Gobbledok
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gobbledok is a fictional advertising character used by the Smith's Corporation in the late 1980s to early 1990s. It is a cute, pale brown alien obsessed with eating Smith's Crisps. The Gobbledok ate Smith's crisps because they reminded it of its home, Dok the Potato Planet. The Gobbledok was famous for saying "Chippie, Chippie, Chippie!"
The campaign was first created in May 1987 by Sydney's George Patterson Advertising. Brainchild of writer John Finkleston, the character was designed and brought to life by Special Effects creator Warren Beaton - also responsible for creating Watties NZ's "Getti" - and originally performed by actor Steven George. Originally intended as a one-off spot to introduce new "Seal of Freshness" packaging for Smith's Crisps, the overnight popularity of the Gobbledok and exponential rise in sales prompted its long association with the Smith's brand in Australia.
Gobbledok's many adventures included: Being mistaken for a "Great suit" at a costume party. Riding with a truck driver. Running at the "speed of sound". Moving in with an elderly Potato farmer & his wife, "it's all right, he's from the City, Luv". Being hunted by the Police and the Armed forces. Appearing in clips of old B-Grade movies such as Plan 9 from outer Space, then all dancing "the Gobbledok".
The campaign ran continuously for over 10 years until the late 1990s. It has subsequently been replaced by new advertising campaigns, and Smith's Advertising now handled by another agency. The Gobbledok has made a cameo in at least one Smiths advertisements since the campaign ended, such as the current "Eat happy" ad.
