Famous Grumps, Grouches & Curmudgeons


Beverly Hillbillies grumpy banker Mr. Drysdale and his secretaryMr. Drysdale & Miss. Hathaway (Raymond Bailey & Nancy Kulp, "Beverly Hillbillies")
Along with Granny, a large part of the Beverly Hillbillies show involved never-ending plot complications with Jed Clampett's banker, Milburn Dreysdale and his sidekick, Jane Hathaway. Taken together, the three characters cover all the many aspects of professional curmudgeonry, proving that you too can have a career in the field!
 
Wicked Witch of the West, old lady on bicycle from Wizard of OzMiss Gulch (Margaret Hamilton, "Wizard of Oz")
Ah, the Wizard of Oz: A classic movie made in 1939 from one book in the series by L. Frank Baum. What child hasn't been made strenuously anxious by the horrible Miss Gulch and her threats against Dorothy? "You and yer little dawg," she hollers from her bicycle as she peddles away with Toto. Talk about grumpy people!
 
Curmudgeon Aunt Esther from Aunt Esther (LaWanda Page, "Sanford & Son")
You can't be a curmudgeon without remembering the classic "Sanford & Son" show. Fred Sanford (Redd Foxx) owned a junk yard, and his son (Demond Wilson) kept trying to keep him on a moral road. Along the way, Fred's Aunt Esther would show up to bring down the wrath of God upon the heathen ways and sinful life of drinking taking place everywhere. She meant well, concerned for everyone's immortal soul, but yikes! Talk about a grump!