| Gary the Snail | |
|---|---|
| SpongeBob SquarePants character | |
Image of Gary from the episode "Gary Takes a Bath" |
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| First appearance | "Help Wanted" (May 1, 1999) |
| Created by | Stephen Hillenburg |
| Portrayed by | Tom Kenny |
| Information | |
| Species | Sea snail |
| Occupation | House pet (watches television)[1] |
| Relatives | Owner: SpongeBob SquarePants Father: Sluggo Mother: Sluggine Neighbor: Squidward Tentacles |
Garold "Gary" Star the Snail is a fictional character in the American animated TV series SpongeBob SquarePants. The character is an anthropomorphic sea snail created and designed by animator Stephen Hillenburg and voiced by Tom Kenny (who also provides the voice of SpongeBob and other miscellaneous characters).[2] He lives as SpongeBob's 'pet' snail, but SpongeBob is often seen treating him more like a son, although SpongeBob is often oblivious to Gary's needs and more eager to put his own desires ahead of Gary's. Gary is often shown to have superior intelligence, possibly being the smartest person in Bikini Bottom, and often acts as a straight man and voice of reason to the other characters. He acts as a loyal mascot, being able to do things such as cook for and prepare SpongeBob for his occupation and often solves problems that SpongeBob cannot. He enjoys eating almost anything, ranging from human food[3] to infectious fungus (Gary is described as a bottom feeder in at least one episode).[4]
The character received critical acclaim,[5] being involved in other media such as plush toys and achieving popularity from both children and adults.
The character Gary is a sea snail with a prominent shell and red eyes, who sometimes leaves a trail of slime behind him. Gary and his owner SpongeBob SquarePants live in a "pineapple home" in the fictional Bikini Bottom.[6] Gary vocalizes like a cat (although other characters are able to communicate with him) and expresses himself using humanoid facial expressions and vocal tone. As with SpongeBob, Squidward is often annoyed by Gary,[7] who interrupts him in many ways such as leaving slime in his relaxation area.[8]
In the episode named "Dumped", Gary appears to be attracted to Patrick and SpongeBob thinks that Gary has abandoned him, but the truth is that Gary wanted the cookie that had been in Patrick's pocket for days.[3][9] It is also unknown whether or not Gary has a profession, but his most significant activity is watching television.[1][3] Gary is also very energetic and kind-hearted, even where are times he has undergone a transformation.[8]
The character is voiced by Tom Kenny, who also voices other miscellaneous characters such as the French Narrator.[6] Although Gary possesses the ability to speak, his only vocal is "meow",[10] despite being able to talk like a regular human in some episodes, such as "Sleepy Time".
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