Fun Facts

Garfield

Debut: June 19, 1978

Born in an Italian restaurant (Mamma Leoni’s / Luigi’s), he instantly fell in love with lasagna and pizza.

Famous for hating Mondays and loving food and naps.

Known for launching a Guinness World Record as the most widely syndicated comic strip in 2002

Created by Jim Davis, named after his grandfather Garfield Davis—a gruff yet kind person.

Debut: June 19, 1978

Garfield’s awkward, well-meaning owner and a cartoonist by profession.

Longtime crush (and later partner) of Dr. Liz Wilson—the veterinarian.

Portrayed variously in animation and film, including by Bill Murray (voice) in the live-action films.

Known for his social awkwardness, failures in dating, and role as comedic foil to Garfield.

Debut: August 8, 1978

Yellow, long-eared beagle; naive, cheerful, and Garfield loves to prank him.

Originally belonged to Jon’s friend Lyman; Odie stays with Jon after Lyman vanishes.

Despite seeming dim, in some strips Odie shows unexpected cleverness—like reading War and Peace!

Voiced in the 2024 CG feature film by Harvey Guillén.

Debut: October 23, 1978

Garfield’s favorite plush companion; often treated like a real friend.

Has a signature look—teddy bear with button eyes—and usually “talks” through Garfield.

Frequently appears in Garfield’s dreams or playtime antics.

A fan-favorite across decades—not just a static toy!

Debut: September 3, 1979

Small, fluffy, and annoyingly cute—Garfield often mails him to Abu Dhabi to get rid of him.

Frequently boasts about cuteness and loves attention.

Garfield often targets Nermal in prank wars—physical comedy ensues.

Appears in animated adaptations voiced by various actors—but always adorable.

Debut: June 26, 1979

Sarcastic veterinarian and Jon Arbuckle’s long-term love interest.

Initially rejected Jon’s advances many times before finally admitting she had feelings in 2006.

Frequently unamused by Garfield’s antics—but also clearly cares.

Voiced in different media by various actresses, including Jennifer Love Hewitt and Julie Payne.