Tony originally appeared in 1952, designed by children’s book illustrator Martin Provensen and voiced on television by Dallas McKennon. Shortly after the initial Sugar Frosted Flakes advertisements aired, McKennon was replaced by Thurl Ravenscroft, who spent the next five decades providing the characteristic deep bass voice associated with the character, notably the familiar “They’re Grreat!” catchphrase. Ravenscroft continued to voice the character until his death in 2005. Lee Marshall then took over the role and signed a ten-year contract with Kellogg in 2006.

Developed as part of a 1952 contest, Tony competed against three other potential mascots for the public’s affection: Katy the Kangaroo (originated by Robert Dulaney in the early sixties), Elmo the Elephant, and Newt the Gnu. Within the year, the other mascots were dropped (with Elmo and Newt never once gracing the front of the box), and Tony was given a son, Tony Jr.

In the 1970s, consumers were briefly introduced to more of Tony’s family including Mama Tony, Mrs. Tony, and a daughter, Antoinette. During that decade, son Tony Jr. was even given his own short-lived cereal, Frosted Rice.

Provensen’s original art design for the tiger has changed significantly over the years, as Tony changed from a whimsical, cereal-box-sized tiger with a teardrop-shaped head to a sleek, muscular sports enthusiast.