Louis "Louie" Anderson (voiced by Louie Anderson) — Based on Anderson's younger self. Louie is an 8-year-old, living in the fictional town of Cedar Knoll, Wisconsin. He is a very sensitive, humorous, impressionable, and intelligent young boy. He often uses his gifted sense of humor to deal with difficult situations. He always stands up for his rights and principles, but also for those of others. His most notable catchphrase in the series is, "All right!"
Jeannie Harper (voiced by Debi Derryberry) — Louie's best friend. She often defends Louie from local bullies. Louie has a crush on her.
Michael "Mike" Grunewald (voiced by Justin Shenkarow) — Louie's friend with a sarcastic sense of humor. He has a somewhat relaxed attitude and comes from a rather wealthy family, sometimes much to Louie's jealousy.
Toddler Tobolinski — Louie's other friend. He is somewhat shorter than the others, about the same height as Louie, and loves activities like recess.
Scott Jensen — One of Louie's friends. He appears quite often in the first and third seasons, but is rarely seen in Season 2.
Andrew "Andy" Mortimer Anderson (voiced by Louie Anderson) — Louie's demanding, but caring father. He is a veteran of World War II and likes to tell his family stories about his experience at the front in Europe. Much of the humor regarding Andy involved his comic superiority complex and equally comical unawareness of his limitations. Though he often appeared out of touch with reality, Andy was secretly a very gifted chess player, a skill Louie was briefly shown to have himself, but he exposed his gift during the latter half of his life because of the way he was supposedly mistreated for it in his youth (including during the time he had previously served in the army; even going so far as to disguise himself at chess tournaments so he would not be recognized). He is a proud owner of a Rambler sedan[9] (most probably a 1959 Rambler Six), which appears on the show in various episodes. His catchphrases: "For crying out loud!" and "I heard that." Despite his appearance, he is a very caring and loving, with his family, neighbors (to whom he is seen expressing solidarity in times of trouble), and other characters.
Ora Anderson (voiced by Edie McClurg) — Louie's kind, loving, and sweet-natured mother. She usually acts as the voice of reason for Louie and Andy and also for Tommy.
Thomas "Tommy" Anderson (voiced by Miko Hughes) — Louie's youngest brother. Louie teases him a lot in the beginning.
Glen Glenn (voiced by Justin Shenkarow) — The local bully of Louie's school who teases Louie and the other kids. His mother Jen Glenn has a hot temper and loud voice, which the other citizens of Cedar Knoll do not like.
Craig Eric, Paul George — Glen Glenn's friends and other bullies.
The Melvins — A group of chess specialists. One of them is actually named Franklin, but is still called Melvin.
Henrietta Shermann (voiced by Mary Wickes) — The mother of Ora and maternal grandmother of Louie. When her voice actress Mary Wickes died in Season 2, the producers elected to make an episode where Louie handles the death of his grandmother.
Laura Anderson, Carol Anderson, Charlie Anderson, Julie Anderson — Louie's older sisters.
Episode list
Specials
No.
Title
Written and directed by
Storyboard by
Original air date
0
"A Christmas Surprise for Mrs. Stillman"
Matthew O' Callaghan
Martin Fuller and Dan Root
December 18, 1994 (1994-12-18)
Christmas special/pilot: It's Christmas time. Ora asks Andy to decorate Mrs. Stillman's house with Christmas lights. Andy seeks Louie's help, and both decorate the house with the help of Louie's friends, who arrive at the house for singing.
Season 1 (1995–1996)
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Directed by
Written by
Storyboard by
Original air date
1
1
"Dad Gets Canned"
Matthew O' Callaghan
Andy Rose Alex Taub
Bert Ring (director) Carin-Anne Anderson, Dan Fausett and Jim Fletcher
September 2, 1995 (1995-09-02)
Andy gets fired from his job for giving his friend the day off for the birth of his child. Louie gets upset because he wants to spend his vacation relaxing and sitting around, but Andy forces him to work. Ora gets a job selling cosmetics to her neighbors. While Louie accompanies Ora, he learns why Andy lost his job.
2
2
"Raindrops Keep Falling on My Bed"
Matthew O'Callaghan
Alex Taub
Bert Ring (director) Carin-Anne Anderson, Jim Fletcher and Michael Sosnowski
September 9, 1995 (1995-09-09)
The Jensen family moves into the house next to the Andersons. While Andy fights with Mr. Jensen about their property lines, a rainstorm floods the town.
3
3
"Lake Winnibigoshish"
Matthew O'Callaghan
Alex Taub
Bert Ring (director) Martin Fuller and Dan Root
September 16, 1995 (1995-09-16)
The Anderson family goes to Lake Winnibigoshish for their vacation, where Louie meets Kelly Busset (Olivia Hack), who has a crush on him. But Louie does not like her.
4
4
"A Fish Called Pepper"
Matthew O'Callaghan
Alex Taub
Bert Ring (director) Carin-Anne Anderson, Dan Fausett and Jim Fletcher
September 23, 1995 (1995-09-23)
Jeannie moves because her father is given a new job. Afterward, Louie's grandma comes to visit, and because of her, Louie sends a letter to Jeannie telling her he loves her. Meanwhile, the family gets a pet fish because they cannot afford a dog nor a cat. The former “justified” under the “explanation” they shed and their fur would clog all the drains to the point the house would fill with water and the latter because “lick the butter”. In the end, Jeannie returns because her father's new job failed.
5
5
"Behind Every Good Coach"
Matthew O'Callaghan
Alex Taub
Bert Ring (director) Martin Fuller and Dan Root
October 7, 1995 (1995-10-07)
Louie joins the baseball team, but during their first game, the coach (Tommy Lasorda) gets hurt, and Andy becomes the new coach. With the team unable to win, Ora gives them a few pointers, and they win their final game.
6
6
"Alive! Miracle in Cedar Knoll, Wisconsin"
Matthew O'Callaghan
Alex Taub
Dan Fausett and Keith Tucker
November 4, 1995 (1995-11-04)
While Andy and Ora leave to visit Grandma, Louie and Tommy are left alone at the house as a blizzard hits and causes a blackout in Cedar Knoll.
7
7
"Pains, Grains, and Allergy Shots"
Matthew O'Callaghan
Bernie Ancheta
Tom Riggin and Rafael Rosado
November 11, 1995 (1995-11-11)
Louie suddenly develops a food allergy.
8
8
"The Fourth Thursday in November"
Matthew O'Callaghan
Alex Taub
Carin-Anne Anderson, Dan Fausett, Mark Mulgrew, Keith Tucker, Jorge Burge, Steve Lumley, Robert Smit and Deke Wightman
November 18, 1995 (1995-11-18)
All of the Anderson family comes to Louie's house for Thanksgiving dinner, including Ora's brother Uncle Sammy (Barry Corbin), whom Andy dislikes.
9
9
"Tracks of My Deers"
Matthew O'Callaghan
Alex Taub
John Burge, Mark Mulgrew, Rafael Rosado, Melissa Suber, Steve Lumley, Lou Police, Robert Smit and George Sukara
November 25, 1995 (1995-11-25)
While on a deer hunt with Andy and his friends, Louie meets a lonely deer and decides to keep it until the hunt finishes.
10
10
"When Cedar Knoll Freezes Over"
Matthew O'Callaghan
Alex Taub Bernie Ancheta
Jorge Burge, Steve Lumley, Dan Fausett, Mark Mulgrew and Robert Smit
February 3, 1996 (1996-02-03)
The winter carnival begins in Cedar Knoll, and The Anderson family loses every competition they enter. Meanwhile, Louie develops a crush on Jeannie's sister and tries to learn how to skate to get close to her.
11
11
"A Fair to Remember"
Matthew O'Callaghan
Greg Cope Sean Dwyer
Tom Riggins and Rafael Rosado
February 10, 1996 (1996-02-10)
The Anderson family goes to the state fair. Ora competes in a cooking contest against Sally Tubbs (Shelley Long), Andy wrestles a greased pig, and Tommy is upset because Louie only takes him on the kiddie rides.
12
12
"Born a Rambler Man"
Matthew O'Callaghan
Alex Taub
Jorge Burge, Steve Lumley, Mark Mulgrew and Robert Smit
When Andy's Rambler gets damaged, Ora buys him a new car for his birthday. After Andy complains and returns the car, Louie fixes the Rambler with the help of a repairman named Smitty to use it in one more Veterans Day parade.
Season 2 (1996–1997)
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Directed by
Written by
Storyboard by
Original air date
13
1
"Caddy on a Hot Tin Roof"
Bert Ring
Alex Taub
Rafael Rosado and Mark Zoeller
September 14, 1996 (1996-09-14)
Louie needs some money and is hired by a golfer (Joe Pantoliano) to caddy a golf game.
14
2
"Summer of My Discontent"
Bert Ring
Alex Taub Greg Cope Sean Dwyer
Dan Fausett
September 21, 1996 (1996-09-21)
Louie tries to escape Glen Glenn, so he joins the trip to Chakami camp. The bad news: Glen Glenn and his gang also join. While on a trip, Louie and Glen Glenn get lost inside a forest.
15
3
"Anderson Ski Weekend"
Bert Ring
Alex Taub Natasha Hayworth Matthew Negrete
Steve Lumley
September 28, 1996 (1996-09-28)
Earl Grunewald is promoted to be a main worker of the tractor factory. While the Grunewald family goes for a ski trip, Louie pretends to be a ski master, so the Anderson family also joins.
16
4
"Roofless People"
Bert Ring
Mary Gray Rubin David Silverman
Ken Mundie and Steve Lumley
October 5, 1996 (1996-10-05)
A tornado attacks the Cedar Knoll, which makes Louie afraid of the tornado, so he stays in his room and does not want to leave until the cow, trapped on a tree because of the tornado, confronts him.
17
5
"How to Succeed in Washington Without Really Trying"
Bert Ring
R.P. Halke Alex Taub
Steve Lumley and Gary Selvaggio
October 19, 1996 (1996-10-19)
Louie's class must give a speech, and if someone wins, the class will go to Washington. Louie buys a speech from Glen Glenn, and he wins. Andy accompanies the trip because he is in a war with the president. After Andy tells Louie he must always tell the truth, Louie tells the truth about the speech.
18
6
"An Anderson Dozen"
Bert Ring
Mary Gray Rubin David Silverman
Robert Gibbs and Steve Lumley
November 2, 1996 (1996-11-02)
Ora gets a call from the doctor, telling her she will have a baby. Louie thinks that someone will leave the family if the baby is born, and he thinks it might be him. It is revealed in the end that the doctor made a mistake, and she is not pregnant.
19
7
"Buzz Stop"
Bert Ring
Alex Taub Bernie Ancheta
Steve Lumley
November 9, 1996 (1996-11-09)
Andy wants a bigger recreational vehicle than the Jensens', so he buys bees to make more money and becomes obsessed.
20
8
"The Masked Chess Boy"
Bert Ring
Bernie Ancheta Alex Taub Ed Driscoll
Ian Freedman and Steve Lumley
November 23, 1996 (1996-11-23)
Louie learns he's so talented in playing chess that he writes to a chess competition. When Andy confronts him about people laughing at the chess players, Louie disguises himself as the Masked Chess Boy.
21
9
"For Pete's Sake"
Matthew O'Callaghan Bert Ring
Marcy Gray Rubin (teleplay) David Silverman (teleplay) Alex Taub (teleplay)
Dan Fausett and Eric Fredrickson
December 25, 1996 (1996-12-25)
While out shopping, Louie gets rescued from an accident by a homeless man named Pete (Brian Doyle-Murray), and he decides to keep him in the garage of his house.
22
10
"The Good, the Bad, & the Glenns"
Bert Ring
Natasha Hayworth Matthew Negrete Alex Taub
Robert Gibbs and Steve Lumley
December 27, 1996 (1996-12-27)
Glen Glenn's mother, Jen Glenn, scares the entire town of Cedar Knoll with her loud voice. When she suddenly loses her voice and goes to the hospital, Cedar Knoll is happy, and Glen Glenn becomes pals with Louie.
23
11
"Kazoo's Coming to Dinner"
Bert Ring Matthew O'Callaghan
Alex Taub
Dan Fausett and Eric Fredrickson
February 1, 1997 (1997-02-01)
Louie idolizes a comedian who is Ora's ex-boyfriend, Marty Kazoo (Sid Caesar). Ora, however, is not too happy about the new friendship.
24
12
"Mr. Anderson's Opus"
Bert Ring Matthew O'Callaghan
Alex Taub
Ken Mundie and Steve Lumley
February 15, 1997 (1997-02-15)
Louie gets jealous because Jeannie has a crush on the new kid at school. Meanwhile, Andy and Ora are arguing about the date of their wedding anniversary.
For Louie's birthday, his grandma gives Louie a sweater she made for him. While trying to write the thank you letter, Louie plays with his friends instead. When he finally writes the letter, he finds out his grandma has died.
Season 3 (1997–1998)
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Directed by
Written by
Storyboard by
Original air date
26
1
"Louie's Gate"
Bert Ring
Alex Taub
Art Mawhinney and Roy Muerin
September 6, 1997 (1997-09-06)
A new movie theater opens, and Louie always goes there, so Andy and Ora become worried. They decide to give him a movie camera, which causes Louie to decide to shoot a movie.
Louie does not want to listen anymore to Andy's war stories. While at the Military Reunion, Andy admits to Louie he was called Corporal Keister and that he was a cook, though his friends from the military insist that he did save them.
29
4
"Go Packers!"
Matthew O'Callaghan
Marcy Gray Rubin (teleplay) David Silverman (teleplay)
Steve Lumley and Art Mawhinney
September 27, 1997 (1997-09-27)
Andy takes Louie to the Packers game.
30
5
"The Undergraduate"
Bert Ring
Bruce Clark Marc Peterson
John Dubiel, Steve Lumley, Gary Scott, Mark Sonntag and Doug McCarthy
October 11, 1997 (1997-10-11)
When Louie's teacher gets ill, Louie gets a crush on the replacement teacher. Louie begins reading Shakespeare, much to Andy's chagrin. Andy tries to order the principal to fire Mrs. Robertson, the replacement teacher. Mrs. Robertson explains that she is from a military family and that Andy got her a job at the military academy.
31
6
"Louie's Harrowing Halloween"
Bert Ring
Alex Taub
Eric Fredrickson
October 25, 1997 (1997-10-25)
While shopping, Louie steals candy and tries to get rid of it during Halloween.
32
7
"Mr. Louie's Wild Ride"
Bert Ring
Shawn Ryan
Eric Fredrickson, Mark O'Hare and Keith Tucker
November 1, 1997 (1997-11-01)
The Anderson family goes to Snifferland for their vacation. After arrival, they learn Snifferland moved to Orlando, Florida.
33
8
"Close Encounters of the Louie Kind"
Bert Ring
Alex Zamm
Craig Berman, Eric Fredrickson and Art Mawhinney
November 8, 1997 (1997-11-08)
Louie and Mike create a spaceship, which causes Andy to be declared ambassador of the Earth.
34
9
"The Kiss Is the Thing"
Matthew O'Callaghan
Mike Gandolfi (teleplay) Matthew O'Callaghan (teleplay)
Steve Lumley
November 15, 1997 (1997-11-15)
Louie must play the prince for the school performance about Sleeping Beauty. Meanwhile, Andy replaces his boss.
35
10
"Family Portrait"
Matthew O'Callaghan
Shawn Ryan (teleplay)
John Dubiel, Eric Fredrickson, Martin Lee Fuller and Jim Kammerud
December 20, 1997 (1997-12-20)
Louie learns one of his friends is an orphan and invites him to his house for Christmas.
36
11
"Blinded by Love"
Matthew O'Callaghan
David Silverman Marcy Gray Rubin
Eric Fredrickson, Steve Lumley, Art Mawhinney and Mark Sonntag
February 16, 1998 (1998-02-16)
Louie wants to have a dog, much to Andy's chagrin. Louie takes a dog that has been trained to be a guide for people who are blind.
37
12
"Do It or Donut"
Bert Ring
Mike Gandolfi (teleplay) Matthew O'Callaghan (teleplay)
Eric Fredrickson, Steve Lumley and Art Mawhinney
February 23, 1998 (1998-02-23)
Louie feels he is good at basketball, and Andy tries to support him. Ora decides to eat healthy food.
38
13
"Project: Mother's Day"
Bert Ring
Shawn Ryan
John Dubiel, Martin Lee Fuller, Jim Kammerud and Tom Riggin
March 2, 1998 (1998-03-02)
In the series finale, Andy's mother comes to visit for Mother's Day. Meanwhile, Ora gets sick, and Louie does all of her jobs, so he does not have time to buy her gift for Mother's Day.
Intro and theme song
The show's introduction for Seasons 2 and 3 involved the main character running toward a TV set, turning one of the set's dials, and showing a live-action video of Louie Anderson as an adult saying, "Let me tell you about my family." This was followed by clips of the show from Andy Anderson being pulled by sled dogs, Louie sticking chopsticks in his nose, to Louie jumping off a diving board at a swimming pool, nearly wasting all the water and getting most of the other participants wet due to the fact of him being overweight. Then, the show's logo (in pink) appeared on the bottom left-hand corner of the screen, while the main character (wearing sunglasses) ate a dot while sitting on a raft and watching TV on a tire. Season 1 episodes used a live-action intro by Louie Anderson, talking to the audience about his childhood, then dissolving into the show.
Home videos and merchandise
Based on the popularity of the show, various merchandise was released including apparel, videos of various episodes, a "Lake Winnibigoshish" CD-ROMcomic book,[11] and a book series for children. The book series was based on the show's various episodes and contained six books. Kids' meal toys were also produced for several fast-food restaurant chains including Taco Bell (1996), Hardee's (1997), Jack in the Box (1997), and Dairy Queen (1999).
For a time, Life with Louie-branded SpaghettiOs, in character shapes, were available.[12]
In early January 2006, TVShowsOnDVD.com[13] posted a news story that Life with Louie was going to be released on DVD in the US. The information came from Louie Anderson, who mentioned this news on a radio program he was a guest on, KQRS-FM. There has been no other news since then, and it is now unknown if this series will be released on DVD in the United States since Louie Anderson died in 2022. However, three 2-episode sets were released in the United Kingdom in summer 2007 as Life with Louie: Volume 1, 2, and 3. The sets were released through Boulevard Entertainment as part of the Jetix programming brand.
Awards
The series won two Emmy Awards. It also won the Humanitas Prize three times, more than any other animated series.
Emmy Award for Outstanding Sound Editing - Special Class - Rick Hinson, Rick Hammel, Les Wolf Thomas Syslo and Timothy Borquez - 1996 (nominated)
Emmy Award for Outstanding Sound Mixing - Special Class - Timothy Borquez and Dan Hiland - 1996 (nominated)
^Erickson, Hal (2005). Television Cartoon Shows: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, 1949 Through 2003 (Second ed.). McFarland. pp. 494–495. ISBN978-1476665993.
^Pennington, Gail (February 22, 1997). "Experiment Gone Wrong". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved November 2, 2015. The Fox Children's Network's animated series "Life With Louie" (10 am Saturdays on Channel 2) is always a charmer, but today's episode is something special. [...] Mom nags him to write a thank-you note, but he keeps putting it off.
