The 4 Best Pizza Related Characters in TV and Film

Pizza is prevalent in our daily lives, especially within the realm of film and television. Here are four of the greatest pizza-related characters in film and television, including those that have their own show t the supporting characters. 

Mr. Panucci - “Futurama”

“Pizza goin’ out!! Come ooooooooooon!” He treats Philip J. Fry like the son he never wanted, but Mr. Panucci, proprietor of Fry’s 20th century place of employment in the hit animated series “Futurama” is one of the more memorable characters in the show’s storied run. In addition to adding a bit of gross out humor in the pilot episode, he’s played an important role in later episodes, including the touching and brilliant “Jurassic Bark,” wherein he allows stray dog Seymour to hang around Fry and sing “Walkin’ on Sunshine” while Fry works endlessly in the pizza shop. He’s also responsible for giving Fry a home in the first of four direct-to-DVD movies, “Bender’s Big Score,” revealing his more emotional and tender side.

He may not be a major character, but Mr. Panucci (I like to pretend his first name is Lou) is an endearing member of the cast, even if his gruff exterior and somewhat indifference toward Fry’s horrible, horrible life leads you to believe otherwise.



Jesus Christ - “American Dad”

Jesus Christ, also known as Yeshua, also known as Lord, our God, has made numerous appearances in Seth McFarlane’s popular cartoon “American Dad,” but his vague appearance as a pizza delivery driver named Mitch who dispenses wisdom in thirty minutes or less is certainly one of his most memorable.

After accidentally soaking him with water balloons, the unnamed pizza delivery driver guides teenager Stan Smith and Roger the Alien through a few deliveries to confront their own demons - they didn’t soak Mitch with a water balloon mortar because they’re mean, they did it because they too have been tormented and are simply acting out.

Jesus has factored in many episodes of “American Dad,” as well as in McFarlane’s other show “Family Guy,” but I like to think that it’s this one appearance that really portrays the Lord and Savior in the most appealing light - a laid back, totally zen dude.



Pizza the Hut - “Spaceballs”

He’s the parody equivalent of Jabba the Hut and voiced by the inimitable Dom DeLuise, and Lone Star and Barf owe him a million space bucks. Although his screen time is relegated to a few minutes, this giant blob of mafioso pizza has remained a memorable part of Mel Brooks’ popular space parody.

In the early scenes of the film, rogue mercenary Lone Star and his “mawg” Barf are contacted by the King of Druidia to apprehend his daughter Princess Vespa before the Spaceballs, led by the diminutive Dark Helmet, can get to her. Not one to get on the bad side of the dark side, they only agree to take the job so they could pay of their bet to Pizza the Hut.

It’s one of many obvious parodies found in the popular comedy, but it certainly has left an indelible mark on the collective conscious of pizza fans - and Pizza Huts - around the world.



Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

No list about pizza and film is complete without the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird and the subject of numerous comics, films, and television shows, these anthropomorphic turtles have always been associated with pizza.

In the first feature film, pizza is the way into their hearts, especially Michaelangelo’s, who wants nothing more than to party, watch some TV, and chow down on some ‘za. Of course, they’re not all about pizza - they are mutated turtles that happen to be ninjas, after all - but their association with and love of all things pizza has helped their characters endure since their creation. They’re also perfect marketing tools!
Posted on May 8, 2012 at 9:00 AM