Life with Louie

1 9 9 5 – 1 9 9 8 (USA)
39 x 30 minute episodes

This Saturday morning cartoon series from Fox Kids was a semiautobiographical account from rotund stand-up comedian Louie Anderson, its creator and executive producer. The series was adapted from a one-off special (A Christmas Surprise for Mrs Stillman) seen on Fox at Christmas 1994.

In 1997, it became the #1 animated show on Saturdays and won an Emmy.

For 8-year-old Louie Anderson (voiced by Anderson himself), life growing up in the Midwest as one of eleven kids is no picnic.

His war veteran father, Andy (also voiced by Louie Anderson) – who is almost always grumpy – is given to expounding on his war years in a crabby voice.

In addition, Louie has to care for his little brother Tommy (Miko Hughes), the baby of his ten siblings.

Louie consoles himself by fooling his brother at every turn (he tries to convince Tommy he is adopted), trying to lighten up his dad unsuccessfully via “fun” activities like fishing and mooning over his unrequited love Jeannie Harper (Debi Derryberry).

Episodes covered everything from holiday family squabbles to braving winter blizzards, each with Anderson’s unique brand of sarcasm, wit and wisdom. As the adult Louie, Anderson narrated the episodes himself, offering viewers his renowned blend of comedy and pathos.

Louie Anderson appeared briefly in the short-lived 1996 CBS sitcom The Louie Show before moving on to host Family Feud for three seasons. He died in January 2022 at the age of 68 due to non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Narrator/ Little Louie/Andy Anderson (Dad)
Louie Anderson
Ora Anderson (Mom)
Edie McClurg
Tommy Anderson
Miko Hughes
Jeannie Harper
Debi Derryberry