In the early 1950's. a contest was held to find a mascot for Kellog's then-new Sugar Frosted Flakes. Many inspirational catchphrase-spewing anthropomorphic animals entered, but only one could win.
After months of debating, a winner was finally chosen: an athletic, Italian-American tiger named Tony.
Soon, everyone came to know and love the wildcat.
However, what even some of the hardcore fans don't know is he sells grrrrrreat frosted flakes to keep a roof under his family's ears.
Nah, who are we kidding, this 1976 commercial shows he clearly has an annoyingly perfect suburban family-y'know, just like the ones in every other advertisement.
After an increase of popularity, TTT decided to bring his kin to the public eye. Tony's most well-known relly is his son (far right), who was blessed with the super-original name of Tony Jr. Then, there's his wife, Mama/Mrs. Tony (between Tony and Junior). Finally, there's Antoinette, his daughter (the girl who's either wearing a wig or has absolutely horrifying tiger-human hybrid hair).
Tony Jr. even earned himself his own cereal:
He's smiling at how much shame he bought his father for becoming a cereal mascot rather than a lawyer or violinist.
Unfortunately, by the time the 1970's rolled by, Tony's children and spouse were mostly forgotten. Thankfully, breakfast mascot fans and vintage nerds have been able to dig up poor quality commercials to keep the legacy of the Tiger family going.
Also, we find the fact that Tony is a fully-grown father who inspires kids he barely knows as opposed to some sort of coach/imaginary friend of unspecific age a bit...........crrrrrrrreepy.
