Editing Kool-Aid Man (section)

== History ==
The character originated as “The Pitcher Man” on July 10, 1954, created by Marvin Potts, an art director for a New York advertising agency hired by General Foods. Inspired by his son’s smiley face doodles on a frosted window, Potts designed a glass pitcher with a wide smile filled with Kool-Aid, which became the foundation for the mascot. The Pitcher Man’s animated face was featured in early advertisements synchronized with jingles.

In 1974, Kool-Aid Man evolved into the now-famous 6-foot-tall anthropomorphic pitcher with arms and legs, reportedly voiced by composer Richard Berg and designed by Alan Kupchick and Harold Karp from Grey Advertising. This iteration burst into commercials, breaking through barriers to quench the thirst of parched children and deliver his enthusiastic “Oh, yeah!” catchphrase. His animated mouth was later synchronized with voiceovers, enhancing his energetic persona.

From 1979 to 1981, he was known as Captain Kool-Aid in Canada.

=== Cultural Impact ===
By the 1980s, Kool-Aid Man had become a pop culture sensation. He starred in two video games for the Atari 2600 and Intellivision in 1983 and headlined a comic book series, ''The Adventures of Kool-Aid Man''. Initially published by Marvel Comics (1983-1985), the series later continued under Archie Comics (1987-1990), featuring his battles against the Thirsties, sun-like creatures bent on causing dehydration.

=== Later Developments ===
In 1994, the live-action Kool-Aid Man was retired in favor of a fully computer-generated version, though live-action children remained part of the commercials. Notable voice actors for the character include Frank Simms (1999), Pat Duke (2009), Keith Hudson (briefly in Kraft Foods ads), Scott Golden (2015), and Brock Powell (2016-2019). Powell’s tenure saw Kool-Aid Man rebranded and featured in collaborations with Progressive Insurance and Nickelodeon. In 2020, Matt Howell became the official voice of Kool-Aid Man.

Despite periodic updates, the Kool-Aid Man remains a beloved symbol of fun and refreshment, smashing his way into the hearts of generations with his indomitable spirit and jubilant “Oh, yeah!”