George J. Jetson, the 40-year-old head of the Jetson family, is a central figure in the animated sitcom *The Jetsons*. Voiced by George O'Hanlon in the original TV series and *Jetsons: The Movie*, George embodies the struggles and aspirations of an average man, despite living in a technologically advanced future. His character, likely inspired by Dagwood Bumstead from the comic strip *Blondie*, resonates with audiences due to his relatable experiences
with work, family, and the occasional frustrations of modern life, even in a space-age setting.
Life and Work in Orbit City
George resides with his family in the Skypad Apartments in Orbit City, a futuristic metropolis where buildings are set on giant poles, and the ground is rarely seen. His job title is "digital index operator" at Spacely Space Sprockets, a manufacturer of high-tech equipment. This role primarily involves repeatedly pushing a single button on a computer, sometimes a series of buttons. George often complains about his heavy workload, humorously stating he pushes a button as many as five times for three hours, three days a week. His boss, Cosmo G. Spacely, is known for his short stature and temper, frequently treating George tyrannically. It's a running gag that Mr. Spacely will fire George in a fit of anger, only to rehire him by the end of the same episode.
As a child, George attended Orbit High School, where he was the star pitcher of its Spaceball team, despite being labeled an outsider and a geek. He had to fly through ten miles of asteroid storms to get to school. This background hints at a past that, while futuristic, still involved typical adolescent challenges. His most famous catchphrase, "Jane! Stop this crazy thing!" is heard at the end credits of the 1960s episodes, and he is also known for frequently uttering "Hooba-dooba-dooba!" to express wonder or astonishment, a phrase reminiscent of Fred Flintstone's "Yabba Dabba Doo!!"
Family Life and Enduring Legacy
George is the husband of Jane Jetson and the father of teenage daughter Judy and elementary school-aged son Elroy. He is depicted as a well-meaning and caring father, though often befuddled and stressed by the problems of both his work and family lives. Physically, George is a slim man of average height with short red hair and a cartoonishly large nose. His character's enduring appeal lies in his portrayal as an everyman. George O'Hanlon, his original voice actor, once remarked, "George Jetson is an average man. He has trouble with his boss, he has problems with his kids, and so on. The only difference is that he lives in the next century."
George Jetson's presence extends beyond the original series. He appeared in *Jetsons: The Movie*, released posthumously for O'Hanlon, and made cameo appearances in other shows like *The Powerpuff Girls* and *Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law*. In the latter, he leads the Jetsons in returning to Earth to sue the planet for causing global warming. He also featured in *The Jetsons & WWE: Robo-WrestleMania!*, supervising a project for Mr. Spacely. These appearances underscore his lasting cultural impact and his role as a recognizable symbol of a futuristic yet relatable existence.
