The original seven dwarfs’ names are Happy, Doc, Grumpy, Dopey, Bashful, Sleepy, and Sneezy. They are best known for their roles in the Disney film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
This animated film marked Walt Disney’s first full-length movie. After several years in production, it was released on the big screen in 1937. The Brothers Grimm’s German fairy tale, published in 1812, inspired the Disney movie.
“Each foot of Snow White film cost Walt Disney $100.”
Walt Disney Family Museum
Snow White Meets the 7 Dwarfs
Ready for some fun facts about adorable dwarfs? Below are the original 7 dwarfs: Happy, Doc, Grumpy, Dopey, Bashful, Sleepy, and Sneezy.
After the Bank of America vice president previewed Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs film, he walked outside and said,
“Walt, that picture will make a pot full of money.”
CBC
7. Happy
Happy is one of the most recognizable of the seven dwarfs. Everyone loves his big smile, white beard, and blue pants. Happy never walks around with a frown and is always happy to spread joy with his fellow roommates.
Otis Harlan is the voice of Happy in the movie, a perfect fit for their jolly personalities. Happy’s favorite things to do are dance, eat, and sing.
“I’d like to dance and tap my feet, but they won’t keep in rhythm. You see, I washed ’em both today, and I can’t do nothin’ with ’em.”
Happy
A fun fact about Happy is that he was the only one to introduce himself to the Disney Princess, Snow White. The rest were tongue-tied.
6. Doc
“Ah, yes. Now what are you, and who are you doin’?” – Doc
Doc is often viewed as the leader of the group. He is outspoken and, at times, seems bossy. Being the leader can be difficult sometimes, and some Disney fans argue that Doc is a poor leader. However, I believe his loving and kind attitude makes up for his leadership missteps.
The only dwarf that Doc seems to disagree with is Grumpy, who argues with everyone.
Comedian Roy Atwell is the voice for Doc in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
A fun fact about Doc is that he is the only Dwarf character who wears glasses and an orange-brown tunic.
5. Grumpy
“Mark my words, there’s trouble a-brewin’. – Grumpy
Grumpy is often angry and grouchy. He has a short fuse that usually leads to angry outbursts and arguments with Doc.
When Grumpy first met Snow White, he wasn’t a big fan. Grumpy isn’t always welcoming of change and strangers in his bed, not that he needs an excuse to be upset.
Yet, After getting to know Snow White, we see Grumpy as one of the movie’s kindest and most loving characters.
Grumpy’s signature stance is a smirk or scowl on his face, his arms folded together in a red tunic.
Pinto Colvig is Grumpy’s voice in the animated classic film.
A fun fact about Grumpy is that he is at least 200 years old, according to the “The Story of Sleepy.”
4. Dopey
Dopey is a fan-favorite dwarf that many have come to love. He has a soft spot in our hearts, and although he is a character with no words, his big personality shows through.
He uses noises and expressions that display his true emotions. When Dopey isn’t doing something to make someone laugh or smile, he supports Sneezy and the rest of the dwarves.
Most people know Dopey by his silly face, purple hat, and green tunic. He is the only dwarf without a beard.
A fun fact about Dopey is that his voice actor, Mel Blanc, is also the voice of Bugs Bunny!
3. Bashful
“She’s beautiful, just like an angel!” – Bashful
Bashful is a shy, kind-hearted dwarf who is often spotted batting his soft eyelashes and blushing. When the princess is around, his cheeks glow red.
He likes to hide behind his beard and try to cover up his face at any chance. Bashful has a very introverted side that doesn’t like to be the center of attention.
Bashful wears a yellow-brown tunic with a green hat. He likes to blend in with his surroundings and avoid being the center of attention.
Scotty Mattraw is the actor who voiced Bashful in the famous movie.
2. Sleepy
“Maybe the old Queen’s, uh, got Snow White.” – Sleepy
One of the most relatable characters of the seven dwarfs is Sleepy, who always looks tired. I also value my sleep, so I know exactly how Sleepy feels.
Sleepy has no problem relaxing, and he can fall asleep practically anywhere. Although many people think he is a lazy character, he puts in a lot of hard work and earns all the rest he takes.
At the direction of Walt Disney, Sleepy was always drawn with droopy eyelids to appear tired.
Like Bashful, Sleepy wears a green hat and yellow outfit, and his eyes always look heavy. As you watch the movie, you might notice yourself yawning with him and rubbing your eyes towards the end.
A fun fact about Sleepy is that Sterling Holloway is the voice for Sleepy and Winnie the Pooh. Although most lines involve yawning and snoring, Sleepy portrays Pooh’s laid-back style.
1. Sneezy
“I couldn’t help it. I can’t tell. When you gotta, you gotta.” – Sneezy
Sneezy is always fighting back a sneezing fit. He often walks around with his finger under his nose, trying to stop his powerful sneezes.
Sneezy is fortunate to have a group of friends always looking out for him to help control his sneezing. One of Sneezy’s closest allies in the movie is Dopey, who always tries to help.
Billy Gilbert provided the voice for Sneezy. Both dealt with allergies, which made them a fitting match.
A fun fact about Sneezy is that hay fever causes his sneezes, which helps explain his never-ending stuffy nose.
The Making of The Seven Dwarfs
“I just thought it was the perfect story.” – Walt Disney
Walt Disney moved to Los Angeles in 1923 with $40 and a worn suitcase. He would continue to live in LA for the next 43 years, bringing his full-length animated feature film ideas to life, beginning with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which was inspired by The Brother Grimm.
The Brothers Grimm did not mention the names of the seven dwarfs in the original fairy tale. Instead, they were introduced in 1912 in the Broadway play Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and included later in the animated film.
Since the movie came out, Disney fans have loved little Snow White’s Dwarfs, her little roommates who help protect her from the Evil Queen’s poisoned apple and magic mirror.
Thanks to the Disney studio, the Snow White characters, Snow White, the Evil Queen, and the Seven Dwarfs, are well-known figures in English literature and film. This little love story jump-started the golden age of Disney animation.
The Snow White story and dwarfs’ names are made up of men with unique personality traits and white hair, except for Dopey.
Early in the Dwarf’s history (prior versions of Snow White Dwarfs), they had different names, such as Jumpy, Lazy, Puffy, Burpy, Stuffy, Defy, and Wheezy. The final decisions of the original names are quite different, as you can see from the list above.
The next time you watch this film, you will be an expert on the dwarfs’ character traits. You will know all their individual personalities and characteristics. This makes movie-watching fun, especially if you try to see which fellow dwarfs have the most in common with you.
If you ever visit Disney World, be on the lookout for the Seven Dwarfs. The Walt Disney Company also provides a Seven Dwarf experience with in-person interaction at Disney World.
Find more Disney fun facts on our Disney cartoon characters page, which lets you look up your favorite personalities of more famous Disney characters! What do the names of 7 Dwarfs mean? Now you know for the next time you watch Snow White and her Dwarfs.
Snow White is one of the official Disney Princesses. Read more fun articles about all the Disney Princesses and their Disney Prince counterparts.
The Dwarfs Sing Dig Dig Dig and Heigh Ho!
References
Walt Disney Family Museum: https://www.waltdisney.org/blog/snow-white-and-seven-dwarfs-characters
Disney Video Interview Archive: https://video.disney.com/watch/in-walt-s-words-snow-white-and-the-seven-dwarfs-52943d3818dad494afe12780
Discover Los Angeles – https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/visit/walt-disneys-los-angeles#:~:text=In%20July%201923%20Walt%20moved,till%20his%20death%20in%201966.
Brandon Crombar
Editor In Chief / FounderBrandon is an animation enthusiast and animated film critic. He has been writing about animation since 2013 to celebrate animated movies, characters, and songs. His favorite animated movies include Finding Nemo, Aladdin, and The Lion King.