| Memphis | |
| |
| Gender | Male |
| Relatives | Norma Jean (wife) Mumble (son) Gloria (daughter in-law) Erik (grandson) |
| Appearance | Black Eyes: Orange Eyes |
| Voiced By | Hugh Jackman |
| Appears In | Happy Feet Happy Feet Two (cameo) |
Memphis is a major character of Happy Feet and a minor character of Happy Feet Two. He is the mate of Norma Jean, the father of Mumble, the grandfather of Erik, and the friend of Maurice. His heartsong is "Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley.
Information
Happy Feet
In Memphis' first appearance, he appears from nowhere when he is singing his heartsong "Heartbreak Hotel". After mating, he and Norma Jean had an egg. When the females went to find food, the males were in charge of watching over the eggs and protecting them from the harsh wind storm approaching. Lonely and cold, the only thing to help Memphis get past the storm was to think of Norma Jean and dancing. However, this caused him to drop the egg, sending it tumbling in the snow. He quickly retrieved it, hoping nothing happened. After, he prayed hard to the Great 'Guin that his child was fine. Mumble's name was not chosen by Memphis or Norma Jean, but Gloria. She called him this because while he was trying to exit his egg, he made small noises. The difficulty Mumble had while trying to break out of his egg concerned Memphis, but what concerned him even more was the way he oddly moved his feet and the fact that he could not sing, and therefore had no Heartsong.
Memphis was not supportive of Mumble's dancing capabilities, saying that it "just ain't penguin". He even resorted to picking the Elders over his family when things got rough with the food shortage. However, when Mumble was taken to the zoo by humans, he went into a state of depression. When Mumble returned, he joined his son in dancing for the humans, and contributed to the return of the fish.
By the end of the film, he completely supported Mumble's dancing and joins in to group dancing willingly.
Happy Feet Two
In Happy Feet Two, Memphis was not present except for a brief cameo alongside Norma Jean. He is first mentioned by Mumble when the kids are in a hole and he has so much for his daddy skills. Later when Mumble and the kids are returning to Emperor-Land with a few fishes, Memphis appears with Norma Jean as they are seen with the elders listening to Noah. He and Norma Jean are uncredited during the credits on the Emperors part.
Personality
Memphis was somewhat embarrased by Mumble being different. He tried to stifle it, shushing Mumble or stopping him from dancing around others, when he can. He tried to live normal like other penguins, but eventually learned to support his son.
Appearance
Memphis looks like every other Emperor Penguin. He has somewhat broader shoulders, and--when dancing--can be differenciated by his Elvis Presley-like dance moves. He also sings like his Heartsong writer, with a deep voice. He waddles with confidence.
Trivia
- Memphis is named after Elvis Presley, who who lived in Memphis as a teenager.
- In the draft, Memphis is called Wishful.
- He is voiced by Hugh Jackman who is best known for his voice of Wolverine in the X-Men film series.
Gallery
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| v - e - d Characters | |
|---|---|
| Emperor Penguin | Mumble • Gloria • Erik • Memphis • Norma Jean • Seymour • Noah the Elder • Bo (Boadicea) • Atticus • Miss Viola • Mrs. Astrakhan • Maurice • Michelle • Eggbert the Elder • The Elders |
| Adélie Penguin | Ramón • Nestor • Lombardo • Raul • Rinaldo • Carmen • Adelie Chicas |
| Animals | Lovelace • Sven • Will and Bill • The Albatross |
| Elephant Seals | Trev • Nev • Kev • Barry • Bryan the Beachmaster • Shane and Darren • Wayne the Challenger |
| Predators | Boss Skua • Dino • Frankie • Vinnie • Brokebeak • Leopard Seal • Leopard Seals (Happy Feet Two: The Video Game) • Killer Whale |