Mr. Peanutbutter, one of the central characters in the animated Netflix series “BoJack Horseman,” is an exuberantly upbeat anthropomorphic yellow Labrador Retriever.
Voiced by comedian and actor Paul F. Tompkins, Mr. Peanutbutter is best known for his boundless enthusiasm, constant optimism, and remarkable ability to live in the moment.
Mr. Peanutbutter, The Yellow Labrador
Unlike the eponymous character BoJack Horseman, who is often depicted in various stages of depression and self-loathing, Mr. Peanutbutter’s character embodies the cheerful, loyal, and often simple-minded demeanor stereotypically associated with his breed. His character can be viewed as a satirical comment on Hollywood culture’s naive optimism and fleeting distractions.
Age: 52 (as of the finale)
Born: August 20, 1969
Species: Dog (Labrador Retriever)
Physical Appearance
Mr. Peanutbutter, the male Labrador Retriever, is five years BoJack’s junior but appears considerably more youthful. His slim, muscular frame is cloaked in vibrant yellow fur, and his brown nose punctuates his features. According to measurements provided by model sheets, his height is an impressive 6 feet.
He consistently dons a grey V-neck t-shirt and aviator sunglasses, often resting atop his head. Light blue pants with white lines, vibrant orange high-top sneakers, and wristbands – one brown, the other neon green – complete his usual attire, all worn on his left wrist.
In 2007, his wardrobe included a distinctive blue and red “Swan Dutch” hat, a black Ed Hardy-style t-shirt showcasing a bold dog skull and crossbones design accompanied by the words “Fetch, Sit, Stay.” Grey-blue acid-washed jeans, olive green sneakers, and three pink, red, and neon green bracelets adorned his left wrist. During the 90s, he sported a tuft of wavy hair.
Career and Relationships
Like BoJack, Mr. Peanutbutter also experienced fame as the star of a 90s sitcom, “Mr. Peanutbutter’s House,” which had a suspiciously similar premise to “Horsin’ Around.” His stint in the show provides him with residual popularity and financial comfort, and he maintains a positive public image, embracing his celebrity status with open arms.
His post-sitcom career includes various business ventures, most whimsical or ill-thought-out, reinforcing his character’s lack of depth and foresight.
Mr. Peanutbutter’s romantic relationships are a vital aspect of his character development. He has been married four times, ending his marriages due to inattentiveness and inability to handle serious adult problems. Notably, his relationship with Diane Nguyen, a writer and BoJack’s close friend, adds significant complexity to his character.
Despite their contrasting personalities, their relationship underscores the show’s exploration of happiness, fulfillment, and the complications of interpersonal relationships.
Character Analysis
The creators of “BoJack Horseman” expertly use Mr. Peanutbutter’s relentless optimism as a foil to BoJack’s constant state of existential dread. However, they avoid making him a one-dimensional character. Beneath his sunny exterior, Mr. Peanutbutter struggles with his fear of being alone and unloved.
His incessant need to please everyone often leads him to make impulsive decisions, resulting in chaos and revealing his latent insecurities.
His cheerful facade also critiques Hollywood’s superficiality and the industry’s propensity to mask deep-seated issues with an alluring veneer of happiness.
Mr. Peanutbutter embodies this denial and avoidance, often ignoring or misunderstanding the problems in his life. Despite this, he remains a lovable and engaging character, thanks to his endearing naivety and relentless enthusiasm.
Memorable Quotes and Moments
Mr. Peanutbutter’s joyful persona is often punctuated by his humorous and often nonsensical catchphrases. One of his most popular lines is, “The universe is a cruel, uncaring void. The key to being happy isn’t a search for meaning. It’s to just keep yourself busy with unimportant nonsense, and eventually, you’ll be dead.”
The quote perfectly encapsulates his character’s carefree attitude towards life while subtly revealing his more profound existential anxieties.
Another memorable moment is his on-again, off-again romantic relationship with his wife, Diane Nguyen. One of their most dramatic scenes is their argument in the Season 4 episode “Int. Sub.” In this episode, their argument, metaphorically buried beneath layers of narrative, eventually surfaces, showcasing the depth of their relationship’s complexity and the emotional richness of Mr. Peanutbutter’s character.
Voice Actor Contribution
The contribution of Paul F. Tompkins, who provides the voice for Mr. Peanutbutter, cannot be overstated. Tompkins’ effusive energy and distinctive vocal patterns bring the character an extra layer of vibrancy.
With his upbeat intonations and impeccable comic timing, Tompkins imbues Mr. Peanutbutter with a palpable sense of joy and earnestness, reinforcing the character’s lively personality. His performance adds another dimension to the character, rendering Mr. Peanutbutter’s joy as infectious as it is on the surface and his sorrows just as profound in their rare appearances.
Legacy
Mr. Peanutbutter’s impact extends beyond his character arc in “BoJack Horseman.” His character serves as a lesson about the perils of incessant optimism and the importance of confronting one’s fears and insecurities.
Despite the tumultuous circ*mstances around him, his perpetually cheerful demeanor highlights the dangers of ignoring personal problems and the emptiness that can come with seeking perpetual happiness.
His narrative also offers insights into the culture of celebrity and the effects of fame on personal identity. His desire to remain relevant in the public eye and to constantly please others often leads to impulsive decisions and unsustainable situations.
As such, Mr. Peanutbutter’s character serves as a cautionary tale about the pursuit of fame and the importance of authenticity in a world often dictated by public opinion.
Friendship with Todd Chavez
Mr. Peanutbutter’s friendship with Todd Chavez, one of the main characters in “BoJack Horseman,” is marked by their mutual involvement in various wacky business ventures and Todd’s residence in Mr. Peanutbutter’s home for a significant portion of the series.
Todd, often seen as aimless and lacking direction, forms an unlikely bond with Mr. Peanutbutter due to their shared penchant for whimsical ideas and hijinks.
Their friendship serves as a counterpoint to Todd’s complex relationship with BoJack. While BoJack often takes advantage of Todd’s loyalty, Mr. Peanutbutter treats Todd more as an equal, despite his equally eccentric ideas. Their relationship underscores the series’ theme of found families and friendships, with Todd finding a supportive and encouraging environment in Mr. Peanutbutter’s company.
Friendship with Princess Carolyn
Princess Carolyn, the hardworking and determined pink Persian cat, shares a professional and personal relationship with Mr. Peanutbutter. Initially, their interactions primarily involve business transactions due to Princess Carolyn’s role as a talent agent. However, as the series progresses, their relationship becomes a complex camaraderie marked by mutual respect and understanding.
Princess Carolyn often acts as the voice of reason in Mr. Peanutbutter’s life, offering guidance and advice in his professional and personal endeavors.
In turn, Mr. Peanutbutter provides Princess Carolyn with a confidante who shares her understanding of the pressures and pitfalls of the entertainment industry. Despite their differences, they develop a bond that highlights their shared experiences in navigating the intricacies of Hollywood.
Relationships
- Katrina Peanutbutter (1st ex-wife)
- Jessica Biel (2nd ex-wife)
- Diane Nguyen (3rd ex-wife; still Close Friend)
- Pickles Aplenty (Ex-Fiancée)
- BoJack Horseman (Former Frenemy; Friend)
- Todd Chavez (Best Friend)
- Princess Carolyn (Good Friend/Manager)
Aliases
- Fritz (character on “Philbert”)
- Mr. Chocolate Hazelnut Spread (by Dr. Indira in “INT. SUB”)
- Mr. Papernumber (Diane Nguyen)
- Dog Dog Peanut-Man (Prince of Cordovia)
- Peanutbottle (BoJack)
- Mr. Dog-Man (Henry Winkler)
- Mister Mr. (Pickles Aplenty)
Family
- Mr. Peanutbutter Sr. (father, deceased)
- Unnamed Mother (deceased)
- Captain Peanutbutter (older brother)
- Nana Peanutbutter (paternal grandmother; deceased)
- Unnamed Nephews
- Pickles Aplenty (ex-fiance)
- Diane Nguyen (Third ex-wife)
- Pa Nguyen (ex-father-in-law; deceased)
- Ma Nguyen (ex-mother-in-law)
- Artie Nguyen (ex-brother-in-law)
- Marty Nguyen (ex-brother-in-law)
- Tommy Nguyen (ex-brother-in-law)
- Gary, ‘the black sheep’ Nguyen (ex-adoptive brother-in-law)
- Jessica Biel (second ex-wife)
- Katrina (first ex-wife)
The Full Story of Mr. Peanutbutter
Did Mr. Peanutbutter have depression?
Mr. Peanutbutter admits to Joey that he doesn’t suffer from depression. Joey counters by pointing out that often, the happiest appearing people are the ones wrestling with the deepest depression.
This revelation unsettles both of them as they consider their constant happiness. Swiftly, they dash off to kickstart their tour and spread awareness about depression.
What breed is Mr. Peanutbutter in “BoJack Horseman”?
Mr. Peanutbutter is an anthropomorphic yellow Labrador Retriever in the animated series “BoJack Horseman.”
What is the name of the 90s sitcom in which Mr. Peanutbutter starred?
Mr. Peanutbutter starred in a 90s sitcom called “Mr. Peanutbutter’s House.”
What is Mr. Peanutbutter’s relationship with Diane Nguyen?
Diane Nguyen and Mr. Peanutbutter were married but later divorced in the series. Despite their divorce and contrasting personalities, they maintain a complicated relationship throughout the series.
Why does Mr. Peanutbutter always wear sunglasses on his head?
The aviator sunglasses are part of Mr. Peanutbutter’s signature look. They contribute to his cool, laid-back Hollywood image. However, the series does not explain why he constantly wears them on his head.
