Famous Grumps, Grouches & Curmudgeons


Grumpy farmer couple in American Gothic by Grant WoodAmerican Gothic (Grant Wood, 1928)
Curmudgeons have been around for all of history, first coming together in a formal society back around the 1500s. Since we didn't have cameras until recently, we have to rely on paintings and sculptures to provide us with a record of famous grumps in history. Among the best known are the two old farts in the American Gothic painting. As with all curmudgeons, if you stare at the picture long enough, with your eyes slightly out of focus, as if you were trying to see one of those 3D images, you'll see that these people have a pure heart. Beneath the crusty exterior lies a caring, compassionate, empathetic, redeemable human being. Oh sure...!
 
Grumpy Old Men Jack Lemmon & Walter Matthau as curmudgeonsJack Lemmon & Walter Matthau
Ask someone if they know a curmudgeon, and with the woeful state of modern education you'll likely get a "what?" kind of deer-in-the-headlights glassy stare. But mention the movie "Grumpy Old Men" and faces light up with instant recognition! Of course! That's the movie with what's his name and the other guy, right? Jack Lemon (left) and Walter Matthau (right) were the Master Curmudgeons in this movie that came out in 1993. For anyone studying to be a professional grump, this is a must-see documentary.
 
Curmudgeony criminal The Penguin from the Batman TV showThe Penguin
Burgess Meredith brought to life one of the arch-villains of the famous Batman comics, in the TV series put out in 1966. With his long career, often portraying wry characters, Meredith was also in the famous "Grumpy Old Men" documentary on how to age gracefully. As "The Penguin," Meredith created a perfect blend of curmudgeonry, mixing humor with criminal intent, and confounding Batman and Robin to no end!