15 Cartoon Characters from the ’80s Quietly Changed or Removed
Many cartoon characters from the 1980s were changed, toned down, or taken out completely over time, often without most viewers noticing.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Cartoons from the ’80s introduced a huge range of characters, but not all of them lasted in the same form. Some were quietly redesigned or removed due to changing tastes, cultural sensitivity, or network decisions. Others simply faded out as new shows took over or the focus shifted to more popular characters.
1. Snarf – ThunderCats
Pete Sheffield on Wikimedia Commons
Snarf started as comic relief and a caretaker for Lion-O. Over time, fans found him annoying, and later reboots gave him a smaller role or changed his behavior completely. In the 2011 version, he became a non-talking pet-like figure. The character was redesigned to avoid distracting from the more serious tone.
2. Orko – He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
Pikawil on Wikimedia Commons
Orko was originally included for light humor and to appeal to younger viewers. Later adaptations removed him or gave him a more serious tone. In the 2021 Netflix version, his backstory was deeper and more emotional. This shift reflected a more mature direction for the show.
3. Slimer – The Real Ghostbusters
Madjestiko on Wikimedia Commons
Slimer began as a ghost enemy in the original Ghostbusters movie, but became a friendly sidekick in the cartoon. Over time, he was given a lot of screen time and even had his own segments. When the series shifted in tone, his role was scaled back. Later versions removed him completely or returned him to a less central role.
4. Shag – SilverHawks
Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels
Shag was a mute wolf-like sidekick to one of the villains. He was mostly used for action scenes or background moments. He quietly disappeared from episodes as the series progressed. No clear explanation was given, but he was not included in later merchandise or stories.
5. Bumblebee – The Transformers
Angel Vaughn on Wikimedia Commons
Bumblebee was a central character in the early Transformers episodes. However, after the 1986 movie, he was replaced by a newer character called Hot Rod. He returned in later versions, but often with a different voice and design. His temporary removal was part of a larger push to sell new toys.
6. Gleek – Super Friends
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Gleek was a blue monkey who helped the Wonder Twins. He was meant to add humor and be a mascot-like figure. In later seasons, he appeared less often and was eventually removed without much notice. Future DC adaptations left him out entirely.
7. Uni – Dungeons & Dragons
Sofie Ascherl on Wikimedia Commons
Uni was a baby unicorn that followed the main characters everywhere. Some fans liked her, but others found the constant whining and drama too much. Toward the end of the series, her role was reduced. The show was canceled before any big changes could be fully made.
8. Fisto – He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
Ryan Quick on Wikimedia Commons
Fisto was introduced as a heroic warrior with a giant metal fist. His appearances were limited, and over time, he was quietly dropped from the series. Later versions reintroduced him but with less detail or involvement. The original show gave no real reason for his removal.
9. Wheelie – The Transformers
Mr.ちゅらさん on Wikimedia Commons
Wheelie spoke in rhymes, which were meant to appeal to younger kids. Viewers quickly grew tired of his speech style. He was kept for a while after the 1986 movie but faded out soon after. Later series avoided bringing him back in any major way.
10. Tygra – ThunderCats
istolethetv on Wikimedia Commons
Tygra was a core member of the team and played an important role in the original series. As new ThunderCats versions came out, the focus shifted more to Lion-O and new characters. Tygra’s design and personality were changed in some versions; in others, he was given a smaller role. This was part of reworking the group dynamic.
11. Elmyra Duff – Tiny Toon Adventures
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Elmyra was known for her over-the-top obsession with animals. She became so exaggerated that later series removed her completely. A planned spin-off pairing her with characters from Pinky and the Brain received heavy criticism. She was eventually left out of newer versions.
12. Cousin Itt – The Addams Family (Animated Series)
Tee & Charles Addams Foundation on Wikimedia Commons
Cousin Itt, known for his long hair and high-pitched gibberish speech, was a quirky fan favorite in both live-action and animated versions. In the 1973 animated series, he had a recurring role, but his appearances grew scarce in later adaptations. The character’s oddball charm didn’t align well with updated storylines, leading to his quiet exit from center stage.
13. Blurr – The Transformers
Paramount Pictures/Hasbro on Wikimedia Commons
Blurr was introduced in the 1986 movie and had a rapid-fire way of speaking. While memorable, he wasn’t used much in later episodes. His style made it hard to follow his lines, especially for younger viewers. He was left out of future major series or used only briefly.
14. Baby Smurf – The Smurfs
Toine le voxophile on Wikimedia Commons
Baby Smurf was introduced later in the series to add a cute factor. The character didn’t have many speaking lines and was mostly used in soft, emotional scenes. After a few seasons, Baby Smurf stopped appearing regularly. Newer Smurfs adaptations often skip the character entirely.
15. Rambo – Rambo: The Force of Freedom
Carlos Latuff on Wikimedia Commons
Based on the ultra-violent movie character, the animated version of Rambo was heavily toned down for kids. The show removed his darker backstory and made him a clean-cut hero leading a team against cartoonish villains. Despite initial popularity, concerns over promoting a violent action figure to children led to backlash. The series ended after one season, and Rambo was quietly left out of future animated revivals.