!!
Jim hanks interview:
• Jim Hanks - (Geoffrey ...
NOTE: this channel is recommended for ages 13+ and NOT for kids. This channel may contain videos not suitable for children and have adult language or other things kids shouldn't be exposed to. While some of my videos may be ok for kids to watch I assure you the rest is sure as hell not! - Krátké a kreslené filmy
The costumes were designed by my mom, Judy Evans, who went on to design all the costumes on Golden Girls, and Beauty and the Beast among other things. They were built by Jack Shafton at his studio in North Hollywood.
Do you mean the costumes from the 1970's?
what era of costumes are you talking about?
@@gIoriaflores 13:59
@@user-ep3du3fl4f thanks
Thats really cool do you still have any?
Before someone comments that I’m ripping off Disney Dan, I’ll just let you know production of this video dates back to before his video came out!
17:57 I initially thought Tom Kenny might've voiced Geoffrey in the ad as I found similarities to Kenny's voice for Spyro the Dragon and this version of Geoffrey.
That's Mike Tucker
It's Good To See That Macy's Is Reopening All Every Single Toys R Us Location Next Year
Also, I Actually Do Remember Seeing Toys R Us Going Out Of Business In 2018, And It Was So Sad
OH NO
GUMMY BEAR GUY
RUNNNNNNNNNN
My auntie showed my it was comming back in 2022 (in UK)
I find it fascinating to learn of Thurl Ravenscroft's connection with voicing the character. I already knew he did Tony the Tiger and the voice he gives Tony suits him down to a T, no pun intended. With his voice for Geoffrey, it was clear after a while it didn't quite suit the direction with the character, and the Toys 'R' Us marketing team eventually concluded what best worked with Geoffrey was a neutral-sounding voice reflecting a character right at home among kids despite being older, thus leading to the most recognised design of the character, and a voice change that fits him very well. Regards from the UK, Samuel Farris.
I was a manager for Toys R Us in the early 90's, and had the honor of playing 'Geoffrey' twice. It was fun, but it was quite an adventure. Each costume (yes, there was a 'Gigi' and 'Geoffrey Jr.' costume with Momma 'Gigi' holding 'Baby G') had to be requisitioned from corporate, and the store requesting the costume had to pay to rent it (and it was EXPENSIVE). The costume was sent on a Toys R Us truck in amongst a regular toy shipment. It was packed in a specially made trunk. The costume was in 2 pieces, the huge head and neck, as well as the tubby belly and legs. There was a harness that strapped around your chest to hold the neck on and upright that was *VERY* heavy. We opened pack after pack of cloth diapers to pad our shoulders to make the harness superstructure fit. You could only see out of a brown 'spot' on Geoffrey's lower neck. It took alot of strength to balance the head and neck on your shoulders and to walk in the big 'Geoffrey' feet. The costume was extremely hot, and it was difficult to breathe. You couldnt stay in it for long, and you always felt terrible for the person who put it on right after you because it was soaking wet and stinky, even though we poured in the baby powder!! After we were done with the costume, we were told by corporate which truck to put it on so it could be delivered off site to be cleaned for its next big adventure.
I feel so sad for today's kids who will not know the wonder and joy of walking the aisles of a real toy store. Thank you Charles Lazarus for my childhood memories and a job I will *NEVER* forget. 🎶 I dont wanna grow up, I'm a Toys R Us kid...🎶
🦒
Cool
ITS BACK
This video brings back so many memories. If we got a good report card or something, we could go to what was, at the time, the biggest Toys R' Us in America in Christiana, DE. Only problem was that we had to go clothes shopping at Kids R Us first. Do not remember going to a giant toy store. Only remember being forced to go clothes shopping as a little kid. I believe this is where my hate of clothes shopping came from. Thanks, Jeff, LOL.
This shop was amazing to me as a kid, it had massive shelves filled with many different products depending on what you were looking for, it had fun displays for products, and in general it felt like you stepped in a children's dream. It's interesting that Toys R Us never truly died as there are Toys R Us sections at Macy's, a much smaller scale but still interesting. My fondest memories of Toys R Us include a location in Moreno Valley when I was really little that now has a supermarket in it's place that had many products such as LPS figures and playsets with the 2006 ones and that store moved to a different location in Moreno Valley later on. I remember seeing Monster High dolls along with video screens showing animated videos about the dolls in the early 2000's, a lot of Strawberry Shortcake mini figures and sets, Zhu Zhu Pets (which could be returning as I write this), MLP Gen 4, Polly Pocket, Squinkies, and others. It was truly a dream come true for any child. I wish I could time travel to take photos and post them as Nostalgiacore or buy some of those products in the past.
I loved lps as a child, still do, I remember being so excited as a kid to visit toys r us and buy mlp and lps merchandise
Theres actually a Toys Я Us store in the American Dream Mall in New Jersey. I went there back in July and it was an incredible experience. And it’s a pretty cool store with two floors, a slide and even a Toys Я Us train ride outside the store. I love the videos man keep doing what your doing! 👍🏾
1:00:46 Wink, Wink.
I was my local Toys R Us store's official Geoffrey. I often did special events that were held on weekends. You described putting on the red shirt fat suit accurately but my suits fan was broken. Wearing it was HEAVY and you had to waddle around in it because the shoes were heavy.
Also, I had the benefit of wearing the LAST Geoffrey costume when the store was getting ready to close. It was much lighter and free to move around in.
This video was entertaining and nostalgic for me. As a Toys R Us kid and as Geoffrey.
Ok,here is my headcanon,Dr G.Raffe is the Father of Geoffrey Sr(80/90’s Geoffrey)who is the father of Geoffrey Jr.(a.k.a Modern Geoffrey).
Live Action Geoffrey is like the Uncle or Cousin of Geoffrey Jr.
I wish I kept a gift card with Real Geoffrey on it saying “oh boy, a gift card”. You could feel the sarcasm in his voice when all other Geoffreys would try to sell it as “excited!”
55:06
Apparently, This costume was used in the UK at the Dudley Zoo. Toys R Us them-self sent it to them.
I saw this Geoffrey on CZcams
Conspiracy theory: What if the original Geoffrey retired, and the current one is Junior? That would explain how he went from an adult to a kid.
this is my preferred headcannon as it just makes sense that by the 90s when "kid" Geoffrey takes the spotlight as mascot, Junior would have been grown up more to run the family business.
Yes! I agree with you, but I also think the Geoffrey Sr. is the son of Dr. G. Raffe!
And his voice did change to a child like voice in that toys r us game app when you go into the store
I like the voice of Duncan Brannan that he voice like chuck e cheese just like me
@@ultranm8fanproductionsllc.817 Geoffrey Lore
I know that we all hate the moment where that guy smacked Geoffrey with a box, but the moment where he violently shakes the Prime box got me dying
What guy?
@@kellywheatley688 that one boxer dude who knocked Geoffrey out with the box
The 2007 version of Geoffrey the giraffe actually had a voice in 2015.
Where? Is it in a commercial?
This was absolutely amazing! I always loved going to Toys R Us back in the day! I remember getting a good amount of videos and toys from there, so many awesome memories to be had for sure! I never knew a lot about what was explained in this video, so this was interesting learning about it all! I miss Toys R Us like everyone else.
DUDE YOU DON'T KNOW THAT IT CAME BACK
oh my gosh! i miss toys r us and i never got to see Geoffrey... :( but i am excited theyre reopening every single toys r us location!
3 of My Favorite Childhood Mascots are Ronald McDonald, Chuck E. Cheese and
Geoffrey The Giraffe! I’m so glad Macy’s is bringing back Toys R Us!❤️📺🎶🎄👍🏻
90s Geoffrey reminds me of the Japanese classic sonic and I love that
Hi Nathan, very good video. Though here are some things that you might need to update or redo.
-Geoffrey's first voice was the Talking Doorbell and Merry Geoffrey Christmas, dated 1974-1975. Thurl Ravenscroft took over as Geoffrey in the late 70s to 1982.
-Geoffrey's family was still around until mid 1999 not 1994. Also, you need to expand a bit on him and his family from 1992-1998. It was a bit different.
-Geoffrey Goes to the Fair was actually a excusive to Toys R Us stores in the US and Canada. Plus, they had a cameo of Geoffrey's family in one of the pictures frames in Geoffrey's house.
-Expand on the Australian costumes because Geoffrey's family has a Australian variant, either inspired from the 80s design or by the 1992-1998 design. There's a video on my channel if you want to check it out.
This is just a saying and it's okay if you don't want to read it fully. (Respect from Australia)
Nice video! Would be cool to see the history of Ronald McDonald, Kool-Aid Man or Pillsbury Doughboy in the future
Sorry about all the delays, technology wasn’t on my side for this video
Nathan, can I message you on Instagram
@@ethanvillasuso1206 yes
@@NathanSpies what is your Instagram anyway?
It's nathan_productions
I'm gonna miss you Geoffrey. Seriously I've only been to Toy's R Us like twice before they were gone since I lived in Connecticut and the Toy's R Us stores (at least two of them) were far from my home town.
I was sort of disappointed after first going to an R Us in 1996 when I was 16, and not seeing Geoffrey. But I finally got a Mighty Ducks Wildwing action figure from the Greensburg PA, location. So I was still satisfied with that.
But dude...I never knew about Throttle of the Biker Mice From Mars ever being at a grand opening, which would've made for an awesome meet and greet session.
I love these videos! Keep em’ up!
The revival of the century, thanks to Macy's. I'm honestly very shocked to see this store coming back. They even had Geoffrey Giraffe in the Thanksgiving day Parade!
😃😀😄😁😆😊
I wish Gigi and Baby Gee would come back along with some new family members like Miles.
Gigi still exists in the Darlington Majestic Theatre
@@TheGeoffreyZone I bet she's working here
@@hayleywaalen2612 Yeah she is. Surprisinly, Geoffrey also works here too.
@@TheGeoffreyZone And Baby Gee and Junior stay home all by themselves while the parents are gone.
When chapter two starts, I say that the Geofrrey we know by now is the SON of the Dr. Raff character; the original character was the lead of a family of four - Father, Mother, Son / Brother, Daughter / Sister. Geoffrey was the Son.
Michael Tucker did voice Geoffrey in 1980’s Commercials I can tell it’s him because of the Animal Alphabet voice
Very well documented...Thanks!
I remember visiting the philippines in 2018. A new mall opened at the time I came and had a Toys R Us. Geoffrey was there too. But it was the cartoony 90s Geoffrey.
Usa Design Or Australia Design Or Original Design
@@rjrball1227 US
@@CarouselofChaos_ What Mall Then
@@rjrball1227 Ayala
I think they just rented the costume, though.
Oh yea thanks for restoring my childhood!!!
17:57 I could hear Mike Tucker as Geoffrey!
55:15 you're correct, it was International Mascots that made the final version of Geoffrey.
1:02:16 if getting slapped with an Amazon box is upsetting, do not look up Drunk Geoffrey.
1:17:45 it's much easier to get sued for what is placed on TV, so they made him a llama to make it much more legally distinct than the TRU branding.
Are you saying 1:02:16 and
1:17:45
@@zaythecreator846 ahh that's why they didn't link. Thank you ! :)
42:47 Geoffrey at Chuck E Cheese!
In my local Macy’s, the Geoffrey cutout was replaced by one of these plastic benches.
Why did I watch the whole thing lol But Good video Keep it up!
Amazing!
I remember when I was a little girl there was a toy store called toy city with a gorilla for a mascot it was just like Toys r Us
hey nathan spies . I think that the 1:15:49 geoffrey jr costume is from japan because in the background there is an cut up of a Pokémon movie called Pokémon: Giratina & the Sky Warrior and its writen in japanese a mix of chinese caracters and hragana .
I got a request for the next history video, can you do the history of Smokey Bear?
It was around 4-5 or 5-6 years ago the last time I went there. Sadly never saw the mascot irl. My sis was a toddler when they closed so she’s part of the generation that had to miss out. Happy we got Toys R US in Macy’s now.
Duncan Brannon also voiced Barney
Nice vid as great as Geoffrey is Harold the giraffe will always be the greatest of all time!
You should do a history video on chester cheetah
Modern Geoffrey has been accepted into the family of Dr. Raff by Geoffrey jr. and Gisella (Baby Gi).
My first job at age 18 was at Toys-R-Us in 1973, so that is the only Geoffrey from that era I know and liked.
The Peg Perego international Geoffery is in Italy, and judging by the text in the background, the following image of Geoffery Junior appears to be in China :)
Also, this is the best history video of Geoffery I’ve ever seen :) Do U think you could do Ronald McDonald next?
(CORRECTION: The Geoffery Junior photo is actually from Japan, not China)
Actually China Used The Singapore Design More Often
Please do my boy.... Ronald McDonald for a history video
Toys R Us is slowly returning
This so cool.
He even looks like a little kid in the 1988 era.
1:48 Chapter 1: The history of toys r us
3:27 Chapter 2: The doctor giraffe: 1950s - 1964
5:57 Chapter 3: Geoffrey is here: 1965 - 1972
8:12 Chapter 4: Geoffrey the family man: 1973 - 1986
20:02 Chapter 5: Geoffrey gets rounder: 1987 - 1993
24:19 Chapter 6: The young Geoffrey: 1994 - 2001
31:50 Chapter 7: Geoffrey gets real: 2001 - 2006
43:14 Chapter 8: Starry Geoffrey: 2007 - Present
56:24 Chapter 9: Geoffrey post closure
1:08:03 Chapter 10: International Geoffreys
1:17:59 Chapter 11: Conclusion
I will never forget toys R us😩😢
If I had it my way, I would have Rob Paulsen use his Yakko voice for the current design of Geoffrey.
I actually thought Rob voiced Geoffrey in that fair game, but then I learned it wasn’t him.
In terms of current Geoffrey I’d rather see Jim Hanks come back to voice him
@@NathanSpies that actually would've been AWESOME!!! But I still think Rob Paulsen is the more likely option.
that would be more fitting than the little kid voice, i never thought geoffrey was a kid
@@ultranm8fanproductionsllc.817 any roles I would be familiar with to judge whether or not that's a good idea?
@@ultranm8fanproductionsllc.817 again, have they done any roles I would be familiar with?
The Santiago one’s eyes are just so “chillax”. I mean like what a 90’s kid would wear as a 12-year old
This makes me sad I just wish toys r us could still be here but it is in our 💖geoffrey will not be forgotten I will always be a toys r us kid
Toys “R” Us Toons
Geoffrey Jr. - “The smart, quick-witted, imaginative 13-year-old kid who is the new leader of the company”. - Voiced by Tom Kenny
Lil' Gee - “The dainty, fun 16-year-old sister of Geoff. Jr. who is the right-hand girl of her younger brother.” - Voiced by Tara Strong
Mr. Geoffrey - “The wise-cracking dad of Geoff. Jr and Lil' Gee who was the former Toys “R” Us leader and has since gave the role to his son.” - Voiced by Jim Hanks
Gigi - “The sweet, kind-hearted mom of Geoff. Jr and Lil' Gee who never misses out on a special event.” - Voiced by Annie Potts
I feel like big box stores will return someday, but Toys R Us is just gonna have to get there slowly, but they'll gewith there.
1:18:05 🎵 There was a magical place,
We were on our way there.
With toys and a million all under one roof.
It’s called….
Toys “Я” Us!
Soon after bedtime when dark nighttime falls,
Geoffrey and helpers stock up all the shelves.
With ceilings of board books, board games and bikes,
Teddies, puppets and dolls, bats, spaceships and trikes!
There’s millions of Geoffrey all under one roof!
It’s called…
Toys “Я” Us!
Toys “Я” Us!
Toys “Я” Us! 🎵
Brits Are Happy
This video has a very and i mean "VERY" simular vibe to Badnik Machanic's history decomentry's.
52:04
Geoffrey: "April your child is a joke"
April: "well why did you leave your previous family you fucking clown? This is your kid Geoffrey jr."
OOOHHH DAMN
My moms store in Louisville St Matthews had the 1994-2001 suit up until they went bankrupt and I saw her get into the suit before and we know who got the suit but I don’t know if he still has it
Well as long as he's in good hands I'm happy!
@@NathanSpies the Energizer Bunny
@@NathanSpies I realized Charles last name is laz r us as in toys r us
@@NathanSpies 55:37
Hey,@@NathanSpies , Geoffrey was at the Florida SuperCon again and HE WON and became friends with Wreck It Ralph.
czcams.com/users/clipUgkxuBmtMq7HlOJwEe9umq0YVwHbnXxeSMu3
Honestly, Singapore Geoffrey is My Favorite Just because of how derpy he looks! :D
You know, I like Mascot concepts, it makes me to make robot mascot concepts.
Good news: Toys 'R' Us is back. Bad news: It's online shop only.
Its so weird seeing Toys R Us struggling and clinging on for dear life in the US. Meanwhile as far as i know here in canada, their original stores sre still living. Hell, my local childhood store is still open, though, not super popular anymore. Maybe I'll visit it someday
We don't ever talk about the abomination that was Joshua and the promised land.
Its Like What They Did To Pluto Or Scooby Doo Who Walks On Four Legs And They Made A Costumes For Those Type Of Characters With One Person
I’m not sure if the Geoffrey costume was at every location since I never saw him at both Locations from my town
I never saw him either but my store did have a costume, he only got used for Big events
@@NathanSpies Guess What my team the 49ers are against the Bengals.
is anyone gonna talk that the cursed annabel doll is in one of the commercials?
Fun fact: In Disney Dan’s Video of Chuck E Cheese, He Mentioned Nathan Spies And said You went in a Deep Dive into *everything* of its history. Even tho you didn’t talk about the Chuck E. Cheese music video outfits.
I feel like I remember I had a plush version of Geoffrey of him as a astronaut, I can’t remember.
Cool 😎
I have a request for a video, you should make a vid on the Visalia California Chuck E Cheese location
I miss toy r us my childhood and rainforest cafe too my childhood and Kmart too my childhood it’s all gone :(
Nice
I’ve been to the toys r us in Macy’s and on the side of the Macy’s they have a big Geoffrey head poking out that lights up at night and it is really cool
55:15 This costume is by International Mascots
Hello I would like to share my Toys R Us story my first time was in 2011 because I would always go to the Hot Wheels section of the store and I sad many trips over the years before all of their stores closed in the US in 2018 the last time I went I saw Jeffrey for the first time I was supposed to go again because of a monster truck parked in front of the store but I didn't but it was a great experience running around the store finding toys big and small and those are memories I'll never forget also good video
You Can See When The Wrestler Hit Geoffrey, Geoffrey Climbed Out Of The Rink And Pretend He Got Knocked Out
I listened to the phone call and he's not Jim Hanks, my reasoning is because he didn't had the hint of "Southern Drawn" within his voice as the second clip gaves us.
That Giraffe sure is famous!
We would all go right into those letters on the building going to buy some monster high freaky fusion dolls
Some Thomas stuff
I know it's not related to the video, but i have a question about nostalgic toy, that was probably sold at toys r us, 2005? do you know about a toy called cosy cottage talking tea set?
Toys R US is still in other countries (only the U.S and Australian stores closed) such as Canada and Japan.
Omg I can finally comment on a stream!!!
in 2001, geoffery *g o t r e a l*
I really remember this.
The voices of the Raffe family from Toys R Us (my way)
Geoffrey Jr.: Jim Hanks
Baby Gee: Kari Wahlgren
Geoffrey Sr.: Tex Brashear
Gigi: Kaitlyn Robrock
Dr. G. Raffe: Seth MacFarlane
Not bad! How's this?
Geoffrey Jr. (2001 Geoffrey design): Jim Hanks
Baby Gee: Tara Strong
Geoffrey Sr. (70s Geoffrey design): Charlie Schlatter [Kick Buttowski: Suburban Daredevil]
Gigi: Kari Wahlgren
Geoffrey the 3rd (1990s Geoffrey design): Ben Schwartz [Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja]
Geoffrey the 4th (2007 Geoffrey design): Vincent Martella [Phineas and Ferb]
Dr. Geoffrey Raffe: Dan Green [Yugi Moto - original 'Yu-Gi-Oh!']
Oh yeaaaaaaaaa
Good news!
This year, Toys ''R'' Us has reopened!
...in Macy's.
22:09 geoffrey is holding a baseball player
Finally
Randy West I Always Toy R Us Kid Forever and Toy R Us EST. 1948-2021 R.I.P. and Randy West Love Geoffrey The Giraffe 🦒 at Toy R Us Forever.
Yesterday when I went to Macy you’ll never believe what I just saw. The was a toys r us place there already
That Geoffrey voice from 1995 sounded like bob the tomato
That's what I thought about the video game
I just found out that the picture at 30:35 was the suit that st Matthews had and my mom was in it.
Wow I hope she still has the costume
@@TheGeoffreyZone one of the other employees who worked there for like 30 years ended up getting the costume and we don’t know if he still has it. I would assume he does though.
@@Stitch_150 I see
31:59 I thought someone was farting into a trumpet lol
THATS A TUBA!
40:14 - So, doesn't the A&W root beer Bear look like he's Yogi Bear's long lost brother?