It’s rare that a turkey gets his day in the spotlight. They are the birds we rarely think about unless the holidays are rolling around and we spend our days sifting through Thanksgiving recipes or picking out our stretchy pants. However, there are five famous turkeys who beat the odds, and will forever remain in our minds as some of the most recognizable turkeys of all time!
Reggie and Jake from Free Birds
In the 2013 3D computer-animated buddy comedy film, Reggie and Jake, played by Owen Wilson and Woody Harrelson, try to change the course of history through the Turkey Freedom Front with the sole mission of getting turkeys off the annual Thanksgiving menu for good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Orv_ic3acRw
Turkey on Monica’s Head on Friends
What’s it take to cheer a guy up? In Chandler’s case, it was just a simple gesture from Monica as she shoved a turkey on her head, dressed it up with a hat and sunglasses, and danced a little jig. It even got him to say the “L” word!
First Presidential Pardoned Turkey
The National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation is a ceremony that takes place annually at the White House, just before Thanksgiving Day, as the president is presented with a live turkey usually by the National Turkey Federation. In 1989 during the first Thanksgiving season of President George H. W. Bush, the president granted the turkey a “presidential pardon” which spared the bird from being slaughtered. The presidential pardoning has become a Thanksgiving tradition at the White House ever since.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Turkey Balloon
Since 1924, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, featuring this iconic turkey balloon, is a traditional in households nationwide, taking place in New York City at 9 a.m. and televised on NBC since 1952.
Sly Turkey in Jerky Turkey
In the 1945 animated theatrical short by MGM, Jerky Turkey, a Pilgrim sets out to hunt a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, only to be outsmarted time and time again by the “jerky turkey.”