You know that feeling when you walk into a room and just know you're the main character? That is the entire energy of Georgette. If you grew up in the late 80s or 90s, the name Georgette Oliver and Company probably brings back immediate flashes of neon pink ribbons, high-society coiffures, and a voice that could shatter glass—courtesy of the legendary Bette Midler.
But honestly, looking back at her now, she’s way more than just a "spoiled poodle." She’s a masterclass in how Disney used to build complex, slightly unhinged female characters before everything became so sanitized.
Georgette Oliver and Company: Breaking Down the Diva
Let's get one thing straight: Georgette is a "Six-Time National Champion." She isn't just a pet; she’s a professional. While Oliver, the scrappy orange kitten, is just trying to find a warm place to sleep, Georgette is busy maintaining an aesthetic that would put modern influencers to shame.
The movie, which hit theaters in 1988, was Disney’s attempt to do Oliver Twist but make it 80s New York. You’ve got Billy Joel as Dodger, Cheech Marin as Tito, and then you have this blue-furred, prize-winning poodle who basically treats the Foxworth mansion like her personal kingdom.
"Perfect Isn't Easy." That’s her mantra. It’s also one of the best "villain" songs (if you can even call her a villain) in the Disney vault. It’s a literal Broadway production happening in a bedroom. She’s surrounded by portraits of herself. She has a literal menu for her meals. It's iconic.
Why She’s Actually the Most Relatable Character
Okay, hear me out. Georgette starts as the antagonist because she’s jealous of Oliver. Can you blame her? She had a sweet setup.
Winston the butler was at her beck and call. Jenny, the little girl who owns her, gave her all the attention. Then this wet, tiny cat shows up and suddenly the hierarchy is messed up. Georgette’s reaction isn't "evil"—it’s survival.
Sorta.
Actually, she's kind of a brat. When she helps the street dogs "rescue" Oliver, she’s really just trying to evict her competition. But that’s what makes her human (well, you know what I mean). She isn't a 2D cutout. She’s flawed, vain, and incredibly sassy.
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The Bette Midler Factor
You can’t talk about Georgette Oliver and Company without talking about the Divine Miss M. Bette Midler didn't just voice the character; she breathed life into every single "Hmph!" and dramatic sigh.
At the time, Disney was shifting. They were moving away from the "Dark Age" of animation and starting to lean into celebrity voices and pop-heavy soundtracks. Midler’s performance was a huge part of that. She brought a theatricality that changed the tone of the movie whenever she was on screen.
The animators actually used Midler’s own gestures and facial expressions to guide Georgette’s movement. If you watch closely during her song, the way she moves her paws and tosses her head is pure Midler stage presence. It’s also why the character feels so "alive" compared to some of the more generic animal sidekicks of that era.
The Relationship with Tito
And then there's the Tito of it all.
Tito, the hyperactive Chihuahua, is obsessed with her. The dynamic is basically "Short King meets High Society Queen."
She’s repulsed by him, then she’s intrigued by him, then she’s repulsed again. By the end of the movie, she’s essentially adopted the whole gang of street dogs, but she still keeps them at arm’s length. It’s a great subversion of the typical Disney romance. There’s no "happily ever after" where she moves to the streets; instead, she tries to "civilize" them in her own chaotic way.
The Legacy of the Blue Poodle
So, why does she still matter? Why are people still searching for Georgette items on eBay or making TikTok edits of her?
It’s the "Material Girl" energy.
In a world of humble protagonists, Georgette is unapologetically herself. She’s a reminder of a specific era of New York—the grit of the streets contrasted with the extreme wealth of the Upper East Side.
Modern Collecting and Fandom
If you’re looking to grab a piece of the Georgette Oliver and Company legacy today, you’ve got options, but they aren't always cheap.
- Vintage Plushies: The 1988 Sears and Disney Store plushies are the "holy grails." There’s a pink version and a more screen-accurate gray/blue version.
- Pins: Disney collectors are still obsessed with Georgette pins. There was a 35th-anniversary release in 2023 that collectors went nuts for.
- Apparel: You can find "Perfect Isn't Easy" shirts at places like BoxLunch or Hot Topic every few years because the quote has outlived the movie’s general popularity.
Actionable Tips for Fans
If you want to revisit the world of Oliver & Company and its resident diva, here is how to do it right:
- Watch the "Perfect Isn't Easy" sequence on a good screen. The animation on Georgette’s hair and the reflections in her mirrors was actually quite revolutionary for the time, using early CGI for the shadows and lines.
- Check out the "Once Upon a Studio" short on Disney+. It’s a massive crossover, and Georgette makes a brief appearance that confirms she’s still part of the "inner circle" of Disney legends.
- Look for the Easter Eggs. Did you know that characters from Lady and the Tramp (Jock, Trusty, and Peg) actually make a cameo during the "Why Should I Worry?" number? Georgette exists in a shared universe with the most famous dogs in cinema.
- Appreciate the voice work. Listen to the soundtrack. It’s not just Bette Midler; it’s Billy Joel, Ruth Pointer, and Huey Lewis. It’s a time capsule of 1988 pop culture that hasn't really been replicated since.
Georgette might have been the "villain" for twenty minutes of her life, but she ended up being the soul of the Foxworth house. She teaches us that you can be a diva and still have a heart—as long as nobody messes up your hair.
The impact of Georgette Oliver and Company remains strong because she represents that transition period in Disney history. She was the bridge between the old-school animal movies and the Broadway-style Renaissance of the 90s. Without her, we might not have gotten the theatrical flair of characters like Ursula or Scar. She paved the way with a blowout and a snarl.
Next time you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, just remember her words: "Perfect isn't easy, but it's me."
To get the most out of your Oliver & Company nostalgia trip, you should definitely look up the original concept art for Georgette. She was originally supposed to be much more of a direct "Aunt Sarah" clone, but the creators realized that giving her a personality—and a sense of humor—made her way more memorable. You can find these sketches in most "Art of Disney" books covering the late 80s.