Friday, October 7th is the 20th anniversary of Nickelodeon’s Hey Arnold! While some may love the show for Helga’s lovesick antics or Arnold’s “football head,” Gerald was the real star of the show. With his afro standing high enough to be mistaken for a skyscraper, he brought the real to Hey Arnold!
Here are 20 reasons why he’s the most underrated character of the hit 90s TV show:
1. He was Arnold’s lifeline.
Without Gerald, Arnold would’ve been floating through life with no direction.
2. His hair was ICONIC.
It was young white America’s first introduction to the epic-ness of afros. But, questions remain: How did he pick it? Was it still a high-top at over 4 feet? Who did his hair?
3. He was a ladies man.
4. Even older girls fell for his charm.
5. A wisdom factory.
He was dropping gems, for the culture.
6. He was the keeper of the entire neighborhood’s history.
He was a historian. He knew all of the legends and how they started.
7. And, he was of the truth. He always kept it a buck.
8. Gerald was was down for the cause, aka #friendshipgoals.
9. He was sensible AF.
10. His family was the epitome of black love.
11. He was the plug, to the plug.
His mysterious informant, Fuzzy Slippers had the answers to everything. “My man, Fuzzy Slippers, has no info on your parents, Arnold… sorry.”
12. Seriously…he really WAS the ultimate plug.
13. And, he was able to SANG.
14. He had all the jams on lock.
We think he might’ve tapped into the future and was listening to Chance the Rapper.
15. And taught all the kids to dance, just like Susie.
16. When he walked in the room, he shut it down!
17. He wasn’t afraid to be vulnerable.
18. At times, he was a young Michael Jordan.
19. And a neighborhood hero.
20. He was the original #CarefreeBlackGuy
All-around, Gerald was a legend.
Who was your favorite ‘Hey Arnold!’ character? If not Gerald, then who!? Let us know in the comments!
