Walkarounds

Walkarounds are the terms that describe the costumed characters used in locations. There have been many different walkaround costumes throughout the years, and now, they may be more predominant than ever before with the addition of CEC's 2.0 remodel.

Walkarounds are produced by having an "atmosphere" like appearance, in which a cast member wears a mascot costume and head resembling Chuck E. or one of his bandmates. Their job is to make appearances walking around the restaurant, sometimes to greet kids and play with them, host a Chuck E. Live performance or the Birthday Star Spectacular, or other live show appearances. Walkarounds are also present in the showtapes, showing the band in various situations according to the song that is being played at the moment.

While in the costume, the performer is disallowed from talking, given that the characters have recognizable voices and have to keep up with the illusion the character is real. Instead, the performer has to do various non-verbal gestures to imitate them, and sometimes to answer what a guest might say to them.

In the late 1990s, special "articulated" versions of the characters were introduced. These versions introduced heads that resemble the regular atmosphere ones, but with animatronic features such as blinking eyes and moving mouths. The heads are operated by wireless servo controllers, with both eyelids on the same servo. To activate, radio frequency signals get set from the controllers to a receiver worn inside the costume by the performer. However, the earliest iteration occurs in a Pizza Time Theatre commercial from the 80s. These versions made the characters more realistic, expressive, and emotive. The performer is still disallowed from talking in the articulated suit; instead, the character's dialogue is dubbed over their respective voice actor, and the head's mouth is pre-programmed to lip-sync with the dialogue. The articulated heads were discontinued as of the 2000s, likely due to budget constraints.

Chuck E. Cheese Walkarounds

Winchester Pizza Time Theatre Chuck Prototype (1977 - 1978)

When the very first Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza Time Theatre opened in 1977, Chuck was given a walkaround. This walkaround had light-grey fur, a reddish-tan mouth, snout, and toes, two upper teeth, light-grey fur ears with reddish-tan in the middle, white eyelids, no iris, and a long pink rat tail. The costume would also include his red derby hat with a yellow band, a circular yellow undershirt with buttons, a tan and white vest, and a small black bowtie. This design lasted from 1977 to 1978.

Winchester Pizza Time Theatre Chuck (1978 - 1981)

In 1978 the Chuck walkaround used at Winchester was replaced. This walkaround had grey fur, a tan mouth and snout, two upper teeth, grey fur ears with white in the middle, blue eyelids, no iris, and a long pink rat tail. The costume would also include his red derby hat with a yellow band containing the text "Pizza Time Theatre", a rectangular yellow undershirt with buttons, a tan and white vest, and a small black bowtie. This design lasted from 1978, all the way to 1981, when it had to be changed due to material availability issues.

Pizza Time Theatre Chuck Prototype (1978 - 1981)

In 1978 at the Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza Time Theatre, located in San Jose, CA (1371 Kooser Rd), showed the second Chuck walkaround. This walkaround would be used with Jasper and Mr. Munch during promotional material till 1981. This walkaround had grey fur, a pink mouth and snout, two upper teeth, grey fur ears with pink in the middle, blue eyelids, no iris, a long pink rat tail, and grey fur feet with dark pink skin. The costume would also include his red derby hat with a yellow band containing the text "Pizza Time Theatre", a oval-shaped yellow undershirt with buttons, a red and white vest, and a black bowtie. This walkaround sometimes had a different derby hat without the PTT text, and/or black clown with white socks. He would also sometimes hold a microphone and a cigar. This design was retired in 1981, when a new PTT chuck design was created.

Pizza Time Theatre Chuck (1981 - 1984)

It was around this time that Chuck was given a silk screen printed red and yellow diamond vest. Since the vests were now screen printed, that means everyone would now be identical. Every other aspect of Chuck's design seems to have stayed the same, other than the new red, rosy cheeks and lips that were also given to him.

Articulated PTT Chuck (Version 1) [1982 - 1991]

This is the articulated version of the PTT Chuck E. Cheese Walkaround. In Commercials from 1982-1983, he had the diamond vest, but in a commercial from 1984, he would get a red vest, which would be used in commercials onward, until 1991, though some commercials from the 80s would use the regular Walkaround.

Pizza Time Theatre Chuck (1984 - 1989)

In 1984, Chuck would once again receive a new vest. This time no other changes were made the costume besides the vest, which became all red. This would become the final walkaround variation of vest wearing Chuck.

Tux Chuck (Version 1) [1989 - 1993]

In the 1990s, Chuck E. Cheese (somewhat) ditched his classic red vest in favor for a black and gold tuxedo, as well as a red bow tie. However, Chuck would still retain his classic red derby hat. Several stores did keep the red vest, and sometimes he only changed for live shows. This walkaround was also the first design to include pants.

Articulated PTT Chuck (Version 2) [1991]

This is the updated version of the PTT Chuck E. Cheese articulated Walkaround created in 1991. This updated version had larger ears, a different derby hat, no whiskers, new teeth, and a new black bowtie. It was used in at least four different commercials before the costume was retired in 1991.

Sweater Chuck (Version 1) [1992 - 1993]

This was the beginning of Chuck E. Cheese becoming modernized. He was given a bright yellow sweater, bright red pants, and tennis shoes. Once again, he retained his red derby hat as well. The derby along with the bright colored casual clothing created an odd clash between two styles. This was also the last costume to use the old Chuck head, so every walkaround from here on out either uses the redesigned head, or an entirely new one.

Tux Chuck (Version 2) [1993 - 2001]

Around this time, Chuck’s face received an overhaul. He was given softer features, darker blue eyelids, and a more friendly appearance overall. This look would be used all the way up until the Rockstar era.

Sweater Chuck (Version 2) [1993 - 1997]

This version of the Sweater Chuck Walkaround uses the redesigned head, and would be used in the restaurants from 1993 all the way up until about 1997.

Articulated Chuck (1996 - 1999)

This is the articulated version of Chuck E. Cheese, being used throughout the mid-to-late 1990s. The head was equipped with blinking eyelids and flexible lips programmed to sync up with the audio of the showtape, similar to the animatronics. It was used for the shows featuring the Awesome Adventure Machine, as well as the CEC TV News sketches and specific promos and interstitials.

The head was refurbished for the Chuck E. Cheese in the Galaxy 5000 movie, having different eyelids and slightly lighter fur to more closely resemble his new "Avenger" appearance introduced at this time.

Cool Chuck (1997 - 2008)

1997 is when Chuck really began to lean into his "cool guy" aesthetic. This version of chuck had the most different walkarounds. The company chose to ditch his iconic red derby hat in favor for a baseball cap. There were many Cool Chuck color variations, and these are just a few of them.

Sweater Chuck (Version 3) [1997 - 2003]

This version of the Sweater Chuck Walkaround with the redesigned head has the Cool Chuck hat, since it came out after the first Cool Chuck Walkaround was made.

Avenger Chuck (2004 - 2013; 2024)

Arguably the most iconic and beloved Chuck E. Cheese look of them all. This look, known as Avenger Chuck, introduced his classic green and purple color scheme. Chuck E. Cheese was now trying to be as relatable as possible to kids of the 1990s and early 2000s. His outfit consisted of a green and purple cap, a purple shirt with his iconic "C" emblem, as well as green shorts, and green and purple shoes. In 2008, a toothless version of the head debuted at some stores.

As per with the rest of the band, this was one of several walkarounds to be used in showtapes. With the last showtape to use the walkaround being First Quarter 2013 Show (however to match the Rockstar redesign, several parts of the walkaround were changed (i.e. removing the hat or putting on jeans); this would be a clue for what was to come for Chuck a few months later). The walkaround was also brought back for the Grand Re-Opening event in Nanuet, New York.

Avenger Chuck (Toothless Version) [2008 - 2013]

In 2008, Chuck E. Cheese’s started making a toothless version of the Avenger Chuck Walkaround.

Rockstar Chuck (2013 - Present)

Rockstar Chuck is Chuck E. Cheese's latest iteration, and likely the most controversial. This look debuted in 2013 in an attempt to stop a plunge in sales. Rockstar Chuck keeps most of Avenger Chuck's design intact, however the costume scraps the more cartoony look of Avenger Chuck in favor of a cuter CGI inspired Chuck E. Cheese. Chuck E. Cheese got a costume earlier than the rest of the gang, (2013) as they got their new costumes in 2017. Chuck's design features bigger green eyes, a wider less pointed snout, smaller tooth, and bigger ears.

Helen Henny Walkarounds

Broadway Helen (1988)

Little is known about this Helen Henny walkaround costume. As far as we know, it was never used in an actual Chuck E. Cheese restaurant, but she was featured in the 1988 Pizza Time Theater Convention with other characters such as Chuck E. Cheese, Billy Bob, and Mitzi Mozzarella. She dawned a red dress, with yellow legs, and big black shoes. She had obvious chicken features such as a red comb on her head, wattles by her mouth, and puffy feathery hair. She looked extremely similar to her Cyberamic counterpart with blue eyelids, and a large parrot-like beak.

CU Premiere Helen (1989)

This Helen Henny walkaround was the first tux era Helen walkaround created. At the time, Chuck E. Cheese's didn't have a tux Helen head mold so a latex Helen mask was used as the head.

Future 91 Helen (1991)

This Helen Henny walkaround was very similar to the CU premiere walkaround. The only notable difference is now Helen has an actual head mold which is very similar to her latex head.

Tux Helen (1992 - 2001)

Oddly enough, Helen didn't get a proper walkaround costume used in stores until the 1990s. By then, the cast was in their "tux" era. Helen wore a purple and black dress, and her chicken-like features were toned down. She kept the white fluffy hair and yellow legs, but her face and overall look was softened and looked a lot more friendly. This costume mirrored the look of the 3-Stage animatronic Helen.

Cheerleader Helen (1997 - Present)

This Helen walkaround was introduced during the Cool Chuck / Avenger Era and is surprisingly still used in some stores today. Her overall appearance stays the same, however this time she has different hair colors, a new dress, and pom-poms. The dress was green initially, but was changed to purple beginning in 2003, Though this is exclusive to the showtapes and a few locations. (although its earliest appearance was the Galaxy 5000 movie). Early versions also included a ruffled collar attached to the neckline, which was removed around the late 90s to early 2000s. The green one was produced up till about 2016. With the later versions having longer yellow hair.

Articulated Helen (1996 - 1999)

This is the articulated version of Helen Henny, being used throughout the mid-to-late 1990s. The head was equipped with blinking eyelids and flexible lips programmed to sync up with the audio of the showtape, similar to the animatronics. It was used for the shows featuring the Awesome Adventure Machine, as well as the CEC TV News sketches and specific promos and interstitials. Her eyeshadow was green to match her cheerleader dress at the time, and her hair was much shorter than her atmosphere walkarounds.

The head was refurbished for the Chuck E. Cheese in the Galaxy 5000 movie, changing her eyeshadow from green to purple to avoid interfering with the greenscreen, with the addition of longer hair that is more vibrant colored, and her hairbows are bigger and placed on top of her head instead of just above her forehead. This was also the first to remove the ruffled collar from the neckline and replaced with extra feathers.

Rockstar Helen Prototype (2015)

Rockstar Helen (2016 - Present)

In 2012, CEC rolled out their new CGI designs for each character, and Helen Henny was no exception. She got a new look just like the rest of her friends. She now has a yellow pony tail, a pink and white striped shirt, and bell a pink yellow and orange stripped dress have also appeared at select places.

Jasper T. Jowls Walkarounds

Pizza Time Theatre Jasper Prototype (1978 - 1981)

During ads in the early years of Pizza Time Theatre the first ever Jasper walkaround was shown. The first walkaround to be used had brown fur, tan eyelids, and no iris. The costume would also include his tan straw hat, blue overalls with sewn patches, a plain red plaid shirt. This design lasted from 1978, all the way to 1981.

Pizza Time Theatre Jasper (1981 - 1990)

Articulated Pizza Time Theater Jasper (1982)

Jasper had an articulated head in one Pizza Time Theatre commercial in 1982. He was only able to move his ears and his hat.

Tux/Avenger Jasper (1990 - Present)

By this era, Jasper wears a Light Brown Cowboy Hat with a Red Strip, He wears Cow spotted Shirt with overalls and a Red Bandana across his Neck. This walkaround appeared In most location during the Tux.

They didn’t Remake it without the wrinkle because It looked similar enough to Avenger Jasper. It occasionally gets used depending on your location.

Articulated Jasper (1996 - 1999)

This is the articulated version of Jasper T. Jowls, being used throughout the mid-to-late 1990s. The head was equipped with blinking eyelids and flexible lips programmed to sync up with the audio of the showtape, similar to the animatronics. It was used for the shows featuring the Awesome Adventure Machine, as well as the CEC TV News sketches and specific promos and interstitials.

The head was refurbished for the Chuck E. Cheese in the Galaxy 5000 movie.

Rockstar Jasper Prototype (2015)

Rockstar Jasper (2017 - Present)

Mr. Munch Walkarounds

Pizza Time Theatre Munch (1981 - 1990)

Tux Munch (1990 - 2008)

Cool/Avenger Munch (1997 - Present)

Articulated Munch (1996-1999)

Rockstar Munch (2017-Present)

Pasqually Walkarounds

PTT Pasqually (1980-1988)

Later PTT Pasqually (1989-1990)

Tux Pasqually (1990 - Present)

Cool/Avenger Pasqually (1997 - Present)

Rockstar Pasqually (2017 - Present)

Bella Bunny Walkarounds

Rockstar Bella Version 1 (2023)

Bella Bunny got her own walkaround as part of the Summer Concert Road Show in 2023. She dawns her yellow overalls with a pink shirt, and a sunflower in her hair.

Rockstar Bella Version 2 (2023 - Present)

This version of Bella has a wider cheek and face, and was first used at the National City, CA 2.0 Grand Reopening.

Miscellaneous Walkarounds

This is a collection of miscellaneous walkarounds that either don't fit well in the above categories, or are so unique that they need their own categories. Dates will not be provided due to how little is known about most of these entries. (Note: This list will not contain walkaround costumes that weren't made by or sanctioned by corporate)

Rick Rat Walkaround

This was a walkaround for Rick Rat, the original name and design of Chuck E. Cheese. His walkaround was very plump, with a large head, pink stomach, a tan snout with a large black nose, pink eyelids, no irises, floppy rat ears, and a long pink rat tail.

CU Prototype Chuck E. Cheese Walkaround

This walkaround of Chuck features a design resembling the CU Prototype Chuck E. design. This was most likely made in the late 1980s and went unused after the CU Prototype was canned.

Chuck E. Live Arlington, Texas Test Walkaround “Elephant Chuck”

This walkaround of Chuck features a very different design to other Chuck E. walkarounds of its time. It was a cheap version of the 1984 walkaround with a larger red derby hat, a blue bowtie, a striped vest, and a movable jaw. This walkaround was only used at the Arlington, Texas location to test Chuck E. Live performances. Unfortunately, this is the only photo taken of this walkaround, and there’s no video.

"Hoop" Chuck Walkaround

This walkaround of Chuck features a tank top shirt that depicts a basketball with the text "HOOP!", along with his red derby hat. It's unsure when or why this shirt was used, but it looks very unique.

Rockstar Chuck E. Cheese with No Eyebrows

This one was only used in a manual.

Pizza Time Theatre Chuck E. Cheese with Dark Green Polka-Dot vest

This one is very obscure, but looks like it used at a baseball game.